Local festival sees changes this year

A local cultural festival, which fills Historic Downing Street each September, will have new events and entertainment this year.

The 9th Annual State of the Ozarks Festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 12, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. State of the Ozarks Founder and Editor-in-chief Joshua Heston said this year the festival will welcome some new entertainers and a few new events, including a costume contest. 

Patrons and attendees wear costumes each year to the festival. Pictured is Alexis Fahr in 2025, as Captain Jack Sparrow. (Photo by AJ Fahr)

According to State of the Ozarks, the festival is a one-day celebration which brings the “community together in a heightened street fair filled to the brim with food, art, craftsmanship and uproarious fun, all tied to the history and culture of our land.” 

“This year we will have a costume contest for everyone of all ages and their pets at 2:45 p.m. on the Limestone Stage. I can’t wait to see all the costumes,” Heston said. “It is just a fun thing for our attendees and vendors to take part in. We have so many pet owners who bring their dogs to our festival each year, we decided it would be fun for them to show off as well. There will be some fun prizes put together from our costume contest partner, GeekyKOOL.com.”

Heston said regional music will fill the air during the festival as area musicians take to the stage.

“We’ve partnered with Isaac Kenneth Music to bring in a full roster of very high quality regional musicians to celebrate the region with the traditional sounds of the Ozarks,” Heston said. “Music is one of the things that tie together our region with its unique voice and vibe.”

“Speaking of music, we have a special concert planned for the last two hours of the festival,” Heston continued. “Big Smith will bring their iconic sound to the stage at StateoftheOzarks Fest 2026. It is an honor and will be a treat for everyone there.”

The following is a tentative schedule of music and entertainment on both the Mid-Street Stage and Limestone Stage during the day.

On the Mid-Street Stage: 

9 a.m.: - Music on PA

10 a.m.: Sam & Faith

11 a.m.: Buster

Noon: Noon ceremony

12:30 p.m.: - Beard competition 

1 p.m.: Luke Acker

2 p.m.: Isaac Kenneth

3 p.m.: Big Smith Little Jones

Limestone Stage

9 a.m.: Music on PA

10 a.m.: Brad Williams

11 a.m.: Red Boar 

11:30 – noon: Possibly Grace & Allie

1 p.m.: Brother Troy

2 p.m.: Red Boar 

2:45 p.m.: Costume contest

3 p.m.: Caleb Williams Music

4 p.m.: Bunnizcult

At noon local politicians are expected to take the Mid-Street Stage and address their constituents. 

“State Representatives, State Senator, County Commissioners and a Circuit Judge are all expected to speak,” Heston said. “It will give the community a place to meet their representatives.”

Back this year are a few favorites. 

“The Order of the Red Boar (De Orde van de Rode Everzwijn), a 15th century contact steel combat reenactment group based in southwest Missouri, is back,” Heston said. “They are always a favorite with their combat fighting demonstrations.”

Returning are local artists who will be featured at their own booths, as well as in the SMAC (Southern Missouri Arts Connection) building and booth.

“StateoftheOzarks Fest has always been a place that not only showcases but celebrates local regional arts,” Heston said. “We as an organization, a magazine and a website love to focus the spotlight on area centric artforms, whether visual, written or in the form of storytelling. The festival is a place where we can highlight all the creativity the area has to offer.” 

Alongside these there will be several food vendors offering a variety of tasty options sure to please, according to Heston. 

There will be some educational opportunities available at the festival. 

“Randy Dietz should be back this year to teach kids about snapping turtles and Ozarks snakes,” Heston said. “As always, we will showcase some Ozarks history throughout the festival. The beard contest is also back this year to benefit the Branson Humane Society. It is a fun time for competitors and the audience while giving back to a local shelter.”

For more information on the StateoftheOzarks Fest visit stateoftheozarks.net.