Get out your washboards and fiddles. The Ozarks Celebration Festival is almost here!

Missouri State will host the 18th annual event on Sept. 11-13. The festival is free and open to the public. During weekend festivities, free parking is available in lots near the corner of National and Monroe and all lots south of Grand.

Festival begins with music, ice cream

The festival kicks off Sept. 11 with the annual ice cream social and Concert Under the Stars from 5:30-10 p.m. at the John H. Keiser Amphitheater, located on the east lawn of Strong Hall. This year’s concert will feature The HillBenders and the Blackberry Winter Band.

Exhibits to feature work, music of Ozarks

More than 300 craftsmen, exhibitors and musicians, along with four entertainment stages featuring music, storytelling and dance, will be on display Sept. 12-13. Festival hours run 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 12 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13. All events will be held on the grounds east of Carrington Hall.

The Festival Lecture Series will follow the week after the festival. Check back for dates and presenter information.

 

See full schedule to plan your visit

For the expanding list of vendors, entertainers and events, visit the Ozarks Celebration Festival website. To participate or volunteer for the festival, contact Barb Jones, director of special events for the College of Arts and Letters, by email or at 417-836-6605.