10 Must-Attend Events and Festivals in and Around Joplin, MO - Livability.com (2024)

The region is always bustling with activities for residents and visitors.

By Emily Handy on May 13, 2024

Located along historic Route 66 and situated in the Ozark Mountains region in southwest Missouri, the city of Joplin is not one to pass by – it’s a destination.

On any given weekend, Joplin is bustling with festivals, events and happenings that both residents (and visitors) enjoy. From weekly staples like Third Thursday and the Empire Market to annual events like the celebrated Maple Leaf Festival in Carthage, there is always something to do and see. Here is a list of 10 must-attend events and festivals in and around Joplin, MO. See you there!

1. Third Thursday in Joplin, MO

On the third Thursday of the month from March through October, six blocks of Main Street in downtown Joplin turn into a giant street party. The event is a Joplin, MO, favorite, and it is currently in its 17th year. It brings out a hefty 5,000 people each month to enjoy music, food, an artisan market and upward of 100 vendors. Every month is themed, so you’re never going to the same event twice.

“People are coming out to really just be a part of the community. It’s a free event, so it brings out people of all walks of life,” says Lori Haun, executive director of the Downtown Joplin Alliance.

2. Maple Leaf Festival® in Carthage, MO

Nicknamed “America’s Maple Leaf City,” there is no better place to view gorgeous fall foliage than Carthage, and each year during the third week in October, the city celebrates these stunning leaves with one of the most beloved festivals around.

What originated as a humble band competition in 1966, the Maple Leaf Festival® has grown exponentially since and is now one of the region’s largest festivals, attracting over 65,000 visitors. The festival runs for a week in October, beginning with Oktoberfest and culminating with a huge parade. The week is filled with events on the square, including live entertainment, a quilt show and a kids corner and so much more.

3. Marian Days in Carthage, MO

For 45 years in the first week in August, more than 80,000 Vietnamese American Roman Catholics make the pilgrimage to Carthage to celebrate the Blessed Virgin Mary at the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer institute.

“It really is quite a spectacular event to see,” says Julie Reams, president and CEO of the Carthage Chamber of Commerce.

The festival typically lasts four days and offers attendees the chance to celebrate with family and friends, worship and pray. A variety of traditional Vietnamese food is available throughout the campus.

4. ArtCon in Neosho, MO

The Neosho Arts Council’s ArtCon is the pop culture event of the year. The convention began in 2019 and has a little something for everyone.

“Each year, we have a great lineup of professional comic creators, panels, special vendors, cosplay contests, esports and games for the public to take part in,” says Sarah Serio, president of the Neosho Arts Council.

All funds raised go to the council and are injected back into the community with free concerts and art field trips for students.

Wine lovers, take note! Hosted on – you guessed it– the first Friday of each month by the Downtown Joplin Alliance, the First Friday WineShare is an excellent place to network, try new wines and experience downtown Joplin.

Attendees to this exciting Joplin, MO, event need only to bring a bottle of wine or craft beer to share, and after a short program, they are invited to mingle, sip and enjoy.

Haun hopes that following the WineShare, folks continue the night downtown at one of Joplin’s fantastic restaurants.

6. Red, White & Boom in Carthage, MO

Each Fourth of July, residents and visitors from all over flock to Municipal Park for a day packed with festivities, including a 5K run, live music, food trucks, kids activities and, of course, fireworks. With 70,000 attendees in 2023, Carthage’s Red, White & Boom celebration is highly popular.

“It’s becoming a huge staple in our community, as well, and getting pretty big for a one-day event,” Reams says.

7. North Heights Porchfest in Joplin, MO

Touted as a “choose your own adventure music festival,” North Heights Porchfest always features a great lineup of Joplin’s best musicians and some tasty food. Each hour, three to five musical acts take the stage on one of the gorgeous porches in the historic North Heights neighborhood.

Grab a bite to eat at one of Joplin’s favorite food trucks and stroll the art market down the street from the tunes before heading back for more.

8. Joplin Arts Fest in Joplin, MO

This two-day event in Joplin, MO, showcases the art of approximately 40 regional artists as well as other widespread artists. Approximately 1,500 art lovers descend on the Cornell Complex each September to shop, listen to live music and enjoy food trucks and classic festival fare at Joplin’s only juried art festival. If you’re looking for a new piece of art for your home or just want to enjoy a well-curated community event, this festival is considered a can’t-miss.

9. Empire Market in Joplin, MO

The Empire Market is the place to be every Saturday in Joplin. This indoor market isn’t your average farmers market. Instead, it acts as that “third place” that people look for to hang out and grab a bite or listen to live music. It regularly hosts fun events like Paris Week, Holiday Market, Goats in the Garden, Chili Cookoff and more. As many as 40 vendors sell locally produced goods.

10. Downtown Lofts Tour in Joplin, MO

Downtown Lofts Tour is a unique event in Joplin, MO, that takes people on a tour of several different historic downtown lofts that are in different states of renovation.

Haun of the Downtown Joplin Alliance says the event’s goal is to give people insight into downtown living and what it takes to restore these historic lofts. Eventgoers take a self-guided tour through the lofts (in 2023 there were nine to walk through), and then the evening culminates in a rooftop reception complete with bites and drinks.

This article is sponsored by Choose Joplin, which is actively supported by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Joplin.