Your Guide to Visiting Branson, MO in Every Season

We often get asked, “When’s the best time to visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Branson?” The truth is, there’s never a bad time to experience our show throughout the season! We recommend planning a visit based on the type of vacation you want to have. If you’re hoping for a holiday trip, visit in the winter. If you’re hoping to explore the Ozarks while you’re in town, plan a visit for spring or summer! To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve created a guide to visiting Branson, MO in every season.

Spring

We love celebrating the spring season with all the wonderful people who visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede in Branson! During spring, our new season is in full swing. You will have a blast witnessing all the action at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, including our lumberjack competition, our breathtaking aerial performances, and our thrilling horse riding stunts. There are phenomenal musical productions as well, and you can enjoy it all while dining on a four-course feast. Spring is the perfect time to visit Branson, MO if you’re hoping for fewer crowds than summer. See beautiful wildflowers bursting into bloom, including dogwoods and redbuds, and enjoy incredible views everywhere you look, including at our arena!

Summer

Summer is the best time of year to bring your family to Branson, MO. Kids are out of school, and the area is bustling with excitement. Come enjoy the magic at Dolly Parton’s Stampede, starting before the show even begins with our Horse Walk and pre-show entertainment in the Saloon. Then, head inside the arena to enjoy our four-course feast and high-spirited adventure. Another can’t-miss summer attraction in Branson is Silver Dollar City, where you can ride roller coasters, try award-winning restaurants, browse unique shops, and more. Also during the summer, take advantage of the weather to enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and ziplining!

Fall

Would you love to see the Ozarks transform from green to vibrant colors of red, orange, and yellow? Then fall is the perfect time to visit Branson. Typically, early October is the best time to see the fall foliage in Branson. It’s also one of the best times to visit Dolly Parton’s Stampede! Fall is the last chance to take in our regular season show before the Stampede is transformed into a winter wonderland for the holiday season. Other popular things to do in Branson in the fall include exploring Table Rock State Park, going horseback riding, or having a picnic. The outdoor adventures never end when you spend fall in Branson, MO.

Winter

Experience the holiday magic in Branson, MO during the winter months! From millions of twinkling lights to our heartwarming Christmas show, there’s so much to love about this season in Branson. Our holiday show kicks off in November each year and runs through early January. You’ll be wowed by a live nativity, elaborate holiday decorations, Santa Claus, and a mouthwatering holiday feast. If you’re planning a visit for later in the winter, you can be one of the first to see our regular show during its new season. Dolly Parton’s Stampede reopens for our new season at the end of February, providing guests with show-stopping entertainment and a delicious meal. Other things to do in the winter in Branson include bass fishing, visiting the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, or going for a winter hike.

The truth is, there is never a bad time of the year to visit Branson, MO, just like there’s never a bad time to visit our show! Decide when you want to come visit the area, then get your tickets to Dolly Parton’s Stampede!