Music fest gives travel planners a taste of Branson shows

Travel planners, group leaders and others that are considering bringing group business to Branson got a sneak peek of what the music mecca has to offer during last week's Branson Music Fest.

Hosted by the Branson Travel Planning Association, the Music Fest was well attended.

"We had another successful event, with nearly 1,000 each day attending," said Toyea Youngblood of the Branson Travel Planning Association. "Over 100 tour operators, travel agents and group leaders were present. Three days after the event, and group business has already been booked as a result of their attendance at Music Fest. This is the optimal showcase for planners of travel to Branson."

Youngblood noted that this year's Music Fest saw several group travel planners that had never before visited the Ozarks and were eager to see what Branson has to offer.

A stellar lineup of performers took place in this year's Music Fest, in two big shows. Friday's show featured Hot Rods and High Heels, Acrobats of Shanghai, Colton Cooper, On Fire - the Jerry Lee Experience, SIX, Queens of Soul, a Garth Tribute, Nashville Roadhouse Live and Clay Cooper's Country Express. 

Performing on Saturday was Doug Gabriel's Ultimate Variety Show, Branson's Famous Baldknobbers, The Carpenters Once More, A Neil Diamond Tribute, #1 Hits of the ‘60s, Absolutely Country - Definitely Gospel, Rick McEwen, Cassandre and The Haygoods.

"The artists and entertainers that performed in Music Fest did an outstanding job representing the vast array of live talent that is available on Branson stages," said Youngblood. "Each group gave audience members a great taste of their individual show. Each set filled the state with top-notch entertainment."

Proceeds from the 13th Annual Music Fest will be used to market Branson and the Ozark Mountain region to tour operators, travel agents and group leaders.

Planning is already underway for next year's Music Fest, set for April 24 and 25, 2026. Tickets for next year's event will go on sale this fall.