JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Sink your teeth into smoky barbeque ribs, sip a favorite Missouri varietal and sample a taste of Germany right here in Missouri. Big cities and small towns throughout the Show-Me State urge travelers to get out and listen to jazz, catch a glimpse of aerial aerobatics, and peruse art and antiques at a variety of festivals this spring. Get away and create your own experience that’s close to home, and far from ordinary.
Art Walk
April 24-26
St. Charles
Stroll along Main Street or in the Foundry Art Centre listening to music and sampling wine while appreciating various works of art from more than 80 painters, sculptors, potters, photographers, glass workers and fiber artists. www.SaintCharlesRiverfrontArts.com.
Brookside Art Annual
May 1-3
Kansas City
More than 180 juried artists display their work at this annual art fair that draws more than 70,000 people to Kansas City’s historic Brookside neighborhood, located just south of the Country Club Plaza. www.BrooksideKC.com.
22nd Annual Magic Dragon Street Meet
May 1-3
Lake of the Ozarks
The Bagnell Dam Strip hosts one of the largest street meets in central Missouri with more than 600 incredible street rods, customs, street machines, sleds and motorcycles on display. www.FunLake.com or www.MagicDragonStreetMeet.com.
Apple Blossom Festival
May 1-3
St. Joseph
This citywide festival at Coleman Hawkins Park celebrates the arrival of spring with concerts, dances, pageants, delicious treats and the Apple Blossom Parade through downtown St. Joseph. www.AppleBlossomParade.com.
Fort D Days
May 1-3
Cape Girardeau
Join the Union Turner Brigade and their families as they bring historic Fort D back to life with a Civil War encampment featuring living history demonstrations, live music, food, and live cannon fire. www.VisitCape.com.
Truman’s 125th Birthday Celebration
May 2, 8 and 9
Independence
Honor America’s 33rd President at “Truman’s 125th Birthday Celebration.” The festivities kick off on May 2 with a tractor parade, lawn and garden show, and a birthday party on the historic Independence Square. Other activities include a Harry Truman look-alike contest, live music, trolley rides and kids’ activities. The “Presidential Birthday Salute” will be held on May 8 and 9. www.TrumanLibrary.org or www.VisitIndependence.com.
Art Fair at Laumeier
May 8-10
St. Louis
Each Mother’s Day weekend, Laumeier Sculpture Park hosts 150 artists from across the country for a three-day event featuring unique art, food, wine and entertainment. Works in sculpture, clay, painting, mixed media, printmaking/drawing, new media, jewelry, photography and more are on display. www.Laumeier.org.
Branson Air Show
May 9-10
Branson
Celebrate the grand opening of the new Branson Airport during this world-class air show. Performers include the United States Air Force Thunderbirds; the United States Army Golden Knights; John Klatt from the Air National Guard; AeroShell Aerobatic Team; and many other amazing pilots and aerialists. Pyrotechnics displays and a concert are also scheduled. www.BransonAirShow.com.
Maifest
May 15-17
Hermann
Take a trip to “Rhineland on the Missouri” for a traditional spring celebration that includes winery tours, tastings, live German music and German food. www.HermannMo.info.
Fine Art Fair and Winefest
May 15-17
Washington
More than 60 locally produced wines are poured at one of the largest all-Missouri wine tasting events, held in conjunction with downtown Washington’s Art Fair. The Art Fair consists of a juried selection of more than 50 Midwestern artists featuring exhibits and sales. www.WashMo.org.
Civil War Reenactment
May 15-17
Jefferson City
A weekend full of activities being held at Binder Park includes a ladies social, Civil War battle, period church service, period ball and night firing demonstrations. www.VisitJeffersonCity.com.
10th Annual 100-Mile Yard Sale
May 21-25
Jackson to Kennett
Antiques, collectibles, crafts, primitive furniture, specialty shopping and more fill this massive yard sale stretching from Jackson to Kennett along Highway 25. www.JacksonMoChamber.org.
Other Missouri Festivals and events include:
Show Me Gourd Festival, April 25-26, Sedalia, www.VisitSedaliaMo.com
Valley of Flowers Festival, May 1-3, Florissant, www.FlorissantMo.com
12th Annual Spring Harbor Hop, May 2, Osage Beach, www.FunLake.com
12th Annual Frog Fest, May 2-3,Waynesville, www.VisitPulaskiCounty.org
Folk Arts Festival, May 16, Jefferson City, www.sos.mo.gov/archives
Lewis and Clark Heritage Days, May 16-17, St. Charles, www.LewisAndClark.net
10th Annual Rib America Festival, May 22-25, St. Louis, www.RibAmerica.com
Jiggle Jam, May 23-24, Kansas City, www.KCJiggleJam.com
St. Louis African Arts Festival, May 23-25, St. Louis, www.StlAfricanArtsFest.org
Salute to Veterans Celebration, May 23-25, Columbia, www.Salute.org
Celebration at the Station, May 24, Kansas City, www.KCSymphony.org
45th Annual Bushwhacker Days, June 10-13, Nevada, www.bwdays.com
Show-Me Beer Festival, June 13, Jefferson City, www.VisitJeffersonCity.com
For information on other events or to get a copy of your 2009 Official Missouri Vacation Planner, log on to www.VisitMO.com or call toll-free at 800-519-4800.
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