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BRANSON WEATHER

BRANSON IS TAKING TO THE SKIES: THUNDERBIRDS, WARTHOGS & A WALL OF FIRE SET TO IGNITE LABOR DAY WEEKEND

If you're looking for a reason to make Branson your Labor Day Weekend destination, look up. The skies above the Ozarks are about to become the stage for one of the most spectacular celebrations of aviation, patriotism and American ingenuity as the 2026 Branson Wings of Pride Air Show presented by CoxHealth takes flight September 5–7 at Branson Airport.

And this year, the celebration comes with some serious horsepower. Headlining the three-day aviation extravaganza are the legendary U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, bringing their six-ship F-16 demonstration team and the kind of precision flying that has made them one of America's most recognizable symbols of military aviation.

But just when you thought the lineup couldn't get any bigger, Branson has added another reason to keep your eyes on the sky. Tickets & information: BransonWingsofPride.com


“GIRL WHO COULD SING” IS A RAW LETTER TO THE FATHER SHE NEVER KNEW, AHEAD OF ‘THE HARD TRUTH’

Wynonna Judd is singing to someone she never had the chance to know. The GRAMMY-winning country icon has released “Girl Who Could Sing,” the latest preview of her deeply personal new album, The Hard Truth, arriving Oct. 2 via ANTI- Records. Written by Judd alongside Cactus Moser, Clara Calaway, Melissa Forrette and Brant Colella, the song finds Wynonna turning an extraordinary family discovery into an intimate musical reckoning.

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Gavin Adcock Has 26 Songs, a Lot to Say, and “Having One Now”

Gavin Adcock looks like a guy who would rather kick down the door than knock. The Georgia native has built his career on that particular brand of country-star energy: part farm kid, part football player, part outlaw, with enough rock ’n’ roll attitude to make the cowboy hat optional. Now, with a 26-song album on the way, he’s apparently decided that subtlety is overrated.

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BRANDON LEAKE GETS INTIMATE: THE ‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’ WINNER OPENS UP ABOUT ANXIETY, FATHERHOOD, FAITH AND FINDING HOPE

Three years after making history as the first spoken-word artist to win America’s Got Talent, Brandon Leake found himself confronting a very different kind of challenge—one that couldn't be solved onstage. “I feel like it was teaching me to never lose sight of the things I prayed for before the fame. Because I wanted to be a husband and a father long before I ever wanted to be a poet. And those are the things I now prioritize over everything.”

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America’s 250th Birthday Gets a High-Flying Celebration as the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show Brings Three Days of Military Power, World-Class Aerobatics and Patriotic Spectacle to the Ozarks

If you're looking for a reason to make Branson your Labor Day Weekend destination, look up. The skies above the Ozarks are about to become the stage for one of the most spectacular celebrations of aviation, patriotism and American ingenuity as the 2026 Branson Wings of Pride Air Show presented by CoxHealth takes flight September 5–7 at Branson Airport.

Read more »

BRANSON | THIS WEEK

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

STATEMENT FROM STAMPEDE REGARDING THE PASSING OF DOLLY PARTON

It is with profound sadness and deep gratitude that we remember Dolly Parton—an extraordinary artist and visionary partner. Almost 40 years ago we partnered with Dolly to create our venues that have welcomed millions of guests, created opportunities for thousands, and strengthened the communities we serve. Dolly’s impact, however, has always gone far beyond the destinations we’ve built together. “Working alongside Dolly Parton over the years has been one of the great honors of our company’s history,” said Jack Lawrence, CEO of World Choice Investments. “Our partnership was built on a shared commitment to creating meaningful, memorable experiences for families. Dolly’s vision elevated everything she touched, but it was her kindness and genuine love for people that left the greatest impression on all of us. Her legacy will continue to guide how we serve our guests and carry forward the traditions we built together.” A designated memorial has been placed at our Stampede locations in Pigeon Forge and Branson as well as our Pirates Voyage locations in Myrtle Beach and Panama City Beach. Our venues have become gathering places for Dolly’s fans and admirers, and it was her wish that they remain open as a place for families to remember her and celebrate her life by enjoying our experiences together.​ Dolly was also famous for her tireless work ethic, a principle that inspired countless generations around the world. It is that same work ethic that dictates our decision to remain open. As Dolly said, “the show must go on,” and we will honor her wishes.

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."

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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
FESTIVAL

OZARK STAR
AWARDS

October 17 - 19 | The Mansion Theatre, Branson, MO

October 18, 2026 | 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.

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

November 28-29 | 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.


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June summer 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 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." Now you can use the same invocation with Google Home and listen to our station through our partners!

 

"99.5 THE STAR keeps me entertained and informed about everything happening in Branson to better plan our family vacation."

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