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BRANSON WEATHER

BRANSON | THIS WEEK

The roundup of the most important stories from Ozark Star Branson and Ozark Star Experiences newspapers.

HOOVES, HEART & HOMETOWN PRIDE: Dolly Parton's Stampede Gallops into its 32nd Spectacular Season in Branson

When the doors swing open for the 32nd season of Dolly Parton’s Stampede on February 27, it won’t take long for guests to understand why it’s known as “Branson’s most fun place to eat.” For more than three decades, this one-of-a-kind dinner attraction in Branson has blended heart-pounding equestrian stunts, musical storytelling, comedy and a hearty four-course feast into an unforgettable family tradition, and 2026 promises even more magic.

THE HAYGOODS "Long Time Coming" and right on time

The Haygoods latest single “Long Time Coming” is a powerful, autobiographical anthem that tells the true story of six siblings who have spent their lives grinding it out together—on the road, on stage, and in harmony. Built on tight family vocals, acoustic instrumentation, and a fearless country-rock edge, the track reflects years of hard work, reinvention, and persistence, capturing the sound of artists who’ve earned every note.

Silver Dollar City | Photo: Branson CVB

RICK THOMAS On Tour

From the glittering marquees of Branson to the sun-soaked stages of Florida, Rick Thomas brings his spectacular brand of magic on tour—inviting audiences into a world where imagination takes center stage. Known for his grand illusions, cinematic storytelling, and family-friendly sense of wonder, Thomas has built a career turning dreams into breathtaking reality. 

DOLLY PARTON’s NEXT BIG STORY: A Hotel as Heartfelt as Her Songs

In a career defined by chart-topping hits, blockbuster films, theme parks, bestselling books, and a compassion-driven philanthropy, Dolly Parton has forever redefined what it means to be an entertainer and entrepreneur. Now, the Queen of Country is tuning a new string in her extraordinary legacy with a venture that feels less like an investment and more like a love letter to Nashville, the city that helped shape her story.

Pick up your copy of OZARK STAR Branson and OZARK STAR Experiences today!


Read the latest news from our Branson newspaper

Hooves, Heart & Hometown Pride: Dolly Parton’s Stampede Gallops Into Its 32nd Spectacular Season in Branson

When the doors swing open for the 32nd season of Dolly Parton’s Stampede on February 27, it won’t take long for guests to understand why it’s known as “Branson’s most fun place to eat.” For more than three decades, this one-of-a-kind dinner attraction in Branson has blended heart-pounding equestrian stunts, musical storytelling, comedy and a hearty four-course feast into an unforgettable family tradition, and 2026 promises even more magic.

Read more »

The Haygoods: A Long Time Coming, and Right on Time

For The Haygoods, success has never been about shortcuts. It’s been about miles logged, harmonies earned, and a family staying locked together through every high and low. With the release of their new single, “Long Time Coming,” the six-sibling band isn’t just delivering a song to country radio—they’re opening the door to the real story behind decades of perseverance.

Read more »

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ON-AIR | 99.5 THE STAR


99.5 THE STAR
delivers Branson and the Ozarks’ top country hits, along with up-to-the-minute tourism news and weather updates, engaging interviews, exciting competitions, exclusive deals, discounts and local promotions. We centralize what’s happening now and shape what’s coming next, connecting listeners to the best of Branson's experiences, music, and stories that define the Ozarks.

Your go-to source for tourism promotions and the official radio station of Ozark Star newspaper. Join our community and experience the best of local broadcasting!


As the region’s premier music and lifestyle station, we keep listeners informed, entertained, and connected to everything happening in the Ozarks. Broadcasting from Ozark Star Studios and streaming nationwide on iHeartRadio, TuneIn, and through Alexa Skill, just say "Alexa, play Ozark Star" or "Alexa, play Ozark Star Ninety-Nine Five THE STAR."

Scan to play 99.5 THE STAR
Branson's #1 Music Station

99.5 THE STAR
SHOW SCHEDULE

Stay informed with up-to-the-minute tourism news, weather and headlines from Branson and beyond.

NICK SMITH BREAKFAST SHOW

Get the latest country music and tourism news from the Nick Smith Breakfast Show to plan your day in Branson.

OZARK STAR
PODCASTS

Discover the best attractions and events in Branson and beyond with our tourism podcast.

99.5 THE STAR
CONTESTS

Tune in and participate in exciting competitions and win amazing prizes with 99.5 THE STAR!


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The Devil Wears Prada Is BackAnd Fashion, Once Again, Is Holding Its Breath

Nearly two decades after The Devil Wears Prada first clicked its stilettos across the cultural imagination, the film that defined a generation of fashion fantasies (and workplace fears) is officially getting a sequel. Currently in development at Disney—now the keeper of the Prada crown—the project reunites Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway as the indomitable Miranda Priestly and her once-wide-eyed assistant, Andy Sachs.

Emily Blunt is also set to return as Emily Charlton, the razor-sharp assistant with the best coats and the worst flu. And in a move that feels as reassuring as a perfectly tailored blazer, screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna and director David Frankel are reportedly to reprise their roles behind the camera.

Here’s everything we know so far—and what it might mean.


99.5 THE STAR brings Branson's top-rated radio experience to Branson, Missouri. As the official radio station of the Ozark Star newspaper, we are dedicated to providing quality tourism news, weather, and community updates. Our mission is to keep you connected and informed about everything happening in Branson and beyond.


Your front row seat from the red carpet, to backstage, and beyond! 

the GRAMMY's roundup!

Grammy Highlights: The Night's Defining Moments and Fashion That Ruled the Red Carpet

On Sunday evening, music royalty descended in full regalia for the 68th annual Grammy Awards—an evening where spectacle and sound shared equal billing. The ceremony unfolded as a celebration of ambition and artistry, culminating in a historic album of the year win for Bad Bunny. 

Country, Rewritten: Inside the 2026 Grammy Nominations

Country music has always been a study in contrasts—heritage and rebellion, rhinestones and restraint—and the 2026 Grammy nominations read like a love letter to that tension. This year’s slate is less about a single dominant sound and more about a conversation across generations, aesthetics, and emotional registers. 

Jelly Roll accepts the award for Best Contemporary Country Album for "Beautifully Broken" onstage during the 68th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for the Recording Academy®

The Brands at the Grammy's: Nick Smith live from the red carpet

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards weren’t just a celebration of music’s top creators on February 1, 2026—in Los Angeles, fashion brands, luxury houses, and global partners turned Music’s Biggest Night into a strategic stage for collaboration and cultural influence.

Country’s Quiet Year at the GrammysAnd Why the Academy Says It Isn’t a Snub

When the Grammy nominations land without a single country artist in the Academy’s four all-genre crown jewels—Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best New Artist—the absence reads less like a footnote and more like a cultural moment. For 2026, it’s a conspicuous one.


Soundwaves connecting Communities

99.5 THE STAR is dedicated to amplifying everything worth knowing and experiencing in Branson and the Ozarks region. We pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive lifestyle news, promotions, reliable weather updates, interviews, and thrilling competitions!

Tune in and experience the difference!

THE GREAT CELEBRATION | STATION EVENTS

OZARK STAR x 99.5 THE STAR
RIBBON CUTTING

MARCH, 2026 | Explore Branson, Chamber of Commerce 

The Branson Chamber of Commerce & CVB ribbon-cutting event to officially launch the new season, marking the debut of the Fashion Minute Film Festival x Ozark Star Awards and the kickoff of America’s 250th Birthday celebrations. Community leaders, artists, and industry professionals gathering in a spirit of unity and anticipation, as the event highlighted Branson’s growing influence in fashion, film, and country music. The ceremony symbolizes not only the start of an exciting entertainment season, but a bold tribute to the Ozarks’ creative legacy and a patriotic celebration honoring 250 years of American spirit, launch of the Ozark Star newspaper series, FROW, and 99.5 The Star's promotions.

FASHION MINUTE
FILM FESTIVAL

JULY 31 - AUG 2 | The Mansion Theatre, Branson, MO

The Fashion Minute Festival is a vibrant cultural celebration organized by Ozark Star Media that brings together music, film, fashion, and community energy into a lively multi-day experience. It pairs the dynamic live showcases and red-carpet moments of the Fashion Minute Film Festival—where cutting-edge style and storytelling meet on screen—with immersive panels, creative performances, and interactive experiences that thrill attendees. Throughout the festival, guests enjoy insightful film screenings, fashion-focused events, and engaging live entertainment that build excitement and anticipation for the culminating Ozark Star Awards ceremony, where standout achievements in entertainment and creative arts are honored in a glamorous finale.

OZARK STAR
AWARDS

August 2, 2026 | The Mansion Theatre, Branson, MO

The Ozark Star Awards are an annual celebration presented by Ozark Star Media that honor excellence in country music and spotlight the people, places, and experiences that make the Ozarks region shine. These awards highlight standout local artists, businesses, and community figures who have made notable contributions to the cultural life and entertainment scene in the area, with winners often chosen based on community input and curated selections. The event reflects regional pride and celebrates those who inspire, lead, and uplift the Ozarks through their achievements.

FASHION MINUTE
FASHION WEEK EXPERIENCE

September 18 - 20 | BVLGARI Hotel & Cinema, London (UK) 

As London Fashion Week prepares to electrify the city this September, the Bvlgari Cinema will transform into a sanctuary of style and storytelling for the upcoming Fashion Minute Film Festival premieres. Set against a backdrop of bespoke interiors and jewel-toned velvet seating, designers, editors, actors, influencers, and industry tastemakers will gather beneath warm lights to celebrate fashion through the art of film.

Each evening will unfold like a curated runway of cinema, showcasing one-minute films that distill fashion’s most compelling ideas into cinematic poetry. Audiences can expect a dynamic kaleidoscope of visual narratives—from avant-garde animations exploring couture craftsmanship to intimate documentary portraits spotlighting emergent designers and visionary creatives.

Between screenings, champagne high tea receptions in the cinema’s elegant lounges will invite conversation, collaboration, and celebration. Guests will connect, exchange ideas, and immerse themselves in an atmosphere where fashion’s flair meets the immediacy of short-form storytelling.

Poised to become a standout moment of London Fashion Week, the Fashion Minute Film Festival at the Bvlgari Cinema promises an unforgettable experience—where imagination is not only witnessed, but felt, and every premiere shines like a glittering debut on fashion’s most cinematic stage. The 2026 festival concludes with a film awards ceremony. 


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February super sale!

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If you own an Amazon smart speaker, like the Echo or Echo Dot, you can listen to 99.5 THE STAR! First you need to enable our Skill. Here are easy ways you can do that:

  1. Say, Alexa, enable Ozark Star Ninety-Nine Five THE STAR Skill
  2. Visit the Skills section of your Alexa Smartphone App and search for Ozark Star 99.5 THE STAR

After you have enabled the Skill, listen to our station just by saying Alexa, play Ozark Star" or "Alexa play Ozark Star, Ninety-Nine Five THE STAR!” Now you can use the same invocation with Google Home and listen to our station through our partners!

 

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"I love listening to 99.5 THE STAR for the latest country music and tourism promotions. They always highlight the best attractions and events in our area!"

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