Branson, Missouri is one of those special destinations where there’s always something happening. From gospel music festivals and patriotic celebrations to youth sports tournaments and dazzling Christmas lights, each season brings a new reason to visit.
If you’re planning a Branson vacation in 2026, it’s helpful to know what’s on the calendar. Whether you want to catch the big events or avoid the busiest times, here’s a month-by-month look at what’s coming up in Branson throughout 2026.
January 2026 – A Quiet Winter Start
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Branson begins the year on a peaceful note. Many theaters take a short break after the holidays, but you can still catch a handful of shows.
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Early January wraps up Sight & Sound Theatre’s Miracle of Christmas.
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The Branson Lead-Off Classic (Jan 30–Feb 1) kicks off the college softball season at Ballparks of America.
Best for: Couples’ getaways, cozy cabin stays, and off-season quiet.
February 2026 – Sports & Sweethearts
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Valentine’s Day brings romantic specials at Branson theaters and restaurants.
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Several college softball tournaments fill the weekends: Branson Bash Classic (Feb 6–8), Branson Battle Classic (Feb 13–15), Turf’s Up Classic (Feb 20–22), and the Branson Showtime Classic (Feb 27–Mar 1).
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The Mansion Theatre also begins hosting winter conferences and early dance competitions.
Best for: Sports fans, romantic escapes, and family weekends.
March 2026 – Spring Awakening
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Silver Dollar City reopens for the season.
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Sight & Sound Theatre’s David premieres March 7 and runs through October.
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College softball continues with Red-White-Blue Spring Games (Mar 2–5), Branson Grand Slam Classic (Mar 6–8), and Branson Spring Games (Mar 9–13).
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Dance competitions like Talent on Parade and Believe Talent fill The Mansion Theatre.
Best for: Families, athletes, and those ready for spring sunshine.
April 2026 – Faith, Flowers & Festivals
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Women of Joy conference (April 10–12) at the Branson Convention Center.
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Spring dance competitions continue at The Mansion Theatre (Spotlight Dance, Dance Champs, Edge Talent, and more).
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Branson’s outdoor attractions begin buzzing with warmer weather.
Best for: Faith-based groups, families, and springtime adventurers.
May 2026 – Bluegrass, BBQ & Graduations
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Bluegrass & BBQ Festival at Silver Dollar City fills the air with music and smoky goodness.
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Local high schools hold graduations at The Mansion Theatre (Reeds Spring, Forsyth, Hollister).
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Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of Branson’s busy season.
Best for: Music lovers, foodies, and families celebrating milestones.
June 2026 – Summer in Full Swing
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Silver Dollar City’s KidsFest offers entertainment for families.
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National dance and cheer competitions begin taking over local venues.
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Ballparks of America and Branson RecPlex host youth baseball tournaments almost every weekend.
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White Water waterpark and Table Rock Lake activities are at their peak.
Best for: Families and multi-generational trips.
July 2026 – Patriotic Summer Nights
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Independence Day brings fireworks, parades, and patriotic shows.
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Moonlight Madness at Silver Dollar City keeps the park open late into the night.
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Baseball continues strong with tournaments at Ballparks of America.
Best for: Families, sports teams, and groups who love festive energy.
August 2026 – Gospel & Late Summer Travel
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Southern Gospel Picnic at Silver Dollar City (Aug 27 – Sept 7) draws music lovers from around the country.
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Jeep Branson 2026 brings parades, off-road events, and a Jeep expo.
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Baseball slows as school approaches, but dance competitions and cheer camps pop up before the fall.
Best for: Faith-based groups, Jeep enthusiasts, and end-of-summer travelers.
September 2026 – Pumpkins & Pageantry
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Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City (Sept 11 – Oct 31) showcases glowing pumpkin displays and nighttime fun.
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Fall sports tournaments kick back in, including youth baseball and softball at Ballparks of America.
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Local craft fairs and car shows add to the autumn buzz.
Best for: Couples’ trips, leaf-peeping, and families who love fall fun.
October 2026 – Peak Fall Fun
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Branson’s busiest month of fall with the Harvest Festival in full swing.
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Numerous dance competitions and youth sports events bring groups into town.
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Halloween-themed shows and attractions round out the month.
Best for: Families, photographers, and festival lovers.
November 2026 – Christmas Kicks Off
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An Old Time Christmas® at Silver Dollar City begins Nov 7 and runs through Jan 2, 2027.
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The brand-new Stars, Lights & Christmas Nights Parade debuts.
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Holiday shows, Christmas light tours, and shopping events take over Branson.
Best for: Holiday lovers and groups wanting to soak in the magic.
December 2026 – Holiday Magic
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Branson’s theaters all feature Christmas productions.
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Silver Dollar City dazzles with millions of lights, Broadway-style shows, and festive food.
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Conferences like Xtreme Winter Youth Conference (Dec 26–28 at The Mansion Theatre) draw thousands.
Best for: Families, youth groups, and anyone wanting unforgettable Christmas memories.
Year-Round Highlights
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Sight & Sound Theatre: David (Mar–Oct), Miracle of Christmas (Nov–Dec)
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Silver Dollar City Festivals: Bluegrass & BBQ, Southern Gospel Picnic, Harvest Festival, An Old Time Christmas®
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Sports & Competitions: Ballparks of America baseball, Branson RecPlex softball, national dance and cheer competitions at The Mansion Theatre
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Special Events: Jeep Branson 2026, America’s 250th Anniversary celebrations across town
Plan Your 2026 Branson Trip
Branson is a year-round destination, but the experience changes depending on when you visit:
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Want fewer crowds? Try January, February, or early March.
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Looking for festivals? Spring through fall is packed with them.
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Dreaming of Christmas magic? November and December are unforgettable.
No matter when you come, staying in a cozy Branson cabin or luxury vacation home makes it even more special. Browse our Rent Branson vacation rentals and start planning today!
