Live Shows

Live Shows

No trip to Branson is complete without a stop to see some live entertainment.

Since the Baldknobbers played the first notes on the banks of Lake Taneycomo, live shows have been the mainstay of a vacation in Branson. Today, with so many acts to choose from, Branson is truly the Live Music Show Capital of the World!

There is music from every era and style performed by both rising young entertainers and legendary stars. The wide variety of music includes Pop, Country, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Gospel, Patriotic, Broadway, Western, Big Band, Swing, Bluegrass, Jazz, Classical and more. Music made famous by baroque composers, cowboy poets, cinematic blockbusters, ’50s heartthrobs, ’60s pop bands, and today’s Top 40 artists can be enjoyed from early in the morning throughout the afternoon, evening and late at night.

Several internationally famous performers call Branson home, as do scores of ensemble production shows featuring large casts of singers, dancers and musicians. State-of-the-art productions, world-class tribute shows and famous national touring acts add to an eclectic mix of entertainment. We like to say that we have “more stars per square foot in Branson than anywhere else in the universe!”

Entire families of entertainers headline shows in Branson and continue a timehonored tradition of more than 60 years, pioneered by the Mabe family of Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers and more than 52 years of Presleys’ Country Jubilee.

Comedians are a Branson staple, both as headliners and specialty acts in zany variety shows and opening acts. Peals of laughter can be heard throughout Branson with clean comedy the whole family can truly enjoy and that tickles everyone’s funny bone.

International shows broaden the scope of entertainment diversity. These shows inject cultural flavor through their music, dance, acrobatics, costuming and sets. Each April, Silver Dollar City presents the Festival of Wonder, bringing hundreds of performers from around the world. Branson is truly a melting pot of international entertainment.

From Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction to the multi-million dollar Sight & Sound Theatre, where the Bible comes to life with performances including “SAMSON,” several shows are presented in unique venues that add to your vacation experience.

Billy Yates IN THE ROUND at the Americana Theatre, brings the best in performing songwriter experiences to the stage. Host, Grammy-nominated, singer/songwriter Billy Yates, introduces the audience to the world of performing songwriters, where two hit writer/artists from Nashville join Billy onstage to tell the stories behind the songs they play. This different style of relaxed and unscripted show allows you to enjoy the spirit of what makes acoustic performances so special and the ones who wrote them, so great.

Coming to a swamp in Branson this summer – Welk Resort proudly presents everyone’s favorite ogre! Shrek: The Musical is the all-new musical production based on the award-winning Broadway show and movie that will enthrall families with the charming story of the gruff but lovable ogre who sets out on an adventure – so he can be left alone – and finds that love and friendship can have a place in his life. Filled with wonderful music, hilarious comedy and a heart-warming message of love and acceptance, runs June through August at Welk Resort Theatre.

Throughout the year, a number of major touring artists such as the The Oak Ridge Boys, Neal McCoy, Dailey & Vincent, Howie Mandel, Tommy James & The Shondells, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Lee Greenwood, Crystal Gayle and others perform limited dates in concert. New stars are booked on a frequent basis, so check ExploreBranson.com often.

It’s easy to meet the stars in Branson, and many of them welcome the opportunity to sign autographs and pose for photos.

Most performers live here and are often seen enjoying shows and attractions, dining in restaurants, shopping in one of our many stores, playing golf and fishing – just like you and your family.

The beautiful seasons of Branson offer different opportunities for everyone to enjoy a variety of shows year-round.

Each Spring, student performance groups, families on spring break, adventurous travelers and returning show lovers enjoy the debut of many new acts, segments and production numbers.

Summer keeps the action going with everything under the sun: magic, music, acrobats, dance, Broadway-style productions, exotic animals and our families entertaining your family.

Fall for the Ozarks with a visit to Autumn Daze, an arts & crafts festival in Historic Downtown Branson followed by a hike in the Ozark Mountains, and then take in a national touring act or music show.

During Ozark Mountain Christmas, many of the shows in Branson devote at least half of each performance to holidaythemed music, sets, costumes and production numbers.

Some shows offer New Year’s Eve entertainment packages complete with hors d’oeurves, party favors and special dinners at the venue or at a nearby restaurant. Be sure to make your reservations early to celebrate 2019 with the stars.

LET BRANSON’S FAMILIES ENTERTAIN YOUR FAMILY “When half of the Lennon family considered moving from California to Branson in 1994, we called the Osmonds,” said Kathy Lennon, one of The Lennon Sisters, America’s Sweethearts of Song. “They told us Branson is exactly what America needs, where families really matter. With the different generations of Lennons performing here, it truly is a family matter, and we love it!”

For many in Branson, show business is the family business. The Baldknobbers and Presleys feature generations of family members who perform together nightly.

The Haygoods, The Lennon Sisters, SIX, The Hughes Brothers, The Duttons, The Osmonds, The Bretts, Doug Gabriel, The Petersens, the Hamners, Clay and Tina Cooper, Shoji Tabuchi and other shows feature family members performing daily and nightly on stage together.

These talented families will inspire and wow every member of your family with their dazzling musical, comedic and vocal talents. Many shows in Branson exclusively feature family members; they are fine examples of incredibly talented performers endowed with musical gifts.

They have also mastered the art of presenting full-scale production shows complete with elaborate sets, high-tech laser light systems, costumes, props, audio/video elements and pyrotechnics. Fun is what Branson’s show business families are all about—fun for their families and yours!

STUDENTS LOVE SHOWS Branson is the fastest-growing student performance destination in the country. Student groups can perform onstage at many of the shows and attend customized educational workshops led by local entertainment professionals.

On your group’s visit to Branson, students may end up singing for a packed house in a 2,000-seat theater or giving a show choir performance for 100 in a smaller venue.

More than that, Branson offers an immersive experience for young travelers, giving them the opportunity to find exciting and memorable experiences and to share the very stages that the city’s top performers call home.

These educational trips include backstage tours and technical presentations by the professional staff at each venue. Students have a chance to ask questions and learn.