September 11th is this Sunday, and it will be a time to remember, honor, and pay tribute to Americans who were lost in the horrendous attacks on the Twin Towers as well as make new memories with festivals that credit our nation’s culture through food and music. If you enjoy blues music, down-home cooking, and a number of events that help us come together as a country, then make sure to attend the opportunities happening in the area this weekend.

Branson Remembers 9/11

Numerous venues will be honoring First Responders with various events this week including discount shows and special performances. On Saturday, September 10^th, the IMAX will run a showing of “Fireproof” and the Branson Landing will feature Jake Simpson & 4 Jax in Concert as well as the Reignited Fireworks Show. On Sunday, Silver Dollar City will have a “Tribute to American Spirit—Remembering 9/11” and Branson Landing will put on an evening ceremony in front of the famous fountains.

Greater Ozarks Blues Festival

This Friday and Saturday, the blues are coming to Springfield, about 30 miles north of Branson. The drive will be more than worth it with top notch musicians from around the country. Prepare to be moved by the soulful riffs of artists like Joe Lewis, Larry Garner, and The Terry Quiett Band. 15 different venues are included in the blues crawl so participants will have a chance to see a variety of different concerts as well as cash in on some great drink specials.

Hillbilly Chili Cook-off at Bull Shoals Lake

The great atmosphere of Table Rock Lake Park will host the International Chili Society’s annual contest to be crowned the Arkansas State Champion. Don’t miss this chance to try the recipes of national chili competitors and vote for the recipient of the People’s Choice Winner. Food competitions are always a fun and delicious way to spend the afternoon, and a chili cook-off is a fall activity that is sure to be a great experience for the whole family. Admission is only three dollars, and you will get to sample what will likely be the best chili you’ve ever tasted.

The summer is wrapping up, but Branson is going out with a bang by hosting events like this weekend’s Super Summer Cruise car show that will feature some dazzling classic models. As long as you are viewing beautiful creations of the past, check out the artifacts at the Titanic museum which will be a different but equally rewarding spectacle. Finally don’t forget to fit a show into your schedule and attend the marvelous Eastern production performed by the Acrobats of China.

Super Summer Cruise at Shepherd of the Hills

This Super Summer Cruise going on August 11^th-13^th will be a paradise for classic car lovers and shouldn’t be missed. Visitors will have a chance to see all kinds of 50s and 60s vehicles like Shelby Cobras and Chevy Bellaires. Some newer models will be featured as well, and the events taking place throughout the weekend will include a burn-out contest, midnight cruises, live entertainment, worship service, and awards show. This is an event that the whole family will enjoy, especially if you have some motor enthusiasts in the bunch.

Acrobats of China Featuring the New Shanghai Circus

The display of athleticism and cultural expression in the Acrobats of China show is something that will not only amaze audiences, but will be a lasting memory after the show is over. Thrilling acts such as hoop-diving, trapeze, aerial ballet, and more are choreographed into an artistic masterpiece. This Eastern Chinese performance will successfully take you out of the theater and into a different way of life across the world.

Branson Titanic – World’s Largest Museum Attraction

If you thought the movie was good, then you won’t believe your eyes when you are actually submerged into the experience of being on the Titanic. The museum itself is a half-scale model of the original ship and houses over 400 authentic artifacts. Learn about the stories of real passengers that were on the legendary ocean-liner, and witness 20 different rooms of the Titanic including the Grand Staircase. This is an educational, interactive, and completely unique museum that the whole family will love.

The boating season filled with tubing and water skiing is almost over, so come down this weekend and hit the lake. After a day on the water, look into some of these Branson attractions to make the afternoon and evening an exciting event. The Ozarks host several different adventure tours that are sure to be fun activities for the whole family.

Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour

This popular zipline tour has many zipping options that allow participants to soar through the Ozark Hills and the Wolfe Creek Preserve. The Xplorer Canopy course boasts 7 zip lines and 10 suspension bridges with lines ranging to over 900 ft in length. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, then try out the Blue Streak line that’s a quarter mile long, and finishes with a 70 ft free fall. There is also a Wolfe Creek Photo Safari for those who prefer to spend their time at the preserve with both feet on the ground.

“I Pilot” Helicopter Adventure

You haven’t really seen Branson until you’ve experienced it from the high-flying, high-velocity excitement of the “I Pilot” Helicopter Adventure. Passengers will gain a new perspective of sights such as the Table Rock Dam, Silver Dollar City, and the 76 Strip. The scenery of the Branson lakes and lush green landscapes are even more breathtaking from the adrenaline heavy excursion of these helicopter tours. Participants will also receive a full video and photographic recording of their flight experience.

Horseback Trail Rides

These horseback rides are guided tours through the shaded trails of the Ozark Hills that date back to the 1800s when Baldknobbers were still around. Riders will be led by a guide as they explore the wildlife of the area, and hear about the history of the routes and the culture of the region. The horses that you’ll have the opportunity to ride are the same ones used in the action-packed drama of the Shepherd of the Hills productions. Trail tours are about thirty minutes long, and are an excellent activity to partake in while visiting Shepherd of the Hills.

Have an Adventurous Time in Branson!

Children that are ages 10 and younger can search one side of the courtyard to the other for Easter eggs near the Factory Merchants Branson during their Annual Easter Egg Hunt, April 23. Families can encourage their youngsters as they explore the premises, searching for literally thousands of hidden easter eggs. Children will have quite the surprise waiting for them once they’re done searching, as every one of these colorful eggs is filled! Toddlers have a play area as well to help parents keep track of their kids through all of the hustle and bustle. After the Easter Egg Hunt is over, visitors are welcome to go on a shopping spree at the nearby Factory Merchants Branson.

Visitors can learn about all that Branson has to offer, including a look at the city’s lodging along Highway 76, Green Mountain Drive, and many other areas. Discover the incredible talent and large productions and many of Branson’s shows, and make reservations today!

The Big Cedar Lodge’s regular event, Cooking 101 with the Chef, provides visitors with excellent opportunities to learn to prepare a variety of culinary delights, and on March 26, guests can learn to cook comfort food. The professional chef at Big Cedar Lodge is sure to teach you techniques that will help you cook delightful fares that will have your friends and family asking for a second helping. Along with the fabulous cooking lesson, you will also receive a handy cooking tool and recipe book, along with a delicious complimentary appetizer from the Devil’s Pool Restaurant or the Worman House. Be sure to reserve your spot early, because this event is sure to be popular!

While you’re in Branson for Cooking 101 with the Chef, be sure to catch an entertaining show and visit some of the attractions in the Branson area by viewing BransonShows.com.

If you are planning a getaway in Branson this winter and want to do something special for your significant other, the Titanic Museum Attraction is the perfect place to profess your love! If you want your marriage proposal to be unique and memorable, and the Grand Staircase is a wonderful location to drop to one knee and ask your sweetheart to spend the rest of her life with you. You can also hold your marriage ceremony at the Titanic attraction, and take the first steps of your new life together down the beautiful and extravagant Grand Staircase. The Titanic’s Captain Smith will gladly officiate your wedding or vow renewal ceremony, and your wedding guests will marvel at the beauty of a ceremony in one of the most romantic locations in Branson.

The Titanic attraction is not only a great place to propose to your sweetheart, but it is also a great place to celebrate your anniversary. Why not take your sweetheart to a romantic getaway in Branson and celebrate in style? Be sure to make your reservations ahead of time, because many couples will want to make their anniversaries special by celebrating or holding their ceremony at this gorgeous and special location. For a truly unique experience steeped in romance, hold your special event at the Titanic attraction in Branson this February for Sweetheart Month!

While you’re in Branson for your romantic getaway in February, make sure that you take the time to visit some of Branson’s shows and attractions. To compare prices and make reservations for lodging and to purchase tickets for shows, visit BransonShows.com for a convenient way to plan your Branson vacation!

If you are planning a getaway in Branson and want to show respect to Branson Veterans, consider attending the Candelight Ceremony on January 28 at the Veterans Memorial Museum. This ceremony will commemorate the signing of the Vietnam Peace Accord in 1973 on the day that the Vietnam War finally came to an end. If you want to honor Vietnam veterans, be sure to attend this important event.

Revisit your childhood during your stay in Branson by touring the World’s Largest Toy Museum. This incredible attraction features thousands of toys, including trains, dolls and puppets. Whether you have nostalgia for some of the toys in the museum or are seeing them for the first time, the World’s Largest Toy Museum has something for everyone to love!

You are sure to have a fun night of nostalgic entertainment in Branson by attending a performance by the Liverpool Legends. This show features two hours of incredible Beatles music performed by professional Beatles impersonators. These performers are so good at impersonating the Beatles’ famous voices and mannerisms that you’ll feel like you’re watching an original performance by the Fab Four! Whether you are a new fan of the Beatles or have been a lifetime fan, you will love this amazing show.

If you’ve never seen an ice carving in progress and wonder how some of the stunning carvings are created, visit Titanic for the 5th Annual Professional Ice Carving Event. The competition takes place on January 15th between members of the National Ice Carving Association’s Titans of Ice.

The event itself is entirely free, so you are welcome to come with friends and family members to spend time watching the sculpture’s progress. Many of the artists will also be able to talk to you to enlighten you on the secrets of quality ice carving techniques. At 3 p.m. all of the ice carvings should be completed, and the official NICA judging panel will announce the winners. Make sure that you stay around to see if the judges agree with you about which competitor created the best ice sculpture.

While you’re in Branson for the ice carving event, make sure that you take the time to visit some of the area’s attractions and shows. To plan ahead and book lodging as well as tickets to the shows, you can visit BransonShows.com.

When December ends, many of Branson’s hottest shows will be closed for the season until they re-open in March. This is the perfect time for visitors who are more interested in shopping and museum attractions than shows to come to Branson.

Outlet malls like Tanger and Factory Merchants will still be offering name brand buys at low outlet prices, so bargain hunters can come in and get some great deals. As an added plus, Branson isn’t as crowded during this time, so there won’t be as much traffic to deal with while shopping. Some of the brands offered at these outlet malls include Coach Factory, Liz Clairborne New York, Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, and Bath & Body Works. There is something for everyone’s tastes, so a trip with the whole family for more clothing and accessories will be time well spent.

In addition, several of the area’s popular museum attractions like Titanic, Hollywood Wax Museum, and The World’s Largest Toy Museum will still be available. Guests who can spend hours exploring each museum will find that this is the perfect time to visit. Fewer people will be a the museum, so visitors can take their time looking at each exhibit in peace.

If you plan on visiting Branson during the slower season to do some shopping or check out the museum attractions, visit BransonShows.com to compare prices and book lodging or get your museum tickets in advance.