Downtown Events
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Missouri State Fairgrounds
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Missouri State Fairgrounds
Year-round the Missouri State Fairgrounds provide an ideal venue for a wide range of events and a large campground to keep you close to all the action. Just as you won't want to miss any of the excitement of the 11 days of the Missouri State Fair (August 9-19, 2018) you won't want to miss any the other entertainment offered year-round on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Sedalia’s reputation as an easy-to-access regional commerce destination allows shows and sales hosted at the Missouri State Fairgrounds to draw from a wide geography across the state and across the Midwest. Below is a just a sample of some of the exciting upcoming events taking place at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.
Click here for a complete listing of events happening at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.
Kidabaloo is an exciting kids festival that will take place from 1 PM to 4 PM on Saturday, April 28, at the Mathewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Moving to the Mathewson means more room, more entertainment and no waiting outside if it rains. Kidabaloo is a fun-filled festival for the whole family to enjoy, kids games, nine inflatables, bounce houses, Laser Deer Hunting Game, animals, and entertainment! But that’s not all! There will be vendors set up for the parents to check out while the kids are playing! Don’t miss an explosion of fun, laughter and excitement at Kidabaloo. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Tickets are $5 cash only per person. Part of the admissions will benefit Relay for Life.
Don't miss the 27th Ozark Conference for the Blacksmith Association of Missouri May 3 - 6, 2018. See live blacksmithing demonstrations by renowned blacksmiths "Pep" Gomez, Fred Crist, and Mark J. Hopper. Don't miss your chance to attend blacksmithing and basket making classes and much more. José “Pep” Gómez was born in El Paso, Texas in 1975. He first became interested in metal-working 25 years ago, when he observed an artist casting aluminum at a street festival in El Paso. After that he began gravitating towards general metalworking, including blacksmithing, fabrication, welding, and metal sculpture. Most recently Fred Crist has shown work in The American University Art Museum, Art Museum of the Americas, Philadelphia Art Museum Craft Show. In the spring of 2013, Fred Crist traveled to the Ukraine to create a sculpture for the City of Ivano-Frankivsk. His work was recently featured in Metal Design International 2014. Mark J Hopper is a traditional blacksmith and toolsmith based in Atlanta, GA. He began his blacksmithing journey 26 years ago in England, apprenticing in shops across the country and studied at Hereford College of Art and Design. He spent his journeyman years in first Kenya, then France, and finally the United States.
The Escapees RV Club will hold their National Camping Rally May 27 – June 1, 2018 on the Missouri State Fairgrounds!
Don't miss the 29th Annual Dream Factory Truck and Tractor Pull on June 2, 2018 from 7:00 pm – 11:30 pm.
Gates open/Tickets on sale 5PM day of event only
Gen Adm $12; Kids 6-10 $5; Under 6 free; Pit Adm $15
Midwest Dragfest is back for its 6th year in Sedalia, Missouri. The car show will take place June 1-3, 2018, at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.
There will be more than 300 custom trucks, cars, bikes, and everything in between! With a $1000 ‘best in show,’ top 50 trophies, and many “best of” trophies, be sure to bring your ride out and enjoy what’s being called “one of the Midwest’s fastest growing, and most family friendly car show.” Pre-registration is $30 and is the only way to get entrance to the Friday property. Register at midwestdragfest.net for all preregistration. Registration on the day of the show is $40.
There is a $5.00 spectator fee. Children age 12 and under get in FREE! Friday we will be available to pick up registration packets and wristbands from 3 – 9 pm. Saturday the show will take place from 9am – 5pm. And Sunday the show will take place from 9am – 1pm, with awards to follow.
Make plans now to attend the Show Me Crafters 2nd Annual Summer Craft Show on Saturday, June 16 from 9am-4pm on the Missouri State Fair Grounds in Sedalia, MO. The show will feature handcrafted items such as rugs, paintings, craft items, etched glass, handmade jewelry, candles, paintings, birdhouses, purses, wreaths, wooden signs, greeting cards, holiday decor, fresh baked goodies, crocheted and knitted items, and much more.
National Soap Box Derby Race Championships
The National Derby Rallies, Inc. is a soap box derby association organized in 1977 for the purpose of fostering individual development in youths through a structured program of soap box derby-type racing and related activities. The program was designed to give families involved in gravity powered, amateur-built race cars, numerous opportunities to race throughout the year.
The event is scheduled for June 30 - July 4, 2018 at the MO State Fairgrounds.
Celebrate the 4th of July in Sedalia, Missouri! FREE ADMISSION!! This July 4th Show-Me Freedom Festival at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Starting at 10am activities and fun for the whole family, and ending with a BIG BANG of a firework show. Sponsored by the Sedalia Parks and Rec. The GUESA Foundation alongside Sedalia Parks, and sponsors are bringing a ton of fun to Sedalia! Throughout the day, enjoy family oriented activities, to make sure you spend quality family time, without having to worry about the cost! BBQ Competition - Although details are still being worked through, a BBQ Competition will give everyone a chance to Show-Off their grilling talents! Craft Market - over 20 local vendors will showcase their homemade products, and enjoy a glass of good 'ole Missouri Wine! Kids Attractions - Kids attractions will be available on grounds, for kids of all ages! From crawling courses, to bungee jump! These attractions will allow kids to get out and play with members of their community! ($7 wristbands prior to event - $10 day of event) Food and Beverages - Foods trucks will be available offering various food and treats that everyone love! Sodas, water and beer will also be available at the event! Entertainment - You WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!!! Music entertainment provided throughout the day 11:00am - 9:30pm . Then the BIG-BANG Firework Show. You will enjoy entertainment from new upcoming local artists, to award winning artists! We are extremely excited and blessed to have wonderful community support, and expect it to continue to grow year after year. Let’s make Sedalia the Place to BE on July 4th!
April 2018
Kidabaloo is an exciting kids festival that will take place from 1 PM to 4 PM on Saturday, April 28, at the Mathewson Exhibition Center on the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Moving to the Mathewson means more room, more entertainment and no waiting outside if it rains. Kidabaloo is a fun-filled festival for the whole family to enjoy, kids games, nine inflatables, bounce houses, Laser Deer Hunting Game, animals, and entertainment! But that’s not all! There will be vendors set up for the parents to check out while the kids are playing! Don’t miss an explosion of fun, laughter and excitement at Kidabaloo. Tickets can be purchased at the door. Tickets are $5 cash only per person. Part of the admissions will benefit Relay for Life.
May 2018
Don't miss the 27th Ozark Conference for the Blacksmith Association of Missouri May 3 - 6, 2018. See live blacksmithing demonstrations by renowned blacksmiths "Pep" Gomez, Fred Crist, and Mark J. Hopper. Don't miss your chance to attend blacksmithing and basket making classes and much more. José “Pep” Gómez was born in El Paso, Texas in 1975. He first became interested in metal-working 25 years ago, when he observed an artist casting aluminum at a street festival in El Paso. After that he began gravitating towards general metalworking, including blacksmithing, fabrication, welding, and metal sculpture. Most recently Fred Crist has shown work in The American University Art Museum, Art Museum of the Americas, Philadelphia Art Museum Craft Show. In the spring of 2013, Fred Crist traveled to the Ukraine to create a sculpture for the City of Ivano-Frankivsk. His work was recently featured in Metal Design International 2014. Mark J Hopper is a traditional blacksmith and toolsmith based in Atlanta, GA. He began his blacksmithing journey 26 years ago in England, apprenticing in shops across the country and studied at Hereford College of Art and Design. He spent his journeyman years in first Kenya, then France, and finally the United States.
The Escapees RV Club will hold their National Camping Rally May 27 – June 1, 2018 on the Missouri State Fairgrounds!
June 2018
Midwest Dragfest is back for its 6th year in Sedalia, Missouri. The car show will take place June 1-3, 2018, at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.
There will be more than 300 custom trucks, cars, bikes, and everything in between! With a $1000 ‘best in show,’ top 50 trophies, and many “best of” trophies, be sure to bring your ride out and enjoy what’s being called “one of the Midwest’s fastest growing, and most family friendly car show.” Pre-registration is $30 and is the only way to get entrance to the Friday property. Register at midwestdragfest.net for all preregistration. Registration on the day of the show is $40.
There is a $5.00 spectator fee. Children age 12 and under get in FREE! Friday we will be available to pick up registration packets and wristbands from 3 – 9 pm. Saturday the show will take place from 9am – 5pm. And Sunday the show will take place from 9am – 1pm, with awards to follow.
Make plans now to attend the Show Me Crafters 2nd Annual Summer Craft Show on Saturday, June 16 from 9am-4pm on the Missouri State Fair Grounds in Sedalia, MO. The show will feature handcrafted items such as rugs, paintings, craft items, etched glass, handmade jewelry, candles, paintings, birdhouses, purses, wreaths, wooden signs, greeting cards, holiday decor, fresh baked goodies, crocheted and knitted items, and much more.
National Soap Box Derby Race Championships
The National Derby Rallies, Inc. is a soap box derby association organized in 1977 for the purpose of fostering individual development in youths through a structured program of soap box derby-type racing and related activities. The program was designed to give families involved in gravity powered, amateur-built race cars, numerous opportunities to race throughout the year.
The event is scheduled for June 30 - July 4, 2018 at the MO State Fairgrounds.
July 2018
Celebrate the 4th of July in Sedalia, Missouri! FREE ADMISSION!! This July 4th Show-Me Freedom Festival at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. Starting at 10am activities and fun for the whole family, and ending with a BIG BANG of a firework show. Sponsored by the Sedalia Parks and Rec. The GUESA Foundation alongside Sedalia Parks, and sponsors are bringing a ton of fun to Sedalia! Throughout the day, enjoy family oriented activities, to make sure you spend quality family time, without having to worry about the cost! BBQ Competition - Although details are still being worked through, a BBQ Competition will give everyone a chance to Show-Off their grilling talents! Craft Market - over 20 local vendors will showcase their homemade products, and enjoy a glass of good 'ole Missouri Wine! Kids Attractions - Kids attractions will be available on grounds, for kids of all ages! From crawling courses, to bungee jump! These attractions will allow kids to get out and play with members of their community! ($7 wristbands prior to event - $10 day of event) Food and Beverages - Foods trucks will be available offering various food and treats that everyone love! Sodas, water and beer will also be available at the event! Entertainment - You WILL NOT WANT TO MISS!!! Music entertainment provided throughout the day 11:00am - 9:30pm . Then the BIG-BANG Firework Show. You will enjoy entertainment from new upcoming local artists, to award winning artists! We are extremely excited and blessed to have wonderful community support, and expect it to continue to grow year after year. Let’s make Sedalia the Place to BE on July 4th!
August 2018
Don't miss the Missouri State Fair August 9-19, 2018! Click here for a complete listing of events happening at the Missouri State Fairgrounds.Scott Joplin Festival
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Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival
Make plans now to attend the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival May 30, 2018 - June 2, 2018 in Sedalia, Missouri! This four-day musical celebration takes place throughout historic downtown Sedalia with both free and paid concerts. Internationally renowned musicians such as Richard Dowling, Bill Edwards, Evan Arntzen, Jeff Barnhart, Danny Coots, Marty Eggers, The Rhythmia, Virginia Techenor, Matt Tolentino, Steve Pikal and many more will be on hand to perform live. Don’t miss live concerts celebrating the melodious compositions from the Missouri Valley, lovingly referred to as the “Cradle of Ragtime.” Listen to rags and a wonderful collection of classic and folk ragtime by Scott Joplin, James Scott, Brun Campbell, Charles Johnson, John William “Blind” Boone.
Events will include free outdoor venues, 8 ticketed concert events, a “Toast to Ragtime” bus tour lead noted Ragtime historian Ed Berlin, a Symposia series, ‘live’ silent films, a Japanese Tea Ceremony, a Ragtime pub crawl, the Cake Walk dance, a fashion show, parade, and much more!
In 2018, the work of the talented Martin Spitznagel will be featured. Besides being an incredible pianist, Martin is a master composer and arranger, Billy Mayerl enthusiast, and former World Old-Time piano playing champion! Don’t miss this highlight of the festival, a 2 hour spotlight solo concert at the Sedalia Liberty Center.
David Reffkin and Bill McNally will give a class on how ragtime music began, including types of music that evolved into the form, and the social implications and influences. Musical and visual examples will accompany.
Bryan Wright and Martin Spitznagel will conduct a session explaining what ragtime music is, and how it got the nation and the world through the 1900’s and 1910’s while spawning a lot of spin-offs which influenced American music.
Two comedic ‘silent films’ will be accompanied by Jeff Banhart at the Sedalia Liberty Center.
Attend the Ragtime Dance at Cakewalk Hall dressed in your finest 1900’s era clothing and have a grand old time kicking up your heels! This year’s dance will be accompanied by the world-famous Holland-Coots Jazz Quintet. Appetizers and champagne will be served!
Chado (The Way of Tea), is a traditional Japanese art involving the ritualistic preparation of tea. Influenced by the philosophy of Zen Buddhism, the core teaching of chado is to attain a spiritual state of selflessness and peacefulness through making and sharing tea. Join Yuko Eguchi to learn the history and philosophy of the Japanese tea ceremony while tasting Japanese tea and sweets. Yuko is a native of Tokyo, Japan and holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology, she has received the Tea Master title and the Associate Professor of Tea title.
Through the festival, Sedalia’s Katy Depot hosts ten unique display cases, and three placards, featuring important aspects of Sedalia in the Ragtime Era, 1895-1904. See why Joplin and his colleagues came to Sedalia and returned frequently during the initial period of their compositional creativity.
For more information or to purchase tickets please call 660-826-2271 or visit www.scottjoplin.org.
Events will include free outdoor venues, 8 ticketed concert events, a “Toast to Ragtime” bus tour lead noted Ragtime historian Ed Berlin, a Symposia series, ‘live’ silent films, a Japanese Tea Ceremony, a Ragtime pub crawl, the Cake Walk dance, a fashion show, parade, and much more!
In 2018, the work of the talented Martin Spitznagel will be featured. Besides being an incredible pianist, Martin is a master composer and arranger, Billy Mayerl enthusiast, and former World Old-Time piano playing champion! Don’t miss this highlight of the festival, a 2 hour spotlight solo concert at the Sedalia Liberty Center.
David Reffkin and Bill McNally will give a class on how ragtime music began, including types of music that evolved into the form, and the social implications and influences. Musical and visual examples will accompany.
Bryan Wright and Martin Spitznagel will conduct a session explaining what ragtime music is, and how it got the nation and the world through the 1900’s and 1910’s while spawning a lot of spin-offs which influenced American music.
Two comedic ‘silent films’ will be accompanied by Jeff Banhart at the Sedalia Liberty Center.
Attend the Ragtime Dance at Cakewalk Hall dressed in your finest 1900’s era clothing and have a grand old time kicking up your heels! This year’s dance will be accompanied by the world-famous Holland-Coots Jazz Quintet. Appetizers and champagne will be served!
Chado (The Way of Tea), is a traditional Japanese art involving the ritualistic preparation of tea. Influenced by the philosophy of Zen Buddhism, the core teaching of chado is to attain a spiritual state of selflessness and peacefulness through making and sharing tea. Join Yuko Eguchi to learn the history and philosophy of the Japanese tea ceremony while tasting Japanese tea and sweets. Yuko is a native of Tokyo, Japan and holds a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology, she has received the Tea Master title and the Associate Professor of Tea title.
Through the festival, Sedalia’s Katy Depot hosts ten unique display cases, and three placards, featuring important aspects of Sedalia in the Ragtime Era, 1895-1904. See why Joplin and his colleagues came to Sedalia and returned frequently during the initial period of their compositional creativity.
For more information or to purchase tickets please call 660-826-2271 or visit www.scottjoplin.org.