June

What: Missouri Botanical Garden 150th Anniversary
When: through Oct. 31
Where: St. Louis, Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd.
Information: (314) 577-9400 or (800) 642-8842, www.mobot.org. Shaw’s Garden will pay tribute to both its Victorian and St. Louis roots with a custom-created, 20-foot-by-20-foot floral clock. The Garden’s floral clock will showcase seasonal flowers of varying colors and textures, moving clock hands, and a working cuckoo bird chirping every quarter hour. The living spectacle will be on display near the historic reflecting pools.

What: National Kids' Fest
When: through Aug. 9
Where: Branson, Silver Dollar City
Information:  800-475-9370, http://www.silverdollarcity.com

What: Heart of America Shakespeare Festival
When: through July 5
Where: Kansas City, Southmoreland Park, 47th & Oak Streets
Information: 816-531-7728, http://www.kcshakes.org. This free outdoor festival presents professional productions of William Shakespeare's "The Merry Wives of Windsor" in the park each evening except Mondays. A family summer tradition for 17 years. Admission: Free. Reserved seating $12.

What: 2009 Season, The Muny
When: June 22–30
Where: St. Louis, Forest Park
Information: (314) 361-1900, www.muny.org. The summer season continues with “Annie” with 8:15 p.m. performances. Call for ticket information.

July

What: Marshfield Rodeo
When: July 1–5
Where: Marshfield, Webster County Fairgrounds
Information: 417-859-3925. Tickets: $8; ages 5-12, $3. Five-day passes and advance one-day tickets are available.

What: Booms & Blooms Festival
When: July 3
Where: Kingsville, Powell Gardens, 1609 NW U.S. Hwy. 50
Information: 816-697-2600, www.powellgardens.org. Take in a dazzling daylily display, a daylily sale, face painting, kids' crafts and more. Events include a rousing symphony performance followed by dramatic fireworks.

What: Captain Ron's Fourth of July Celebration Fireworks
When: July 3
Where: Lake of the Ozarks, Sunrise Beach
Information: 573-374-8475, http://www.captainronsatthelake.com

What: Fair Saint Louis/Live on the Levee
When: July 3–4
Where: St. Louis riverfront
Information: http://celebratestlouis.org. Hours: Friday 6–10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Every night will consist of a full slate of activities, including main stage entertainment acts, the Ameren/Schnucks K-Town Kids Zone, the spectacular fireworks display in the evening as well as the return of The Sauce Café presented by Wachovia Securities every Saturday night.

What: 131st Annual Veiled Prophet Parade
When: July 4
Where: St. Louis, downtown
Information: www.vpparade.org. Parade steps off at 10 a.m. and wraps up around noon.

What: Independence Day Celebration Fireworks on the Water
When: July 4
Where: Lake Ozark, Lodge of Four Seasons
 Information: www.4seasonsresort.com

What: 2009 Season, The Muny
When: July 6–12
Where: St. Louis, Forest Park
Information: (314) 361-1900, www.muny.org. The summer season continues with “Meet Me in St. Louis” with 8:15 p.m. performances. Call for ticket information.

What: Independence Day Celebration
When: July 3–4
Where: Jefferson City
Information: 573-761-0704. The celebration begins on Friday with the parade at 6 p.m. and a concert on the Capitol’s south lawn. Activities continue throughout Saturday, with games, entertainment and food vendors. Saturday evening, enjoy ending another concert and the Fireworks Sky Concert extravaganza.

What: Captain Ron's Fourth of July Celebration Fireworks
When: July 3–4
Where: Sunrise Beach, Lake of the Ozarks
Information: 573-374-8475, http://www.captainronsatthelake.com

What: Branson Landing's Liberty Light Up Fireworks Show
When: July 3
Where: Branson, : Branson Landing Fountains
Information: http://www.bransonlanding.com. Concert at 8 pm in front of the Branson Landing fountains with Chain Reaction–A Tribute to Journey. Fireworks follow the concert.

What: Chateau on the Lake Independence Day Celebration
When: July 3–5
Where: Branson, Chateau on the Lake
Information: 1-888-333-LAKE, http://www.chateauonthelake.com/ChateauEvents.cfm. After our outdoor barbecue on July 4, complete with live music, we will light up the evening sky to celebrate Independence Day.

What: Fort Osage Fourth
When: July 4
Where: Sibley, Fort Osage State Historic Site
Information: Phone: 816-503-4860. The year is 1812. The soldiers and residents of this remote outpost on the American Frontier are commemorating the anniversary of their independence against the rumors of another impending war with Great Britain. Toasts are made and speeches are given. Cannons will be fired, and there will be muskets and military drills.

What: Independence Day Celebration Fireworks on the Water
When: July 4
Where: Lake Ozark, Lodge of Four Seasons
Information: 573-365-3000.

What: Fireburst/Flotilla 2009
When: July 4
Where: Kimberling City
Information: Phone: 417-739-2564, http://www.visittablerocklake.com. The fun lasts from 6:30–11 p.m. There will also be live entertainment, games, concessions and activities for the entire family. Fireburst '09, the 30-minute fireworks show, begins at 9:30 p.m. Spectators may catch the show from a boat anywhere near the Kimberling City Bridge or a car by parking at Kimberling City Shopping Center, Summer Fresh Supermarket or the field just north of Summer Fresh Supermarket.

What: Cajun fun in Hermann
When: July 10–12
Where: Hermann, Stone Hill Winery
Information: www.stonehillwinery.com/locations/hermann/events/Cajun.aspx
Ed Gary and the Louisiana Cajun Aces, from the bayous of Louisiana, are back this year for three days of toe-tappin' music. Cajun dancers from Louisiana perform. Mouth-watering Cajun food is available.

What: American Royal Wine and Brew Ha-Ha
When: July 11
Where: Kansas City, Hale Arena on the American Royal grounds
Information: 816-569-4036. The American Royal serves up a hot night of cold beer and wine, patterned after The Great American Beer Festival, with an added feature of wine from Missouri and other areas. More than 100 varieties of beer and wine will be available. The event is held inside. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the event. Attendees must be 21 or older Admission includes a commemorative glass and unlimited sampling at all wine and beer booths.

What: Sunflower festival
When: July 18–19
Where: Clarksville
Information: 573-242-3743. Enjoy beautiful sunflowers that will grace the town for this sunny weekend event. Food, activities and photo opportunities. Ride the Van-Go shuttle. Visit working artisans in their shops. Enjoy browsing at one of the area antique shops. Learn about bee keeping.

What: Phelps County Fair
When: July 22-25
Where: Rolla, 12860 Hwy 63 South
Information: http://www.phelpscountyfair.com/ Four fun filled days featuring livestock exhibitions and judging, live music, talent show, queen and princess pageants, carnival rides, karaoke, mud run, bull riding, demo derby and truck & tractor pull.

August

What: Washington Town & Country Fair
When: Aug. 5–9
Where: Washington
Information: www.washmofair.com. Tickets $10–$25. Rides, games, food, entertainment–including the Steve Miller Band–and more at the annual fair.

What: Festival of Butterflies
When: Aug. 7-9, 14-16
Where: Kingsville, Powell Gardens
Information: 816-697-2600, www.powellgardens.org. Get up close and personal with hundreds of live butterflies in this free-flight conservatory exhibit. Children may catch and release butterflies and enjoy butterfly-related arts and crafts. Learn how to grow a butterfly garden. Butterfly-attracting plants will be sold.

What: Great Stone Hill Grape Stomp
When: Aug. 8
Where: Hermann, Stone Hill Winery
Information: www.stonehillwinery.com. Celebrate the grape harvest by stomping your toes into a barrel of juicy grapes. Registration for stomping at 11 a.m. Arrive early to register; the line normally starts to form as early as 8 a.m. Only 90 people can stomp grapes. Spectaters $3; stompers, $5. Live music by the Boney Goat Band.

What: Laura’s Memories
When: Aug. 7-8, 14-15; Sep. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
Where: Mansfield,
Information: http://www.laurasmemories.com/ Experience the past with Laura Ingalls Wilder as she reminisces about her childhood pioneer days, her incredible family and her beloved Almanzo in “Laura’s Memories” presented by the Ozark Mountain Players under the starry canopy of the Ozark sky. Curtain: 8 p.m.; special matinee Sept. 19, 3 p.m.

What: Jour de Fete
When: Aug. 8–9
Where: Ste. Genevieve, Felix Valle House State Historic Site
Information: http://www.mostateparks.com/felixvalle.htm One of the region’s largest arts and crafts shows is held throughout the historic district in Ste. Genevieve. The historical site hosts historic craftsmen demonstrating 18th- and early 19th-century crafts in the courtyard of the historic Shaw House.

What: Missouri State Fair 2009
When: Aug. 13-23
Where: Sedalia
Information: 660-827-8150, http://www.mostatefair.com. Affordable family fun includes professional free entertainment, music, street performers, headline concerts, professional rodeos and motorsport events. Food and agricultural and livestock exhibits are part of the fair. Admission is $8 for those 13 and older. Parking is free.

What: Big Band Dance
When: Aug. 22
Where: Hermann, Stone Hill Winery
Information: http://www.stonehillwinery.com/locations/hermann/events/BigBand.aspx
Swing music featuring tunes from the 40s and 50s, played by the Blue Knights from St. Louis. The dance is held in the pavilion. Tickets are $25 and must be purchased in advance.

September 2009
What: Mercer Homecoming Festival
When: Sep. 3–5
Where: Mercer
Information: Phone: 660-382-4766. This free festival includes carnival rides; tractor show and a car show.

What: Santa-Cali-Gon Days
When: Sep. 4–7
Where: Independence, Historic Independence Square
Information: 816-252-4745. This free event celebrates the starting points of the Santa Fe Trail, the California Trail and the Oregon Trail. Now in its 37th year, the festival includes live Nashville musical entertainment, foods, carnival rides, wares for sale from more than 250 vendors.

What: Southwest Missouri Celtic Festival & Highland Games
When: Sept. 4–5
Where: Buffalo, Park & Fairgrounds; Buffalo, MO
Information: 417-345-2852, http://www.swmocelticfestival.com. Scottish, Irish and Welsh music, dance, food, clan tents, Celtic animal demonstrations and authentic Highland games. Children's Realm features puppet shows, blow-up castle and scaled games. Adults $7; children 6–12, $5; seniors and 6 and under free.

What: Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association Show
When: Sept. 5–12
Where: Ava
Information: 417-683-2468. Kicks off with a barbecue and music on Saturday, with competitions, horse sales and trail rides all week, culminating with the crowning of the 2009 World Grand Champion Missouri Fox Trotting horse.

What: National Harvest Festival
When: Sep. 12–Oct. 31
Where: Branson, Silver Dollar City
Information: 800-475-9370, www.silverdollarcity.com. This is one of the largest gatherings of demonstrating craftsmen, authentic harvest-time foods and musical performances in America’s heartland. Two new events for 2009 are the Great American Cowgirl (September) and Missouri’s Best, presenting a tribute to the state’s most famous citizens (October). Discount tickets available through AAA.

What: Wild West Days
When: Sep. 12
Where: Jefferson City, Binder Park
Information: 573-634-6482. This is a day of fun and excitement including Wild West show with live horses, Indian storytellers, fur trapping demonstrations, stagecoach rides, live music and free crafts and games for kids. Admission: $2.

What: Faust Fall Fine Arts and Folk Festival
When: Sep. 19–20
Where: Chesterfield, Faust Park
Information: 636-532-7298. Ssee everything from blacksmithing and pit fired pottery being demonstrated to oil and acrylic painting, children's activities from the past and present, and live music. With admission to this event, everyone will receive a free ride on the St. Louis Carousel and hayrides to and from their cars.

What: Fall Cat Ranch Art Festival
When: Sep. 26-27
Where: Marble Hill
Information: 573-576-3828. Home of the late Tom Runnels, painter, sculptor, writer. See his 16-foot Horse and Rider sculpture, take a stroll down the lane to his studio where many of his works of art reside. Take in the music, food and the many working artists on site.

What: Plaza Art Fair
When: Sept. 25–27
Where: Kansas City, Country Club Plaza area
Information: 816-753-0100, http://www.countryclubplaza.com. The streets of the Country Club Plaza become an outdoor art gallery each September as art enthusiasts flock to the Plaza to see displays of magnificent works of art from the nation's top visual artists. An annual, free celebration is rich with tradition.

What: 33rd Annual Heart of America Quilt Festival
When: Sept. 26–Oct. 11
Where: Kansas City, Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd.
Information: 816-274-8444, www.crowncenter.com. The Greater Kansas City Quilters Guild presents this showing of beautifully crafted quilts, wall hangings and decorative items.