The Delta Fair is a tradition in Kennett that dates back well over a century, drawing visitors each year from Southeast Missouri, Northeast Arkansas and West Tennessee. Its offerings include livestock exhibits, arts and crafts, live entertainment, rides and classic fair food; the program may vary from year to year. If you’re planning your trip around the fair, check the specific dates and events.
History and Music in Kennett
Founded in 1986, the Dunklin County Museum is housed in Kennett’s original city hall, the city’s only building listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum’s location is thus connected to a specific part of the city’s history.
Kennett is the hometown of Grammy-winning artist Sheryl Crow, country artists David Nail and Trent Tomlinson, and operatic tenor Limmie Pulliam. Their careers grew out of a longstanding local music tradition. The Semo Little Theatre Performing Arts Center also regularly hosts music concerts and jam sessions, as well as live theater performances.
The Palace Theater reopened in the summer of 2014 after more than three years of closure, marking a milestone in Kennett’s long cinema tradition. The reopening is a notable chapter in its history, but in itself says nothing about current showtimes.
Events Throughout the Year
Held each September, the Fall Into Arts Festival features local arts and crafts, live music and food in downtown Kennett. Dates and programming may change, so check the details when planning your trip.
The Kennett Jaycees BBQ Cookoff is an annual, family-friendly event held on the Delta Fairgrounds. Dates and participation details may change. Along with the September festival and the longstanding fair, the event calendar offers a variety of occasions to plan your trip around.
Parks, Trails and Water
Kennett’s city parks include Jones Memorial Park, Willoughby Park and Mitchell Park, which have walking trails. The parks department also provides visitors with park facilities and programs for sports, nature experiences and playground activities. The offerings include both trails and other ways to spend time in the city parks.
The Sheryl Crow Aquatic Center offers swimming and facility rentals for parties. Check current operating and booking details before your visit.
Nature Areas Nearby
The Little River Conservation Area is five miles east of Kennett on Highway 412 and spans Dunklin and Pemiscot Counties. At Combs Lake, the area offers fishing access, a covered floating fishing dock, a boat ramp and picnic facilities. It therefore offers both water activities and places to take a break outdoors.
The Ben Cash Memorial Conservation Area is in Dunklin County, six miles west of Highway 412 on Route A. The intersection of Route A and Highway 412 is three miles south of Kennett. The area includes bottomland forest, swamp and a diverse plant community. In contrast, the Little River Conservation Area is known for its facilities at Combs Lake, while Ben Cash is characterized by its landscape features.
For the broader travel overview: Dunklin County.
