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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.

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Read the latest news from our Branson newspaper

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

Feb 20, 2026 2:00 PM

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

Feb 11, 2026 7:00 AM

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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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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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 Grammys—And 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

 FMFF x 99.5 THE STAR
DISCLOSURE DAY red-carpet event

JUNE 12 | Branson, MO

99.5 The Star is proud to fund-raise for the Fashion Minute Film Festival’s production hub—an exciting new initiative that unites filmmakers, designers, musicians, and media creatives to collaborate on a dynamic slate of one-minute films. As part of this initiative, we are hosting a special charitable red-carpet screening of DISCLOSURE DAY on June 12, 2026, in Branson, MO.

This special screening supports the Fashion Minute Film Festival’s signature events and boldest initiatives.

OZARK STAR
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

October 18, 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

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.

This month only

June summer sale!

OZARK STAR OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE

listen live with alexa!

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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"The competitions on 99.5 THE STAR are so much fun! I won tickets to a show thanks to them."

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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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