The following events were supplied to us by festival organizers and tourism offices throughout the state, and selected by Midwest Living editors. This is not intended as an all-inclusive list of all events in this state. If you decide to go, call first: Dates and specific events can change at the last minute.
Coleman Hawkins Jazz Festival
St. Joseph, June 8-9
Join in the celebration of St. Joseph’s native son, Coleman Hawkins, with all-day concerts by famed area jazz musicians. Includes art vendors and concessions. Admission is free. Coleman Hawkins Park on Felix Street Square, 701 Felix Street. Full calendar of events at StJoMo.com. (800-785-0360; colemanhawkins.org)
Trails West! Festival
St. Joseph, August 17-19
The largest event in Northwest Missouri offers music, dance, fine arts, crafts and interactive experiences for the whole family. As the sun goes down the main stage comes alive to bring the talents of national recording artists from Country, Rock, and Blues to St. Joseph. Full calendar of events at StJoMo.com. (800-785-0360; stjoearts.com)
Sound of Speed Airshow
St. Joseph, August 25-26
The United States Navy's flight demonstration squadron, the Blue Angels will display their exceptional flying prowess at the Sound of Speed Air Show at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. The Blue Angels Team squadron, comprised of Navy and Marine pilots, was formed in 1946 making it the second oldest flying aerobatic team in the world. Full calendar of events at StJoMo.com. (800-785-0360; stjairshow.com)
Tunes at Twilight
Cape Girardeau, May 11-September 14
Kick back on a picnic blanket on a bluff overlooking the river for a free outdoor concert in the heart of downtown Cape Girardeau. This weekly conert series runs for 6 weeks in the spring and 6 weeks in the fall. (573-334-8085; DowntownCapeGirardeau.com)
Cape Riverfront Market
Cape Girardeau, May 5-October 27
Grab a coffee and breakfast from a food truck and head downtown to the Cape Riverfront Market, where you can peruse locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as locally produced goods and kick back under a shade tree to listen to the musical guest of the week! A rotating demonstration schedule keeps things interesting at downtown's farmer's market. The market includes vendors selling a variety of products including farn-fresh produce, organic products, meats, cheeses, baked goods, jams, honey and arts & crafts. All products are locally grown, produced or prepared. (573-334-8085; DowntownCapeGirardeau.com)