🍁 Seasonal Events, Scenic Stops and Things to Do This Fall
Fall is a great time to explore Christian County, Missouri, where cooler temperatures, changing leaves and a calendar full of seasonal events make it easy to plan a day trip or fall weekend in the Ozarks.
Located just south of Springfield and along the way to Branson, Christian County offers plenty of reasons to make a fall stop, from craft fairs and pumpkin patches to haunted attractions, scenic trails and family-friendly outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re planning around a favorite fall festival or simply looking for somewhere new to explore, here are some of the events, attractions and outdoor experiences to add to your 2026 fall itinerary.
Billings Community Fair
📍 Billings Community Park | 201-299 W Howard Ave, Billings, MO 65610
📅 September 4–5, 2026
Kick off September with a longtime local tradition at the 60th Annual Billings Community Fair. The two-day celebration brings family activities, food, live music, local talent and classic fair traditions to Billings Community Park.
Fair activities include livestock shows, homemade pies, bounce houses and the annual Billings Community Fair Parade, featuring the 2026 theme Stars, Stripes and Summer Nights.
Car enthusiasts can check out the 5th Annual Billings Community Fair Car Show, which helps support the Paw Pack program providing meals to local students when school is not in session.
On Saturday evening, the 19th Annual Brenton Salyers Truck and Tractor Pull, presented by the Billings Volunteer Fire Department, begins at 6 PM. Admission to the pull is $10, with children 12 and younger admitted free. Cash only.
Select fair activities have no admission fee, making the Billings Community Fair an easy way to spend a September weekend experiencing one of Christian County’s longstanding community traditions.
Between Two Rivers Fine Art Fair
📍 Historic Downtown Nixa | Main Street between Highway 14 and Elm Street
📅 September 12, 2026
⏰ 8 AM–4 PM
Art takes over Main Street during the inaugural Between Two Rivers Fine Art Fair, hosted by Lucid TLC Arts Studio Gallery.
Browse original work from fine artists throughout Historic Downtown Nixa while watching colorful creations come to life during the Lost & Found Grief Center’s annual Sidewalk Chalk Competition.
With art, downtown businesses and another fall festival happening nearby the same day, it’s a great opportunity to spend the day exploring Nixa.
Rosebud’s Cottage Fall Festival
📍 Rosebud’s Cottage | 205 N. Main Street, Nixa, MO
📅 September 12, 2026
⏰ 9 AM–4 PM
🎟️ Free admission and free parking
Celebrate fall in downtown Nixa at the 4th Annual Rosebud’s Cottage Fall Festival, presented by Midwest Events & Promotions.
Shop from more than 80 local vendors offering handmade goods, boutique clothing, fall décor, jewelry, baked treats, specialty foods and more, then grab lunch or a snack from one of the event’s food trucks.
Families can also enjoy a free Kids Zone with bounce houses, giant slides, yard games, chalk art, a petting zoo, face painting and other activities throughout the day. Inside Rosebud’s Cottage, visitors can shop more than 20 permanent small businesses and seasonal arrivals.
With the Between Two Rivers Fine Art Fair taking place nearby, September 12 offers even more reasons to make a day of exploring Nixa.
📍 Along Highway 60, Billings, MO
📅 September 12, 2026
⏰ 9 AM–4 PM
Spend a fall Saturday in Billings during the Billings Fall Harvest! Browse local shops, vendors, boutiques and crafts, grab something to eat from area food vendors and enjoy a day of small-town shopping and fall fun.
The annual event is coordinated by the Billings Merchants Association, with local businesses and community groups joining in on the day’s activities.
Fall on the Farm at Lavender Falls Farm
📍 Lavender Falls Farm | 3016 State Highway M, Clever, MO
📅 Select dates September 17–October 25, 2026
🎟️ Reservations required
For the first time, Lavender Falls Farm is opening for an autumn season with Fall on the Farm.
Enjoy an evening at the farm with fall-inspired menu items, returning favorites and live music from a rotating lineup of performers throughout September and October. It’s a chance to experience the farm in a whole new season while enjoying the sights, flavors and atmosphere of fall in the Ozarks.
Reservations are required and can be made online. Advance reservations are recommended, as availability may vary by date and performer.
4th Annual Oktoberfest at 4 By 4 Brewing Company
📍 9003 Sawgrass Ave, Nixa, MO
📅 September 19, 2026
⏰ 12 PM–10 PM
Celebrate Oktoberfest Missouri-style at 4 By 4 Brewing Company in Fremont Hills! The brewery’s 4th Annual Oktoberfest coincides with the official start of Munich Oktoberfest and features a full day of seasonal beer, live music, local vendors, food and festive fun.
Seasonal Oktoberfest beer O’Zapft Is returns to the tap list, with live music from Luke Acker from 5 PM–9 PM and food from Twisted Classics from 12 PM–9 PM. Local vendors will also be set up throughout the celebration.
Dust off the lederhosen and dirndls and enjoy a little taste of Oktoberfest right here in Christian County. 🍺🍂
Field of Screams
📍 2142 N. Sports Complex Lane, Nixa, MO
📅 September 18–19 & 25–26 | October 2–4, 9–11, 16–18, 23–25 & 29–31 | November 1
⏰ 7 PM–midnight
Looking for something a little scarier this fall? Field of Screams returns to Nixa with two outdoor haunted attractions along the James River.
Take on The Haunted Forest, a half-mile trail through the dark woods filled with live actors, sets and special effects, or face your fear of clowns in Coulrophobia, a twisted haunted clown maze.
Concessions, visiting food trucks and other activities add to the experience before or after the scares.
Campbell’s Maze Daze & Pumpkin Patch
📍 177 Carob Road, Clever, MO
📅 September 26–October 31, 2026
⏰ Sept. 26–27: 12 PM–7 PM | October: Fridays 6 PM–11 PM, Saturdays 2 PM–11 PM & Sundays 12 PM–7 PM
Campbell’s Maze Daze & Pumpkin Patch returns to Clever for another season of family-friendly fall fun.
Explore the corn maze, pick pumpkins, take a hayride, gather around a bonfire and enjoy seasonal activities throughout the farm. For those looking for something a little spookier, the Haunted Maze opens October 2 and runs Friday and Saturday nights throughout October.
Hours and activities vary throughout the season, so check Campbell’s Maze Daze for current details before visiting.
Fall Market at Cassidy Station
📍 5176 N Fremont Rd, Nixa, MO
📅 September 26, 2026
⏰ 10 AM–4 PM
Spend a fall day at Cassidy Station at Estes Farms during its annual Fall Market.
Shop seasonal finds and local vendors while enjoying the atmosphere of this beautifully restored historic farmstead just outside Nixa. Make a day of it with a stop inside the Cassidy Mercantile or take a little extra time to explore the farm.
The Fall Market is one of several seasonal gatherings hosted at Cassidy Station throughout the year.
Ozark Craft Fair
📍 Finley River Park | 891-961 N Riverside Rd, Ozark, MO
📅 October 2–4, 2026
⏰ Friday & Saturday: 9 AM–6 PM | Sunday: 9 AM–4 PM
A longtime fall tradition in Ozark, the Ozark Craft Fair brings more than 350 vendors to Finley River Park for three days of shopping.
Browse handmade crafts, seasonal décor, gifts and unique finds from vendors throughout the region. Food and snack vendors are also typically on-site, making it easy to grab something to eat while spending the day exploring the fair.
While you’re in Ozark, leave a little extra time to explore the Finley River area or make another nearby stop before heading home.
Amy Bruni: Walking with Ghosts
📍 Aetos Center for the Performing Arts | 510 S Nicholas Rd, Nixa, MO
📅 October 3, 2026
⏰ 7 PM
Add a little paranormal storytelling to your fall plans when Amy Bruni brings Walking with Ghosts to the Aetos Center for the Performing Arts in Nixa.
The live show dives into true hauntings and the stories behind the unexplained, making it a fitting night out for spooky season.
The performance begins at 7 PM. Check Aetos Center for ticket availability and additional event details.
Sparta Persimmon Days Festival
📍837 Division St, Sparta, MO 65753
📅 October 16–17, 2026
⏰ 9 AM–6 PM both days
Celebrate fall in Sparta during the Sparta Persimmon Days Festival, a two-day community event featuring live music, local crafters, food vendors and plenty of family-friendly fun.
The festivities continue Saturday with the Persimmon Days Parade at 10 AM, followed by a Trunk or Treat from noon–1 PM sponsored by First Baptist Sparta.
It’s an easy excuse to spend a fall day exploring eastern Christian County while enjoying one of Sparta’s community traditions.
Historic Haunted Walking Tour
📍 Downtown Ozark, MO
📅 October 17, 2026
⏰ Tours depart every 30 minutes from 4:30 PM–8 PM
Take a walk through Ozark’s past during the Historic Haunted Walking Tour, hosted by the Ozark Historic River District.
The approximately two-hour tour visits historic locations throughout downtown Ozark while sharing stories tied to local history, legends and some of the area’s more infamous characters, including Alf Bolin and the Bald Knobbers.
Tours conclude at the Christian County History Museum, making this a fun way to experience downtown Ozark history with a spooky-season twist.
Nixa Halloween Spooktacular
📍 McCauley Park | 701 N Taylor Way, Nixa, MO
📅 October 23, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM–8:30 PM
Dress up and head to McCauley Park for the Nixa Halloween Spooktacular, a free family-friendly Halloween celebration hosted by Nixa Parks & Recreation.
Trick-or-treat through booths from community partners and enjoy activities throughout the park, including face painting and plenty of Halloween fun.
Admission is free, making it an easy way for families to celebrate spooky season in Nixa.
Festival of Frights
📍 Ozark Community Center | 1530 W Jackson St, Ozark, MO
📅 October 24, 2026
⏰ Evening event
Celebrate Halloween with a night of family-friendly fun at the Festival of Frights at the Ozark Community Center.
Enjoy free trick-or-treating and an outdoor movie, or purchase a $15 wristband for additional activities including inflatables, pumpkin chunkin’, laser tag, face painting, a photo booth and spooky games.
The concession stand will also be open with themed food available for purchase. Costumes are encouraged, so come ready for a full evening of Halloween fun.
Ozark Craft Festival
📍 Ozark Community Center | 1530 W Jackson Street, Ozark, MO
📅 November 13–14, 2026
⏰ Friday: 11 AM–6 PM | Saturday: 9 AM–3 PM
🎟️ Free admission
The Ozark Craft Festival brings vendors together for two days of indoor shopping at the Ozark Community Center.
Browse crafts, gifts, seasonal items and other finds from participating vendors while enjoying a late-fall shopping weekend in Ozark.
With free admission and everything held indoors, it’s an easy way to spend a November afternoon and get a head start on holiday shopping.
🍂 More Things to Do This Fall
Festivals and special events are only part of the fun. Cooler temperatures and changing leaves also make fall a great time to get outside, explore local attractions and experience a different side of Christian County.
160 Grand Prix
📍 521 Guin Road, Nixa, MO
⏰ Check current hours before visiting
Cooler fall weather makes it a great time to head outside for a little friendly competition at 160 Grand Prix in Nixa.
Race around the go-kart track, challenge family and friends to a round of mini golf or take a few swings in the batting cages. With plenty of ways to play, 160 Grand Prix makes for a fun afternoon or evening with family and friends.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
📍 5242 S State Hwy ZZ, Republic, MO 65738
📅 Open year-round
History and fall scenery come together at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, where wooded trails, rolling fields and the landscape surrounding Wilson’s Creek take on the colors of the season.
The park preserves the site of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, fought August 10, 1861, one of the first major battles of the Civil War and the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. The battlefield stretches across Greene and Christian counties, bringing a piece of this nationally significant historic landscape into Christian County.
Explore the battlefield along the scenic Tour Road, stop at historic sites or take to the trails for a closer look at the changing leaves. Fall is an especially beautiful time to experience the park, whether you’re visiting for the history, the scenery or simply an afternoon outdoors.
Go Leaf Peeping
You don’t need a festival or special event to enjoy fall in Christian County. When the leaves begin to change, wooded hills, creek valleys and winding backroads become part of the experience.
Head to Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area for miles of trails through the Ozarks, explore the forests and creekside scenery around Chadwick Recreation Area and Swan Creek, take a walk through Garrison Springs Community Forest in Ozark, or hit the trails at Two Rivers Mountain Bike Park, where riders and hikers can explore purpose-built trails across the rolling landscape.
Whether you’re planning a hike, hopping on a mountain bike, bringing along the camera or simply taking the scenic route, cooler temperatures and changing leaves make fall one of the best times to get outside and explore Christian County.
Plan a Fall Day Trip or Weekend
One of the best parts about exploring Christian County is how easily different experiences can be combined into one trip.
Spend the morning at a fall festival before stopping at a local restaurant for lunch. Pair a pumpkin patch or farm visit with a scenic drive through the countryside. Browse a craft fair in Ozark, then spend the afternoon exploring the outdoors. Or combine seasonal events, shopping and family attractions for a full day out.
If you’re visiting from outside the area, leave a little extra room in the itinerary to explore beyond the event that brought you here. Local restaurants, shops, outdoor recreation and unexpected stops can easily turn a quick visit into a full day of exploring.
Event dates, hours and activities may change throughout the season, so checking with individual attractions and event organizers before traveling is always recommended.
Find More Events in Christian County
There’s always something happening around Christian County. From community festivals and live music to markets, family activities and seasonal events, there’s even more to explore throughout the year.
Check out the Explore Christian County Events Calendar to see what’s coming up and start planning your next outing.
