Author: ridesparky

Branson was featured recently in Forbes' travel section in a great overview column by Roger Sands. Excerpt: When most people think of Branson, Missouri, elaborate stage shows are usually one of the first things that comes to mind. After all, Branson is widely known for its stunning variety of shows and events, headlined by some of the most talented names in show business. Top shows to check out include The Haygoods, The Duttons and Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction. In fact, Branson is home to over three dozen theaters. The range of shows is extremely diverse and includes magic, music, comedy and even animal-based performances. However, there is much more to Branson than world-class entertainment... For the full article, visit Forbes.com

The majestic and powerful Clydesdale horses will visit Branson Landing in Downtown Branson on Oct. 7, 2022, from noon-2 p.m. The iconic 8-horse hitch will be pulling the Budweiser wagon. The Clydesdales, which weigh between 1,800-2,300 pounds each, have been a symbol for Budweiser since the 1930s. These animals make hundreds of appearances around the country each year. When not travelling the world, these animals are stabled at Warm Springs Ranch in Boonville, Mo. The event is free and open to the public.

The 49th Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival will take place on Sept. 15, 16, and 17, 2022, in downtown Branson featuring more than 80 vendors. Fall Fun for Everyone The event in Historic Downtown Branson will have vendors from all over the United States, some traveling from as far away as Colorado and Florida. Shoppers can browse items including furniture, clothing, jewelry, soaps, glass, quilts, and home decor. In addition to great arts, crafts and food, you can experience the wonderful entertainment Branson is so famous for on the Entertainers Stage on Commercial Street. Angie Sherrill will be the festival emcee and will play games with attendees between the performing acts (watch for prizes!). So pull up a chair and enjoy the free entertainment! Changes to Sparky’s Route:…

For one last time in 2022, the amazing powerboat races are coming back to Lake Taneycomo. Come experience this one-of-a-kind race in person, for free, in Downtown Branson! Sept. 10-11, 2022, will see Round #6 of the Formula Light Series and also the APBA North American Championship competition. Powerboat Nationals Formula Light Series is an entertaining Championship Event filled with a minimum of 10 of the world's newest, fastest, sleekest inshore powerboats, all racing along Lake Taneycomo on the Branson waterfront. Testing begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Time trials begin at noon, and the race heats are from 1-5 p.m. On Sunday, Testing begins at 10 a.m. and racing begins at noon. The season-end awards banquet is Monday, Sept. 12. You can also meet the racers and get autographs and…

Historic Downtown Branson CID Invests in One-of-a Kind Christmas Lamppost Décor Lighting for 2022 Season The Branson Christmas Coalition and Historic Downtown Branson Community Improvement District (CID) have announced plans for decorating downtown Branson with beautiful new LED-lit pole mounts, custom-designed and in production for 65 lampposts along Main and Commercial Streets during the Ozark Mountain Christmas season this year. A professional holiday lighting designer, commissioned by the Branson Christmas Coalition, has developed several concepts for the area over the past two years. Working closely with the Historic Downtown Branson CID this summer, a focus on decorating the lampposts and utilizing a winter wonderland theme resulted in two, compatible designs featuring candlelight snowflakes and pure white swirls of light. “We have always believed that our downtown area has a warm…

School has started and the only summer holiday left is Labor Day! It's still hot and sunny, so be sure to ride the free (air conditioned) Sparky trolleys! Summer Concert Series Your last chance to catch the 2022 Branson Landing Summer Concert Series is Saturday, Sept. 3, when Bad Mojo and Eastern Heights take the stage in front of the Branson Landing fountains. This outdoor concert is free, but also very popular ... so be sure to arrive early to get a spot! The Beer Garden opens at 6:30 p.m., and Bad Mojo will open for Eastern Heights. Eastern Heights is a modern country band, with high energy, tight harmonies, and mind-blowing musicianship. Eastern Heights consist of Lead Singer Rob Blackburn, Lead Guitarist and Musical Director Grant Moody. Although primarily…

It's time for back to school, and fortunately it's also time for the Missouri State Tax-Free Weekend! Shopping in Branson and Downtown Branson is a great way to get everything your kiddos need for that first day of school! And the weekend of Aug. 5-7, 2022, you can skip having to pay the state portion of the sales tax on certain purchases. The 2022 Sales Tax Holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, August 5, and runs through Sunday, August 7. 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…

Open every Tuesday from April - October, the Branson Farmers Market is sharing the bounty of the 2022 harvest on the Branson Landing Parking Lot, just a short walk from Trolley Stop #1. The market is each Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. The Branson Farmer's Market combines farm-fresh goodness, hand-crafted products and local eateries, all in one location that is easily accessible to the Ozarks community.  Customers can shop for their weekly groceries, find unique gifts that are made by local artisans, enjoy the musical talents of local artists and enjoy breakfast and lunch, all within the market's laid back atmosphere. It's fun to just stroll, but it's even more fun to shop! When you purchase foods from our vendors you can trust that your products are local and made/grown by…

Branson is a great place to be for Independence Day 2022, with a number of great events and free fireworks displays spanning more than a week. Of course our favorite (because it's in Downtown Branson) is Branson Landing's 15th Annual Liberty Light Up and Fireworks, which will be Sunday, July 3, beginning at 5 p.m. The Liberty Light Up Concert will feature Damsel and 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! This is a FREE Event! The Landing's Beer Garden opens at 5 pm, sponsored by Wil Fischer Budweiser. The Dirty Saints were voted the best cover band by 417 Magazine in…

Fighter jets on the water? Come experience this one-of-a-kind race in person, for free, along Lake Taneycomo! Powerboat Nationals Formula Light Series is an entertaining Championship Event filled with a minimum of 10 of the world's newest, fastest, sleekest inshore powerboats, all racing along Lake Taneycomo on the Branson waterfront. You'll have several opportunities to see these amazing boats race as you watch from Branson Landing or other spots along the Landing Boardwalk: Round #1: May 14-15, 2022Round #2 is June 18-19, 2022Round #4 is July 23-34, 2022Round #6 and North American Championship is Sept 10-11, 2022 Testing begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Time trials begin at noon, and the race heats are from 1-5 p.m. On Sunday, Testing begins at 10 a.m. and racing begins at noon. The awards…