The definitive month-by-month guide to 100+ events, festivals, concerts, boat races, and celebrations at Missouri's premier lake destination.
Welcome to Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri's premier lake destination and one of the top vacation spots in the Midwest. While famous for its 1,150 miles of sparkling shoreline and world-class boating, the Lake buzzes with energy year-round — from dazzling fireworks and high-speed boat races to charming festivals, headline concerts, and cozy holiday celebrations.
This calendar is your comprehensive guide to the biggest and best events confirmed for 2026, including milestone anniversaries like the 75th Annual Dogwood Festival, the 38th Annual Shootout, the 20th Anniversary Big Bass Bash, and the extended six-day Bikefest. We've gathered confirmed dates, insider tips, and direct links to help you plan the perfect trip. Event details can sometimes shift, so always verify with organizers before finalizing your plans.
Kick off the new year with one of the Lake's most unique wildlife experiences. Winter at Lake of the Ozarks offers quiet beauty, affordable lodging, and the spectacular sight of bald eagles soaring over the Osage River near Bagnell Dam.
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 →Beat the winter blues with one of the liveliest weekends on the Lake's calendar. February clusters major events — the Mardi Gras Pub Crawl, Polar Plunge, and more — creating an unforgettable winter getaway that proves Lake of the Ozarks is a genuine year-round destination.
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 →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 →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 →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 Lake begins to thaw as the unofficial start to boating season arrives with the beloved St. Patrick's Day Parade. Community gatherings and business expos signal the coming spring buzz.
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 →The St. Patrick's Day festivities include both a land parade on the Strip and a water parade on the Lake.
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 →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 →Spring arrives in full force at Lake of the Ozarks with blooming dogwood trees, world-class fishing, and a packed festival schedule. April features two signature events: the milestone 75th Annual Dogwood Festival and the Spring Big Bass Bash, along with boat and car shows and racing at Ozarks International Raceway.
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 →Lake of the Ozarks is one of the top bass fishing destinations in the Midwest, hosting multiple major tournaments each year.
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 →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 →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.
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 →Stay lakefront at Indian Pointe Resort with private docks, heated pools, and easy access to every event on this calendar.
Explore Vacation HomesThe energy builds toward summer with iconic car shows, the first big on-water poker run, blockbuster concerts, and the unofficial start of the season over Memorial Day weekend. May is when Lake of the Ozarks truly comes alive.
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 →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 →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 →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.
| Date | Artist(s) | Genre | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 8, Fri | ZZ Top & Dwight Yoakam: Dos Amigos Tour | Rock / Country | 7:00 PM | Link |
| May 9, Sat | Bush: The Land of Milk and Honey Tour | Alt Rock | 7:00 PM | Link |
| May 23, Sat | Styx with special guest Cheap Trick | Classic Rock | 7:30 PM | Link |
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 →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 →Memorial Day fireworks displays light up the sky over the Lake from multiple locations — spectacular views by boat or by shore.
High-speed action takes center stage on the water with the Offshore Powerboat Races, while Ozarks Amphitheater heats up with "Weird Al" Yankovic, Alison Krauss, and more. Car shows, drifting, dock diving dogs, and the monthly Hot Summer Nights keep the Lake buzzing all month.
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 →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!
The monthly summer cruise-in continues with classic cars, live music, and crowds filling the historic Strip.
| Date | Artist(s) | Genre | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 12, Fri | "Weird Al" Yankovic: Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour | Comedy Rock | 8:00 PM | Link |
| Jun 20, Sat | Alison Krauss & Union Station feat. Jerry Douglas | Bluegrass / Country | 7:30 PM | Link |
Additional summer concerts expected to be announced — check OzarksAmphitheater.com for updates.
Ozarks Amphitheater in Camdenton hosts major national touring acts throughout the summer concert season.
The height of summer brings explosive Fourth of July celebrations, star-studded concerts at Ozarks Amphitheater and Lazy Gators, and the legendary Aquapalooza — the largest family-friendly on-water party at the Lake. July is when Lake of the Ozarks reaches peak energy.
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 →The mid-summer edition of the classic car cruise and street party lights up the historic Strip.
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 →Aquapalooza draws over 1,000 boats for the biggest on-water party of the year at Lake of the Ozarks.
Explore every cove and attend on-water events with our 27' Tritoon or 41' Sea Ray yacht charter — both available from our private dock.
View Boat RentalsThe Lake's single biggest event dominates August — the 38th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, the largest unsanctioned boat race in the United States. An entire week of events leads into two days of high-speed offshore powerboat racing, alongside the season's final Hot Summer Nights, the Great Bagnell Dam Duck Drop, and the Midwest Wine & Brew Festival.
The final Hot Summer Nights cruise-in of the season brings classic cars and crowds to the historic Strip for one last summer hurrah.
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.
Sample local wineries, craft breweries, and food vendors while enjoying live music in a relaxing lakeside setting. Attracts around 2,500 visitors.
The Bob Morgan Shootout Hall of Fame Dinner kicks off Shootout Week, honoring legends of Lake Ozark powerboat racing.
Buy Tickets →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.
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.
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 →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 →High-performance powerboats race one-by-one against the clock during the Shootout, reaching speeds over 200 mph.
September bridges peak summer with the onset of autumn. The month is dominated by the massive Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest — extended to six days for 2026 — one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the Midwest. Labor Day fireworks bid summer farewell, and the Eldon Turkey Festival kicks off fall community celebrations.
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.
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.
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 →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 →October transforms Lake of the Ozarks with crisp air and stunning fall foliage — the scarlet oaks and fiery sugar maple bluffs are particularly breathtaking at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Major draws include the milestone 20th Anniversary Fall Big Bass Bash, the Fall Harbor Hop poker run, and charming community festivals in Versailles, Osage Beach, and Stover.
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 →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 →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 →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.
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 →November marks the transition to the holiday season. While the boating season has wound down, the Lake comes alive with the warm glow of Christmas lights, holiday variety shows, and community celebrations, establishing Lake of the Ozarks as a genuine winter holiday destination.
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 →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 →Start Thanksgiving with an invigorating run or walk before indulging in the holiday feast.
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 →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.
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 →December at Lake of the Ozarks is filled with holiday magic. Light parks continue to twinkle nightly; community Christmas parades march through Stover and Camdenton, and the major parade on the Bagnell Dam Strip culminates the month with New Year's Eve celebrations.
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.
A charming small-town lighted evening Christmas parade bringing festive floats and community spirit to downtown Stover.
A traditional community Christmas celebration featuring the lighting of the community Christmas tree, musical performances, visits with Santa, refreshments, and family activities.
Camdenton Chamber →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.
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 →Get insider tips, special discounts, and event updates for Lake of the Ozarks delivered straight to your inbox.
Subscribe NowLake of the Ozarks offers a dynamic calendar year-round. As highlighted throughout this guide, always verify dates, times, locations, and ticket requirements directly with organizers before making firm plans. Here are key resources:
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