Fall in love with Springfield: a look at fall festivals in southwest Missouri
Community, Weekend September 17, 2025, Comments OffAs the days grow shorter and the leaves change colors, people all over Springfield are preparing for autumn. For many, fall festivals are an annual tradition right along with making costumes and carving pumpkins. Folks travel all over southwest Missouri to pick apples, watch parades, and visit local vendors. A few even going as far as to do some early Christmas shopping. Here are just a few of those beloved festivals:
Seymour Apple Fest, September 11th-13th, 204 S Main St. Seymour, MO, 65746
Located on the Seymour town square, 45 minutes east of Springfield, Seymour Apple Fest is free for all attendees, but make sure to bring some pocket cash for the various vendors. There will be a variety of food offered, including pulled pork sandwiches, corndogs and even apple cider slushies. Local artists and vendors will have booths set up all three days of the festival. There will also be live performances by local bands such as “The ABLeS”, “The Wise Guys”, and “Members Only”. Saturday, the busiest day of the festival, is kicked off with a 5k Fun Run, followed by the Apple Fest parade and an apple pie auction. The festival is wrapped up with live music and a street dance, where all are welcome. For the complete schedule, go to www.seymourapplefestival.com.
Cider Days, September 20th-21st, Historic Walnut St Springfield, MO, 65806
Located in Drury’s very own Springfield, Missouri, Cider Days is celebrating its 27th annual festival. Tickets are just $5 a person and are available for pre-order now on the Downtown Springfield website. The Cider Days vendors range from plant stores and insect preservationists to potters and painters. Enjoy live performances from local theater troupes, dance studios, and the Parkview Lassies Drum and Bugle Corps. For food, expect a variety of local food trucks ranging from Tinga Tacos to Crosstown BBQ and, of course, apple cider! For more information, go to www.itsalldowntown.com/ciderdays, or follow the festival on Instagram: @ciderdayssgf.
Ozark Fall Craft Fair, October 3rd-5th, 891-961 N Riverside Rd, Ozark, MO, 65721
Just a 25 minute drive from campus, the Craft Exhibitor Fair works to highlight southwest Missouri’s local artists and crafters. With no dedicated food vendors, keep an eye out for homemade treats and goodies. Anyone can participate in the fair, so expect a diverse selection of handmade items. Entry is free, but be sure to bring plenty of cash to spend on vendors! For more information, go to www.ozarkcraftfair.com.
Apple Butter Makin’ Days, October 10th-12th, 1 E Courthouse Square, Mt Vernon, MO 65712
Celebrating its 58th year, Mt. Vernon’s Apple Butter Makin’ Days festival is a 40 minute drive southwest of Springfield. This three day festival includes activities such as a pedal tractor race, an apple pie eating contest and the festival’s 49th Annual Wiener Dog Race. There is a wide variety of dining options, including stuffed baked potatoes, bratwursts, funnel cake, Keck’s famous root beer, and of course, apple butter. The parade kicks off at 9:00am, Saturday morning, with performances from many local marching bands, including Springfield’s own CHS Kilties Drum and Bugle Corps, celebrating 100 years marching strong.
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