Top 10 Annual Events To Experience At Lake Of The Ozarks in 2025
Lake of the Ozarks isn’t just a picturesque destination; it’s also a hub of vibrant annual events that attract visitors from far and wide. From high-speed boat races and air shows to festive celebrations, pub crawls and poker runs, there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.
Here are Adventure Boat Rentals the top 10 annual events that you won’t want to miss at Lake of the Ozarks:
Fall Harbor Hop
Date: October 11, 2025
Where: Waterfront bars and restaurants throughout the lake
Admission: Free (donation for extra hands)
Can’t get enough poker? The Fall Harbor Hop lets you cruise to 30+ stops around the lake collecting cards for a chance at prizes — with food, drinks, and fun at every marina.
Big Bass Bash
Dates: October 5–6, 2025 (Just after summer, but a huge draw)
Where: Various weigh-in stations across the lake
Admission: Entry fee required to compete
This amateur fishing tournament offers a $100,000 grand prize for the biggest bass — no pro license needed! A great opportunity for everyday anglers to win big and enjoy the great outdoors.Dates: October 5–6, 2025 (Just after summer, but a huge draw)
Where: Various weigh-in stations across the lake
Admission: Entry fee required to compete
This amateur fishing tournament offers a $100,000 grand prize for the biggest bass — no pro license needed! A great opportunity for everyday anglers to win big and enjoy the great outdoors.
Aquapalooza
Date: Tentative July 20, 2025
Where: Near Dog Days Bar & Grill (MM 19 on the water)
Admission: Free
The lake’s biggest on-the-water concert returns with floating stages, thousands of boats, and a party atmosphere like no other. This family-friendly event is all about live music, floating fun, and summertime vibes.
Fourth of July Fireworks
Date: July 4, 2025
Where: Multiple locations around the lake
Admission: Free
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks over the water! Popular viewing spots include Bear Bottom Resort, The Lodge of Four Seasons, Point Randall Resort, and Margaritaville. Bring a boat or grab a lakeside seat and enjoy the show.
Mardi Gras Pub Crawl
Date: February 22, 2025 (Not summer, but worth planning for!)
Where: Over 30 bars and restaurants around Osage Beach and the lake
Admission: Shuttle wristbands required
This winter event is too big to leave out! Mardi Gras Lake-style means costumed partygoers, live music, drink specials, and safe shuttle rides all night long. It's the biggest pub crawl in the Midwest.
Lake of the Ozarks Air Show
Date: TBA (Typically early September)
Where: Camdenton Memorial-Lake Regional Airport
Admission: Affordable family pricing
Bring the whole family to see jaw-dropping aerobatic performances, parachute teams, vintage aircraft, and ground displays. It’s both thrilling and educational — perfect for aviation lovers of all ages.
Lake of the Ozarks BikeFest
Dates: September 10–14, 2025
Where: Throughout Lake of the Ozarks area
Admission: Free
More than 100,000 riders roll into the lake for BikeFest each year. With over 300 biker-friendly bars and restaurants, vendor villages, scenic rides, and live music, it’s one of the Midwest’s top motorcycle rallies.
Lake of the Ozarks Shootout
Dates: August 23–24, 2025
Where: Dog Days Bar & Grill (new location for 2025!)
Admission: Free for spectators
This is the lake's most famous event — the largest unsanctioned boat race in the U.S. Watch boats reach speeds over 200 mph while enjoying food, drinks, and entertainment onshore. The event also includes a street party, vendor villages, and a firework show.
Spring Harbor Hop
Date: May 3, 2025
Where: Waterfront bars and marinas throughout the lake
Admission: Free to participate (small donation for extra poker hands)
Kick off the boating season with this legendary poker run on the water! Cruise from stop to stop, collect your cards, and enjoy drinks, live music, and fun at every location. It's a unique way to explore the lake and meet new people.
Hot Summer Nights
Dates: May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 5, 2025
Where: Bagnell Dam Strip
Admission: Free
Cruise into summer with this free, family-friendly classic car show. The streets of the historic Bagnell Dam Strip come alive with vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles — plus food vendors, live music, and shopping. A local favorite and a nostalgic must-see!
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