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Discover What’s Happening This Fall in Southeast Missouri
If you’re looking for fun, community, and connection this fall, you’re in luck. Southeast Missouri is packed with incredible things to do. The upcoming events below range from community festivals and seasonal fairs to lakefront music events and tree lightings. They also showcase the heart of our local community and feature a bit of something for everyone.
Whether you’re a local or thinking about relocating, here’s a list of 10 upcoming events in and around the Poplar Bluff, Dexter, Doniphan, and Wappapello area that you won’t want to miss!
1. Music for the Mind Festival — Wappapello
Location: The Camp at Lake Wappapello
Description: Now in its sixth year, this two-day festival blends live music with mental health awareness initiatives. The lineup includes Grammy-nominated artists like Maggie Rose, Robert Randolph, and the Funky Butt Brass Band, plus compassionate programming like family-friendly activities, yoga, and donation-based admission. Funding from ticket sales goes directly to helping those recovering from trauma or dealing with mental health challenges. a heartfelt and inspiring weekend under the Ozark sky.
2. Lunch Box Annual Fish Dinner & Bake Sale — Dexter
Date: August 22, 2025
Location: The Lunch Box, Dexter, MO
Description: A beloved community fundraiser featuring hearty fish dinners, homemade pies, and baked treats—all in support of the Lunch Box Food Pantry. Enjoy delicious comfort food while giving back to your neighbors and experiencing the warmth of Dexter’s local spirit.
3. First Friday Coffee — Poplar Bluff First Friday Coffee — Poplar Bluff
Date: September 5, 2025 (Friday)
Location: Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center
Description: First Friday Coffee is a casual morning meet-up organized by the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce. It’s a fantastic networking opportunity for local business owners and professionals to meet, share ideas, and discuss opportunities. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for years, First Friday Coffee is a great way to engage with your community while enjoying a hot beverage.
4. Authentic Arts Grand Opening Exhibition — Dexter
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
Time: TBA
Location: Authentic Arts Gallery, Dexter, MO
Description: Celebrate the grand opening of Authentic Arts Gallery in Dexter with an exhibition showcasing local artists. Enjoy an evening of art, community, and refreshments as you explore the diverse works on display.
5. SEMOcon — Poplar Bluff
Dates: September 12–14, 2025
Location: Black River Coliseum, Poplar Bluff
Description: Dive into pop culture with panels, cosplay, sci-fi, comics, gaming, and vendors galore. This annual fan-focused convention is a hotspot for creative minds and big-hearted fun—great for families, collectors, and pop-culture enthusiasts.
6. Stoddard County Fair — Dexter
Dates: September 16–21, 2025
Location: 500 Fairgrounds Drive, Dexter
Description: The Stoddard County Fair is a long-standing tradition that brings together families for a week of fun-filled activities, including carnival rides, a petting zoo, livestock competitions, and local vendors. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the fall season, and the energy of the fairgrounds is contagious. Don’t miss the annual parade and try some of the famous fair food while you’re there!
7. Iron Horse Festival — Poplar Bluff
Date: September 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Downtown Poplar Bluff, MO
Description: Celebrate Poplar Bluff’s railroad heritage with live music, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, and hands-on family activities. You can even enjoy the local Historic Downtown Poplar Bluff by strolling through and checking out its great shops and eateries.
8. Joe Nichols Live at The Camp — Wappapello
Date: Saturday, October 11, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: The Camp at Lake Wappapello
Description: Experience a night of country music with Grammy-nominated artist Joe Nichols at The Camp at Lake Wappapello. Enjoy a lakeside concert featuring hits like “Gimme That Girl” and “Brokenheartsville.”
9. Poplar Bluff Christmas Tree Lighting
Date: November 9, 2025
Location: Downtown Poplar Bluff, MO
Description: Poplar Bluff kicks off the holiday season with its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. The event is a perfect way to get in the holiday spirit with family-friendly activities, live music, and free hot cocoa. As the sun sets, the lights on the large community tree are turned on, creating a magical atmosphere in downtown Poplar Bluff. Santa also makes an appearance to hear children’s Christmas wishes!
10. Moonlight Madness — Dexter
Location: Historic Downtown Dexter, MO
Description: Kick off holiday shopping with Moonlight Madness—an evening of extended shopping hours, festive deals, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun right in downtown Dexter. A perfect way to get into the spirit of the season early.
Love Local Events? You’ll Love Living Here.
Poplar Bluff has so much to offer year-round, and if you’re considering making the move, our newest guide breaks down the Top Benefits of Living in Poplar Bluff for 2026. From community activities to neighborhood perks, this guide gives you a full picture of what life is like here.
Looking for something festive to enjoy later this season? Don’t miss the holiday lights at Wappapello Lake — one of Southeast Missouri’s favorite holiday traditions.
Want to Live Near the Action?
From lakeside concerts to festive lightings and fairs, Southeast Missouri isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to thrive within community connections. Contact our team today and we’ll help you find the perfect spot near your favorite events.
Ready to make it home?
