Branson, Missouri, is one of the largest and most historic towns located in the Midwest region of the United States. Many people from the Midwest come to Branson to experience its historic downtown and farm-town charm. Like many other Midwest cities, it offers a variety of attractions to visitors and locals, which typically cost money. However, there are a variety of free activities in and around Branson.
The downtown area of Branson, Missouri, is an attraction. The city of Branson organizes a variety of free events and festivals that take place right in the downtown district. For example, the Adoration Parade takes place in early December and has been going on for 62 years. It features a variety of Christmas-themed floats, marching bands and concludes with the lighting of the Christmas tree.
In the middle of September, the Autumn Daze Arts and Crafts Festival celebrates local arts and crafts as well as featuring artists throughout the Midwest.
In the end of August, the Branson Fiddle Festival is a competition of the best fiddlers around. Though many of these events take place downtown, Branson offers free trolleys to transport people to and from the attractions.
Downtown Branson Main Street Association Inc
119 W. Pacific St.
Branson, MO 65616
417-334-1548
downtownbranson.org
The Branson Parks and Recreation is located on the north side of Branson and offers free indoor and outdoor activities for the entire family. The Parks and Recreation includes a large recplex, as well as a variety of sports teams and camps, though all cost some sort of fee. However, the grounds also have a disc golf course and league that is free. Disc golf, also known as Frisbee golf, has the same rules as golf other than a player throws a Frisbee instead of hitting a golf ball. There is also a Branson Disk Golf Association that is run by volunteers. The Branson Disk Golf Association is in charge of maintaining and adding different courses throughout the city.
Branson Parks and Recreation
1500 Branson Hills Parkway
Branson, MO 65616-9893
417-335-2368
bransonparksandrecreation.com
Straight north, down route 65 from Branson, is the Hyde Gallery which is located in Springfield, Missouri. The Hyde Gallery features the best contemporary artist in the area and throughout the Midwest as well as serving the local community. The large gallery space is unlike the rest of downtown Springfield in that it is updated and modern. Hyde Gallery typically features 15-20 artists at a particular time but often changes their gallery space with new artists. The Hyde is dedicated to making art more accessible and therefore admission to the gallery is free.
Hyde Gallery
221 E. Walnut St.
Springfield, MO 65806-2125
417-864-7877
hydegallery.com
