As summer winds down, make sure you don’t miss any of the spectacular Labor Day activities in Branson. Moonshine Beach is still open, fireworks will be aplenty and you’ve got one last chance to get out on the lake. Whether you’re looking for relaxing family fun, pyrotechnic celebrations or even patriotic demonstrations, you’ll find it in Branson on Labor Day weekend. Check out all the festivities in the Live Music Capital of the World Sept. 2-5:
Branson Landing
Are you ready to dance the night away to sounds of the Bee Gees, Chic, Gloria Gaynor, Earth Wind and Fire and more? Boogie Wonderland brings the sounds and sights of the 70s to the Branson Landing with dance songs, mirror balls, far-out lights and costumes that will take you back to the days of leisure suits, bell bottoms and some of the all-time greatest dance music. The free concert kicks off Sept. 2 at 8 p.m.
Air Force AirPower History Tour
The Commemorative Air Force AirPower History Tour will be flying into the Branson Airport’s Jet Center this Labor Day weekend. Displaying historic World War II planes throughout the event, the Commemorative Air Force is dedicated to preserving and showing some of the greatest historical aircraft. Planes included in the show include the P-51 Mustang Gunfighter, B-25 Mitchell Show Me, T-34 Mentor, PT-13 Boeing Stearman and B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil, as well as many other classic planes from the United States and Canada. The patriotic celebration begins Friday, Sept. 2 from 2-5 p.m. The Saturday and Sunday celebrations will run from 9-5 p.m. WWII veterans can attend for free, while admission for those aged 18 years and older is $15, and kids aged 11-17 cost $5. Visitors aged 10 and under get in free.
Chateau on the Lake
End your summer at Chateau on the Lake, which will host a spectacular fireworks display at dusk on Sept. 4. The Chateau will also feature its traditional Backyard BBQ Buffet with live entertainment.
Big Cedar Lodge
Take advantage of the end of summer at Big Cedar Lodge, where the whole family can enjoy a Labor Day picnic and fireworks display on Sept. 4. The celebration will feature games, attractions, contests, crafts, entertainment, pony rides and so much more, as well as a mouthwatering, fresh-off-the-grill menu. Tickets and all-you-can play wristbands will be available at the ticket booth.
Silver Dollar City
If there’s one thing that the Ozarks are known for, it’s southern gospel music. Enjoy the soulful sounds of praise during America’s biggest Southern Gospel Picnic Aug. 25-Sept. 5 at Silver Dollar City. Not only will you be treated to incredible music, but you’ll also be able to savor some of the best southern cooking you’ll ever eat.
Showboat Branson Belle
Don’t let the worship end at Silver Dollar City. The Showboat Branson Belle will also host some of the best-known southern gospel groups during its Southern Gospel Cruises Aug. 28-Sept. 4. Each noon cruise will feature inspiring gospel melodies from the Showboat Branson Belle’s performers, as well as southern gospel greats such as Gold City, the Perrys, Michael English and the Dixie Melody Boys. Of course, as always passengers will be served a three-course home-style feast.
K-Life Taney County Stars and Stripes Run-Walk
Celebrate Labor Day by making an impact at the 11th-annual Tri-Lakes Run-Walk. The race, which features both 10k and 5k runs, as well as a one-mile walk, begins at 7:45 a.m. Sept. 3 at the Branson Landing. Cash prizes will be awarded to both male and female top finishers in each category, and all proceeds from the race will benefit K-Life Stone/Taney County, which provides unconditional friendship for area youth.
Doggie Swim
Bring your furry four-legged friend to take a dip at the Branson Aquaplex during its annual end-of-year doggie swim from 6-7:30 p.m. Sept. 5. Dogs can play fetch, wade around in the shallow end or jump off the diving board for the favorite toy. Owners are responsible for doggy messes, and every dog must be on a leash and have at least one handler. Registration before Sept. 2 is $6 for each dog and its human companion. Registration after Sept. 2 is $8, and additional humans cost $2 each.
Shopping Galore!
What Labor Day weekend could be complete without incredible bargains? Shop Branson’s Tanger Outlets during its big Labor Day Weekend Sale, Sept. 2-5. Take advantage of extra savings on all your favorite name-brand outlet stores during the 4-day sidewalk sale.
Of course, you won’t want to end your Labor Day shopping fun at the outlet mall. Just a few short blocks away is another shopping venue that is truly Ozarks in nature. The Branson Craft Mall, located in the center of the famous Highway 76 strip and near many hotels, features 16,000 square feet of artisans, their wares and plenty of hillbilly fun. From hand-painted home goods and holiday décor to iron works and candles, the Branson Craft Mall truly has it all.