Upcoming Tourism Events in Cape Girardeau Area

Let’s not forget this important part of our local economic development efforts.

The tourism industry which includes meetings and conventions, visitors tied to events, and tourists or travelers, is really gaining additional steam in our area. As you may recall, we have talked about the importance of the youth sports tournaments that continued safely and successfully throughout most of the pandemic. Now, I’d like to mention a few other things for your radar.

Our first riverboat of the year, the American Duchess, is scheduled to dock on Thursday, April 8th in downtown Cape Girardeau. We are looking forward to many more to follow.

The USA Gymnastics Nationals Women’s Collegiate Championships will be held on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University April 8th – 10th. The Muddy River Marathon, a qualifier for the Boston Marathon, will be held in Cape on May 1st. The Big BAM Missouri cross state bicycle tour is coming June 15th. And the Great Race, the world’s premier old car rally will bring more than 120 cars to our area on June 22nd.

But wait, there’s more. The Mini Chase vintage motorcycle event will navigate the area from July 6th through July 10th and don’t forget the Shipyard Music Festival September 17th and 18th.

More events are already booked for 2022 including a motorcycle sport touring event and a Cabela King Cat Fishing Tournament.

Each of these events brings new revenue to the area and plays a significant role in stimulating economic activity. I want to give a special shout out to our Visit Cape team for all of their efforts.