“There’s always fun and excitement in Branson,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “Branson is constantly adding something new and fresh. There’s always a reason to comeback to Branson! Why would anyone go anywhere else, but Branson for a vacation or a get away?”
From celebrating Branson entertainment milestones, to new festivals, shows and attractions there’s an adventure for everyone in Branson to enjoy during 2017. Here’s some of the highlights:
Silver Dollar City’s The Festival of Wonder: Its new Festival of Wonder promises “A most Amazing Entertainment Experience!” The “all-new festival presents amazing acts of curiosity and larger-than-life performances. See The Earth Harp Collective, featuring the world’s largest playable stringed instrument; the Glass Armonica showcasing “one of the world’s largest instruments made of glassware;” and much more. Festival activities are in addition to everything else the award winning 1880s-styled theme park offers daily.
Milestone Show Performances: 2017 presents a unique opportunity to celebrate and become part of Branson’s history. Presleys’ Country Jubilee and the Presley family celebrates their 50th year performing in Branson. They have been in the same location since June 30, 1967. The Haygoods are celebrating 25 years of entertaining Branson audiences with an all-new show in 2017. The five Haygood brothers and their sister first performed for Branson audiences in 1992 at Silver Dollar City.
Raiding the Country Vault: Opening for its first full Branson season in 2017, six words sum up this show up, “It will blow your socks off!” Devoted to traditional country music, it is an extremely well-produced show, presented by a cast who are not only masters at their craft, but obviously have a love and enthusiasm for the music they are performing.
Raiding the Rock Vault: The producers of Raiding the Country Vault are bringing their hit Las Vegas show, Raiding the Rock Vault, to Branson for a limited engagement appearance July 6 through July 22.
Miracle of Christmas Returns to Sight and Sound: Sight and Sound’s spectacular biblical epic, Miracle of Christmas returns to Branson for the Christmas season from November 4 through December 30. Experience the story of the Nativity and Christmas as it comes to life with high drama, awe-inspiring special effects and live animals. See the true meaning of Christmas unfold right before your eyes!
Dreams – A Classic Rock Fantasy: In its first full season in Branson, this show is sure to provide one of the most intimate nights of high energy classic rock entertainment in Branson. Classic rock fans will love the way Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart and Mick Jagger “come alive” in this powerhouse of sound woven into the story of a father’s “Steampunk dream.”
Showboat Branson Belle’s Country On The Lake: Starting Memorial Day Weekend, the Branson Belle will have a new noon concert cruise. “Country On The Lake is designed as a concert cruise, featuring multi-talented rising country stars performing #1 hits from yesterday’s classic rock to country favorites of today, backed by a live band,” said Nick Guevel, Operations Director for the Showboat Branson Belle. “We’ll include tributes to country stars of the ’90s with songs by stars such as Garth Brooks and Faith Hill, plus many of classic rock’s most memorable songs.” The show’s meal will include slow-smoked pork prepared by the pit master at Silver Dollar City and delivered to the Showboat every morning and desserts prepared by the Silver Dollar City bakers.
Touring Stars performing 2017 Limited Engagements: Many touring stars will perform Limited Engagement shows in Branson during the year. Here’s the list with links to add scheduling and ticket information, as of February 11:
America: Oct 8
Hallmark Presents Maxine’s Christmas Carol: Nov 1-Dec 16
Loretta Lynn: Oct 14-15
Neil Sedaka: Oct 21
Paul Anka: Nov 12
Tanya Tucker: Sep 16
Bill Anderson & Moe Bandy: Jun 23
Boot Daddy Presents Gene Watson: Apr 19-20
Boot Daddy Presents Jimmy Fortune: Oct 17-18, Nov 11-12
Branson Music Fest: Apr 21-22
Charley Pride: Sep 29
Country Unplugged Tour: Nov 8
Daniel O’Donnell: Oct 30-Nov 18*
Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone, & B.J. Thomas: Oct 6-7
John Conlee: Jun 7
Johnny Mathis with Gary Mule Deer: Nov 17-18
Kris Kristofferson: Apr 7
Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers: Nov 1 & 15
Larry’s Country Diner-T. Graham Brown: May 1 & Sep 18
Larry’s Country Diner-Mo and Holly Pitney: May 4
Larry’s Country Diner-Mark Wills: May 5
Larry’s Country Diner-Gene Watson: May 3 & Sep 20
Larry’s Country Diner-Jimmy Fortune: May 2 & Sep 21
Larry’s Country Diner-Rhonda Vincent: Sep 19
Larry’s Country Diner-The Isaacs: Sep 22
Menopause The Musical: May 18-21
Neal McCoy: Nov 1-16*
Oak Ridge Boys: Apr 21-22, Sep 20-21, Oct 4-31 & Nov 1-16*
Raiding the Rock Vault: July 6-22Richie McDonald: Aug 13
Ricky Nelson Remembered: Apr 12
Roots and Boots Tour starring Pam Tillis, Sammy Kershaw and Collin Raye: Oct 13
Sister Sledge: Jul 7
T. G. Sheppard & Kelly Lang: Jul 5
The Bellamy Brothers: May 31
Titanic Dance: Nov 1-12*
Trace Adkins: Jun 30
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest: Apr 8
Vicki Lawrence and Mama: May 14
White Water’s New Interactive Kids’ Play Area: The new half-million dollar kids’ play area has been added to the “Coconut Cove” section of White Water. Designed for the smaller kids the area has five slides, four water blasters, “bubbler” fountains, hose jets, tipping buckets and more.
The History of Fishing Museum: If you are a fisherman, this is a must see! Opening for its first full season in Branson in 2017, the museum has more than 40,000 pieces, valued at nearly $5 million. It showcases the private collection of Karl & Beverly White including lures, rods, reels, boats, motors, and everything else having to do with sport fishing. The museum’s collection covers everything that is “collectible.” It includes many “firsts” such as the first Skeeter bass boat to come off the line.
Titanic Museum Attraction’s “Titanic Movie Gallery:” To honor the 20th Anniversary of James Cameron’s iconic movie “Titanic,” the museum has a has a new “Titanic Movie Gallery.” It showcases many never seen before items from the movie including costumes, set pieces, props, signed scripts, and more. This is a limited engagement from March 12-June 11.
Main Street Lakes Cruises’ Scenic and Dinner Cruises: This will be the first full year operating in its new easy access location at 9 South Boardwalk at Branson Landing. Its new prime location, along the shoreline of the Bass Pro Parking lot provides drive-up parking and immediate level access to the main entrance from a flat parking lot. Main Street Lake Cruises offers Lake Taneycomo sightseeing and dinner cruises aboard its two vessels, the 140 passenger riverboat replica Lake Queen, and the 100-foot luxury yacht, the Landing Princess.
“And this is just the middle of February!” said Wood. For more information, call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550. For planning the ideal trip to Branson, “One call can take care of it all.” A Branson based Travel Planner will answer any questions about Branson, help with reservations, and getting the best available show seats and lodging. There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 9:00 AM to 8.00 PM.
* Please check linked schedules for exact dates, ticketing, and pricing.