Attractions
History BuffArrow Rock State Historic Site
FreeState historic site preserving a 19th century Missouri River village with a visitor center.
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Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival
· Sedalia, MO
Why you should go…
The festival began in 1974 in Sedalia, Missouri, the town where Scott Joplin launched his ragtime career, and is produced by the Scott Joplin International Ragtime Foundation. It fills historic downtown Sedalia with free outdoor concerts, ticketed evening performances, a dance and educational symposia over a long weekend each spring. The 2026 festival ran May 27 to 30 with events at venues including the Liberty Center and the Fox Theatre.
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- #dance
Good to know
General attractions guidance
Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.
Book the time slot, not just the ticket
Timed entry is now the norm at big-draw attractions, and online tickets are often cheaper than the gate.
Grab the daily schedule on arrival
Feeding times, keeper talks, and shows run on a posted timetable that changes day to day.
The first hour is the quietest
Queues build through late morning and peak after lunch, so an early start buys you the shortest waits.
Budget past the ticket price
Parking, lockers, strollers, and food inside the gates are common extras worth planning for.
What's around here?
The closest stops to Scott Joplin International Ragtime Festival, ordered by straight-line distance.
