Upcoming Fall Festivals And Events In Boone County

Fall in Boone County is all about crisp air, golden leaves, live music, handmade crafts, and warm community vibes.

This guide rounds up the real, can’t-miss fall festivals anchored in Boone County, Missouri (Columbia–Hartsburg–Rocheport) with a helpful bonus on signature fall traditions in Boone County, Kentucky (Burlington–Union).

You’ll find dates, times, locations, what to expect, and practical tips so you can plan a perfect weekend—whether you’re traveling with kids, friends, or on a cozy date.

Quick-Glance Calendar (Sept–Oct 2025)

Times are typical/officially published by organizers; always check event pages the week you go for final updates.

Event	Dates & Times (2025)	Location	Admission / Notes
Heritage Festival & Craft Show	Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM	Nifong Park, 2900 E Nifong Blvd, Columbia, MO	Free admission; heritage artisans, music, storytellers
CCUA Harvest Hootenanny	Sat, Sept 20, 4:00–8:00 PM	Columbia’s Agriculture Park, 1769 W Ash St, Columbia, MO	Free to attend; tickets for local meal, games & beverages support CCUA
Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival	Sat–Sun, Oct 11–12, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM	Downtown Hartsburg, MO	Rain or shine; one of mid-Missouri’s biggest fall festivals
Big Bone Lick Salt Festival (Boone Co., KY)	Fri–Sun, Oct 17–19, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM	Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Union, KY	Living-history encampments, artisans, music, bison viewing
First Of Fall Festival (Boone Co., KY)	Fri–Sun, Aug 22–24 (pre-fall kickoff)	Boone County Fairgrounds, Burlington, KY	Admission free; parking typically around $5 per car
Columbia Parks & Rec Fall Series	Sept–Oct (various dates, afternoons/evenings)	City parks & districts across Columbia, MO	Free pop-ups, Movies in the Park, neighborhood events

Heritage Festival & Craft Show: Living History Comes Alive

Each September, Nifong Park transforms into a hands-on history hub.

The Heritage Festival & Craft Show brings together heritage artisans, live old-time music, storytellers, and family activities across two full days.

The layout spans the park with vendor rows, demonstration tents, and performance stages. Admission is free, making it one of the most accessible fall festivals in Boone County.

What To Expect

• Demonstrations: blacksmithing, weaving, traditional woodworking, and other heritage skills.
• Music & Storytelling: rotating sets of folk, bluegrass, and storytelling sessions.
• Kids’ Activities: craft stations, try-it-yourself demos, and plenty of space to roam.

Planning Tips

• Arrive Early: Parking is easiest near opening (10:00 AM).
• Bring Cash: Many artisan booths are cash-friendly for small purchases.
• Double Up: Pair your visit with a quick stop at the Boone County History & Culture Center next door.

CCUA’s Harvest Hootenanny: Farm-To-Fall Flavor

Hosted at Columbia’s Agriculture Park, the Harvest Hootenanny is a community-powered evening that blends local food, live music, dance, garden tours, farm animals, and family games.

Entry is free; purchase tickets on-site for a Missouri-grown meal, carnival-style games, and local beer/wine/cider.

Proceeds support the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA) and its education and food-access programs.

Why It’s Special

• Local Goodness: Enjoy a chef-guided, locally raised meal and meet the growers.
• Kid-Approved: Game booths, a festive pavilion vibe, and early evening hours (4–8 PM) fit family schedules.
• Community Impact: Your night out helps fund urban agriculture initiatives.

Pro Tips

• Bring a light layer—late-September evenings cool quickly.
• Come hungry; early ticket lines move faster, and popular dishes can sell out.
• Consider pairing with a Saturday morning Columbia Farmers Market visit at the same park.

Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival: Small Town, Giant Pumpkins

Just a short drive from Columbia, Hartsburg turns into “Missouri’s Pumpkin Patch” each October.

The Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival delivers classic main-street fall energy: pumpkins of every size, craft vendors, live music, parade moments, and food stands lining historic streets.

Hours are 9:00 AM–5:00 PM both days, rain or shine.

What To Expect

• Pumpkin Paradise: heirloom varieties, decorative gourds, and carving giants.
• Shop Local: rows of small-batch makers—perfect for early holiday gifting.
• All-Day Eats: funnel cakes, kettle corn, apple treats, and hearty lunch options.

Crowd Strategy

• Aim for opening hour to secure closer parking and beat the midday crush.
• Pack small bills for food stands and pop-up parking lots.
• If you prefer quieter browsing, return to vendor rows after 3:30 PM.

More Columbia-Area Fall Fun (City Pop-Ups & Park Series)

Columbia fills the calendar with free, family-friendly extras—Movies in the Park, amphitheater concerts, themed park pop-ups, and neighborhood celebrations like the Arcade District’s street-fair style events.

These aren’t all-day festivals, but they’re ideal add-ons: catch a film at dusk, a short concert before dinner, or a kids’ activity hour between your bigger weekend stops.

How To Use This Series

• Check Weekly: Scan the city’s month-at-a-glance to plug a free pop-up into your plan.
• Build A Loop: Morning market → afternoon heritage fest → evening movie/concert.
• Pack For Comfort: Blankets, camp chairs, and light jackets keep everyone happy after sunset.

Bonu- Boone County, Kentucky Fall Traditions

If your plans point toward the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky metro, Boone County, KY offers two standouts that pair perfectly with a fall weekend.

Big Bone Lick Salt Festival (Union, KY)

At Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, the Salt Festival recreates frontier Kentucky with living-history encampments, demonstrations (like flint-knapping and pioneer lifeways), Native American heritage presentations, artisans, and music.

You’ll also see the park’s bison herd—always a hit with kids.

The 2025 festival spans Friday through Sunday (typical hours 9:00 AM–5:00 PM), with a School Day on Friday by preregistration.

Why It’s Worth The Drive

• Immersive, hands-on history in a gorgeous, foliage-framed setting.
• A mix of music, craft vendors, and food that feels both educational and festive.
• Easy to pair with Cincinnati attractions if you’re making a long weekend.

First Of Fall Festival (Burlington, KY)

Held at the Boone County Fairgrounds, the First of Fall Festival is a beloved pre-fall shopping kickoff with aisles of handmade vendors, boutique finds, and seasonal décor.

For 2025, plan on Aug 22–24 with typical hours of Fri 4–8 PM, Sat 10 AM–5 PM, Sun 11 AM–3 PM. Admission is free, and parking is usually a small cash fee per vehicle.

How To Max It Out

• Use Friday evening for a relaxed first pass, then return Saturday to snag items you slept on.
• Bring a tote for décor and gifts; many vendors are small studios with limited runs.
• Pair with a Burlington brunch or a scenic drive along the Ohio River.

Make The Most Of Your Weekend

Arrive Early And Park Smart

Big-draw events like the Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival and Heritage Festival see peak crowds by late morning.

Aim for opening time, budget a few extra minutes to walk in, and keep small bills handy for parking or vendor purchases.

Dress For Layers & Comfort

Autumn weather swings are part of the charm.

Pack sunscreen for day events, a light jacket for evenings, and comfortable shoes—festival grounds can mean gravel paths, lawns, and uneven surfaces.

Build The Perfect Itinerary

A local favorite combo for Columbia: Farmers Market on Saturday morning, Heritage Festival through late afternoon, early dinner downtown, then cap with a city pop-up event.

On Sunday, head to Hartsburg for pumpkins—or, if you’re on the Kentucky side, spend the day at Big Bone Lick for the Salt Festival’s heritage demos.

Why These Festivals Stand Out

• Community Roots: From CCUA’s Harvest Hootenanny to the volunteer-powered Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival, your weekend supports local causes, growers, makers, and small businesses.
• Authentic Crafts & Heritage: See traditions in action—blacksmiths, weavers, pioneer camps, and living-history storytellers—plus plenty of artisan shopping.
• Big-Event Energy, Small-Town Charm: Busy, photogenic streets and park settings—without losing the friendly, Boone County feel.

Sample One- And Two-Day Plans

One-Day “Greatest Hits” (Boone County, MO)

• 10:00 AM: Arrive at Nifong Park for the Heritage Festival.
• 12:30 PM: Food truck lunch; shop the artisan booths.
• 3:30 PM: Reset at your hotel or café downtown.
• 4:00–8:00 PM: Harvest Hootenanny at Agriculture Park—local meal, live music, kids’ games.
• After 8:00 PM: Dessert or nightcap in downtown Columbia.

Two-Day “Pumpkins & History” (MO + KY Option)

• Day 1 (Sat): Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival 9:00 AM–noon; lunch from a vendor; late-afternoon Katy Trail stroll or nearby winery in Rocheport.
• Day 2 (Sun): If you’re closer to Cincinnati/NKY, spend it at Big Bone Lick Salt Festival—crafts, demos, music, and bison viewing.

Budget & Logistics Tips

• Parking: Many events are free to enter; expect paid parking at select venues or private lots (carry small cash).
• ATMs & Payments: Some vendors accept cards, but cash speeds things up for snacks and small purchases.
• Facilities: Park-based festivals offer portable restrooms and hand-wash stations; lines are shortest early and late.
• Accessibility: Main pathways are generally accessible; plan for short stretches of grass or gravel in vendor areas.
• Pets: Policies vary—verify before you bring a dog, and pack water if pets are allowed.

From the heritage-rich paths of Nifong Park to the pumpkin-lined streets of Hartsburg and the frontier storytelling at Big Bone Lick, Boone County serves up a fall calendar that’s equal parts festive and heartfelt.

The Heritage Festival & Craft Show and Harvest Hootenanny make a perfectly balanced Columbia weekend—hands-on history by day, community-powered food and music by night—while the Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival delivers that picture-perfect small-town autumn experience.

If you’re closer to Northern Kentucky, Union’s Salt Festival and Burlington’s First of Fall offer immersive history and handmade shopping in scenic settings.

Plan ahead, arrive early, and soak up the magic of local music, artisan crafts, and community traditions—the hallmarks of fall in Boone County.

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