May 2023 ~

Planning your summer vacation or weekend getaway? Look no further than the stunning, pristine, and less-crowded Stockton Lake area. Experience the serene beauty of this destination as you embark on a journey of relaxation and adventure. To make the most of your time, be sure to check out our comprehensive summer events guide, packed with exciting activities and attractions. Whether you’re seeking water sports, nature exploration, or simply some peaceful moments by the lake, Stockton Lake has something for everyone. Discover the possibilities and start planning your unforgettable summer escape today.

The Stockton Lake area is perfect if you love the lake scene. Even if you’re not into boating, you can enjoy beaches for swimming as well as bank fishing, and if you have a kayak or canoe, a marked kayak trail awaits. The marina also offers rentals for jet skis, pontoons, and ski boats. The neighboring towns of Lockwood and Stockton boast an array of charming boutiques, flea markets, and resale shops.

Stockton Lake offers a fantastic destination for fishing, water sports, and enjoyable family activities, all conveniently located within easy driving distance from the Kansas City, Springfield, and Joplin areas. Our vacation property rental, Mutton Creek Getaway, provides the perfect base for your adventures, being a mere four miles away from Mutton Creek Marina while also being in close proximity to a plethora of family-friendly attractions and special summer events.

Ongoing summer events

Although the Stockton Lake area is a bit quieter during the winter months, there are many activities from Memorial Day to Labor Day and beyond. See below for some ongoing activities.

• Every Saturday throughout the summer, enjoy the local farmer’s market in Greenfield’s Dairy Isle parking lot.
• K and L Homestead has an indoor farmer’s market on Saturdays as well. It is located next to The Bait Shop on Hwy 39. Look for the signs.
• Stockton also hosts a Saturday morning farmer’s market in the parking lot of Aileen’s Antiques.
• See below for events scheduled throughout the summer hosted by Stockton Lake State Park such as Bluegrass music concerts, free archery classes, and other group activities.
• The Greenfield city pool is open for the summer months Monday through Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m.
• Don’t miss the No Wake Cafe’ at Mutton Creek Marina, a floating restaurant that sets the stage for live entertainment every Saturday night from late spring to early fall. Here’s the season’s lineup of musicians:

The Mo-Kan Dragway in Asbury, Mo., hosts events throughout the summer:

The Stockton Cruisers will host a car and bike show every month at Simple Simon’s in Stockton.

May

May 26-27 is slated for city-wide garage sales in Stockton. Yard sales will be located in various locations in and around the town for the weekend. Snag some bargains before heading out for other fun in the area!

May 26 & 27 the No Wake Cafe’ at Mutton Creek Marina is hosting live music on both weekend evenings for Memorial Day weekend.

May 27 is the annual all-day event in nearby Greenfield: Buffalo Days.

May 27 – Bluegrass Nights in the Park is the first of three in a concert series at Stockton State Park at 6 p.m.

June

June 3 – Ready to run for a good cause? Join in the 2-mile walk and 5-K run for cancer in Lockwood, Mo.

June 10 – Free archery class at Stockton State Park. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your skills and immerse yourself in the world of archery at Stockton State Park.

June 16-17 is the pro rodeo in Stockton, Mo., at the Stockton Expo Center.

June 17 – Family Fun Day at Stockton State Park

June 23 – Survive the Wild for ages 8 and up with parents

June 23 – Kayaking class at Stockton State Park for $5 fee. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kayaker, this class provides a wonderful opportunity to learn, explore, and appreciate the beauty of Stockton Lake via personal watercraft.

June 24 – Greenfield will provide a free fireworks show and live music at the Greenfield City Park.

June 30 – Food Truck Fridays begin at the Expo Center in Stockton with a special family fun night, including games, live music, and a movie.

July

July 1 is the annual Independence Day fireworks show and parade of boats on Stockton Lake.

July 1 & 2 – Make your 4th of July weekend unforgettable with live music provided on both weekend evenings at the No Wake Cafe’ at Mutton Creek Marina. Join them for a festive celebration by the water with fantastic tunes and a vibrant atmosphere.

July 8, 14-15 – If you’re traveling from the west, stop by the quaint town of Golden City for their Golden Harvest Days.

July 15 – Bluegrass Nights in the Park is a free concert series hosted by Stockton State Park at 6 p.m. for music under the stars.

July 15 – Kayaking class at Stockton State Park. $5. Discover the joy of kayaking in the serene surroundings of the park and enjoy a guided session to enhance your skills.

August

Aug. 5 is the car show at the Stockton City Park.

Aug. 6 – Stockton Lake Tri Wild-Life Challenge in Stockton, Mo. See more details to register.

Aug. 19 – Free scavenger hunt at Stockton State Park

September~

Sept. 3 & 4: Celebrate Labor Day weekend in style at the No Wake Cafe’ located at Mutton Creek Marina, where live music will be featured on both weekend evenings. Join them for an entertaining waterfront experience as we bid farewell to summer with captivating tunes and a lively ambiance.

Sept. 9 – Mark your calendars as Stockton State Park presents a fantastic opportunity to participate in a free archery class. Discover the art of archery in a picturesque setting and enjoy a memorable experience guided by knowledgeable instructors.

Sept. 10 – Triathlon in Stockton, Mo. See more details to register for the race.

Sept. 16 – Experience the enchantment of Bluegrass Nights in the Park, a captivating free concert series presented by Stockton State Park. Join us at 6 p.m. to indulge in an evening of delightful music under the stars, creating a magical atmosphere that will leave you mesmerized.

Sept. 23 – Bluegrass on the Square

Sept. 28 -30 – annual Black Walnut Festival in Stockton. Live gospel music will be presented at the Stockton Community Building at 11 a.m. Sept. 30 along with many other events throughout the weekend. Past festivities have included a parade, queen contest, carnival, live music, nut roll, and many more family-friendly activities.

Oct. 28 is a Halloween hike and campsite decorating contest at Stockton State Park.

Area activities

Merely five miles away from Mutton Creek Getaway, Ruark Bluff Beach beckons with its array of amenities. This delightful destination offers a designated swim area, sandy beach, covered picnic pavilions, a playground, basketball court, and convenient public restrooms. Enjoy a day of fun and relaxation in this scenic spot, just a short distance from your vacation retreat.

For those seeking additional activities in the Stockton Lake area, we highly recommend exploring our comprehensive guides:

• Dining
• Shopping
• Area history
• Hiking and water trails
• Complete Stockton Lake area water guide including boat rentals, launching, kayaking, swimming, and bank fishing
• Seasonal hunting
• Discover other seasonal ways to fully enjoy the area in spring, summer, fall, winter, and a special guide for the holidays.

Stay at Mutton Creek Getaway

Escape the ordinary hotel experience and indulge in the comfort of our full-house vacation home rental at Mutton Creek Getaway. Whether you’re planning a week-long retreat or a weekend escape, our accommodations offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience with a range of comfortable amenities.

Feel right at home with the cozy firepit and complimentary wood, expansive front and back covered decks, inviting porch swings, hummingbird feeders, a complimentary coffee bar, a fully equipped kitchen, an array of X-box games, an assortment of DVDs, an assortment of board games and puzzles, a selection of reading material, and much more to enhance your stay.

Situated a mere four miles from Mutton Creek Marina and conveniently close to the Greenfield boat access, Mutton Creek Getaway presents a tranquil retreat surrounded by a serene patch of woods. Our offerings encompass three exceptional features: a full-hookup RV site, generous boat and trailer parking facilities, and an array of amenities to cater to your specific requirements.

Please check the available dates for Mutton Creek Getaway, offered through booking platforms Airbnb and VRBO for your peace of mind.