Branson, MO Memorial Day Weekend 2026: What to Do, See, and Book

Key Takeaways

• Memorial Day weekend 2026 in Branson, MO runs Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25, 2026.

• Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass and BBQ Festival runs through Memorial Day weekend (May 7-25, 2026), bringing 65+ world-class bluegrass acts and award-winning BBQ to the park.

• White Water opens for its 2026 season on Saturday, May 23, making Memorial Day weekend the first full water park weekend of the year.

• Brantley Gilbert and Aaron Lewis perform at Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater on Sunday, May 24, 2026. Doors open at 5:30 PM.

• A Veterans of the Ozarks Memorial Day Ceremony takes place at the Table Rock American Legion on May 25, 2026 at 11:00 AM.

• Rally Point Branson has moved off Memorial Day weekend in 2026. It now runs June 12-14, 2026.

Branson, Missouri is one of the most patriotic cities in the country, and Memorial Day weekend is one of its biggest. The shows are packed, Table Rock Lake fills up, and the city puts on a weekend that balances live entertainment with genuine military tributes. VacationStar has put together this guide using only confirmed 2026 events so you can plan with accurate information, not carried-over details from last year.

Memorial Day weekend 2026 falls on May 22 through May 25, with Memorial Day itself on Monday, May 25. This year's lineup is headlined by the final weekend of Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass and BBQ Festival, the opening weekend of White Water, a major concert at Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater, and a lineup of shows and patriotic events across the city.

One important update for 2026: Rally Point Branson has moved from Memorial Day weekend to June 12-14, 2026, culminating on Flag Day. If you visited Branson last year for Rally Point, plan accordingly. The event is not part of Memorial Day weekend this year.

Memorial Day weekend 2026 in Branson, MO runs from Friday, May 22 through Monday, May 25, 2026. Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25. It is one of the three busiest weekends of the year in Branson, alongside the Fourth of July and peak October foliage season. Cabin rentals and show tickets for this weekend typically sell out weeks in advance.

If you haven't booked lodging yet, book as soon as possible. Lakefront cabin rentals near Table Rock Lake and larger group properties are the first to go for Memorial Day weekend every year.

Memorial Day Weekend 2026 Events at a Glance

Every event in this table has been confirmed for 2026. Dates, times, and venues are accurate as of the date of this article.

What's Happening in Branson for Memorial Day Weekend 2026

White Water, Silver Dollar City's water park in Branson, opens for its 2026 season on Saturday, May 23. That makes Memorial Day weekend the first full water park weekend of the year. The park runs through September 7, 2026 and covers 13 acres with over 2 million gallons of water attractions.

One change for 2026: White Water is going cashless. Beginning May 23, the park will accept only debit cards, credit cards, and mobile payments such as Apple Pay and Google Pay. Plan accordingly before you arrive.

Silver Dollar City Bluegrass and BBQ Festival (Final Weekend: May 22-25)

Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass and BBQ Festival runs May 7 through May 25, 2026, making Memorial Day weekend its final four days. The festival brings over 65 world-class bluegrass acts to multiple stages throughout the 1880s-themed park, with slow-smoked barbecue served at the House of BBQ and live music running from park open to close.

Confirmed 2026 performers include Rhonda Vincent and The Rage, The SteelDrivers, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, The Grascals, Special Consensus, Po' Ramblin' Boys, Rick Faris, Kenny and Amanda Smith, and the annual Youth in Bluegrass Showcase featuring performers 21 and under. The International Bluegrass Music Association has named this festival Event of the Year multiple times. Festival admission is included with a standard park ticket.

Brantley Gilbert and Aaron Lewis: May 24, 2026

On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Brantley Gilbert and Aaron Lewis perform together at Black Oak Mountain Amphitheater in Lampe, Missouri, about 20 minutes from Branson. The show is part of the EquipmentShare Summer to Remember Concert Series. Doors open at 5:30 PM and the show begins at 7:00 PM. Tickets start at $71 and are available through major ticketing platforms. VIP packages include covered pavilion seating, a complimentary buffet, cash bar, and dedicated parking.

Branson Landing Summer Concert Series Kickoff

Memorial Day weekend marks the kickoff of the Branson Landing Summer Concert Series, with The Dirty Saints as the opening act and Damsel headlining. The weekend also includes a 20th birthday fireworks show over Lake Taneycomo. The Branson Landing fountain and fire show continues to run nightly at no cost throughout the weekend.

Veterans of the Ozarks Memorial Day Ceremony: May 25, 11:00 AM

On Memorial Day itself, Monday May 25, 2026, Veterans of the Ozarks hosts its annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Table Rock American Legion at 11:00 AM. The ceremony honors veterans and fallen service members with military tributes. Attendance is open to the public. Branson has one of the highest concentrations of military memorial sites of any city its size in the country, and Memorial Day ceremonies at the Veterans Memorial Garden and Branson Landing also take place across the weekend.

Big Cedar Lodge Live Music Weekend: May 22-25

Big Cedar Lodge, located in Ridgedale, Missouri about 15 minutes from Branson, hosts a full Memorial Day weekend of live bluegrass and Americana music across May 22-25. Confirmed performers include Rick Faris Band (May 22-23), Carson Peters and Iron Mountain (May 23-25), Nothin' Fancy (May 23-25), Authentic Unlimited (May 23-24), and Junior Sisk (May 25). Most performances are free or included with resort access.

Not sure what to pack for the weekend? Our Branson Memorial Day packing guide covers exactly what to bring for late May weather, the lake, and the shows.

Beyond the special events, Branson's regular show lineup runs at full capacity over Memorial Day weekend. The following productions are confirmed for 2026 and run multiple performances daily throughout the weekend. Tickets sell fast for holiday weekend dates and booking in advance is strongly recommended.

David at Sight and Sound Theatre

The 2026 production of David at Sight and Sound Theatre runs through late 2026, with afternoon performances at 3:30 PM and evening performances at 7:30 PM. The production features original music inspired by the Psalms, live animals, and large-scale stage sets. The show runs approximately 2.5 hours. A new production is scheduled to open in November 2026. Tickets for Memorial Day weekend dates are in high demand.

Dolly Parton's Stampede

Dolly Parton's Stampede runs daily with multiple seatings throughout Memorial Day weekend. The dinner show combines a four-course meal with horse-riding performances, friendly competition, and live entertainment in an arena-style venue on the Branson Strip.

The Duttons

The Duttons perform their family variety show across Memorial Day weekend. The show features music, acrobatics, and comedy from multiple generations of the Dutton family.

SIX

SIX is an a cappella group show running on the Branson Strip. The six brothers perform across multiple genres with no instruments, only vocal harmonies and percussion.

Presley's Country Jubilee

Presley's Country Jubilee, one of Branson's longest-running shows, performs throughout Memorial Day weekend with country music, comedy, and family-friendly variety entertainment.

Outdoor Activities on Table Rock Lake

Table Rock Lake is the outdoor centerpiece of Memorial Day weekend in Branson. The lake covers 43,000 acres with 745 miles of shoreline and reaches comfortable swimming temperatures of 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit by late May. Boat rentals, watersports, and lakeside activities draw the largest crowds of the weekend.

Pontoon Boat Rentals

State Park Marina and several other operators around Table Rock Lake rent pontoon boats by the half day and full day. Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest boat rental weekends of the year. Book your rental in advance. Walking up to the dock on Saturday morning without a reservation on Memorial Day weekend almost always means no boat.

Moonshine Beach

Moonshine Beach is the primary public swim beach on Table Rock Lake, with a sandy shore, swimming area, and boat ramp. It fills early on warm holiday weekends. Arrive before 10:00 AM on Saturday and Sunday to secure parking and a good spot on the beach.

Watersports

Jet ski rentals, parasailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding are all available through operators around the lake. Jet ski and watersport rentals also book fast for Memorial Day weekend. Confirm availability before you arrive rather than planning to book on-site.