September 2023 ~

Autumn presents an ideal opportunity to explore Stockton Lake, where daytime temperatures allow for water activities and the evenings offer a pleasant chill, perfect for campfire marshmallow roasting. Mornings invite wildlife observation and leisurely trail walks. Scroll to the end for guides for everything Stockton Lake: dining, history, shopping, hunting, boating, and more.

Ongoing events

The Stockton Lake area hosts a variety of during the late summer months and into the cooler fall season. The following are ongoing events for summer and beyond:

• Check out the local farmer’s market at Greenfield’s Dairy Isle parking lot every Saturday throughout the summer and early fall.
• Discover K and L Homestead’s indoor farmer’s market, also held on Saturdays. You’ll find it adjacent to The Bait Shop on Hwy 39 – just follow the signs.
• In the parking lot of Aileen’s Antiques, Stockton also hosts a Saturday morning farmer’s market.
• Tunes & Tastes on Water: 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:

Into the fall months, the Mo-Kan Dragway in Asbury, Missouri, plays host to a series of thrilling events:

Every month, the Stockton Cruisers are set to organize a captivating car and bike show at Simple Simon’s in Stockton.

See other ideas in our fall 2022 Stockton Lake area guide that features “15 Things to Do in Fall at Stockton Lake.” Click to the link to see more details about kayaking water trails, renting a pontoon, hitting the hiking, biking or horseback trails, and much more. Spanning over 16,500 acres of public land along its shoreline, the Stockton Lake area also offers ample opportunities for autumn hunting and trapping enthusiasts. Dove season begins Sept. 1.

September events

Sept. 1-2: Vintage Depot Mercantile, located at 15230 on Hwy 39, is celebrating its first birthday as a retailer in the Stockton Lake area.

Sept. 2: Don’t miss the fun and good food at another Food Truck Friday in Stockton, Mo. at Kimmy’s at Caplinger, located near the historic Caplinger Bridge.

Sept. 2: Enjoy live music at Hideaway River Farm.

Sept. 2-10: The Sunflower Festival will commence at Country Roads Family Fun Farm in Scott’s City, Mo. The hours are 11-7 on Saturdays and 2-7 on Sundays.

Sept. 3 & 4: Mark the Labor Day weekend in your calendar for dinner and a show at the No Wake Cafe’, a floating restaurant located at Mutton Creek Marina. Join us for an enchanting farewell to summer as live music is provided both evenings, complete with captivating melodies and a vibrant atmosphere.

Sept. 9: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to improve your skills and dive into the world of archery with a free class at Stockton State Park.

Sept. 10: Gear up for the Stockton Lake Triathlon in Stockton, Mo. Find complete registration details to secure your spot in the race.

Sept. 16: Bluegrass Nights in the Park. Enjoy the last in a series of free outdoor concerts presented by Stockton Lake State Park. Join us at 6 p.m. for an unforgettable evening of outdoor musical entertainment.

Sept. 23: Greenfield will host “Bluegrass on the Square” with live music performances. See more details below.

Sept. 23: Commune with the cows and other livestock at the Lockwood, Mo. September Days event.

Sept. 28-30: Mark your calendars as Stockton gears up for its much-awaited annual Black Walnut Festival. The festivities will include a range of engaging events throughout the weekend, making it an anticipated community celebration. Don’t miss the soul-stirring live gospel music at the Stockton Community Building on Sept. 30th, starting at 11 a.m. Alongside this musical feature, the festival will include a range of attractions, including a parade, walnut roll, carnival, queen contest, live music sessions, and a variety of other family-friendly activities.

See more fall festivals in the southwest Missouri area.

October

Oct. 7: Party in the Pasture concert at Goat Ranch, home of the Baker-Splain Stampede featuring Justin Moore and Shane Profit.

Oct. 7, 14-15: Country Roads Family Fun Farm near the Stotts City exit on I-44, is open for kid-friendly fall fun.

Oct. 13-15: Apple Butter Makin’ Days is held annually around the Mt. Vernon square and vicinity.

Oct. 13-21: Carthage, Mo. hosts a variety of activities during its annual Maple Leaf Festival with the parade as a highlight on Oct. 21 at 9 a.m. See more details.

Oct. 28: Celebrate the spooky season by participating in the annual Frankenride. More information will be added later.

Oct. 28: Stockton State Park will host a Halloween hike and campsite decorating contest. The guided hike will begin at the Nyblad Trail in the East Campground at 7 p.m., will include owl calling, and last until 9 p.m. Decorated campsites can be viewed at the West and East Campgrounds. The event is free to the public. Parking is available at the showerhouse. For more information, call 417-276-4259 for Kimberly Pedigo.

Oct. 28: Join in with the festivities at the Greenfield Fall Festival.

November

Simplify your holiday gatherings at Mutton Creek Getaway.

December

Dec. 2: Save the date for Greenfield’s Christmas parade to usher in the holiday season.

See our winter holiday guide for the Stockton Lake area as well as our Christmas shopping guide.

Area activities

Only five miles from Mutton Creek Getaway, Ruark Bluff Beach awaits with a range of amenities. This charming spot boasts a designated swim area, sandy beach, picnic pavilions, a playground, basketball court, boat launch, and public restrooms. Unwind in this scenic locale, just a stone’s throw from your vacation retreat.

See our Stockton Lake area guides compiled especially for the areas surrounding Mutton Creed Getaway:

• Shopping
• Nearby restaurants
• History surrounding and connected to Mutton Creek Getaway property and beyond
• Trails, including horseback, hiking, and kayak water trails
• Seasonal hunting
• Complete Stockton Lake area water guide including kayaking, swimming, bank fishing, boat rentals and launching.
• Seasonal guides for fall, winter, spring, summer, plus holidays.

Relax at the cozy Mutton Creek Getaway

Break away from the cramped hotel stay and experience the comforts of our fully equipped vacation home rental at Mutton Creek Getaway. For a weekend retreat or week-long vacation, we’ve got you covered with many comfortable amenities, including a cozy firepit, complimentary wood, expansive front and back covered decks, a fully equipped kitchen, a complimentary coffee bar, gas fireplaces inside, an assortment of DVDs, X-box games, reading material, and board games and puzzles.

Located four miles from Mutton Creek Marina, our Getaway presents a peaceful and secluded retreat with many comfortable amenities.

See about availability for Mutton Creek Getaway through Airbnb and VRBO.