Cedar Fest 2026 at Big Cedar Lodge Near Branson

Cedar Fest 2026 at Big Cedar Lodge: Fall Fun Near Branson, Missouri

Big Cedar Lodge is one of my favorite places around Branson in the fall, and you do NOT have to stay at the resort to enjoy Cedar Fest!

Cedar Fest happens on Saturdays in October, but there is so much more to do while you’re down there. Bring the kids to Fun Mountain, eat at some of my favorite restaurants around Branson, grab a drink at Harry’s or Buzzard Bar, or add Top of the Rock while you’re in the area.

Cedar Fest at Big Cedar Lodge at a Glance

📍 Location: Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri, just south of Branson

📅 When: Saturdays in October 2026

⏰ Cedar Fest Hours: 3:30–9 PM

🏨 Do You Have to Stay at Big Cedar? No! You can visit Big Cedar without staying at the resort.

🎃 What Is It? A Saturday fall festival with pumpkins, games and family activities on the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bringing Kids: Add Fun Mountain

❤️ For Couples: Worman House, Harry’s Cocktail Lounge and Buzzard Bar are some of my favorites

⭐ Best For: Families, couples and anyone looking for fall things to do near Branson, Missouri

What Is Cedar Fest at Big Cedar Lodge?

Cedar Fest is basically Big Cedar’s Saturday fall festival. It takes place on the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn during October, and this is where you’ll find the pumpkins, games and family activities.

For 2026, Big Cedar lists activities including pumpkin decorating, face painting, inflatables, tie-dye, pottery painting, tram rides and the big slide. There are also other fall experiences happening around the resort, some of which require separate tickets or reservations.

So don’t think of Cedar Fest as some huge festival that takes over the entire Big Cedar property. It’s one piece of everything happening at Big Cedar during the fall.

I’ve been down there while Cedar Fest was going on, although I haven’t personally participated in all of the activities. What I have done is spend a LOT of time at Big Cedar, especially eating, going to Fun Mountain and enjoying the property.

And fall is one of my favorite times to be down there!

CHECK CURRENT CEDAR FEST ACTIVITIES & TICKETS BEFORE YOU GO!

Satirah’s Tip

If you’re coming down for Cedar Fest, give yourself extra time to enjoy Big Cedar!

If you have kids, add Fun Mountain. If it’s just the two of you, make a dinner reservation and head to Harry’s or Buzzard Bar afterward.

And if you want a sunset reservation at Worman House, book it EARLY!

Bringing Kids to Cedar Fest? Add Fun Mountain

We love Fun Mountain!

One of our favorite things to do is bowl at Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl. The entire bowling alley is under-the-sea themed, and it is so much fun.

And we always get the nachos!

Fun Mountain has a bunch of other activities, but they’ve also completely redone the downstairs area. Lucky Putt looks like something straight out of Tron. There are also golf simulators and The Bunker downstairs.

I especially recommend Fun Mountain if you’re bringing kids, but there is plenty for adults to do, too.

Where I’d Eat at Big Cedar in the Fall

Big Cedar has some of my favorite food around Branson.

And if you’re looking for cozy fall vibes, it doesn’t get much better than the places Big Cedar has to eat.

Devil’s Pool Restaurant

Devil’s Pool is a good choice when you want something nicer without going all the way into fine dining.

It’s definitely a step above something like Chili’s or Texas Roadhouse, but it still feels relaxed. Plus, you get all of those cozy Big Cedar lodge vibes that feel even better in the fall.

And when you’re done, go downstairs!

Buzzard Bar

Buzzard Bar is downstairs from Devil’s Pool, and it is so much fun!

You can grab something to eat or drink, and they have live entertainment. I also like this one for couples who want somewhere to hang out after dinner.

And here’s something funny I’ve noticed about Big Cedar.

Apparently every restaurant needs a bar downstairs. 😂

Okay, maybe not every restaurant, but they do this a lot.

Devil’s Pool has Buzzard Bar downstairs. Worman House has Harry’s. They even do it over at their sister property, Top of the Rock!

I’m certainly not complaining.

Worman House

If you’re looking for something more upscale, I’d go with Worman House.

For me, Worman House is just as much about the setting as it is the food. It has that cozy lodge-meets-cottage feeling that is fabulous in the fall, and the view is spectacular.

If you can get a reservation around sunset and sit near the windows, DO IT!

But you better plan ahead. If you specifically want a sunset reservation and a good table, call well in advance.

And when you’re done eating, go downstairs!

Harry’s Cocktail Lounge Is One of My Fall Favorites

Harry’s Cocktail Lounge is underneath Worman House, and this is one of my favorite places at Big Cedar in the fall.

It’s cozy, the views are beautiful, and it’s a fabulous place to have a drink and hang out for a while.

Worman House followed by Harry’s downstairs makes a fantastic fall date night!

I have an entire blog about Harry’s, so you can read all about it before you go.

READ MY FULL GUIDE TO HARRY’S COCKTAIL LOUNGE

Staying at Big Cedar Lodge?

If you’re actually staying at Big Cedar, make sure you check the resort activity calendar for your dates.

There are additional seasonal activities available to overnight guests, and what’s happening can change throughout the fall.

That means even if Cedar Fest isn’t happening on the day you arrive, there may still be plenty of fall activities going on around the resort.

While You’re Down There, Think About Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock isn’t part of Cedar Fest, but it’s right next door, and fall is one of my favorite times to do the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail.

I’ve done it more times than I can count, and the views when the leaves are changing are fabulous!

If you’ve never been, I have an entire Top of the Rock guide with everything I think you need to know before you go.

READ MY FULL TOP OF THE ROCK GUIDE

Is Cedar Fest Worth Adding to Your Branson Fall Trip?

I think so!

Big Cedar is already cozy, but add pumpkins, cooler weather and fall color and it gets even better.

Families have Cedar Fest and Fun Mountain. Couples can make a reservation at Worman House, have drinks at Harry’s or spend the evening at Buzzard Bar. And you certainly don’t have to stay at Big Cedar to enjoy it.

If you’re planning a fall trip to Branson, I have plenty more where this came from!

SEE ALL OF MY FALL THINGS TO DO IN BRANSON

Cedar Fest & Big Cedar Fall FAQs

How far is Big Cedar Lodge from Branson?

Big Cedar Lodge is in Ridgedale, Missouri, just south of Branson.

I’d plan on about 20–25 minutes from the Branson Strip or around 15 minutes from Branson Landing, depending on traffic.

Do I need reservations to eat at Big Cedar Lodge in the fall?

It depends on where you’re eating.

You don’t need reservations for everything at Big Cedar, especially the more casual places at Fun Mountain.

For Devil’s Pool, I’d consider making a reservation if you’re visiting on a busy fall weekend.

Worman House is different. Make a reservation! And if you’re hoping for one of those tables by the window with a view, especially around sunset, I would book well in advance.

What happens if the weather is bad during Cedar Fest?

Missouri fall weather can be all over the place, so check the forecast before you head down.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, Fun Mountain gives you several indoor options, including bowling, the arcade and golf simulators.

I also have an entire guide to Branson weather, including average temperatures and what you can generally expect during different times of the year.

READ MY BRANSON WEATHER GUIDE

When is the best time to see fall colors at Big Cedar Lodge?

There isn’t one perfect date every year. Our fall color depends a lot on the weather leading up to October.

If seeing the leaves is important to your trip, I keep a separate Branson fall color guide with more information about when colors typically change and what can affect them.

READ MY BRANSON FALL COLOR GUIDE

Can I do Cedar Fest and Top of the Rock on the same day?

Absolutely.

If I were doing both, I’d probably do Top of the Rock earlier in the day and Cedar Fest later in the afternoon. Cedar Fest doesn’t start until 3:30 PM, so the two work together pretty well.

Just remember that Top of the Rock is a separate attraction, so check its hours and ticket availability when you’re planning your day.