There is a short window every year when the Ozarks put on their best show. The hills turn copper and gold. The mornings call for a sweatshirt. Plus, nearly every small town has a kettle, a parade or a pumpkin patch waiting down a country road.
So we rounded up the fall outings we think are worth the drive. These range from legendary corn mazes to festivals that have gathered communities for sixty years.
Exeter Corn Maze | Exeter, MO
If you only visit one corn maze this year, make it this one. The 2026 season runs September 12 through November 1. However, the farm offers much more than a maze. You’ll also find sunflower fields, a pumpkin patch, an apple orchard and go karts.
The Cole family owns the farm. Their Haunted Barn reached its 25th season last year. As a result, older kids and brave adults can stay after dark for the scares.
Need to know: Every guest must sign an electronic waiver before entering. Also, anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian signature. Fill it out at home to save time at the window.
In addition, the farm updated its open days and rules for 2026. So check their hours page before you go.
Address: 20946 FR 1057, Exeter, Missouri 65647
Apple Butter Makin’ Days | Mt. Vernon, MO
This festival feels like fall in the Ozarks. The 60th Apple Butter Makin’ Days runs Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The heart of it hasn’t changed in six decades. Volunteers still stir apple butter in old copper kettles on the courthouse lawn. Then, by mid afternoon, they ladle it into jars and sell it. So grab yours before you leave!
Beyond the kettles, you’ll find more than 450 food and craft booths. There’s also live music, a KidZone, wiener dog races and the largest parade in southwest Missouri.
Best of all, your money stays local. Most food booths are run by churches, student groups, civic clubs and other nonprofits.
Need to know: Admission is free. For parking, use the shuttle stops or park along city streets. Hours are typically 9am to 6pm Friday and Saturday and 10am to 4pm Sunday.
Also, expect big crowds. Around 105,000 people visit this town of about 4,500. So arrive early.
Maple Leaf Festival | Carthage, MO
Carthage is known as America’s Maple Leaf City. In mid October, the whole town leans into it. The festival began in 1966 as a marching band competition. Today, it includes more than a week of events, from rodeos and chili cook offs to pageants and concerts.
The parade is the big day. It always falls on the third Saturday of October at 9am. This year, that’s Saturday, October 17, 2026. The route starts on the Historic Square and stretches about two miles.
After the parade, stay for the band festival and the arts and crafts vendors. There are also car and tractor shows, a quilt show and live music.
Need to know: For the daily schedule, visit carthagechamber.com or call 417 358 2373. In addition, bring chairs and claim your parade spot early.
Gardener’s Orchard & Bakery | Brighton, MO
This family orchard sits just north of Springfield. That makes it an easy half day trip. The Gradinariu family, Romanian immigrants, opened it in 2013. Today, it holds more than 5,000 fruit trees, including 13 apple varieties.
Little ones can play here for hours. For example, there’s a jump pad, a mega slide, the Orchard Express and a tricycle track. You’ll also find a corn maze, a pumpkin patch and zinnias to pick.
In October, the farm shifts from its Apple Cider Festival to its Pumpkin Festival. Finally, don’t leave without cider donuts and an apple cider slush. The cider is pressed right on the farm.
Need to know: Admission does not guarantee apple picking. Instead, picking is first come, first served while supplies last. So arrive early and check their Facebook page for updates. You can also shop the bakery without doing the activities.
Address: 4455 W Farm Rd 2, Brighton, MO 65617
More Fall Favorites Around the Ozarks
Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival | Branson. The festival runs September 11 through October 31, 2026. More than 20,000 pumpkins fill the park. Plus, the Garden of Giants shows off pumpkins weighing over 1,000 pounds. Best of all, it’s included with regular admission.
Campbell’s Maze Daze | Clever. This spot is great for families who want a little of everything. Besides the corn maze, there’s a pumpkin patch, bonfires and a magic show. Then, after dark in October, the Haunted Corn Maze opens.
Rutledge Wilson Farm Park | Springfield. This one is close to home and easy on the budget. Last year, Harvest Fest ran on October weekends. It offered hayrides, a cow train, horse rides, a corn maze and a pumpkin patch. Admission was free, with small fees for most activities. Check the Springfield Greene County Park Board for this year’s schedule.
Feith Family Farm. Want the classic hayride? Here, your maze adventure starts with a scenic ride through the woods. Afterward, choose between a corn maze and a hay bale maze.
Lera Family Farm | Branson West. The Sunset Multicultural Harvest Festival runs on fall weekends through late October. Hours are 10am to 9pm.
Tips for Your Fall Day Trips
First, check each farm’s social media the morning of your visit. Weather and crops can change hours quickly. Next, pack layers and wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. Also, bring cash for smaller vendors.
Finally, go early on festival weekends. Parking fills fast. Plus, the best apple butter and cider donuts always go first.
Looking for more fall happenings from Springfield to Branson? Browse the full Ozarks Edit events calendar and plan your next weekend.
