
Kansas & 38 Special (Concert)
- Date: Friday, July 25, 2025
- Time: 6:15 PM
- Location: Ozarks Amphitheater, Camdenton
- Description: A double dose of classic rock featuring Kansas and 38 Special.
- Link: https://ozarksamphitheater.com/events/kansas-38-special/
Darius Rucker with Shane Profitt (Concert)
- Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Ozarks Amphitheater, Camdenton
- Description: Country superstar Darius Rucker takes the stage with opener Shane Profitt.
- Link: https://ozarksamphitheater.com/events/darius-rucker-2/
TWINSICK (DJ Set)
- Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
- Location: Lazy Gators, Lake Ozark
- Description: The DJ duo TWINSICK returns to Lazy Gators.
- Link: https://www.shadygators.com/
Evolve GT Track Days (Motorbikes)
- Date: July 26-27, 2025
- Location: Ozarks International Raceway, Gravois Mills
- Description: Another weekend for motorcycle enthusiasts to hit the track at OIR with Evolve GT.
- Link: https://ozarksinternationalraceway.com/event/evolve-gt-track-days-4/
Table: Ozarks Amphitheater July 2025 Concerts
Date |
Artist(s) |
Genre |
Time |
Info/Tickets Link |
Jul 4, Fri |
Trace Adkins – What Color’s Your Wild Tour |
Country |
7:00 PM |
|
Jul 17, Thu |
AARON LEWIS AND THE STATELINERS: AMERICAN AS IT GETS TOUR |
Country/Rock |
7:30 PM |
|
Jul 18, Fri |
The Avett Brothers |
Folk Rock |
7:00 PM |
|
Jul 19, Sat |
Earth, Wind & Fire |
Funk/R&B/Soul |
7:00 PM |
|
Jul 25, Fri |
Kansas & 38 Special |
Classic Rock |
6:15 PM |
|
Jul 26, Sat |
Darius Rucker with Shane Profitt |
Country |
7:00 PM |
August - Shootout Spectacle and Summer's Peak
The Lake's biggest event, the Shootout, dominates the month, alongside festivals, concerts, and the final Hot Summer Nights.
Train (Concert)
- Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Ozarks Amphitheater, Camdenton
- Description: Catch the multi-platinum pop-rock band Train live at the Amp.
- Link: https://ozarksamphitheater.com/events/train-2/
Niko Moon (Concert)
- Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM
- Location: Lazy Gators, Lake Ozark
- Description: Enjoy the unique country-pop sound of Niko Moon.
- Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/niko-moon-at-lazy-gators-81-tickets-1256073241879
Float Your Boat Cardboard Boat Race
- Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Location: Franky & Louie's Beachfront Bar & Grill, Sunrise Beach
- Description: Watch creative (and sometimes questionable) homemade cardboard boats attempt to race across the water. Will they sink or float? A fun, family-friendly spectacle.
- Link: Check Franky & Louie's or https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/events closer to the date.
Great Bagnell Dam Duck Drop
- Date: August 3, 2025
- Location: Bagnell Dam Strip, Lake Ozark, MO
- Description: Thousands of rubber ducks race down the Osage River below the dam in this quirky fundraiser for local charities. Enjoy family fun zones, games, and entertainment on the Strip. Attracts around 4,000 visitors.
- Link: Check https://funlake.com/ or local listings closer to the date.
Hot Summer Nights (August)
- Date: August 8, 2025 (Second Friday)
- Time: Evening
- Location: Bagnell Dam Strip, Lake Ozark
- Description: The final Hot Summer Nights cruise-in of the season brings classic cars and crowds to the historic Strip for one last summer hurrah.
- Link: https://www.facebook.com/cruisehotsummernights/ or check Bagnell Dam Strip Association pages.
Wishing On A Ride - Welcome Party
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Location: TBD (Check Shootout site)
- Description: Kick-off party for the Wishing On A Ride event, which provides thrilling powerboat experiences for individuals with disabilities and serious medical conditions.
- Link: https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/events
Mini Shootout (RC Boat Race)
- Date: Saturday, August 16 - Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Location: Ha Ha Tonka State Park Spring Area
- Description: Watch high-speed remote-controlled boats compete for the Top Gun title in this miniature version of the main Shootout event. Presented by Van Cadillac.
- Link: https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/events
Wishing On A Ride - Ride Day 1
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Location: Performance Boat Center
- Description: First day of providing unforgettable powerboat rides for individuals with disabilities and serious medical conditions, bringing joy and excitement.
- Link: https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/events
Midwest Wine & Brew Festival
- Date: August 17, 2025
- Location: The Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO
- Description: Sample local wineries, craft breweries, and food vendors while enjoying live music in a relaxing lakeside setting. Attracts around 2,500 visitors.
- Link: Check Lodge of Four Seasons website or https://funlake.com/ closer to the date.
Shootout on the Strip Street Party
- Date: Wednesday, August 20, 2025
- Time: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Location: Bagnell Dam Strip, Lake Ozark, MO
- Description: Kick off Shootout Week! See high-performance powerboats up close, meet manufacturers, and enjoy a massive street party on the historic Strip. Presented by Waves & Wheels Marine Audio.
- Link: https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/events
Wishing On A Ride - Ride Day 2
- Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
- Location: TBD (Check Shootout site)
- Description: Second day of providing thrilling powerboat rides for individuals with disabilities and serious medical conditions.
- Link: https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/events
- Date: Friday, August 22, 2025
- Location: Start: Performance Boat Center; End: Shady Gators
- Description: Join one of the nation's largest poker runs! Navigate scenic waterways, collecting poker chips at various stops. Promises fun and camaraderie for all boaters. Presented by Poly Lift Boat Lifts and sponsored by Lake Expo Real Estate.
- Link: Register via https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/events
37th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout
- Date(s): August 23-24
- Location: Main Race Course near Captain Ron's Bar & Grill, Sunrise Beach (Lake Mile Marker 34.5). Viewing also popular near Dog Days/Grand Glaize Bridge area.
- Description: The main event! Witness the largest unsanctioned boat race in the United States. Powerboats from across the country compete one-by-one against the clock on a measured course, reaching incredible speeds (some over 200 mph). The event includes vendor villages at Captain Ron's, live entertainment, and opportunities to meet the race teams. It's a massive spectacle that also serves as a major fundraiser for Lake area fire departments, marine rescue teams, and various charities.
- Link/More Info: https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/
September 2025 - Roaring Bikes and Fall Beginnings
September marks a transition at the Lake, bridging the end of peak summer with the onset of autumn festivities. The month is dominated by the roar of engines during the massive Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest, an event that sprawls across the entire region, utilizing hundreds of businesses and drawing enormous crowds. This highlights the Lake area's capacity to host large-scale, decentralized events that rely on the collective infrastructure of multiple communities. The month also sees the finale of the beloved Hot Summer Nights series and the traditional Labor Day weekend fireworks, signaling summer's end. The shift towards fall is further cemented by community events like the long-running Eldon Turkey Festival. This scheduling demonstrates a clear effort to extend the primary tourist season beyond Labor Day, maintaining visitor traffic and economic activity into the fall. When planning, it's important to distinguish Lake of the Ozarks events from those in nearby regions like Branson, as preliminary research showed potential confusion regarding events like air shows.
Labor Day Weekend Fireworks
- Date(s): Labor Day Weekend (Aug 30 - Sept 1)
- Location: Various locations around the Lake
- Description: Bid farewell to the traditional summer season with spectacular fireworks displays! Several resorts and communities typically host shows over the long weekend. Check local listings and venue websites for specific schedules as the date approaches.
- Date(s): September 5
- Location: Bagnell Dam Strip, Lake Ozark, MO
- Description: The grand finale of the 2025 Hot Summer Nights season! This is the last chance of the year to experience the unique atmosphere of classic cars cruising the Strip, live music, food vendors, and community gathering that defines this popular event series.
Pure Prairie League, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall & Orleans Concert
- Date(s): September 6
- Location: Ozarks Amphitheater, 2629 N Business Rt 5, Camdenton, MO
- Description: Enjoy a nostalgic evening packed with classic rock hits from four legendary bands known for their harmonies and memorable songs from the 70s and 80s.
- Link/More Info: https://ozarksamphitheater.com/ or Ticketmaster
Event Name: 18th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest
- Date(s): September 10-14
- Location: Lake-wide event centered around Lake Ozark, Osage Beach, Sunrise Beach, Laurie, and surrounding areas. Check specific venue schedules.
- Description: One of the largest motorcycle rallies in the Midwest, attracting over 125,000 riders annually.22 This five-day event features scenic rides through the Ozarks hills (including the popular Passport Run for prizes 5), over 50 live music and entertainment shows across 300+ participating bars and restaurants, extensive vendor villages (like the one at Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson® 23), bike shows, contests, and parties galore. While the rally itself is free to attend, specific concerts or venue events may have cover charges.
- Link/More Info: https://lakebikefest.com/
Bikefest Freedom Bash
- Date(s): September 12
- Location: Check LakeBikeFest.com for specific 2025 location.
- Description: A featured event within the larger Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest rally. Details on performers and activities are typically announced on the official Bikefest website closer to the event.27
- Link/More Info: https://lakebikefest.com/events-schedule/ 27
Goo Goo Dolls with Dashboard Confessional - Summer Anthem Tour 2025
- Date(s): September 12
- Location: Ozarks Amphitheater, 2629 N Business Rt 5, Camdenton, MO
- Description: Rock out with the multi-platinum selling Goo Goo Dolls, joined by Dashboard Confessional, for a major concert stop during Bikefest week.
- Link/More Info: https://ozarksamphitheater.com/ or Ticketmaster
Lake of the Ozarks Air Show
- Date(s): September 21 (Verify Date & Confirmation for 2025)
- Location: Camdenton Memorial-Lake Regional Airport, Camdenton, MO
- Description: An exciting day of aviation featuring aerial performances by stunt pilots, military aircraft demonstrations, static plane displays on the ground, and family-friendly activities.
- Link/More Info: Check Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce website or FunLake.com Events closer to the date.
39th Annual Eldon Turkey Festival
- Date(s): September 27
- Location: Downtown Eldon, MO
- Description: Celebrate Eldon's rich heritage at this long-standing, family-friendly community festival. Enjoy a grand parade, carnival rides, live music stages, local performance groups, over 150 craft and food vendors lining the streets, and don't miss the Eldon Chamber's famous smoked turkey legs and tenders.
- Link/More Info: https://www.eldonchamber.com/events 25 or https://www.visitmo.com/events/39th-annual-eldon-turkey-festival 24
October 2025 - Fall Colors and Festive Gatherings
October transforms Lake of the Ozarks with crisp air and the beauty of fall foliage, providing a stunning backdrop for popular annual traditions and charming community festivals. The month features major draws like the Fall Big Bass Bash fishing tournament and the beloved Fall Harbor Hop poker run, which sees boaters enjoying the waterways in cooler weather. Alongside these large-scale events, October showcases the importance of smaller, town-centric celebrations like the Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival, the Osage Beach Fall Festival, and the Stover Rock Island Festival. These events offer an authentic taste of local culture and family-friendly fun, complementing the Lake's bigger attractions and demonstrating the strong community spirit across the region. The density of the schedule, particularly with the potential co-occurrence of several major events on the second weekend (Oct 11th), suggests a peak weekend for fall activity but may require visitors to plan their itineraries carefully. Verification of dates is especially crucial in October, as preliminary research revealed several discrepancies between sources for key events.
Fall Big Bass Bash
- Date(s): October 4-5
- Location: Lake-wide; official weigh-in stations at various marinas around Lake of the Ozarks.
- Description: One of the largest amateur-only bass fishing tournaments in the country! Anglers compete for huge cash payouts awarded for the biggest bass weighed in during multiple time slots over the two-day event. It's a fun and competitive weekend for fishing enthusiasts of all levels, with major prizes including cash and boats.
- Link/More Info: https://midwestfishtournaments.com/big-bass-bash/ 2
Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival
- Date(s): October (Typically First Weekend - Verify 2025 Date)
- Location: Downtown Square, Versailles, MO
- Description: A cherished fall tradition celebrating the apple harvest and local heritage. This vibrant street festival features a grand parade, a classic car show, apple pie baking contests, live music and dance performances, numerous arts and crafts vendors, artisans, delicious food booths (expect lots of apple treats!), and activities for all ages.
- Link/More Info: https://versaillesapplefestival.com/ 34 or Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce.
Lake of the Ozarks Fall Harbor Hop
- Date(s): October 11 (Verify Date - Typically 2nd Saturday)
- Location: Lake-wide; dozens of participating waterfront restaurants, bars, and marinas serve as checkpoints.6
- Description: The autumn edition of the Lake's famous on-water poker run! Boaters "hop" between designated checkpoints around the Lake, drawing a playing card at each stop to build the best poker hand. It's a relaxed, fun way to explore the Lake, enjoy the fall scenery, and visit various establishments offering food, drinks, and entertainment. Checkpoints typically open between 9 am and 11 am, with hands due by 7 pm.
- Link/More Info: https://funlake.com/harborhop
Osage Beach Fall Festival
- Date(s): October 11 (Verify Date - Typically 2nd Saturday)
- Location: Osage Beach City Park, 950 Hatchery Rd, Osage Beach, MO.
- Description: A day of free, family-friendly fun hosted by the Osage Beach Parks and Recreation department. Enjoy live music on the main stage, browse pop-up shops featuring crafts and local goods, grab a bite from food trucks, and let the kids enjoy bounce houses, a petting zoo, and pie-eating contests. Local animal shelters often participate as well.
- Link/More Info: https://osagebeach-mo.gov/2245/Fall-Festival
Stover Rock Island Fall Festival
- Date(s): October 11 (Verify Date - Typically 2nd Saturday)
- Location: Downtown Stover, MO.
- Description: Celebrate Stover's community spirit and history! This annual festival features a full day of activities including live music performances, local craft and food vendors, exciting contests (Best Pie, Chili Cook-Off, Youth Hot Dog Grilling, Taste of Stover BBQ), a Bike & Car Show showcasing classic and new vehicles, and family entertainment. The festival also hosts a KCBS-sanctioned BBQ competition, drawing serious pitmasters.
- Link/More Info: https://stoverrockislandfest.com/ or https://stovermissouri.org/upcoming-events.
Missouri's Best Wine Stroll (Stover)
- Date(s): October 11 (Verify Date - Coincides with Rock Island Fest)
- Location: American Legion Park, Stover, MO.
- Description: Held in conjunction with the Stover Rock Island Festival, this afternoon event offers attendees the chance to sample beverages from various Missouri wineries and breweries in a pleasant park setting.
- Link/More Info: https://stovermissouri.org/upcoming-events.
November 2025 - Giving Thanks and Holiday Sparkle Begins
November marks a distinct shift towards the holiday season at Lake of the Ozarks. While the boating season has wound down for most, the area comes alive with the warm glow of Christmas lights and the sound of holiday music. Several large-scale, drive-through light displays open their gates in late November, often right around Thanksgiving, signaling a strong push to establish the Lake as an early winter Christmas destination. These range from free, donation-based community efforts like the Enchanted Village of Lights in Laurie and the Unity Circle of Lights in Versailles to elaborate resort attractions like the Christmas Village at Old Kinderhook. This provides holiday entertainment options suitable for various budgets. The beloved Main Street Music Hall Christmas Show also kicks off its run, offering festive family entertainment. Thanksgiving Day itself often features special dining opportunities at local restaurants, though specific activities beyond dining appear limited, making advance planning and reservations crucial for visitors.
Main Street Music Hall Christmas Show
- Date(s): November (Throughout Month) - December
- Location: Main Street Music Hall, 5845 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach, MO.
- Description: A long-standing Lake of the Ozarks holiday tradition! This high-energy variety show delights audiences of all ages with festive Christmas music spanning various genres, hilarious comedy routines, and dazzling costumes. A perfect family outing to get into the holiday spirit.
- Link/More Info: https://www.lakemusichall.com/ or check local listings.
Stover Holiday Open House
- Date(s): November 7-8 (Verify 2025 Dates)
- Location: Participating businesses throughout Stover, MO
- Description: Kick off the holiday shopping season in Stover! Local merchants typically host open houses with special deals, refreshments, and festive cheer to welcome shoppers.
- Link/More Info: https://stovermissouri.org/upcoming-events.
Enchanted Village of Lights
- Date(s): November 21, 2025 - January 1, 2026 (Verify Dates)
- Location: Laurie Fairgrounds, 269 N Fairgrounds Rd, Laurie/Gravois Mills, MO.
- Description: Often billed as the largest Christmas light display in the Ozarks, this drive-through (and sometimes walk-through) experience covers 27 acres with millions of twinkling lights. Enjoy numerous themed displays, including some whimsical lake-life scenes featuring elves and Santa. Open nightly, admission is typically free, but donations are gratefully accepted to support the display. Check their Facebook page for occasional special events within the village.
- Link/More Info: Enchanted Village of Lights Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EnchantedVillageofLights/
Event Name: Lake of the Ozarks Turkey Trot
- Date(s): November 27 (Thanksgiving Day)
- Location: Typically starts near Camdenton High School, 336 Laker Pride Rd, Camdenton, MO.
- Description: Start your Thanksgiving Day with an invigorating run or walk! This annual event allows participants to get some exercise before indulging in the holiday feast. Check local running groups or community calendars for registration details.
- Link/More Info: Check Camdenton Chamber of Commerce 30 or local event listings.
Thanksgiving Dining
- Date(s): November 27 (Thanksgiving Day)
- Location: Various Restaurants around Lake of the Ozarks
- Description: Leave the cooking to someone else and enjoy a festive Thanksgiving meal at the Lake! Several area restaurants traditionally offer special Thanksgiving Day buffets or plated dinners. Potential options include The Trophy Room at Old Kinderhook, Baxter's Lakeside Grille, H. Toad's at Camden on the Lake, Margaritaville Lake Resort, and others. Note that some establishments like Tucker's Shuckers are typically closed on Thanksgiving. Reservations are almost always required and should be made well in advance.
- Link/More Info: Contact individual restaurants or check FunLake.com Dining section.
Festival of Lights at The National Shrine of Mary, Mother of the Church
- Date(s): November 28, 2025 - January 5, 2026 (Verify Dates)
- Location: National Shrine of Mary, 176 Marian Drive, Laurie, MO.
- Description: Experience one of the Lake's longest-running holiday light displays at this beautiful shrine. Drive or walk through peaceful grounds illuminated with thousands of lights depicting religious scenes (including the Nativity) and traditional Christmas themes. Open nightly and free to the public.
- Link/More Info: https://mothersshrine.com/ or check local Laurie listings.
Unity Circle of Lights
- Date(s): November 29, 2025 - January 1, 2026 (Verify Dates)
- Location: Versailles City Park, Hwy 5 & Hwy 52, Versailles, MO.
- Description: Enjoy a delightful drive through Versailles City Park, transformed into a winter wonderland with approximately 40 lighted holiday displays and festive scenes. Open nightly during the season; admission is free, with donations welcome to support the event.
- Link/More Info: Check City of Versailles or Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce 40 information.
Event Name: Christmas Village at Old Kinderhook
- Date(s): Late Nov - Mid/Late Dec (Weekends - Verify 2025 Schedule)
- Location: Old Kinderhook Resort, 678 Old Kinderhook Dr, Camdenton, MO.
- Description: Immerse yourself in holiday magic at this festive village experience hosted by Old Kinderhook Resort. Activities typically include outdoor ice skating on "The Ice" rink, charming Jingle Bell Wagon Rides through the resort's light displays, opportunities to visit with Santa Claus, elf storytelling sessions with cookies and milk, Christmas crafts, cookie decorating, and more. Activities, hours, and admission fees vary; check the resort's specific Christmas Village schedule for 2025 details.
- Link/More Info: https://oldkinderhook.com/play/christmas-village-at-old-kinderhook/
December 2025 - Parades, Lights, and New Year's Eve
December at Lake of the Ozarks is fully immersed in the magic of the holidays. The spectacular light displays that opened in November continue to twinkle nightly, creating a festive atmosphere across the region. The month is punctuated by cherished community Christmas parades in towns like Stover, Camdenton, and the major parade along the Bagnell Dam Strip in Lake Ozark, showcasing local spirit alongside the season's commercial festivities. These parades and ongoing attractions like the Old Kinderhook Christmas Village and the Main Street Music Hall show demonstrate how the Lake leverages its existing infrastructure – from historic streets to modern resorts – to create diverse holiday experiences. As the month culminates, attention turns to ringing in the New Year, with various resorts and restaurants hosting special celebrations, often requiring advance booking. As with many seasonal events, confirming specific dates for December parades and activities is essential, as preliminary information often relies on patterns from previous years.
Enchanted Village of Lights (Laurie)
- Date(s): December (Ongoing through Dec 31 or Jan 1)
- Location: Laurie Fairgrounds, 269 N Fairgrounds Rd, Laurie/Gravois Mills, MO.
- Description: Continue enjoying the sprawling drive-through light display, open nightly. Donations appreciated. Ends Jan 1, 2026.
- Link/More Info: Enchanted Village of Lights Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EnchantedVillageofLights/
Festival of Lights (Laurie Shrine)
- Date(s): December (Ongoing through Jan 5)
- Location: National Shrine of Mary, 176 Marian Drive, Laurie, MO.
- Description: Peaceful drive or walk-through display featuring religious and traditional Christmas lights. Open nightly, free admission. Ends Jan 5, 2026.
- Link/More Info: https://mothersshrine.com/
Unity Circle of Lights (Versailles)
- Date(s): December (Ongoing through Jan 1)
- Location: Versailles City Park, Hwy 5 & Hwy 52, Versailles, MO.
- Description: Drive through the city park to view dozens of lighted holiday scenes. Open nightly, donations welcome. Ends Jan 1, 2026.
- Link/More Info: Check City of Versailles or Versailles Area Chamber of Commerce.
Osage Beach Holiday Lights
- Date(s): December 1 - 31 (Verify Dates)
- Location: Osage Beach City Park, 950 Hatchery Rd, Osage Beach, MO.
- Description: Enjoy a festive drive through Osage Beach City Park, decorated by the city with a variety of fun and traditional holiday light displays, including whimsical scenes like Santa rocking out or a moose driving a monster truck. Open nightly through December.
- Link/More Info: https://osagebeach-mo.gov/
Event Name: Main Street Music Hall Christmas Show
- Date(s): December (Throughout Month)
- Location: Main Street Music Hall, 5845 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach, MO.
- Description: Last chance to catch this popular holiday variety show! Enjoy Christmas music, comedy, and family-friendly entertainment before the season ends.
- Link/More Info: https://www.lakemusichall.com/
Christmas Village at Old Kinderhook
- Date(s): December (Weekends - Verify 2025 Schedule)
- Location: Old Kinderhook Resort, 678 Old Kinderhook Dr, Camdenton, MO.
- Description: Weekend holiday festivities continue at Old Kinderhook, typically featuring ice skating, wagon rides through the lights, visits with Santa, crafts, and more holiday fun. Check the resort's schedule for specific dates, times, and activities as they often conclude mid-December.
- Link/More Info: https://oldkinderhook.com/play/christmas-village-at-old-kinderhook/
Stover Festival of Lights Parade
- Date(s): December 6 (Verify 2025 Date - Typically 1st Saturday)
- Location: Downtown Stover, MO.
- Description: Enjoy a charming small-town Christmas parade! This annual lighted evening parade, hosted by the Stover Area Chamber of Commerce, brings festive floats and community spirit to downtown Stover. (Date based on 2024 schedule; confirm for 2025).
- Link/More Info: https://stovermissouri.org/upcoming-events.
Camdenton Christmas on the Square
- Date(s): Early December (Verify 2025 Date)
- Location: Downtown Square, Camdenton, MO.
- Description: A traditional community Christmas celebration hosted by the Camdenton Chamber. Festivities often include the lighting of the community Christmas tree, musical performances, visits with Santa Claus, refreshments, and other family activities to kick off the holiday season in Camdenton.
- Link/More Info: https://camdentonchamber.com/.
41st Annual Lake Ozark Christmas Parade
- Date(s): December 14 (Verify 2025 Date - Typically 2nd Saturday)
- Location: Bagnell Dam Strip, Lake Ozark, MO.
- Description: One of the Lake's major holiday events! This large parade marches down the historic Bagnell Dam Strip, featuring decorated floats, boats on trailers, marching bands, classic cars, community groups, emergency vehicles, horses, and, of course, Santa Claus. Often themed (e.g., "80's Lake Christmas" in 2024) and sometimes includes a post-parade gathering. (Date based on 2024 event; confirm for 2025).
- Link/More Info: Check Lake Ozark Christmas Parade Facebook page or City/Chamber websites.
New Year's Eve Celebrations
- Date(s): December 31
- Location: Various resorts, restaurants, and bars around Lake of the Ozarks
- Description: Ring in 2026 Lake-style! Numerous venues host special New Year's Eve parties, dinners, and events. Margaritaville Lake Resort is known for its large Paradise Ballroom celebration featuring live bands (like Butch Wax and the Hollywoods & The Cherry Pistols in past years), a dinner buffet, open bar, midnight champagne toast, and often a theme.54 Other establishments offer special menus, live music, or fireworks. Due to high demand, booking accommodations and event tickets well in advance is strongly recommended.
- Link/More Info: Margaritaville Lake Resort: https://www.margaritavilleresortlakeoftheozarks.com/new-years-eve; Check FunLake.com Events 61 or individual venue websites for other options.
Planning Resources & Final Notes
Lake of the Ozarks truly offers a dynamic calendar of events. From the high-octane energy of summer boat races and fireworks to the roar of motorcycles in early fall and the cozy charm of community festivals and sparkling holiday lights, there's an experience waiting for every visitor.
As highlighted throughout this guide, event details are always subject to change. Dates mentioned, particularly for annual events where 2025 specifics were not yet published (like some festivals and parades), are based on typical scheduling patterns or information from the previous year. It is absolutely essential to verify all details – dates, times, locations, ticket requirements, and potential cancellations – directly with the event organizers or through the official links provided before making firm plans. Discrepancies noted in preliminary research further underscore this need for confirmation.
To assist with your broader planning, here are key resources for exploring everything Lake of the Ozarks has to offer:
- FunLake.com (Lake of the Ozarks Convention & Visitor Bureau): The primary resource for comprehensive visitor information, including lodging, dining, attractions, and the most current event calendars. https://www.funlake.com/ 1
- Lake Area Chamber of Commerce: Useful for finding local businesses and potentially uncovering additional community events. https://www.lakeareachamber.com/ 8
- Lake of the Ozarks Shootout Official Site: For all details regarding Shootout Week events, schedules, and charity information. https://www.lakeoftheozarksshootout.com/ 16
- Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest Official Site: The go-to source for rally schedules, maps, lodging partners, and vendor information. https://lakebikefest.com/ 22
2024 Lake of the Ozarks Events Calendar