Branson

MISSOURI STATE SYMBOLS

 

STATE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL

 

BRANSON

 

Branson, Missouri, has long billed itself as the “live entertainment capital of the world.” That isn’t something that can be legislated, so Branson’s State Rep. Brian Seitz proposed the next best thing: making Branson the live entertainment capital of Missouri. 

In a 2024 interview, Rep. Seitz stated, “’Branson has long been synonymous with world-class entertainment, drawing millions of visitors each year to experience its unique charm and hospitality. … By officially designating Branson as the “Live Entertainment Capital” of Missouri, we are not only celebrating its cultural significance but also laying the foundation for sustained economic prosperity for our state.’” (Dereuck) Although Seitz’s efforts failed in 2024, he tried again in 2025. This time, the statute made it into SB348, which was signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe on a stage in Branson on June 26th.

 

Revised Statutes of Missouri (RSMo)

§10.254. The city of Branson is selected for and shall be known as the official “Live Entertainment Capital” for the state of Missouri. (HCS SCS SB 348 (2025)) 

approved 26 June 2025
effective 28 August 2025

Photo Gallery:

Click on an image below to enlarge and read a caption. This will open a new window in the Missouri State Symbols Flickr album.

Branson Branson at Night Branson Aerial

 

Additional Resources:

Photo Collections at the Missouri State Archives with images of Branson:

  • Commerce and Industrial Development (CID) Collection. Contact the Archives with inquiries.
  • Division of Tourism Photograph Collection has over 1,100 pictures of Branson and its attractions. View the Collection online through Missouri Digital Heritage: https://mdh.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/divtour. Additional images in Series C are available upon request.
  • Gerald Massie Photograph Collection. View the Collection online through Missouri Digital Heritage: https://mdh.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16795coll21.
  • Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Collection. Contact the Archives with inquiries.

Branson Chamber of Commerce: https://www.bransonchamber.com/.

Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau: https://www.explorebranson.com/.

Dereuck, Kelly. “‘A True Gem’: Missouri House Votes to Designate Branson State’s Live Entertainment Capital.” Springfield News-Leader (31 March 2024). Online. https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/politics/2024/03/31/missouri-house-votes-to-make-branson-live-entertainment-capital/73148614007/

 

Back to State Symbols Main Page