Trip Ideas

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…

The popular vintage market Branson Market Days is returning to the downtown convention Center on April 30 and May 1, 2021. The eclectic event features handmade and vintage items from a number of crafters and collectors. And of course, there's great food options for attendees. Branson Market Days begins at 9 a.m. and continues through 6 p.m. on Friday, April 30, then 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 1. Attendees can pay $5 at the door with free re-entry for the rest of the event. Masks are not required at the event but social distancing is encouraged. The free Sparky trolleys are running both days from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to use the convenient Branson Convention Center stop on Sycamore Street.

The new covered trolley stop sits at the Pacific Street entrance to Liberty Plaza Branson's city-wide face covering requirement to help protect visitors and residents against the Coronavirus ended on April 16, 2021. While there's no longer a city ordinance, you'll find that many Branson businesses and attractions are still encouraging social distancing and masking based on their individual circumstances. As Branson's only public transit system, the free Ride Sparky trolleys are somewhat unique because they are subject to a nationwide order by the CDC requiring masking on all public transit systems. As a result, the Downtown Branson trolley drivers and passengers are still required to wear suitable face coverings while riding the trolleys. More information about the Jan. 29, 2021 CDC order

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation (MCHF) are hosting the 2021 Missouri National Archery in Schools Program State Tournament March 18-20, 2021, at the Branson Convention Center. More than 3,000 student archers from throughout Missouri are scheduled to compete in the state tournament after shooting qualifying scores through various local MoNASP tournaments over the past year. Participants also can compete in the National Archery in the Schools Program national tournament, which is virtual this year. Family members and the general public can attend the tournament for a fee and must follow the same COVID-19 health and safety protocols set for all event attendees. Masks are required inside the Branson Convention Center and will be provided if needed. The temperature of each attendee will be…

Spring is just around the corner and with it Sparky returns to the regular daily operating schedule! Starting March 1 the trolley will run throughout Downtown Branson from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., every day of the week. Also, we have further streamlined the trolley route to make it easier and faster to get around. Sparky now has a total of 12 stops in a single loop and continuous running during hours. So if you just miss Sparky by a hair, wait a few minutes and he'll be back around shortly! Downtown is home to over 100 unique shops, restaurants, sweet treat spots, cafes, and of course shopping and attractions on the Landing. Let Sparky take you anywhere you need in Downtown Branson! Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.,…