Missouri's 10 Summer Events And Festivals You Shouldn't Miss

Missouri’s summers are full of events that everybody can enjoy, whether you’re a contemporary arts lover, music fan, history buff or a foodie. From events taking place in St. Louis’ beautiful Forest Park to open-air dinners in the grounds of a botanical garden, Missouri has summer activities for you to explore its gorgeous landscape.

1. Food | Missouri Barn Dinner

Hotel

Food | Missouri Barn Dinner

The Missouri Barn Dinner series takes place in the Heartland Harvest Garden section of Kansas City’s Powell Gardens – a 970 acre botanical garden that promotes the importance of plant life while showcasing the fertile produce behind Missouri’s farming industry – and is the perfect summer event for any self-respecting foodie. Served in the Missouri Barn, a contemporary take on a classic farmhouse structure by architect Maurice Jennings, on its open-air covered patio the series features talented chefs cooking up differently themed dinners.

Missouri Barn Dinner, Powell Gardens, 1609 Northwest US Highway 50, Kingsville, MO, USA, +1 816 697 2600

2. Music | LouFest

Market, Food Court

Music | LouFest

LouFest is an annual two day music festival held in St Louis since its founding in 2010. Taking place in early September within the grounds of the city’s beautiful Forest Park, which opened over 100 years ago in 1876, the festival attracts popular and high-profile regional, national and international musicians and bands spanning genres that include indie, funk, soul and alt-country. The festival offers more than just stellar music acts and includes the Nosh Pit, a festival food court featuring tasty fare from St Louis restaurants and food vendors, and the Market Square, where festival-goers can purchase art, clothing and accessories made by the city’s creative community.

LouFest, Forest Park, 5595 Grand Drive, St Louis, MO, USA

4. Music & Culture | Fair Saint Louis

Forest, Park

Music & Culture | Fair Saint Louis

Commonly known as ‘America’s biggest birthday party’ Fair Saint Louis is an annual free event over the Fourth of July weekend held for the first time in Forest Park. Presented in partnership with the Fair Saint Louis Foundation, the City of St Louis and Forest Park Forever, the fair is a sensational celebration that includes live music, fun activities and an unforgettable fireworks display.

Fair Saint Louis, Forest Park, 5595 Grand Drive, St Louis, MO, USA, +1 314 434 3434

5. Performance Art | Kansas City Fringe Festival

Performance Art | Kansas City Fringe Festival

Organized by KC Fringe, a non-profit Missouri organization that connects intrepid artists with undaunted audiences, the KC Fringe Festival is an annual 11 day spectacle of performing and visual arts taking place across Kansas City which includes theatre, comedy, spoken word, fashion, music and film. Established in 2004 by local arts and culture maven Cheryl Kimmi, also the director of arts promotion company Arts Alive, the event was inspired by the legendary Edinburgh Fringe Festival and set up to help showcase local artists in the early stages of their careers.

Kansas City Fringe Festival, Venues across Kansas City, MO, USA, +1 816 533 5890

6. Food | Red, White and Blue BBQ Blowout

Food | Red, White and Blue BBQ Blowout

The annual Red, White and Blue BBQ Blowout takes place in the small city of Thayer, which is located in southern Missouri’s scenic Ozark Mountain Range. A fun-filled and family oriented event which is, as its name would suggest, all about barbecue the Red, White and Blue BBQ Blowout features a cook-off between members of the Kansas City Barbecue Society and also a Backyard Barbecue Rib Contest which is open to all attending the event. The event will also include a spectacular fireworks show.

Red, White and Blue BBQ Blowout, Rodeo Road, Thayer, MO, USA, +1 417 264 4444

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.