The booming vacation destination of
This year, the festival features live performances by more than 500 world-class entertainers, authentic Branson cuisine, demonstrations by local artists and craftsmen, and a business and hospitality expo. New features include an on-site display of Jeff Gordon’s #24 NASCAR Chevrolet and hot air balloon rides.
Daily concerts, held inside the Welk Resort Theatre, feature some of the biggest names in live entertainment and numbers by many of Branson’s hottest production shows. Guests will have the opportunity to see Pam Tillis, the Lennon Sisters, Dino Kartsonakis, Jim Stafford, Les Brown, Jr., Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, the Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus, Spirit of the Dance, Broadway!, Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience, the Haygoods, impressionist Bob Anderson, Ray Price and the Liverpool Legends among others. Click here for full line-up.
Each 3-hour performance showcases 10 different Branson shows. Five daily concerts are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4; and at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and
Saturday, April 5-8. Tickets are $29.50 per person, or $130 per person for all five shows. Call (417) 337-7469 or (800) 734-5515 for tickets and information.
Non-stop live entertainment in the Real American Entertainment Pavilion on the Welk Resort grounds includes non-stop performances by groups such as Viva La Divas, Hearts & Harmony, Jim Owen, 14 Karat Country, Janice Copeland, John Wain, Perry Edenburg, Jessica James, Wally Barbee, Cindy Barr, Terri Williams and many others. Costumed characters will also be roaming the grounds daily, entertaining guests with impromptu performances.In addition to the entertainment pavilion, Freedom Flights, Inc., a group dedicated to increasing the awareness of POW and MIA issues, will be offering hot air balloon rides on the festival grounds.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet, pose for photos with, and get autographs of Branson celebrities at the Business and Hospitality Expo, which will house approximately 50 booths representing new and existing businesses of interest to visitors and area residents. Theaters, attractions, golf resorts, and more will be represented. Visitors can pick up show schedules and register for daily give-aways inside the Expo tent.
Inside the Taste of Branson Pavilion, guests can sample some of the most popular dishes from Branson’s finest eating establishments. This tent also features special presentations highlighting food and entertainment.In 2004, television personality Al Roker and his production crew filmed a special for The Food Network from BransonFest which has aired multiple times since its premiere.
The Arts, Culture and Heritage Pavilion gives visitors the opportunity to view and purchase the work of nationally-recognized Branson artists, sculptors, jewelry makers, wood carvers and potters. A different artist, author or craftsman will be on hand each day showcasing their work.
NASCAR fans can see Jeff Gordon’s 2005 DuPont “Fire and Flames” Chevrolet Monte Carlo and take home a souvenir photo of themselves with the car.The car will be on display from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Friday, April 7, and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 8.
Free outdoor activities are open from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, April 6-8. The Welk Resort Theatre Complex is located on Missouri Highway 165, just south of famous Highway 76 in Branson. The Taney County Ambulance District will be on hand throughout the event.
The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau presents BransonFest 2006. To receive a free visitor information packet, call (800) 214-3661.