Annual event June 5-6 with free concert, fireworks, new trout derby

By Gwendylan Harmon Special to the Cassville Democrat

Families, anglers and visitors from across the region are invited to gather in Cassville on June 5-6 for the return of Trout Fest, a weekend celebration focused on community, outdoor recreation and family-friendly entertainment.

Hosted throughout Cassville and at Roaring River State Park, this year’s Trout Fest will feature free concerts, fireworks, a trout derby, a pickleball tournament, citywide yard sales, live music, food trucks and activities for all ages.

Rachael Freeman, with Full Court Media and Consulting, said local churches, law enforcement, Roaring River staff, city officials, the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce and even Cassville High School students help make the weekend possible.

“Trout Fest really is a community effort, and it wouldn’t happen without so many people and organizations willing to serve,” she said.

According to Freeman, one of the biggest additions for 2026 will be the festival’s first-ever fireworks show, celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary, scheduled to follow Friday night’s concert at the Cassville Aquatic Center.

“This will be a fun way to celebrate America’s 250th, as well as kick off a summer of enjoying the outdoors in Cassville,” Freeman said.

Friday evening festivities begin with food trucks opening at 5 p.m. Music starts at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks at dark. Freeman said the concert and fireworks are expected to draw the largest crowds of the weekend.

She also hinted at a surprise planned for the conclusion of the fireworks display.

“I’m personally most excited about the fireworks show and a special addition we have planned at the end of it,” Freeman said. “I don’t want to give too much away, but I’m really looking forward to seeing how it all comes together.

“With Trout Fest celebrating the outdoors, Roaring River and everything that makes Cassville special, it felt right to add something memorable to the sky this year. Let’s just say we’re hoping visitors may get to see a trout in a way they’ve never seen one before.”

Music guests this year include The Wolf Family & Friends, Band Reeves and Riley Clemmons.

“The concert has become one of the main gathering points of Trout Fest weekend, and adding fireworks gives families another exciting reason to come out and spend the evening together,” Freeman said.

In addition to Friday’s entertainment, the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a citywide yard sale throughout the weekend.

Saturday’s events shift to Roaring River State Park, which will introduce a new Trout Derby during Missouri Free Fishing Weekend. Derby hours run from 6:30 a.m. to noon, with winners announced at 1 p.m.

The competition will feature 100 tagged trout hidden throughout the river. Anglers who catch a trout with an official red tag can bring it to the weigh station near the Show Mobile for a chance to win prizes in youth and adult divisions, along with bonus drawings and social media contests.

“At 1 p.m., the mayor of Cassville will flip a coin for each division to determine whether the winner will be based on the largest or smallest tagged trout entered,” Freeman said. “People can expect the Trout Derby to be a fun, free way to enjoy Roaring River during Free Fishing Weekend. It’s designed to encourage families, first-time anglers and longtime trout fishermen to get outside, enjoy the park and be part of Trout Fest weekend.

“Free Fishing Weekend creates a large draw on its own, with most of the campground at Roaring River State Park filling up months in advance. That brings a lot of visitors to the area before Trout Fest activities even begin.”

Saturday will also include a free swim day at the Cassville Aquatic Center from 1-8 p.m., a fish fry lunch at Roaring River beginning at 11 a.m., live music from the Mark Chapman Band at noon at Roaring River and the annual Roaring River Ruckus pickleball tournament at the Cassville City Park.

Freeman said making many of the weekend’s activities free was intentional.

“With rising costs, we know it can be difficult for families to attend events,” Freeman said. “By removing as many barriers as possible, more people are able to participate, spend time together and experience what Cassville and Roaring River have to offer.”

Community involvement continues to play a major role in the festival’s success. Freeman credited volunteers, local churches, city staff, Roaring River State Park employees, law enforcement, the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce and Cassville High School students for helping make the Trout Fest possible.

“It truly takes everyone working together,” Freeman said. “Trout Fest is successful because people believe in showcasing Cassville, welcoming visitors and creating something positive for our community.”

Now entering its sixth year, Trout Fest has continued to evolve since it began in 2020. Freeman said the event reflects the spirit of Cassville itself, centered on community, connection and the outdoors.

“The moment that best captures the spirit of Trout Fest is standing in the park during the concert and looking around at everything happening at once,” Freeman said. “Families are sitting together, kids are playing, people are visiting with neighbors and everyone just seems to be enjoying the evening.

“To me, that’s what Trout Fest is really about. It’s the feeling of community. It’s Cassville coming together with visitors, families and friends to celebrate the outdoors, Roaring River, live music and the place we’re proud to call home.”

Visitors attending for the first time are encouraged to make a full weekend of the event by exploring both Cassville and Roaring River State Park.

“First-time visitors can expect a full weekend that really showcases what makes Cassville special,” Freeman said. “It’s a chance to get outdoors, enjoy our community and make memories together.”

For updates, schedules and citywide yard sale information, Freeman encouraged visitors to follow Trout Fest and Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce announcements on Facebook.