Author: ridesparky

The inevitable end of summer is here.  Labor Day weekend was the last hurrah of summer. Schools have been in session for a couple of weeks now. And getting into the fall routine takes its toll on your frazzled nerves.  The next sizable break is Thanksgiving, and it feels a long way off. And even then, the holidays aren’t very relaxing, are they? Joyful? Yes. Relaxing? No. Recharge now to prepare for a bustling holiday season.  Too stressed to plan it yourself? Don’t worry. We’ve planned it for you. Start your day with a recharge. Late summer and early autumn mornings are glorious in Ozark Mountain Country. Take advantage of the fresh air and beautiful views with the morning rays glistening on the water.  Walk along the lakefront by the…

* NOTE: Artist's rendering. Trolleys can't fly or travel backwards through time. Sparky the Trolley can take you back in time, to Broadway-style shows, and to art galleries and stores. OK. The trolley isn't a DeLorean-esque time machine. It can't travel at 88 MPH and despite our best efforts it can't fly. But it can take you back in time to some amazing forms of arts and entertainment that are alive and well in Historic Downtown Branson. Many are surprised when they experience the rare world-class talent that abounds in the Ozarks. The music will take you back. Branson Hot Hits Theater has shows for all ages. They’re uniquely nostalgic for anyone who grew up loving music from the ‘50s through the ‘80s. Close your eyes and get swept away!…

Grab your purse, wallet, and sunscreen. Brace yourself for some crafty fun! Autumn Daze is back for its 48th year in Historic Downtown Branson. Fall Fun for Everyone Visit the arts, crafts, and music festival on Atlantic Street from September 16th – 18th from 9am – 6pm on Thursday and Friday and 9am – 4pm on Saturday for some free fun for all!  Enjoy the community and changing weather in Downtown Branson.  Ride Sparky the Trolley to the festival and spend an afternoon browsing over 100 vendors and Downtown Branson sidewalk sales. Artisans and craftspeople throughout the Ozarks share their wares at this festive event.  You’ll have the perfect opportunity to take care of that holiday shopping in a fun environment. Don’t shop hangry! Visit our great downtown eateries or…

Branson Board Game Cafe is one of the great family-friendly places the Sparky trolleys can take you and your kids! Delight your scholar with a back-to-school adventure! Getting used to a new schedule in those dwindling days of summer can be a shock to your system. Why not create some Branson family memories…. Ride Sparky the Trolley! You probably have a sentimental trolley memory — watching “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood” or the newer “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood”. Maybe you loved the cable car during the “Full House” theme song.  Imagine riding a trolley and experiencing it again through the eyes of a kid.  Thrill your own inner-child, whatever the connection, by taking your child on Sparky the Trolley for a Downtown Branson day of adventure. Plan your route using this handy Map…

After a crazy school year last year, back to in-person school seems to be the norm, and the kiddos are going to need clothing and gadgets and supplies. Fortunately, it's also time for the Missouri State Tax-Free Weekend! In 2021, the Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 6, and runs through Sunday, August 8. Before we go any further, we need to jump into the fine print. The Missouri Back To School Tax Free Weekend only applies to "certain back-to-school purchases, such as clothing, school supplies, computers" and other related school necessities. Around Branson you'll still pay local taxes, but the Missouri portion of the sales tax that you'd normally pay (about 4.2%) is waived. Even at just 4.2%, it's real money that can add up. Stores in and…

Interior of the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson MO Branson's First Theater is alive with productions by the Branson Arts Council, and that includes a great lineup of live shows this fall, including The Sound of Music just in time for Christmas! The Historic Owen Theatre is located at 205 S. Commercial Street in Downtown Branson. The fall 2021 productions include: 9 to 5 The Musical (Sept. 9-19) Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, 9 to 5 The Musical is based on the popular 1980 movie. Three unlikely friends take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world (rated PG-13). The Hunchback of Notre Dame (POSTPONED) Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from…

The 14th Annual Liberty Light Up celebration is Saturday, July 3! Great music, fireworks and The Branson Landing; what more could anyone ask for as we celebrate our great nation and its Independence Day? The Liberty Light Up Concert will feature Mile Zero then The Dirty Saints and be followed by an amazing, choreographed Fireworks Display that will fill the skies over Lake Taneycomo and highlight a spectacular celebration of America's Independence that will leave you in awe! Beer Garden opens at 6:30 pm, sponsored by Wil Fischer Budweiser. The Dirty Saints were voted best cover band by 417 Magazine in 2018. They play a vast selection of 80's rock from Journey, Van Halen, Styx, Foreigner, Whitesnake and many other artists. Other Fireworks Displays in the Area Friday, July 2 - DuskFireburst…

Downtown Branson and the Branson Landing has so much to offer, spectacular dining, luxurious shopping, family fun, entertainment and so much more. Did you hear about the new Summer Concert Series though? So many bands, from locals and beyond, have already filled the roster and we’re ready for them! All the bands get to play on the Landing's beautiful waterfront stage. You know the one, with the water and light show behind it, Lake Taneycomo just beyond that. Can you imagine a more wonderful evening?  Dining, shopping, free live music! 2021 LIVE CONCERT SCHEDULE   June 11th - Mile Zero & The Rosy Hips  June 19th - 96 Miles & Eastern Heights   July 3rd - Mile Zero & The Dirty Saints  July 24th - 96 Miles & The Mixtapes  August 7th - Prince Ivan   August 21st - Sequel Dose September 4th - Mile Zero & Marc Chapman Band

Interior of the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson MO The stage of Branson's First Theater is alive again with productions by the Branson Arts Council. The Historic Owen Theatre is located at 205 S. Commercial Street in Downtown Branson and has the following live shows on its schedule for 2021: The Glass Menagerie (June 3-7, 2021) The Glass Menagerie is a memory play by Tennessee Williams that premiered in 1944. Its action is drawn from the memories of the narrator, Tom Wingfield (Age 18+ recommended). Mamma Mia (Aug. 5-15) This Broadway favorite uses pop group ABBA’s hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman’s search for her birth father (rated PG-13). 9 to 5 The Musical (Sept. 9-19) Music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia…

Downtown Branson's Centennial Museum has been named 2020 Non-Profit of the Year, an award presented by the membership of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB. The award was announced at the Chamber's annual membership luncheon on April 22. Also honored were Branson's small businesses of the year, which included Cakes-N-Creams 50's Diner and The Track Family Fun Parks. Located at 120 S. Commercial Street in the historic Branson Mercantile/Reish Shoe store, the Branson Centennial Museum officially opened on April 1, 2012, Branson's 100th anniversary. The museum features many priceless artifacts from Branson's early days, a historical timeline of Branson's evolution as one of the nation's top tourism and entertainment destinations, and rotating exhibits that are curated in coordination with the White River Valley Historical Society. There's also a…