Autumn season in the Ozarks offers a spectacular show of fall color as the foliage begins its annual transformation. The “hills and hollers” around Table Rock Lake provide some of the region’s most vivid scenery, making it an outstanding getaway for friends and families.
The fall show of color begins in early October, starting with ash and dogwood trees, along with sumac and Virginia creeper. As the month progresses, the abundant oak, hickory, and maple trees will join the party. Peak foliage viewing is the last two weeks of October and the first 10 days of November.
Many family-friendly festivals and events add to the spectacle of fall in the Ozarks. Listed below are some of the more popular events. For a complete list of Table Rock Lake area events click here.
Family-Friendly Festivals and Vibrant Autumn Foliage Highlight the Fall Season at Table Rock Lake
Silver Dollar City
New Harvest Festival - Craft Days & Pumpkin Nights
September 25 – October 26
New for 2019, Silver Dollar City is going full glow with more than 10,000 pumpkins lighting up the 1880s theme park well into the evening from September 25 through October 26.
The new Harvest Festival, Craft Days & Pumpkin Nights, will transform Silver Dollar City into acres of towering carved sculptures and artisan created masterpieces in the City’s biggest Fall in a nearly 6-decade history. Guests will see giant scarecrows, cats, owls, totem poles - even a nearly 3-story Pumpkin Greeter.
First-ever extended fall hours (9:00 pm weekdays/10:00pm on weekends) include a glow-in the-dark black light dance party and specialty created pumpkin foods. The City’s rides will also soar into the evening, allowing for breathtaking views of a park aglow below.
Craft Days include juried craftsmen & women creating unique pieces from hand-crafted jewelry to knives, baskets, treenware and wearable art. A new Makers’ Market, features a variety of craftsmen throughout the festival, including the popular trends of vintage decor, timeless embroidery pieces, heirloom rugs, crafted family signs and customized baby accessories.
First-time craftsman is renowned Master Pumpkin Carver, Barry Brown from Denver, CO., will be actively creating pumpkin masterpieces daily throughout the festival. Barry’s pumpkin-carved masterpieces have been featured on the Today Show, Good Morning America, in museums and seen around the world.
For a limited engagement (9/25 – 10/13), the City will offer a new large-scale production show from Montreal, Canada. Cirque Éloize is action-packed lumberjack theatre with dancing, singing and acrobatics by a cast of nearly two dozen performers.
Park Hours for Craft Days & Pumpkin Nights
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, 10:00am- 9:00pm;
Fridays, 10am – 10pm; Saturdays, 9:30am – 10:00pm.
For more information visit www.silverdollarcity.com
Shepherd of the Hills
Shepherd’s Spooktacular and Haunted Hollow
October Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
NEW: Shepherd’s Spooktacular and Haunted Hollow. Whether you’re looking for a fun daytime location to take your kids this fall to pick out pumpkins, build a scarecrow or a horse-drawn wagon ride or a scarier nighttime haunted hayride and zombie paintball, Shepherd’s Spooktacular and Haunted Hollow will have a little something for everyone. Friday’s and Saturday’s from 10am to 10pm and Sunday’s from 10am to 5pm.
Tickets begin at $8
For tickets visit: https://theshepherdofthehills.com/
Aunts Creek Area Association
Table Rock Lake Annual Buddy Bass Tournaments
October 12 & 13
This popular fishing derby features a 100% Payback! Tournament is held in three separate periods: Saturday 7:00 AM – Noon, Saturday Noon – 4:00 PM, and Sunday 7:00 AM – Noon
Prizes will be awarded for each Period and Overall
Plaques will be awarded for Overall 1st Place Team & Big Bass
Location: One of the participating resorts
Entry Fee: $50.00 per team
Dinner: Food, beverages and attendance prizes 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Saturday
All contestants must live outside a 75-mile radius of Kimberling City, MO and must be registered at one of the sponsor facilities listed below and stay for a minimum of two nights.
To register please visit http://www.auntscreekassociation.org
Still Waters Resort
Harvest Festival
September 3 - October 31
Set against the shoreline of Table Rock Lake, with a backdrop of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, the Still Waters Resort Harvest Festival offers fun for the entire family. Open daily from 10am to 8pm the festival features live music, giant inflatables, pumpkin bowling hayrides and crafts for the kids. Food and drink (including adult beverages) are available as well.
For details please visit www.stillwatersresort.com/harvest-festival
The Table Rock Art Guild
Fall Festival of Art
October 5 & 6
The theme this year is "The Art of the Ozarks." Kimberling City is in the heart of the Ozarks, and since all the Guild's members live within 50 miles of Kimberling City, a good portion of their art reflects the history and the essence of the Ozarks. We hope everyone will put the dates of the Festival on their calendars. The gallery, open 6 days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., is located at the Kimberling City Center on Highway 13.
Please visit www.tablerockartgallery.com
15th Annual Southern Stone County Fire District Auxiliary
Firefighter Chili Cook-Off
October 6
Come out and enjoy up to 30 different Chili's at our 15th Annual Firefighter Chili Cook-Off.
We have lots for the family to do, with bounce houses, face painting, kids games, cakewalks, a photo booth, fire prevention tips a variety of vendor booths and much more. Don't miss out on the silent auction and raffle. Come help Southern Stone County Fire District Auxiliary and support our firefighters that serve our community.
For details visit www.facebook.com/events/1077427255785997
17th Annual Stone County Art Studio Tour
October 26
Kick off your holiday season by spending the day at the 17th Annual Stone County Art Studio Tour in picturesque Stone County, MO, on Saturday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From Galena to Kimberling City, wander Stone County's backroads and be greeted like an old friend at the studios of successful painters, potters, sculptors, metal smiths, and more. Gourmet delights are available throughout the tour. Free and open to the public.
For tour map and details visit www.facebook.com/StoneCountyArtTour
For a complete list of Table Rock Lake area events visit http://www.VisitTableRockLake.com
