Festivalgoers can expect new sights and sounds at this year’s annual Ozarks Celebration Festival on Sept. 9-11 at Missouri State University.
The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature more than 300 artists, exhibitors and musicians on four campus stages — including the new Ozarks Jubilee Stage where bands, solo artists and storytellers will be entertaining.
Other new features include a mariachi band and coppersmith, as well as presentations on African-American and Latino histories in the Ozarks during the lecture series.
Ozarks Celebration Festival Highlights
Ice Cream Social & Concert Under the Stars
The festival starts with the annual Ice Cream Social and Concert Under the Stars from 5:30-10 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Craig Hall Tent Pad, on the north side of Craig Hall.
The ice cream social begins at 5 p.m., followed by opening acts The Finley River Boys and Auntie Em & the Tornadoes. Headliners Dan Tyminski and Ronnie Bowman will perform at 8 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Free parking is available in Lot 19 east of Strong Hall and in the Bear Park South parking garage on the corner of Grand Street and Holland Avenue.
Crafts, Exhibits and Music
Artisans, craftspeople and vendors will demonstrate and sell their wares Sept. 11-12. Four stages will feature traditional music, dance and an area dedicated to kid-friendly activities. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 10 and 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Sept. 11.
Free parking for the Sept. 12-13 events is available in Lots 22 and 24 south of Grand Street, and at Bear Park North and Bear Park South.
Ozarks Lecture Series
The Ozarks Lecture Series features discussions on life in the Ozarks in the past and present. The lectures are free and open to the public, and will be presented at Missouri State Sept. 12-15. A complete schedule is available online.
For more information on the festival or lecture series, visit the Ozarks Celebration Festival website or contact Barb Jones at (417) 836-6605.