Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and Event Center
Springfield's Ozark Empire Fairgrounds hosts thrilling events like rodeos, monster trucks, and tractor pulls, alongside carnival fun.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Catch exciting shows
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and Event Center
Best Time
Catch exciting shows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Springfield's Ozark Empire Fairgrounds hosts thrilling events like rodeos, monster trucks, and tractor pulls, alongside carnival fun.
"It's not cheap, but it was a lot of fun."
💳 Card for Wristbands
Kiosks for wristbands require a credit or debit card. No cash accepted for entry bands. :credit_card:
💰 Budget for Food
Expect to spend $10+ per person for food. Prices are high, so pack snacks or budget accordingly. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rodeo & Barrel Racing
Arena
Experience the thrill of competitive rodeo events and fast-paced barrel racing. A must-see for western enthusiasts!
Monster Truck Shows
Arena
Witness powerful monster trucks in action, including unique experiences like riding a monster truck bus.
Tractor Pulls
Arena
Feel the rumble of powerful tractors competing in exciting pulls. Free earplugs are provided for attendees.
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Budgeting for the Fair
Navigating Entry & Crowds
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Insider Tips
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💳 Card for Wristbands
Kiosks for wristbands require a credit or debit card. No cash accepted for entry bands. :credit_card:
💰 Budget for Food
Expect to spend $10+ per person for food. Prices are high, so pack snacks or budget accordingly. :moneybag:
👂 Free Earplugs
Free earplugs are offered for loud events like tractor pulls. Grab a pair to protect your hearing! :ear:
🚗 Limited Entry Gates
Be aware that only one small gate might be open, causing potential entry delays. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
💳 Card for Wristbands
Kiosks for wristbands require a credit or debit card. No cash accepted for entry bands. :credit_card:
💰 Budget for Food
Expect to spend $10+ per person for food. Prices are high, so pack snacks or budget accordingly. :moneybag:
👂 Free Earplugs
Free earplugs are offered for loud events like tractor pulls. Grab a pair to protect your hearing! :ear:
🚗 Limited Entry Gates
Be aware that only one small gate might be open, causing potential entry delays. :car:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Rides
Plenty of rides for children, including unique experiences like monster truck bus rides. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Ozark Empire Fair offers exciting events like rodeos and monster truck shows, with many kid-friendly rides. However, visitors frequently point out high costs for admission, rides, and food, with some feeling the fair has become smaller and less vibrant than in the past. Communication issues with staff have also been noted.
"when you go to the fair be prepared prices for wristbands are $40 a person and you have to stand in the line. You must have a credit card or a debit card for the kiosk that will print out QR codes for the people with the wristbands to scan no more handing out tickets if you want to eat at the fair it’s $10 or more per person so be ready. it’s not cheap, but it was a lot of fun."
Wendy Sanders
"Amazing date night with my future wife. Can't wait for many more. Had some difficulties in the beginning but they were quickly fixed"
Lance Curnutt
"A lot of kid friendly rides. But hate that we mostly just wanted to see the show and had to pay to get into the fair even though we didn’t wanna do anything at the fair really. My child is only 3. So since we payed it get in both times for the lister trucks and then the truck and tracker pulls, we did proceed to take our child on a few rides(he loved the rides). The shows were awesome. The monster trucks had a pause where they brought out a monster truck bus that family’s and kids could get in and ride as passengers. My child absolutely loved that. And the pulls they offered free ear buds for everyone to help with noise. Loved both the shows."
Ally Davenport
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and Event Center is located in Springfield, Missouri. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation options may vary, so check local transit schedules if you're not driving.
Yes, parking is generally available at the fairgrounds. During major events like the fair, parking fees may apply and can fill up quickly. Arriving early is recommended.
The fairgrounds are typically accessible via major Springfield roadways. Consult a GPS or mapping service for the most direct route from your location.
Information on public transport to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds can be limited. It's best to check the Springfield-Greene County Transit Authority website for current routes and schedules.
The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and Event Center is located at 3001 N Grant Ave, Springfield, MO 65803.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary. For the main fair, expect wristbands to be around $40 per person. Note that entry fees apply even if you're only attending specific shows.
While tickets might be available at the gate, the process for wristbands is now primarily through kiosks that require a credit or debit card.
Often, there's a general admission fee to enter the fairgrounds, and then separate costs for rides or specific ticketed shows. It's wise to check the event schedule for details.
Yes, children typically require tickets or wristbands for entry, though pricing may differ for younger age groups.
Operating hours vary daily and by event. It's best to check the official Ozark Empire Fair website or their social media for the most up-to-date schedule.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
The fair offers a variety of kid-friendly rides, and during special events like monster truck shows, unique experiences like monster truck bus rides are available.
Food options can be limited and expensive, with prices often $10 or more per person. Some visitors have noted a decline in variety and quality compared to previous years.
Yes, the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds hosts various events, including rodeos, barrel racing, monster truck shows, and tractor pulls.
The fair generally offers family-friendly activities, including many rides for children and special shows. However, the cost can be a factor for families.
The atmosphere can vary. Some visitors find it lively, while others have noted it feels smaller and less vibrant than in past years.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the action during rodeo events, the spectacle of monster trucks, or the vibrant atmosphere of the fairgrounds. The colorful rides and food stalls also make for great shots.
Generally, personal cameras are allowed. However, for professional equipment or commercial use, it's advisable to check the fair's specific policies regarding photography.
Lighting can vary greatly depending on the time of day and the event. Evening shows will have artificial lighting, while daytime events will have natural light.
While general photography is usually permitted, be mindful of private events or specific vendor policies. Always respect performers' and attendees' privacy.
The main arena during events like rodeos or monster truck shows, the midway with its rides, and any unique exhibits or food vendors offer great photo opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's also worth noting that while the fair aims to be family-friendly, some reviews mention communication challenges with staff and a perceived decline in the overall atmosphere compared to previous years. If your primary goal is to enjoy the rides and specific shows, it can still be a fun outing, but be sure to factor in the expenses to avoid surprises.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, consider attending only for specific shows if possible, or focus on enjoying the free aspects of the fair if any are available. Bringing your own water and snacks might be restricted, so check the fair's policy. Unfortunately, many reviews suggest that the overall value for money has decreased, making it less appealing for budget-conscious visitors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Ozark Empire Fair Experience
The cost of attending the fair is a recurring theme in reviews. Visitors should be prepared for significant expenses, with wristbands for rides costing around $40 per person and food prices often exceeding $10 per person. The fairgrounds have implemented a card-only system for purchasing wristbands via kiosks, and traditional ticket distribution has been phased out. This financial aspect, combined with a perceived decrease in the variety of vendors and attractions, has led some long-time visitors to question the overall value.
Despite these concerns, the fair continues to offer specific entertainment highlights that draw crowds. The monster truck shows, which have included unique passenger rides on a monster truck bus, and the tractor pulls, where free earplugs are provided, are often cited as enjoyable experiences. For families, the availability of kid-friendly rides remains a draw, though the overall cost can be a deterrent. Communication challenges have also been noted, with some staff members struggling with English, which can add to the visitor experience.
Navigating Costs and Value at the Fair
This perception of declining value is exacerbated by changes in food offerings. Historically, the fair featured popular local eateries, but recent changes have seen these replaced by in-house or more expensive options. For instance, the MO Cattleman's Beef House, a beloved fixture, was reportedly replaced by a less satisfactory and pricier alternative. This shift has led to criticism that the fairgrounds are prioritizing profit over visitor experience, alienating both attendees and exhibitors.
For those attending primarily for specific shows, like the monster trucks or tractor pulls, the entry fee can feel like a barrier, especially if they have no intention of using the rides or exploring other fair activities. While some shows offer unique experiences, such as the monster truck bus rides or provided earplugs for tractor pulls, the overall cost of admission and concessions remains a significant consideration for many.
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