The annual Wilder Days Festival will take place from noon to 9 p.m. Sept. 25 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 26 on Mansfield’s historic square at 100 E. Park Square.
Both days will feature food and craft vendors, James River Mountain Men living history demonstrations and a variety of family‑friendly activities. The Summit of the Ozarks Theatre Club will have a performance at 5 p.m., and Friday’s entertainment is capped off with an evening concert headlined by NBC’s "The Voice" 2025 season runner-up, DEK of Hearts, sponsored by Home Pride Bank at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday’s schedule expands with additional live musical entertainment from some of the Ozarks' best artists throughout the day, sponsored by Progressive Ozark Bank, and special events, including the Little Laura and Farmer Boy Contest and the community parade.
Visitors can enjoy tours of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum and the Mansfield Area Historical Museum both days. The Wilder Home and Museum will also welcome this year’s special guest, Richard Thomas, an acclaimed film and television actor widely known as “John Boy” from "The Waltons" and as Charles Ingalls in "Beyond the Prairie," along with their full list of special events at the museum. Shuttle rides will be available between the events.
The Wilder Days Festival celebrates the life and legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder, inviting residents and visitors to experience a weekend of heritage, history, entertainment and community spirit with all the beauty and charm of a small town in the Ozarks in fall.
For more information, visit wilderdaysfestival.com or email wilderdaysfestival@gmail.com.
