Author: ridesparky

The warmer weather has been teasing us in recent days, and there's hints that the dogwoods are starting to flower. That means two things: 1) Spring is almost here and 2) the free Downtown Branson trolleys are returning to their daily schedules. Starting the weekend of March 1, the trolley will run throughout Downtown Branson from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., every day of the week for the rest of 2024. Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., 7 days a week (March-Dec.) 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Weekends (Jan.-Feb.) No service Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day Explore all that Downtown Branson has to offer with the comfortable and convenient trolleys! Sparky has a total of 12 stops in a single loop and continuous running during hours. So if you…

Everyone loves a winner, but there's something special about our nearby Kansas City Chiefs. And just a few hours south of Arrowhead Stadium is the NFL franchise's new official vacation destination, Branson. In August 2023, the Branson/Lakes Area Tourism Enhancement District announced a multi-year partnership with the Chiefs. “We are deeply honored as our city becomes the first ever Official Vacation Destination of the Kansas City Chiefs. Millions of fans in Chiefs Kingdom will be exposed to Branson and all we have to offer in live music shows, attractions and family fun,” said City of Branson Mayor Larry Milton. “We are incredibly excited for our region to be showcased alongside the reigning Super Bowl Champions and the most popular sport in America.” “We are excited and proud to partner with…

Interior of the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson MO The Branson Arts Council is a little-known gem in our Historic Downtown, with local and guest actors performing in first-rate productions on the oldest stage in Branson: The Historic Owen Theatre. The theatre is located at 205 S. Commercial Street and next to Liberty Plaza in Downtown Branson. It's your opportunity to see some of the best Broadway productions presented on a local stage with local talent. Information and tickets are available at https://bransonarts.org/ Among the 2024 productions, BRAC has scheduled: SpongeBob the Musical Who lives in a pineapple under the sea and became the hottest star on Broadway? Why, it’s SpongeBob SquarePants! And now he’s ready to ride the wave to your theatre to entertain and delight audiences in…

January and February are typically slower months in Branson, but they also are a great time to bundle up and visit downtown Branson. In January and February, Sparky the free Downtown Trolley runs from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on weekends weather permitting. Many of our downtown businesses are still open, and the warm Sparky trolleys are running on a special limited schedule. There's also many great events going on in Downtown during the winter months, like cheer and dance tournaments and live Branson Arts Council productions at the Historic Owen Theatre. If you have spent any time in Downtown Branson, then you certainly have seen Sparky; He’s the helpful free trolley, ready to take you to great spots like Historic Downtown, the Branson Landing and the Branson Convention Center.…

Have you been officially gripped with the Christmas spirit? Are you ready to check out some of the most amazing Christmas trees in the Branson area? Well, look no further! Branson is America's Christmas Tree City, and we have a lineup of many of the greatest trees in Downtown Branson! Round up your cherished family and friends, grab some hot cocoa and check out these fabulous displays! City of Branson: Liberty Plaza Location: OutsideHistoric Downtown Branson’s park is now home to the city's official, towering, 30-foot Christmas tree with white LED lights. Dick's 5 & 10 Location: Outside & InsideThis iconic store is full of holiday décor and endless variety, but don’t miss their TWO beautiful light trees: on the way to the store attached to their billboard on the…

The Downtown Branson Adoration Scene has remained much the same since its inception in the late 1940s (pictured circa 1959, source: Missouri State Archives) Branson turns into a Christmas wonderland at the beginning of each November, but if you ask a local, you’ll find the Christmas season officially begins on the first Sunday of December every year. That's when Branson holds it's Adoration Parade and annual Adoration Scene lighting, an event that is unapologetically non-commercial and designed to remind participants of the Christian roots of Christmas. It's a unique experience that is at the heart of the Christmas season and shows the emphasis on faith and community in Branson. A 28-foot-tall nativity scene sits high on a bluff opposite Downtown Branson. Branson businessmen Joe Todd and Steve Miller designed the…

The Christmas season (and holiday shopping) are in full swing, and there's no better place to shop than Downtown Branson! The best shopping, and most options too, are in the downtown district, which includes dozens of unique shops in Historic Downtown Branson and more than 100 stores at Branson Landing. In addition to finding those great Black Friday deals, be sure to support independent small retailers on Small Business Saturday. You'll find everything on your list and more. And the free Sparky Trolleys are running each day to help you get around and carry those shopping bags. Christmas shopping is easier when you park the car and ride Sparky, the free downtown trolley. The comfortable trolleys operate all day long throughout downtown, and did we mention that it’s free? This Black…

Nothing takes you back to "Christmases long, long ago" like a classic holiday movie, and the Historic Owen Theatre will be showing three of the best-loved Christmas films in December, free to the public. The FREE Monday Night Christmas Favorites include: 7 p.m. Dec. 4, 2023It's a Wonderful Life (1946)Featuring James Stewart and Donna Reed 7 p.m. Dec. 11, 2023Holiday Inn (1942)Featuring Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire 7 p.m. Dec. 18, 2023White Christmas (1954)Featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney The Historic Downtown Branson Community Improvement District, which operates the RideSparky Trolleys, is pleased to partner with the Branson Regional Arts Council to offer these movie screenings to the public. No reservations are required, and seating is first-come, first-seated. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and showtime is at 7…

The Ozarks has a rich history of proudly celebrating its active and retired military members! The lineup of Veterans Week events, lovingly dubbed Veterans Homecoming Week, for 2023 is definitely a perfect example of how Branson truly feels about its heroes. Here is a lineup of great ways to appreciate our service men and women in Branson, including the region's longest-running annual Veterans Day Parade, which is held in Historic Downtown Branson on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. Nov. 5-10th Veterans Village — Ballparks of America, Buildings 2 & 3, 1000 Pat Nash Dr., Branson. Day room is open 9am-4pm daily, and Mess Hall lunch is free to Veterans, $10 for guests, daily 11:30 AM -1:30 PM. Nov. 5-11th America's Wall of Honor — During Branson Veterans Week, America's Wall…

The 17th Annual Safe Street Trick or Treating on the Landing is back again on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023 from 5-7 p.m.!  Finish up those costumes and gather all the ghouls, monsters, Wednesdays and Barbies and get ready! The fun starts on October 31st at 5 p.m. and goes until 7 p.m.! Look for the orange pumpkin in the windows of participating businesses. The teal pumpkin designates participating stores with allergy-safe treats or gifts! Come a little early, and Sparky the Trolley can take you to the north or south ends of the Landing until 6 p.m., just in time to help avoid parking traffic and hunt down all the sweets on the Branson Landing Promenade. Note: Trolleys don't run after 6 p.m., so you may need to walk back to your parking location if you're not parked at Branson Landing. So grab your bags and pumpkins and get ready for some sweet treats! Happy Haunting!