Once a year, Branson packs a little bit of everything it has to offer into five fun-filled days showcasing world-class performers, local arts and culture, and authentic Branson fare. BransonFest welcomes spring with a virtual smorgasbord of everything this amazing tourist destination has to offer – and all in one location!

Celebrating its 16th year, BransonFest 2008 is set for April 8-12 at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater complex. At the daily “Big Shows” inside, you can sample some of Branson’s best shows each day. If you attend all the Big Shows, you’ll sample at least 50, yes, 50 shows! No wonder this festival has been named a “Top 100” Event in North America by the American Bus Association since 2004!

The five-day event kicks off on Tuesday, April 8th. Activities begin at Noon on the grounds and the first “Big Show” is in the American Bandstand Theatre at 7:00 pm. Wednesday thru Saturday, the outdoor activities begin at 9 a.m. and the daily “Big Shows” are at 10:00 a.m. and 2 p.m. Big Show group ticket price, including tax, is $28 per show.

And if that’s not enough to whet your appetite, the daily outdoor activities in the Real American Entertainment Tent and the Hospitality, Business and Arts tents are free and open to the public. BransonFest 2008 is your chance to sample the multi-dimensional experience that Branson offers its more than seven million visitors annually.

Outdoor Activities

The Real American Entertainment Tent features outstanding entertainment all day long! Enjoy a variety of performances and local talent from Branson’s shows and organizations – and there’s no admission charge.

In the Taste of Branson Food Tent, Branson’s finest eating establishments offer for purchase a variety of local and traditional dishes. From ribs to pizza, soup, sandwiches or a Vigilante Taco – be prepared to enjoy! The Food Tent Stage has special presentations highlighting food and entertainment.

The Hospitality and Business Expo Tent features over 70 booths with representatives from area theaters, attractions, businesses and several area civic organizations. They’re there to answer your questions about everything that’s new with the shows and entertainment at their venues. Enter to win prizes and even visit with your favorite Branson entertainers, one-on-one, during special autograph sessions.

The Arts, Culture & Heritage Tent, sponsored by the Branson Arts Council, showcases Ozark Mountain Art, culture and history. Nationally recognized local artists display and often demonstrate their unique craftsmanship. Meet a featured artist, author or musician at daily autograph sessions.

BransonFest Streetmosphere is featured throughout the festival in the outdoor courtyard area between the tents. Dance troupes, magic acts, special demonstrations, and costumed characters entertain during the beautiful spring days of BransonFest. Children’s activities are featured on Saturday.

Nature is on display, too!

BransonFest celebrates spring — a special time of renewal in America’s Live Entertainment Capital. Branson, Missouri, is nestled in the beautiful Ozark Mountains where Mother Nature puts on a spectacular show with brilliant displays of flowering trees (dogwood, redbud, Bradford pear) and bushes (forsythia, crepe myrtle, lilac) contrasting against the dark green cedars and beginning-to-leaf-out trees. There’s also a plethora of colorful flowers dotting the landscape, signaling the annual period of rebirth and renewal in the Ozarks. It’s also the perfect time to explore scenic nature trails, walking paths and shorelines of area lakes and recreational facilities.

Big Shows Mean Big Entertainment!

BransonFest is a great opportunity to sample the best of Branson and decide for yourself what you’ll want to come back and enjoy even more of in 2008! Tent and Outdoor Activities are free.

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RFD-TV announced today that it will record and air all performances from the 2007 BransonFest in a new, weekly one-hour prime time television show, BransonFest, beginning in May.

Each show will feature 4 or 5 of the individual performances performed on the Welk Resort Theatre stage, and will air three times each week on RFD-TV premiering at 9pm on Friday evening, with repeats scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 4pm, and again Monday at 1pm (all times Eastern). RFD-TV is currently seen in over 30 million homes in all 50 states on DIRECTV (channel 379), DISH Network (channel 231), and numerous cable systems including Mediacom, Charter, Bresnan, NCTC, and locally in Branson on Suddenlink (channel 4).

“This will be a tremendous opportunity for viewers across the nation to see for themselves a sample of the outstanding talent performing in Branson for the 2007 season,” stated Patrick Gottsch, Founder & President of RFD-TV. “We believe that once these viewers see BransonFest, they will want to travel to Branson to see these shows and attractions for themselves in the coming year. Again, this is a great example of why RFD-TV recently moved to Branson, as this new production is sure to be a big hit with our audience.”

BransonFest and Branson Theatre Showcase are sponsored on RFD-TV in part by the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau. In addition, the Welk Resort Theatre, Presley Theatre, and Silver Dollar City run commercial spots in the programming to promote their own attractions.

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A sneak preview of what visitors to Branson can expect to see at the brand new Sight & Sound Theatre, opening in 2008, will be performed on Friday, April 13, during BransonFest at the Welk Resort Theatre. A scene from “Noah – the Musical,” the spectacular production about the ark-building patriarch who trusted God amidst the great flood, will be performed by Karen Knight as Noah’s wife (named Emuwnah and pronounced ee-MOO-nah) and Jon Sneed, an Ozarks’ native excited about returning to the area, who plays Noah.

Presented on Sight & Sound’s 300-foot-long wraparound stage, “Noah – the Musical” will feature a four-story ark that surrounds the audience, along with over 80 live animals, more than 50 animatronic animals and a professional cast of about 50. Story, song, and spectacular staging bring each of Sight & Sound Theatres’ epic shows to life. The dozens of professional actors attired in elaborate costumes, meticulously detailed sets towering up to 40 feet high, trained animals, unmatched special effects, and beautifully memorable music will inspire guests seeing it for the first time in Branson next year. More than one million people have seen the show at Sight & Sound’s Pennsylvania location.

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It’s a little-known fact that each year proceeds from BransonFest go toward assisting many people in our community that need help. One of the key concepts that originated some 15 years ago in planning for BransonFest was the desire to help support local charities. Over the last five years, $80,531.03 has been contributed to Habitat for Humanity and Mountain Country Homes of Hope. Many more in our area are helped with monies raised at BransonFest by the Kiwanis, Taney County Library volunteers and the Branson Arts Council. New this year is an opportunity to partner with Christian Action Ministries (CAM) and attend opening night, which is also Local Appreciation Night, at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10. For residents of Taney and Stone Counties, just $15 and two food items is your admission. In addition to getting a discounted ticket, you can feel good about adding to the pantry at CAM and participating in the food drive. CAM Executive Director Joan Westfall notes, “We presently have a wonderful supply of vegetables, but could really use some peanut butter and jelly. We are so blessed by the generosity of the people of Branson.”

Selected as one of the Top 100 Events in North America by the American Bus Association, BransonFest 2007 is slated for April 10-14 at the Welk Resort Theatre. You’ll enjoy world-class performances, sample genuine Ozarks cuisine, and be able to see and buy wares from local artisans and craftsmen. The Welk Resort Theatre has daily showcase concerts featuring 10 Branson shows and some of the best entertainment in town, including Pam Tillis, Yakov Smirnoff, Les Brown & His Band of Renown, The Gatlin Brothers, Jim Stafford, Mickey Gilley, The Lennon Sisters, Darren Romeo, Clay Cooper, Best of Motown and many more. The talent overflows into the outside tent with a variety of free performances by local and regional entertainers.

The Expo area offers dozens of booths featuring contests, giveaways, show information and autograph sessions with some of Branson’s most popular stars and performers. You can get a Taste of Branson in the food tent with samples of traditional Ozarks’ cuisine and lots of good eats from Branson’s finest restaurants. Visitors will also have the opportunity to observe the work of nationally recognized Branson artists, authors and musicians in the Arts, Culture and Heritage tent.

BransonFest 2007 runs daily, April 10-14. Free outdoor tent activities are noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, April 11-13 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. Daily concerts in the Welk Resort Theatre are at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 10; and at 2 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, April 11-14. The Welk Resort Theatre is located on State Hwy 165 in Branson.

BransonFest 2007 is sponsored by the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. As one of the country’s leading tourism destinations, Branson offers visitors of all ages a wide variety of entertainment throughout the year. Someone you love is always playing in Branson.

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One of the top 100 events in North America, BransonFest 2007 kicks off the spring season April 10-14 at the Welk Resort Theatre with world-class performers, genuine Ozarks cuisine, and a host of local artisans and craftsmen. This 15th annual event will truly give visitors a taste of what Branson is all about.

The Welk Resort Theatre hosts daily concerts, featuring some of the best entertainment in Branson, including Yakov Smirnoff, The Gatlin Brothers, Jim Stafford, Mickey Gilley, The Lennon Sisters, Darren Romeo, The Baldknobbers, Acrobats of China, Best of Motown and many more. Each showcase concert will feature 10 Branson shows and the lineup of stars is added to daily.

The talent overflows into the outside tents where the stage at the Real American Entertainment tent offers a variety of free performances by local and regional entertainers. For kids of all ages, there’s lots of fun with costumed characters and an array of street performers.

The Expo Area displays 50 booths featuring show information, contests and giveaways, and autograph sessions with Branson’s most popular stars and performers. The Taste of Branson food tent gives guests a sample of traditional Ozarks’ cuisine and food from Branson’s finest restaurants. The Arts, Culture and Heritage tent provides visitors the opportunity to observe the work of nationally recognized Branson personalities, and features artists, authors and musicians.

BransonFest 2007 runs daily, April 10-14. Free outdoor tent activities are noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday – Friday, April 11-13 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 14. Daily concerts in the Welk Resort Theatre are at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 10; and at 2 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, April 11-14. The Welk Resort Theatre is located on State Hwy 165 in Branson.

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Welk Resort to Host April 5-9th Event Highlighting What’s New & Hot in Branson in 2005

This booming vacation destination kicks off its 2005 season of family entertainment with BransonFest, April 5-9 at the Welk Resort. The five-day festival features great performances by more than 500 world-class entertainers, authentic Branson cuisine, demonstrations by local artists and craftsmen, and a business and hospitality expo.

Named a ‘Top 100 Event’ in North America by the American Bus Association for the second straight year, BransonFest gives visitors a sample of the many exciting and surprising things they’ll find awaiting them in the Branson/Lakes Area this year.

Daily concerts, held inside the Welk Resort Theatre, feature some of the biggest names in live entertainment and numbers by many of Branson’s hottest production shows. See Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, The Lennon Sisters, Roy Rogers, Jr., Siegfried and Roy Presents Darren Romeo, Mickey Gilley, The Platters, Dino Kartsonakis, Les Brown, Jr. & His Band of Renown, and Red Skelton, A Tribute by Tom Mullica along with the casts of Spirit of the Dance, Broadway!, and Country Tonite.

Each 3-hour performance represents 10 different Branson shows. Tickets are $29.50 per person, or $130 per person for all five shows.

Free live entertainment in the Real American Entertainment Tent on the Welk Resort grounds includes non-stop performances by groups such as Legends in Concert, Goldwing Express, The Platters, Cedric Benoit & Cajun Connection, plus many others. Costumed characters and performers from the Tall Timber Lumberjack Show, comedian Wayne Milnes, and the home-school performance group, the Make-Believers, roam the festival grounds daily entertaining guests with impromptu performances.

Branson celebrities will pose for pictures and sign autographs inside the Business and Hospitality Expo Center. The center will also house 60 booths representing new and existing Branson area theaters, attractions, golf resorts, and other businesses of interest to visitors and area residents. Pick up show schedules and register for daily give-aways.

Inside the Taste of Branson Food Tent, guests can sample some of the most popular dishes from Branson’s finest eating establishments. In 2004, television personality Al Roker and his production crew filmed a special for The Food Network from BransonFest, which has aired multiple times beginning last November.

Inside the Arts, Culture and Heritage Tent, visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase the work of nationally recognized Branson artists, sculptors, jewelry makers, wood carvers and potters. A different artist, author or musician will be on hand each day showcasing their work.

BransonFest 2005 runs daily, April 5-9. Free outdoor tent activities are noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, April 6-9. Daily concerts in the Welk Resort Theatre are at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5; and at 2 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, April 6-9. The Welk Resort Theater is located on Missouri Highway 165 just south of downtown Branson.

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“AL ROKER’S COUNTRY FESTIVAL” Featuring BransonFest
Join nine-time Emmy Award winner and host of NBC’s Today Show, Al Roker for an hour special as he visits Branson, Missouri, the live entertainment capital of America during BransonFest 2004. Nestled between the White River and the Ozark Mountains you’ll find bright lights and scenic nature mixed with live music and the widest variety of entertainment imaginable. And there’s food too, lots and lots of food. For one week every year Branson kicks it up a notch with BransonFest; a non-stop celebration of the music, the food, and the surprising culture of the Ozarks. Al takes us on a tour of the sights, sounds and behind the scene happenings, introducing us to those who put Branson on the map like Andy Williams and Tony Orlando. Plus, you’ll meet some of the legends of popular music, Pam Tillis, Mickey Gilley and even an Oak Ridge boy or two, cooking up their favorites.

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“What an amazing treat to have Al Roker and company spend a week savoring the tastes, sights and sounds of BransonFest,” said John Richardson, director of Marketing for Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show, and chairman of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB’s BransonFest committee.

BransonFest 2007 is set for April 10-14 on the festival grounds of the beautiful Welk Resort in Branson. The annual event showcases Branson’s very best food, fun and live entertainment.

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The American Bus Association recently announced its annual “Top 100 Events in North America” including the spring season kick-off event, BransonFest, for the second straight year.

“BransonFest is the opportunity to spend a season in one of America’s most popular vacation destinations in just five days,” according to the ABA’s Top 100 Committee. The 13th annual season kick-off festival set for April 5-9, 2005 at the Welk Resort provides visitors with a sample of the kinds of entertainment, food, art, and vacation experiences they can expect to find in the Branson area throughout the upcoming year.

“We consider this ABA designation a tremendous honor. For BransonFest to have been chosen out of all the events reviewed in 44 states and 11 Canadian provinces is definitely something this community can be proud of,” said John Richardson, chairman of the BransonFest Committee for the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB, and director of marketing for Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show.

BransonFest 2005 will showcase the talents of more than 500 world-class performers. Each of the daily shows inside the Welk Resort Theater will feature at least 10 different Branson headline acts performing segments from their 2005 season shows. Details of the show roster are still in the works and will be released later this year.

Shows inside the Welk Theatre start at 7:00pm on Tuesday and at 2:00pm Wednesday through Saturday. Tickets are $29.50 per show or $130 per person for all five shows. Special discounted rates are available for groups of 20 or more.

Throughout each of the five days, the Real American Entertainment Tent will feature the talent of area singers, dancers and musicians performing a variety of music and dance styles including jazz, pop, bluegrass, rock n’ roll, country, gospel, classical and show choir.

New in 2005, an exclusive “Student Performance Showcase” including dance troupes, choral groups, flag corps, special demonstrations, and costumed characters will feature entertainment especially for kids and will enhance the overall ‘streetmosphere’ throughout the Welk Resort festival grounds.

“We’re always excited about adding new elements to BransonFest,” said Ross Summers, executive vice president of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB. “In 2004, Al Roker shot footage for his show on The Food Network which will air on November 7, 2004. In 2005, we’ll have lots of exciting things going on throughout the tent area making it a real attention -grabbing event for kids.”

More than 70 booths inside the Hospitality and Business Expo tent will offer a sample of Branson’s finest attractions, businesses and theaters. The Expo area will house autograph sessions, giveaways, contests and more.

The spotlight is on Ozark Mountain culture and heritage at the Arts, Culture and Heritage Expo tent. Visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase the art of nationally recognized Branson painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, fabric artists, and writers among others. Each day, a different artist will be on hand to visit with guests and sign autographs.

Inside the Taste of Branson Food Tent guests can sample traditional Ozarks cuisine and watch as recipes are prepared by celebrities and chefs from several of Branson’s finest restaurants.

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