Missouri holidays

Holidays to Missouri

Feel the rhythm of Missouri

Music runs deep through Missouri’s veins, shaping its identity and atmosphere in unforgettable ways.

In Kansas City, the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District came alive during Prohibition, giving rise to a revolutionary jazz sound. Greats like Charlie Parker, Count Basie and Lester Young helped define the genre, and today their legacy lives on at the American Jazz Museum and intimate live venues across the city.

Over in St. Louis, the blues is more than a genre – it’s part of the city’s soul. W. C. Handy drew inspiration here for his iconic 'St. Louis Blues'. Catch live performances in legendary spots like Broadway Oyster Bar or explore the Delmar Loop, home to the St. Louis Walk of Fame and Blueberry Hill Duck Room, where Chuck Berry once performed.

For pure entertainment, Branson lives up to its title as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World,” with hundreds of performances spanning country, gospel, rock and Broadway-style shows. It’s also home to Silver Dollar City, a theme park blending 19th-century charm with modern thrills.

Missouri’s influence doesn’t stop at the classics. Artists like Nelly, Smino and rising star Chappell Roan show how the state continues to shape today’s sound.

Hit the road on Route 66

Few experiences feel more quintessentially American than a journey along Route 66, and Missouri’s stretch is packed with nostalgia. Starting in St. Louis, the “Gateway to the West,” the road winds through small towns, retro motels and classic diners.

Don’t miss the glowing nostalgia of Route 66 Neon Park in St Robert, celebrating the golden age of roadside Americana; and no road trip along the mother road would be complete without a stop in Springfield – the birthplace of Route 66.

Stop for a film under the stars at the Route 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage, Missouri. Classic diners like Iggy’s Diner, Spencer’s Grill and College Street Café serve up timeless American comfort food.

Discover Missouri’s icons

Missouri is packed with landmarks and stories that define American culture.

Towering above St. Louis, the Gateway Arch stands 630 feet tall, marking the starting point of the nation’s westward expansion.

Food lovers will find heaven in Missouri’s barbecue scene, especially in Kansas City, known for smoky flavours, sweet sauces and iconic burnt ends.

For outdoor adventure, the Ozark Mountains offer hiking, boating and scenic escapes, with highlights like Fantastic Caverns and Table Rock Lake.

Missouri also celebrates its cultural legends. Visit Hannibal, hometown of Mark Twain, or Independence to explore the legacy of Harry S. Truman. In Marceline, discover the small-town inspiration behind Walt Disney’s vision of Main Street USA.

History comes alive in St. Joseph, where the Pony Express began and outlaw Jesse James met his end.
For a deeper look at global history, the National WWI Museum and Memorial offers a powerful and immersive experience. And in St. Louis, Forest Park – once home to the 1904 World’s Fair – is now a vast green space filled with museums, a zoo and endless outdoor activities.

Even everyday items have roots here – Chillicothe proudly claims the invention of commercially sliced bread in 1928.

Five reasons to visit Missouri

• A rich musical heritage spanning jazz, blues and modern hits
• Iconic road trips along historic Route 66
• A mix of vibrant cities, cultural landmarks and scenic countryside
• Legendary barbecue and classic American dining experiences
• Unique stories and historical figures that shaped the nation