Branson in the Fall: 2023 Festivals and Foliage Guide

Snuggle up in a lakeside cabin with a warm cup of cider, or brave the elements on a thrilling zipline canopy tour. However you like to welcome in Autumn, there’s no place filled with more Ozark Mountain charm than Branson, MO.

However you like to welcome in Autumn, there’s no place filled with more Ozark Mountain charm than Branson, MO. Follow along to discover everything you need to know about Branson Missouri in the fall.

Whether you’ve been dreaming about vivid foliage in resplendent fall colors of red, burnt orange, and goldenrod or have your eye on conquering a heart-pounding hiking trail, this mountain oasis deserves a spot on any fall itinerary.

Uncover the allure of the Showboat Branson Belle, or channel your inner cowboy with a horseback riding session.

From pumpkin patches of the Harvest Festival to oodles of family fun at Branson Landing, there’s no shortage of things to do in Branson MO in the fall.

Best Time to Visit Branson in the Fall

Cable knit sweaters, sparkling mountain lakes, and several theme parks, oh my! While you might think you know Branson in the Fall, it never hurts to have a refresher.

If your dream Branson trip consists of heartwarming festivals or awe-inspiring fall foliage driving, you may wish to visit at a specific time. Although the weather in Branson MO during the fall is delightful, it can fluctuate.

Check out our in-depth guide to choosing the perfect time to visit Branson!

September ushers in highs of 80 degrees and lows of 56 degrees Fahrenheit, while November nights can sometimes dip right below freezing. If your goal is to appreciate the stunning autumnal scenery, foliage is generally at its peak come mid-October.

Visitors from all over America flock to Branson MO in the fall to witness the stunning changing leaves of maples, oaks, ashes, and hickories. As a bonus, most of Branson’s top seasonal festivals run from mid-September through the end of October.

Branson Hotels

Make the most of your time in the live entertainment capital of the Midwest when you extend your stay in beautiful Branson. Whether you’re searching for a romantic reprieve at Chateau on the Lake or water slides to entertain the kids, we provide many options.

Revel in retail delights and world-class restaurants at Branson’s Landing, or sleep just minutes from Table Rock Lake when you reserve any of our premier Branson Hotels.

Things to Do in Branson in the Fall

Lake Taneycomo

Kayaking, fishing, and camping are all made better in the crisp September air. Intrepid travelers yearning for the great outdoors will find plenty of adventure on the shores of Lake Taneycomo.

Fall’s cooler temperatures provide the perfect opportunity to canoe and delight in the lakeside scenery sans breaking a sweat. Lake Taneycomo is home to over 700,000 rainbow and brown trout, making it a world-class fishing destination. You can fly fish, angle, or utilize artificial lures depending on where you cast your line.

Horseback Riding

Howdy partner! Are you looking to uncover the mysteries of the Ozark via horseback? Prepare to gallop, canter, and trot when you saddle up with Bear Creek Trail Rides.

For almost 70 years, this family-owned establishment has been guiding guests through beautiful water crossings and the historic Shepherd of the Hills set.

Post your Shepherd of the Hills ride, and check out the iconic Inspiration Tower as you marvel at one of the highest points in Southwest Missouri.

photo credit: Bear Creek Trail Rides via Facebook

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Don’t mind a short drive? Then, load up the family and cruise over to Dogwood Canyon Nature Park for the ultimate autumnal experience.

Wander through 10,000 acres of lush Ozark Mountain landscape, all accented by the brilliant hues of fall. From flowing waterfalls to ancient burial caves, and miles of hiking trails, there are countless attractions to uncover.

Choose to explore the park via bike, horse, or foot. After a few hours of exhilaration, take a break to refuel at the picturesque Dogwood Canyon’s Mill and Canyon Grill Restaurant. Sample local favorites such as elk burgers and trout cake BLTs as you overlook the cascading 120-foot waterfall and Little Indian Creek.

Branson Landing

Ready for some serious retail therapy? Downtown Branson is just bursting with attractions, activities, and shopping. So put a pause on all your leaf gazing when you stop by Branson Landing for some first-rate dining or souvenir hunting.

Exhilarating Thrills & Theme Parks

Zipline Canopy Tour at The Shepherd of the Hills

Zip from tree to tree like an aerial acrobat when you experience the thrill of a Zipline Canopy Tour at Shepherd of the Hills. This is the most adrenaline-pumping way to appreciate the autumnal Ozark terrain.

Soar along from each tree suspended platform as you witness the breathtaking views of the scenery below. Voted “America’s Best Aerial Adventure Park” by USA TODAY, guests can opt to slide along solo or tandem.

ziplining through fall foliage in branson — Fall makes ziplining through the Ozark Mountains even better

The Track Family Fun Parks

Ready, set, go! Put the pedal to the metal when you spend all day at the Track Family Fun Parks. With three locations throughout Branson, you’re never too far from a laser maze challenge or go-kart race.

Delight in non-stop excitement as you race through three unique high-rise go-kart tracks. Whip around the Wild Woody and The LumberJack, or brace yourself for bumper cars.

Sports fanatics will be thrilled by the indoor glow golf or the opportunity to work on their swing at the batting cages. Then, end your day with a ride aboard the 100-foot-tall sky coaster and a luscious frozen custard from Andys.

Copperhead Mountain Coaster

Inject some awesome into your fall plans when you take in the scenery via coaster. The Copperhead Mountain Coaster puts you in the middle of nature’s bounty. Witness verdant forests, Ozark mountains, and more as you snake through over 3,350 feet of track.

Copperhead is Branson’s longest downhill Mountain Coaster and contains countless stomach-churning drops, loops, and dips. Visit day or night, as this nearly mile-long coaster, is open and illuminated until 10 p.m.

photo credit: The Shepherd of the Hills via Facebook

Silver Dollar City

Heartstopping rides on Outlaw’s Run, watching blacksmiths at work, and an overload of 1880s charm. There’s nothing quite like a day at Silver Dollar City. Visitors from all over swarm to this award-winning theme park to relish in spinning coasters, the Silver Dollar Line Steam Train, and more.

For over 50 years, this family-friendly theme park has entertained adults and children alike with more than 40 rides and attractions.

Chow down on Granny’s Famous funnel cake, or load up on delicious breakfast carbs at Molly’s Mill. For even more fall-themed festivities, be sure to visit from mid-September through October to experience the infamous Harvest Festival.

Live Music & Live Shows

Showboat Branson Belle

Sail away on the winds of time when you board the stately Showboat Branson Belle. Modeled after the majestic showboats of the 1800s, this spacious vessel is your home for 2 hours of dining and unmatched entertainment. Dig into a sumptuous three-course meal as you experience the musical prowess of a four-piece live band.

Get groovy with the sounds and ballads from yesterday and today as you clap to the toe-tapping talents of the Showboat Dancers. Then, wander through four grand decks as you are met with a sublime sunset on Table Rock Lake.

Then, moan over mouthfuls of grilled pork chop with parmesan potatoes, and save a smidge of room for a slice of Ooey Gooey Butter Cake.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction

Who wouldn’t want to feast with the Queen of Country? Make a pit stop between your pumpkin picking and cruise by the World’s Most Visited Dinner Attraction.

Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner is an immersive experience featuring 32 magnificent horses, canines, racing pigs, and more. Feel your jaw drop as you witness equestrian feats, spectacular special effects, and rousing musical numbers.

Come hungry as you’ll want to eat your fill of Dolly’s home-cooked eats. Munch on roast chicken, tender, flaky biscuits, and buttery corn on the cob. Eyes bigger than your plate? Don’t fret, as you can always take your leftovers to go.

Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama

For over 60 years, the legend of Shepherd of the Hills has defined theater in Branson. Embrace the lore of this incredible live-action show when you reserve your tickets for The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama.

Penned by Harold Bell Wright, this timeless tale weaves together a story of love, power, and hardship. Viewers of all ages will be wowed by this two-hour performance’s stirring performances, animal antics, and high-stakes drama.

Branson Fall Festivals

Harvest Festival

Thousands of glowing pumpkins, nonscary frights, and seasonal flavors come together again at Silver Dollar City. The spirit of fall will be on full display at the Harvest Festival. Enjoy visiting craftsmen, pumpkin carving, and even a Cowboy Emporium!

Pick up long-forgotten chuck wagon cooking skills, or ride your favorite thrill rides all night. Snap endless photos at the many pumpkin theme photo ops, and catch sight of giant gourds ranging from 1000 to 1400 pounds. Then, get your fill of pumpkin spice when you sample Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream or opt for savory and sweet with a Pumpkin Pizza.

Wide shot of the entrance to the Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City with a tower of pumpkins on the left side in Branson, Missouri, USA — photo credit: Silver Dollar City via Facebook

Autumn Daze

All-day autumnal activities? Yes, please! Branson visitors and locals in the know will be hightailing it to the Historic District for the Annual Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival.

Browse through thousands of handcrafted goods and decor items as you watch artisanal demonstrations. Perhaps get a jump on your Christmas shopping as you purchase homemade pet treats, bespoke jewelry, and local jellies.

Branson is for kids too. Tiny tots can bounce around inflatable castles and chuckle along to live music and comedy. While foodie friends can indulge in festival favorites such as kettle corn, pork rinds, and more.

Shepherd’s PumpkinFest

Oh, my gourd! Dive into the flavors, sights, and sounds of fall when you spend your weekend at Shepherd’s PumpkinFest. Don your flannel and get ready to pick a winner. Traipse through an impressive pumpkin patch, take a Jeep hayride, or roll out a spare with pumpkin bowling.

Shepherd of the Hills annual festival is overflowing with kid-friendly activities ranging from outdoor rock climbing walls to a hay bale maze.

Tykes of all ages will adore cuddling up to baby goats or building their very own scarecrow. Compete in duck water races and pumpkin yard games before commemorating your stay with a family pumpkin portrait.

photo credit: Explore Branson via Facebook

Sugar, spice, and everything nice. Come September, the sweet smells of fall permeate the cool Branson air.

This Ozark nirvana has long been heralded for its autumnal allure. From lakefront trout fishing to exhilarating rides along the Copperhead Mountain coaster, there’s no end to the excitement.

Spend a day trekking through Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, or travel to another era at Silver Dollar City.

Eat your fill of pumpkin churros and chili, or witness the live music of a showboat spectacular.

Ready to rediscover Fall this season? Branson is waiting!

Tell Us, What’s Your Favorite Thing About Fall in Branson?

Leave us a comment below!

Written by Isis Maya Nissman

A New York native, Isis-Maya spent most of her professional life working in TV production until a vacation whisked her away to Central...

Branson Missouri in the Fall: 2024 Festivals and Foliage Guide