The weather isn’t the only thing warming up in the Ozarks as the beginning of May is set to see a variety of special events in Branson, offering the perfect time to get out and experience the varied entertainment and natural beauty of the area. From internationally known musicians and comedians to festivals and grand openings, it is all taking place within the next few weeks, so read on now and put the final touches on your next visit to Branson, MO!

Kenny G – April 24, 2010

He has sold over 75 million albums worldwide, and now you can see him live in Branson, MO for one night only! Kenny G has impressed the masses with his abilities and feats on the Alto and Tenor saxophone, including his still-standing world record for playing the longest continuous note on a sax. Throughout the night, Kenny’s smooth jazz style will offer the perfect accompaniment to a romantic outing in the Ozarks, though all music fans are encouraged to quickly secure what is left of tickets regardless of your reasons for visiting the area.

Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours – Opens May 1, 2010

Opening May 1, Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours brings an entirely new level of excitement to the area while emphasizing an adventurous look into the Ozarks ecology. A variety of zip line and canopy tour options are featured, ranging from encompassing tours including numerous zip lines and suspension bridges to thrilling zips that will have you soaring over 100 feet above the ground, literally surrounded by the Ozark Mountains canopy. And while we encourage everyone to Soar into Adventure as soon as possible, Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours will be open every day throughout the year!

Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show – May 7 – 8, 2010

With talents too big for one-night only, Vicki Lawrence will be bringing her latest stage show to Branson, MO for both May 7 and 8. Having first found fame on the legendary Carol Burnett Show and later with her own sit-com Mama’s Family, Vicki also experienced a successful music career that included the #1 hit “The Night that the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” Whether familiar with Vicki’s prior work or simply a fan of stand-up, two of the funniest nights Branson has ever seen will be back-to-back at the Mansion Theatre with Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show.

Bluegrass & BBQ at Silver Dollar City – May 13 – 31, 2010

Experience all of the thrill rides, live shows and attractions typically featured at Silver Dollar City along side mouth-watering barbecue and knee-slappin’ bluegrass during the park’s annual Bluegrass & BBQ Festival. Throughout the month, The House of BBQ will serve a variety of barbecue from across the nation as legendary bluegrass artists including Rhonda Vincent, The Grascals, Dailey & Vincent and more visit the park for live performances.

For more general information on the Branson, MO area and to easily place reservations for a wide range of activities, shows, lodging and complete vacation packages, visit BransonShows.com

Things are officially beginning to heat up in Branson, MO as details on the area’s annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show are beginning to come to light! Set for Monday, February 8 at 7 p.m., this year’s all-star gathering will be held at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. For the past 15 years, Hot Winter Fun has been an excellent precursor of what to expect out of Branson entertainment for the upcoming year and the talent featured this year is certainly no exception! As of this posting, acts that will be represented throughout the night’s festivities include:

• Jim Stafford
• Legends in Concert
• Hughes Brothers
• Pierce Arrow
• Kirby Van Burch
• Cassandre – Voice of an Angel
• Circle B Chuckwagon Supper & Cowboy Music
• Grand Jubilee
• Keith “Red” Allen
• Ricky Boen & Texas Mud
• Tony Roi
• Smoke on the Mountain
• Always & Forever Patsy Cline
• Buckets N Boards
• Comedy Jamboree
• Red, Hot & Blue
• Rock N Roll is Here to Stay
• Rock U Mentally
• Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue

Each act that is a part of Hot Winter Fun will have approximately 15 minutes to showcase material from their upcoming season, offering a varied look into the always entertaining productions of Branson, MO. Those interested in tickets are encouraged to call 417-339-3003 for more information.

Those planning an entire vacation around Hot Winter Fun are encouraged to browse area lodging at BransonShows.com to easily compare a variety of Branson lodging options and securely reserve rooms for a complete Ozarks experience in 2010!

Branson visitors looking to get a head start on their spring or summer vacation itinerary will find a thrilling new addition to Branson at Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours! As of January 1, Branson Zipline began taking reservations for its inaugural season, which is set to begin May 1. Located just seven miles north of Branson, directly off Highway 65, Branson Zipline will initially offer a few different zipline and canopy tour experiences. From eco-friendly zipline tours that will have guests trekking across the Ozark Mountains canopy via ziplines, bridges and walkways to the thrilling Blue Streak zipline that offers exhilarating speed, there is an experience for one and all. At Branson News, we’ve taken the liberty of highlighting Branson Zipline’s inaugural tour options to give readers a better idea of the adventures that await their 2010 Branson vacation!

Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour

The Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour is set to last approximately 2.5 hours and will provide a unique introduction into ziplining and the natural beauty of the Ozarks. You will encounter a variety of ziplines, bridges and walkways throughout the experience for an aerial view of the rolling landscape. Every tour will feature one guide for every six participants, providing insight into the area.

Blue Streak Fast Line

If you are looking for heart-pounding thrills, the Blue Streak Fast Line is the option for you! Touted as the longest and fastest zipline featured at Branson Zipline, Blue Streak provides a single adrenaline shot that is perfect for thrill seekers and those looking for a quick zip experience.

Canopy Adventure Combo

Branson Zipline’s Canopy Adventure Combo combines both the Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour and Blue Streak Fast Line for a day of action-packed sightseeing. Those that would like to be one of the first to experience all that Branson Zipline initially has to offer will definitely want to reserve the deluxe option.

VIP Zipline Tour

The VIP Zipline Tour follows the Canopy Zipline Tour, though you will have the added privilege of experiencing the course by private party. Just as with the Canopy Tour, you will have at least one guide for every six members of your party and will enjoy the added benefit of your guide’s undivided attention.

Those looking for either lodging or more activities and attractions in Branson, MO are encouraged to visit http://www.bransonshows.com/ to easily browse a variety of Branson vacation reservation options.

Every so often people get the chance to step into a world of magic and wonder. It’s a chance to experience something beyond your everyday life. If this is the kind of experience you’re looking for stop by The Butterfly Palace before January 15 to experience White Flight. Bring the whole family for this magical experience!

The Butterfly Palace creates a special wonderland during the holiday season filled with seasonal music and living angelic statues. These serene statues come to life as thousands of white butterflies float around the Conservatory like snowflakes in the wind. Take your time on the self-guided tour and enjoy every moment of wonder and magic in this winter wonderland.

At The Butterfly Palace, your whole family will enjoy seeing the incredible animals inside the Living Rainforest Science Center or weaving their way through the Emerald Forrest Mirror Maze. You’ll also be treated to a fantastic movie about the lives of the beautiful butterflies you’ve seen in the Conservatory. The best part of the movie is the 3-D presentation!

Don’t miss out on this unique activity in Branson! The white butterflies are only at The Butterfly Palace until January 15, and then they are gone until next Christmas. To learn more about this event, or to order tickets for The Butterfly Palace, please visit the Butterfly Palace page on our website!

Every year Branson unveils new or redesigned shows, which only adds to the excitement of the new production season. This year is no exception. While very few shows have undergone major redesigns, there is one new show coming to Branson that has the locals very excited.

Chun Yi – The Legend of Kung Fu is a show unlike any other in Branson. The story follows a young boy as he enters the life of a Buddhist monk. The audience will watch as the boy struggles to find the dedication to the quiet lifestyle. During the story, the young boy learns the skills of martial arts, is seduced by ego and illusions, leaves the pure life of the Buddhist monks behind, and eventually returns to assume the position his Master had left him. Chun Yi – The legend of Kung Fu is a powerful tale of personal growth and the realization of physical and emotional harmony.

Chun Yi – The Legend of Kung Fu is filled with fantastic acrobatic feats, displays of brilliantly choreographed martial arts, and emotion-filled dancing. Features a cast and crew of 80 talented performers, designers, and choreographers, this show is the longest running show in China and has been seen by more than two  million people. The Kung Fu practitioners have performed around the world, including a special performance during the Opening Ceremonies at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

This incredible show will be performing in the newly-acquired White House Theatre and is scheduled to open in May of 2010. If you can’t wait until May, check out the website of the show. It has video clips and photos from their show, as well as some of the songs used during the dance numbers.

Check it out at:
http://www.chunyi-kungfu.com/multimedia/

Christmas is sneaking up on us and most people are consumed by the spirit of the season. That is how it should be. However, you may want to start thinking ahead to the new year, which is quickly sneaking up on us! If January includes a visit to Branson, you may be surprised to know that most of the shows will be closed for the month of January to disassemble the fabulous Christmas sets and prepare for the 2010 season.

Just because the shows will be closed doesn’t mean that there isn’t anything to do in Branson. There are still a multitude of things to do that will welcome January visitors. Everything from shopping to dining to an entertaining night out will be waiting for you.

Shopping

Shopping in the month preceding Christmas can be a nightmare. The stores are jam-packed from wall to wall and everyone is trying to get their hands on the same thing. In the weeks post holiday chaos, the stores are quieter and the shopping experience is often more enjoyable.

If that is your idea of a nice weekend, Branson is the place. There are many places to shop in the Branson area, including outlet malls and boutique shops. If you’re seeking a stress-free weekend after the hustle and bustle of the holidays, the Branson Landing Weekend Escape vacation package places  you in the heart of one of the best shopping districts in Branson!

Dining

Spending a quiet afternoon at home once everyone leaves can be very relaxing. Why not include a nice dinner to top off your day? There are lots of wonderful dining options in Branson that are open year-round so you don’t have to worry about them being closed. For a list of dining options all over the Branson area and restaurant information, check out the Dining & Nightlife portion of our Points of Interest Page. While you’re there you can browse plenty of other activities in Branson.

Activities

While most of the shows in Branson will be closed, there are still many attractions that will happily welcome January visitors. The museums in Branson are some of those attractions. Museums like Titanic-The Legend Continues and World’s Largest Toy Museum will be business as usual. Also, many of the tours will also be available early in the new year. Browse the activities and see what all is available for your Branson trip!

From high flying adventures in the Ozark Mountains to new performers at your favorite theaters, the Branson entertainment scene will be welcoming many new additions in the New Year. Branson has never had so many fantastic options!

Outdoor adventurers will welcome an exotic adventure right here in the Ozarks at Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour, which will begin its inaugural season in the spring. Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour is located just a few miles north of Branson off of Hwy 65. This tour includes several zip lines and walkways, and the course covers about one mile. The Branson Zipline also contains an ecological aspect, and you can enjoy learning about the topographical and geographical aspects of the Ozarks, as well as see the varied flora and fauna. Zip line tours grew to popularity in Costa Rica and other tropical climes, but you can experience the thrill of a canopy tour in Branson! 

For more information about the Branson Zipline and Canopy Tour, check out the official web site: www.BransonZipline.com. 

In addition to brand new offerings, Branson will also be debuting new additions at veteran attractions. Silver Dollar City has been working on a new ride, and it will debut in the spring as a part of Silver Dollar City’s 50th anniversary, which will be celebrated all year long in an on-going party. The $7 million dollar Tom & Huck’s RiverBlast will be the U.S.’s biggest water battle ride attraction. This ride features rafts equipped with water blasters that the riders can use to shoot other rafts as well as onlookers standing on the banks of the White River. This ride is designed to soak riders and is sure to be a highlight of the summer season.

To find more information on the Tom and Huck RiverBlast and Silver Dollar City’s 50th Anniversary, check out the Silver Dollar City web site. 

Two shows new in Branson in 2009 have added new features to their performances. Bill Medley and Paul Revere and the Raiders at Andy Williams’ Moon River Theatre will be welcoming Bill Haley’s Original Comets for a combo show this summer, and Andy Williams will return in the fall and winter. Yakov’s Moscow Circus will be returning for another season, and this year the circus will also have a dinner and lunch show option. In addition to seeing the circus love story, visitors can dine on an authentic Russian meal.

Meanwhile, Branson visitors can also find some new events to enjoy in 2010. The annual Ozark Mountain Spring festival will host “See the World in Branson” in April and May. This special event will celebrate the many multi-cultural and international acts, performers, and restaurants fond in Branson. Later in September, the Ironman 70.3 qualifying event will take place in Branson, and athletes will be competing for a $25,000 grand prize as well as a chance to compete in the Ironman World Championship in Florida.

BransonShows.com is your online destination for all things Branson, including both new and old activities, attractions, and shows. More announcements for 2010 will be released in the upcoming months, so be sure to check back often for more news. Visit BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-9852 to begin planning your 2010 Branson vacation.

 Christmas is a time to enjoy the company of family and friends, not your co-workers. The performers in Branson take this idea very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that many of the shows in Branson will be performing their last show of 2009 on the weekend of December 12. For those who have been waiting to see one of these wonderful shows, you’d better see it soon!

While most of the shows will end their 2009 season the second weekend  in December, there are those exceptions. A few shows, such as The Andy Williams Show, will end the first weekend in December to give the cast and crew ample time with family and friends before beginning work on the 2010 season.

There are a select few shows that will close the weekend prior to Christmas, so you’ll have a little extra time to squeeze them in before the holiday madness sets in. The Miracle of Christmas at Sight & Sound Theatre will close the weekend before Christmas and re-open for three days of encore performances following the holiday.

If you want to see a show closer to Christmas or right after this beloved holiday, you’re not completely doomed. There are shows that will continue with their regular schedule through the Christmas season. Shows like Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and the Acrobats of China will continue with their regular schedule, only taking Christmas Eve day and Christmas Day off.

If you’ve been waiting to see a show in Branson, time is running out! Reserve your tickets today and make a few last-minute family memories before everyone turns their attention to cookies and presents.

The holiday season is filled with magic and there is one place filled with the magic of a fairytale. For a unique activity this holiday season, stop by The Butterfly Palace before January 15 to experience White Flight. Bring the whole family for this magical experience!

At The Butterfly Palace, guests will enjoy the incredible animals inside the Living Rainforest Science Center and weaving their way through the Emerald Forrest Mirror Maze. Visitors will also be treated to a fantastic movie about the life of butterflies. The best part of the movie is the 3-D presentation!

During the holiday season, The Butterfly Palace creates a special wonderland filled with seasonal music and living angel statues. These serene statues come to life as thousands of white butterflies float around the Conservatory like snowflakes in the wind. Take your time on the self-guided tour and enjoy the peace of this winter wonderland.

Don’t miss out on this unique holiday activity in Branson! The white butterflies are only at The Butterfly Palace until January 15, and then they are gone until next Christmas. Get on BransonShows.com today and order your tickets to this magical experience.

It is that time of year again! Silver Dollar City will debut its annual holiday season Christmas festival on November 7, and the Old Time Christmas will run until December 30.

During this annual festival, Silver Dollar City is transformed by millions of lights. The highlight of the light display is Christmas on Main Street, Silver Dollar City’s largest light display. In addition, the park has a five story special effects Christmas tree that has a light show coordinated to holiday songs. Silver Dollar City also has a Christmas Holiday Light Parade that goes through the park twice a day.

Visitors to Silver Dollar City during this festival can also enjoy a range of live performances, including The Living Nativity and Frosty, as well as A Dickens’ Christmas Carol. Other holiday activities to enjoy during the festival include culinary school lessons, Christmas shopping at the many fun stores in Silver Dollar City, and sampling some of the holiday cuisine at Tastes of the Season. An Old Time Christmas offers holiday magic for all ages and is the perfect activity to get you and your family in the holiday spirit.

Find more information about Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas at its official Web site.

For all of your Silver Dollar City ticket needs, check out BransonShows.com! With two day passes to Silver Dollar City or the Day in Silver Dollar City vacation package, you can find everything you need for a great holiday experience in Branson! Go to BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298 to set up your reservations today!