JAN

2026 Lake of the Ozarks Eagle Days 26th Year

Witness the majesty of bald eagles wintering at the Lake! Now in its 26th year, this popular free event offers prime viewing spots below Bagnell Dam and at Willmore Lodge — bring binoculars! Enjoy live eagle programs presented by the World Bird Sanctuary and Dickerson Park Zoo at Christ the King Lutheran Church and Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, plus vendor booths, kids' activities, and photo and coloring contests. A partnership between the Lake Area Chamber, CVB, and local conservation organizations makes this educational event possible.

Official Eagle Days Website →

Insider TipJanuary is the most affordable month to stay at the Lake. Book a cozy vacation home, enjoy uncrowded restaurants, and take advantage of off-season rates while experiencing something truly unique. Dress warmly — eagle viewing is outdoors near the water.

 

FEB

Lake of the Ozarks Mardi Gras Pub Crawl

Laissez les bons temps rouler! Join the "World's Largest Pub Crawl" for a wild weekend of Mardi Gras fun. Purchase a wristband for safe bus transportation between dozens of participating venues, enjoy live entertainment, and soak up the festive party atmosphere. Kick things off Friday night with the official pre-party.

Official Pub Crawl Website →

Lake of the Ozarks Polar Plunge & Polar Bear Strut 5K

Are you brave enough to take the plunge? This "unbearable" event is a major fundraiser for Special Olympics Missouri (SOMO). Participants — often in hilarious costumes — run, walk, or crawl into the icy lake waters. The day includes the Polar Bear Strut 5K run/walk, a chili cook-off, a Pee Wee Plunge for kids (in a warmer tank!), and a costume parade before the main event. Raise funds, have fun, and support a great cause!

Register at PlungeMO.org →

3rd Annual Dam Putt Putt Tournament

A fun, casual pre-season event tied to the high-speed boat racing scene. Participants putt their way through mini-golf courses set up at various Strip establishments. Proceeds benefit the numerous charities supported by the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout.

Get Tickets via LOTO Shootout →

Home, Business & Lake Living EXPO

Hosted by the Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce, this expo is your one-stop shop for home improvement, business services, and lake lifestyle ideas. Connect with local experts, discover new products, and get inspired for your next project.

Camdenton Chamber Info →

The weekend of February 21–28 showcases the Lake's smart strategy of clustering events during the off-season. The Mardi Gras Pub Crawl, Polar Plunge, Putt Putt Tournament, and Home Expo create a multi-weekend winter getaway that attracts partygoers, charity supporters, homeowners, and families — boosting lodging and dining during a typically quieter time.

 

MAR

42nd Annual Lake of the Ozarks St. Patrick's Day Parade

Don your green and celebrate! This beloved Lake tradition marches down the historic Bagnell Dam Strip, featuring festive floats, boats on trailers, local bands, community groups, and plenty of Irish cheer. A perfect family-friendly way to welcome spring. The road closes at 12:45 PM and reopens around 3:00 PM. You can exit or enter via Hwy H.H. using Hwy 242.

Lake St. Pats Parade Info →

Lake West Chamber Business Expo

Connect with businesses on the "West Side" of the Lake! Hosted by the Lake West Chamber of Commerce, this expo features over 80 businesses and non-profits, offering a great chance to discover local services, especially for home improvement projects. Free admission and parking.

Lake West Chamber Events →

Big Crappie Challenge New Event

New for 2026! Over $165,000 in cash and prizes — including $50,000 for a single crappie! This exciting new tournament from Midwest Fish Tournaments brings crappie anglers to the Lake for a shot at massive payouts.

Midwest Fish Tournaments →

 

APR

Spring Big Bass Bash

Cast your line for big bucks! The Spring Big Bass Bash is one of the largest amateur-only bass fishing tournaments in the nation, with over $330,000 guaranteed in cash and prizes. Anglers compete over two days for hefty cash prizes awarded for the heaviest bass caught hourly, plus grand prizes for the overall biggest fish — including a chance to win a new bass boat.

Register at MidwestFishTournaments.com →

75th Annual Dogwood Festival 75th Anniversary

A major milestone for Missouri's longest-running spring festival! The 75th Annual Dogwood Festival fills Camdenton with family fun, including a carnival (Thu–Sat evenings), a grand parade (Saturday at 10 AM), indoor and outdoor craft and food vendors, live entertainment on the main stage, pageants, a baby contest, a pancake breakfast, free airplane rides for kids (Young Eagles event Saturday), and dinner theater. The Camdenton Chamber also distributes dogwood saplings!

Dogwood Festival at CamdentonChamber.com →

LOMDA Spring In-Water Boat Show

See the boats where they belong — in the water! The Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association's spring show lets you board and inspect a wide variety of new boats docked at Dog Days. A prime opportunity for serious boat shoppers, featuring new cruisers, performance boats, runabouts, and personal watercraft.

Lake Ozark Boat Dealers →

Corvettes In Paradise Car Show

Corvette lovers unite! The Lake of the Ozarks Corvette Club (LOCC) hosts its annual show, bringing stunning 'Vettes to the scenic Margaritaville resort. Expect dozens of classic, custom, and new Corvettes on display.

Ozarks International Raceway – April Racing

OIR kicks off its 2026 racing season with NASA MidAmerica racing, Precision DRIFT events, Porsche Club of America track days, and high-performance driver education. Feel the roar of engines at one of Missouri's premier motorsports facilities.

Ozarks International Raceway →

 

Insider Tip Late April is exceptionally busy at the Lake. With the Dogwood Festival, Boat Show, Corvette Show, and raceway events all happening, plan ahead for lodging. Spring temperatures average in the mid-70s — perfect for outdoor activities.

 

MAY

38th Annual Magic Dragon Street Meet Nationals

A legendary Lake event! Recognized as one of the Midwest's largest car shows, Magic Dragon takes over the historic Bagnell Dam Strip. See over 800 incredible street rods, classic cars, and custom vehicles spanning from the early 1900s to the present, attracting around 10,000 spectators over the weekend. The Strip is closed to normal traffic during show hours (Fri 10 AM–5 PM, Sat 8 AM–6 PM), creating an atmosphere reminiscent of American Graffiti. Free admission!

Magic Dragon Car Show Website →

Lake of the Ozarks Spring Harbor Hop

The quintessential Lake poker run! Boaters "hop" between dozens of checkpoints around the vast Lake, drawing one playing card at each stop to build the best 7-card poker hand. It's a fun, casual day exploring the Lake, visiting different venues, and enjoying the water. An optional $20 donation per hand benefits local charities. Organized by the CVB (FunLake.com).

Spring Harbor Hop at FunLake.com →

18th Annual LOTO Shootout Golf Tournament

Tee off for a good cause! This annual golf tournament raises funds for the numerous charities supported by the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, including local fire departments and marine rescue teams.

Buy Tickets via Shootout Events →

Hot Summer Nights – Season Opener

The beloved summer tradition begins! Hot Summer Nights brings classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles cruising the historic Strip with live music, food vendors, and a festive street party atmosphere. Each month features a different theme, attracting around 3,000 people per event. Runs monthly through September.

Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks

The unofficial start of summer! Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the night sky over the water at Margaritaville, Lodge of Four Seasons, Bear Bottom Resort, and more. A major holiday weekend drawing large crowds — book lodging well in advance.

Check FunLake.com for complete fireworks guide →

Adult Glow Treasure Hunt & Float Your Boat & Great Shootout Treasure Hunt

A fun-filled Shootout fundraiser weekend! The Adult Glow Treasure Hunt kicks off Friday night, followed Saturday by the Float Your Boat cardboard boat race (will they sink or float?) and the Great Shootout Treasure Hunt. All proceeds benefit Shootout charities.

Buy Tickets at Shootout Events →

JUN

Offshore Powerboat Races (XINSURANCE Offshore)

Experience the thunder of offshore powerboat racing! This APBA-sanctioned event, produced by the local Professional Racing Offshore (PRO) group and managed by the Shootout organization, features high-performance boats battling it out on a course near the iconic Bagnell Dam. The weekend includes racer testing, time trials, multiple race classes, a street party on the Strip, and an awards ceremony.

Offshore Race Details →

Canine Cannonball (Dock Diving)

Watch talented pups fly! Dogs compete in dock diving — jumping for maximum distance and height into the water. Enjoy live music, food, drinks, and cheer for the canine athletes. A family favorite drawing around 1,500 spectators. Free admission!

Hot Summer Nights (June)

The monthly summer cruise-in continues with classic cars, live music, and crowds filling the historic Strip.

JUL

Fourth of July Fireworks

Celebrate Independence Day Lake-style! Numerous resorts, businesses, and communities host breathtaking fireworks shows over the water. Find a spot on land or join the massive boat raft-ups for an unforgettable view. Consider booking a fireworks cruise for a front-row seat. Expect peak crowds and a vibrant holiday atmosphere across the entire Lake area.

Check FunLake.com for a complete fireworks guide →

Hot Summer Nights (July)

The mid-summer edition of the classic car cruise and street party lights up the historic Strip.

Aquapalooza 2026

Known as the largest family-friendly boating event at Lake of the Ozarks, Aquapalooza is a massive on-water celebration featuring live music performances, vendors, and water activities for all ages. Join the enormous raft-up or enjoy from the dock. Aquapalooza typically attracts over 12,000 attendees and 1,000 boats, creating an unforgettable lake party experience whether you arrive by boat or by land.

Aquapalooza at FunLake.com →

Insider TipThe 4th of July and Aquapalooza weekends are the busiest of the year. Book your vacation rental at least 2–3 months in advance. For fireworks, arrive early by boat or book a cruise — the view from the water is unmatched.

AUG

Hot Summer Nights Finale

The final Hot Summer Nights cruise-in of the season brings classic cars and crowds to the historic Strip for one last summer hurrah.

Great Bagnell Dam Duck Drop

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.

Midwest Wine & Brew Festival

Sample local wineries, craft breweries, and food vendors while enjoying live music in a relaxing lakeside setting. Attracts around 2,500 visitors.

Hall of Fame Dinner

The Bob Morgan Shootout Hall of Fame Dinner kicks off Shootout Week, honoring legends of Lake Ozark powerboat racing.

Buy Tickets →

Shootout on the Strip — Street Party

See high-performance powerboats up close, meet manufacturers and race teams, and enjoy a massive street party on the historic Strip with live music and food vendors.

Shootout Showcase — Demo Day

Get up close to the race boats and teams at Dog Days, the race headquarters. A full day of demonstrations, vendor villages, and family-friendly activities.

Poly Lift LOTO Shootout Poker Run

Join one of the nation's largest poker runs! Navigate scenic waterways, collecting poker chips at various stops. Presented by Poly Lift Boat Lifts.

Buy Tickets →

38th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout — Race Days 38th Annual

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 Dog Days, live entertainment, and opportunities to meet the race teams. The Shootout is also a massive fundraiser for Lake area fire departments, marine rescue teams, and numerous charities through its 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Spectators can watch from the massive flotilla on the water (arrive early for the best spots!) or from land at Dog Days. Live coverage airs on Mix 92.7 FM radio and streams live on the Shootout website, Facebook, and YouTube.

Official Shootout Website →

Insider Tip: If watching from the water, plan to stay all day — it's difficult to leave mid-event. Bring plenty of anchor line (100+ feet of depth), sunscreen, water, food, and life jackets. Arrive before 8 AM for the best viewing position in the flotilla.

 

SEP

Labor Day Weekend Fireworks

Bid farewell to the traditional summer season with spectacular fireworks displays at multiple resorts and communities around the Lake. Check local listings for specific schedules.

Hot Summer Nights – Grand Finale

The grand finale of the 2026 Hot Summer Nights season. One last chance to experience classic cars cruising the Strip, live music, and the community gathering that defines this popular event series.

Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest 2026 Extended to 6 Days!

One of the largest motorcycle rallies in the Midwest, now extended to six days for 2026! Bikefest attracts over 125,000 riders annually and features spectacular scenic rides through the Ozark hills, over 50 live music and entertainment shows across 300+ participating bars and restaurants, extensive vendor villages (including at Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson), bike shows, contests, and parties galore. The popular Passport Run challenges riders to visit bars and restaurants around the Lake for a chance to win prizes — including potentially a custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The rally itself is free to attend; specific concerts or venue events may have cover charges.

Official Bikefest Website →

40th Annual Eldon Turkey Festival

Celebrate Eldon's rich heritage at this long-standing, family-friendly community festival. Enjoy a grand parade, carnival rides, live music stages, over 150 craft and food vendors, and don't miss the famous smoked turkey legs and tenders from the Eldon Chamber.

Eldon Chamber Events →

Bikefest's extension to six days for 2026 reflects its enormous economic impact on the Lake region. The decentralized nature of the event — spread across hundreds of venues in multiple towns — means every corner of the Lake area benefits. For visitors, it's important to book lodging early as the Lake Ozark and Osage Beach corridor fills up quickly.

 

OCT

20th Anniversary Fall Big Bass Bash 20th Anniversary!

20 years in the making! The Fall Big Bass Bash celebrates its milestone anniversary and promises to be the biggest yet. One of the largest amateur-only bass fishing tournaments in the country, anglers compete for massive cash payouts for the biggest bass weighed in during multiple time slots over two days, with major prizes including cash and boats.

Register at MidwestFishTournaments.com →

Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival

A cherished fall tradition celebrating the apple harvest and local heritage. This vibrant street festival features a grand parade, classic car show, apple pie baking contests, live music and dance performances, arts and crafts vendors, artisans, and delicious food booths — expect lots of apple treats!

Versailles Apple Festival →

Lake of the Ozarks Fall Harbor Hop

The autumn edition of the Lake's famous on-water poker run! Boaters hop between checkpoints, drawing cards to build the best hand while enjoying the spectacular fall scenery. Checkpoints typically open between 9 AM and 11 AM, with hands due by 7 PM.

Fall Harbor Hop at FunLake.com →

Osage Beach Fall Festival

A day of free, family-friendly fun hosted by Osage Beach Parks and Recreation. Enjoy live music, pop-up shops, food trucks, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and pie-eating contests.

Stover Rock Island Fall Festival & Missouri's Best Wine Stroll

Live music, craft and food vendors, KCBS-sanctioned BBQ competition, bike & car show, and the Missouri's Best Wine Stroll featuring samples from various Missouri wineries and breweries in the park.

Stover Rock Island Festival →

Insider TipOctober is arguably the most beautiful month at the Lake. Fall foliage peaks mid-to-late October, and the scarlet oaks at Ha Ha Tonka State Park's Castle Trail are spectacular. Lodging rates are more affordable than summer, and you'll enjoy shorter waits at restaurants.

 

NOV

Main Street Music Hall Christmas Show

A long-standing Lake holiday tradition! This high-energy variety show delights audiences of all ages with festive Christmas music spanning genres, hilarious comedy routines, and dazzling costumes. A perfect family outing to get into the holiday spirit.

Lake Music Hall →

Enchanted Village of Lights

Often billed as the largest Christmas light display in the Ozarks, this drive-through and walk-through experience covers 27 acres with millions of twinkling lights. Enjoy numerous themed displays, including whimsical lake-life scenes. Open nightly; admission is free with donations gratefully accepted.

Enchanted Village Facebook Page →

Lake of the Ozarks Turkey Trot

Start Thanksgiving with an invigorating run or walk before indulging in the holiday feast.

Festival of Lights at the National Shrine of Mary

One of the Lake's longest-running holiday light displays. Drive or walk through peaceful grounds illuminated with thousands of lights depicting religious and traditional Christmas themes. Open nightly and free to the public.

Mother's Shrine →

Unity Circle of Lights

Drive through Versailles City Park, transformed into a winter wonderland with approximately 40 lighted holiday displays and festive scenes — including whimsical nods to Ozarks culture like Santa fishing and elves waterskiing. Free admission; donations welcome.

Christmas Village at Old Kinderhook

Immerse yourself in holiday magic! Activities include outdoor ice skating, Jingle Bell Wagon Rides through light displays, visits with Santa, elf storytelling, cookie decorating, and Christmas crafts.

Christmas Village at Old Kinderhook →

 

DEC

Ongoing Holiday Light Displays

The Enchanted Village of Lights (Laurie), Festival of Lights (Laurie Shrine), Unity Circle of Lights (Versailles), and Osage Beach Holiday Lights all continue nightly through the holiday season. Multiple free and donation-based options provide holiday entertainment for every budget.

Stover Festival of Lights Parade

A charming small-town lighted evening Christmas parade bringing festive floats and community spirit to downtown Stover.

Camdenton Christmas on the Square

A traditional community Christmas celebration featuring the lighting of the community Christmas tree, musical performances, visits with Santa, refreshments, and family activities.

Camdenton Chamber →

42nd Annual Lake Ozark Christmas Parade

One of the Lake's major holiday events! This large parade marches down the historic Strip featuring decorated floats, boats on trailers, marching bands, classic cars, community groups, emergency vehicles, and Santa Claus. Often themed and sometimes includes a post-parade gathering.

New Year's Eve Celebrations

Ring in 2027 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, a dinner buffet, open bar, and midnight champagne toast. Book accommodations and event tickets well in advance.

Margaritaville NYE →