2026 Fall Festivals in Branson, Missouri
There’s something special about fall in Branson, Missouri. As the temperatures cool down and the Ozark Mountains begin to show off their beautiful autumn colors, Branson comes alive with pumpkin festivals, seasonal celebrations, outdoor adventures, and plenty of things to do.
If you’re planning a trip to Branson this fall, you’ll find events happening throughout September and October. From thousands of glowing pumpkins to downtown festivals and family-friendly fall activities, there are plenty of ways to experience the season.
Here are some of the top 2026 fall festivals and events in Branson, Missouri to add to your itinerary!
Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival | September 11–October 31
One of the biggest fall traditions in Branson returns in 2026 with the Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival.
Running from September 11 through October 31, the festival transforms the theme park into a celebration of autumn. More than 20,000 pumpkins decorate the park, including intricate carvings, towering sculptures, and larger-than-life displays.
During the day, guests can enjoy rides, live entertainment, visiting craftsmen, seasonal food, and fall-themed activities. When the sun goes down, the festival takes on a whole new atmosphere with thousands of illuminated pumpkins, nighttime entertainment, and glowing displays.
Starting September 18, Pumpkins in the City brings extended glowing hours, night rides, pumpkin dance parties, and even more fall fun.
If you’re searching for things to do in Branson in October, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
2026 Fall Festivals in Branson
Shepherd’s PumpkinFest | September 12–October 31
For classic family-friendly fall fun, head to Shepherd of the Hills for PumpkinFest.
Taking place September 12 through October 31, PumpkinFest features more than 30 activities throughout Shepherd’s Adventure Park. Families can enjoy hayrides, pumpkin picking and painting, scarecrow building, barnyard animals, a corn pit, photo opportunities, mini golf, play areas, and more.
The 2026 season also brings extended hours, with the park open from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. on select dates.
Once the sun goes down, the fall experience continues with Pumpkins Aglow, an enchanted nighttime trail featuring thousands of illuminated pumpkins and glowing fall displays.
Whether you’re visiting with young children or looking for a unique nighttime fall activity, PumpkinFest offers plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
Fall Fest in Historic Downtown Branson | September 25–26
You don’t have to leave downtown to find fall fun!
Fall Fest in Historic Downtown Branson takes place September 25–26, bringing autumn-themed activities to the heart of Branson.
Visitors can enjoy a pumpkin scavenger hunt, seasonal photo opportunities, sidewalk sales, store specials, face painting, apple cider, and more.
It’s a great opportunity to explore Historic Downtown Branson while enjoying a little seasonal atmosphere. Grab a warm drink, browse the local shops, snap some fall photos, and enjoy a slower-paced afternoon before heading off to your next Branson adventure.
Explore the Ozarks This Fall
One of the best things about visiting Branson during autumn is getting outside.
The Ozark Mountains provide a beautiful backdrop for a fall getaway, and cooler temperatures make September and October an ideal time to explore the area.
Take a scenic drive, enjoy the views, explore local attractions, or find an outdoor adventure that gets your heart racing.
The Curse at The Branson Ghoster Coaster
Looking for something a little darker this fall? The Branson Coaster is getting a haunting makeover for The Curse at The Branson Ghoster Coaster, an immersive Halloween experience happening every Friday and Saturday night in October.
As the sun goes down, the Mountain Coaster transforms into a spooky nighttime experience filled with eerie atmosphere, creepy characters, and unexpected scares. Guests brave enough to take on the curse can experience the Mountain Coaster in a completely different way as they make their way through the haunted attraction.
But you don’t have to be a fan of horror to enjoy the Halloween fun! During the daytime, The Branson Coaster is decorated for the Halloween season with family-friendly decorations and festive touches. This allows younger families and guests who prefer their Halloween without the scares to enjoy the seasonal atmosphere and ride the coaster without the immersive haunted experience.
Daytime Fun or Nighttime Frights?
Whether you're visiting with little ones or looking for a Halloween thrill, you can choose the experience that's right for your group.
During the day: Enjoy Halloween-themed decorations, a family-friendly atmosphere, and all the excitement of The Branson Coaster without the scares.
Friday & Saturday nights in October: Get ready for The Curse and an immersive haunting designed for guests looking for something spooky after dark.
So, whether you're looking for a family-friendly fall activity or searching for Halloween events in Branson, make sure The Curse at The Branson Ghoster Coaster is on your October itinerary.
Think you can break the curse? Come find out.
Plan Your 2026 Fall Trip to Branson
From pumpkin-filled festivals to glowing nighttime displays and outdoor adventures, fall in Branson, Missouri offers something for just about everyone.
September and October are a great time to visit the Ozarks, whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a trip with friends.
Make your fall itinerary a mix of seasonal festivals, Branson entertainment, beautiful Ozark scenery, and a little adrenaline along the way.
And when you’re ready to add some speed to your fall adventure, come ride The Branson Coaster!
Event dates, times, and activities are subject to change. Check with individual event organizers before making travel plans.
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