The Heritage Festival committee is proud to announce that the Isaac Kenneth Band will kick off the free Friday evening concert at 5 PM on August 7. The headliner band this year is the legendary Kentucky Headhunters who will take the stage at 7:30 PM.
Known as the “Southern Rock Royalty” and the “great American Rock ‘n’ Roll band”, The Kentucky Headhunters have had longevity and success most bands can only dream about. Their origins go all the way back to 1968 when brothers Fred and Richard Young and cousins Greg Martin and Anthony Kenny formed the Itchy Brother band which later morphed into the Kentucky Headhunters. They really hit their stride in the early 90s with their hit songs “Dumas Walker” and “Oh, Lonesome Me.” The “Heads” are credited with creating a unique blend of honky-tonk blues and Southern rock that appeals to listeners of all kinds. You won’t want to miss their electrifying live performance.
Saturday, August 8, is a “slam-dunk” with a non-stop slate of great musical groups. The ever-popular, local Whetstone Band is back and starts the day’s musical menu at 9:30 AM. From 11:30 to 1:30, the First Day Band will keep the music lively. We are really excited to announce that the band that will wrap up the afternoon is the regionally famous Members Only from the Springfield-Branson area who will bring their version of great tribute music from 2:00 until 5:00.
Formed in February 2008, Members Only is a high-energy tribute band dedicated to reproducing the most recognizable pop and hair-metal hits of the 1980s. They have grown from a local Missouri act into a regionally touring powerhouse across the Midwest. Known for their exceptional musicianship, they turn every concert into an immersive 1980s party.
So, bring your lawn chairs, umbrellas, and sunscreen. There will be plenty to do, see, buy, and great food to eat. Fun and activities for the whole family! And, all of this while you are serenaded nonstop during the entire Festival with great music as we celebrate the 250th birthday of our wonderful country and its history.
As historian David McCullough has stated, “Take away music from the American story, and you take away its soul.” These musicians will offer us some of their patriotic favorites. Come celebrate the semi-quincentennial with us at the Heritage Festival on August 7-8, 2026, on the historic Mountain Grove square.
Schedule of Events for Heritage Festival 2026
Theme: Red, White, and True Blue
Commemorating the Celebration of the 250th Birthday of the United States of America
Friday, Aug 7, 2026
9:00 – 4:00 – Quilt Show in Old gym at the high school
4:00 – Square opens, food vendors
5:00 – Bounce houses open on Greene St.
5:30 – Isaac Kenneth Band, opening act, takes the stage
7:30 – Kentucky Headhunters take the stage
9:30 – end of Friday activities
Schedule of Events for Heritage Festival 2026
Theme: Red, White, and True Blue
Commemorating the Celebration of the 250th Birthday of the United States of America
Saturday, Aug 8, 2026
9:00 – 4:00 – Quilt Show in Old gym at the high school
9:00 – Opening Ceremony begins – Flag Raising – VFW
Pledge of Allegiance – Boy Scouts
National Anthem – MGHS Band
Prayer of Blessing for the Day – Dr. David Barbe
Reading of the Declaration of Independence – Dr. David Barbe
Announcements
9:15 – Breakfast for Veterans in the hospitality tent
9:15 – 5:00 – Bounce houses, dunking booth, etc. on 1st St.
9:30 – On Stage – Whetstone Band
11:00 – In front of stage – Gymnastics Class Demonstration
11:30 – 1:30 – On Stage – First Day Band
12:00 – Lunch for Veterans in the hospitality tent
2:00 – 5:00 – On stage – Members Only Band
5:00 – American Legion Flag lowering and Taps
