Modern foodies seem to look for “authentic” food experiences. Old timers often want a taste from childhood - back when nothing went to waste. The rest of us just want a good time with good food and good people.

Whatever your reason for checking out the Callaway County Mutton Trail, we promise you’ll enjoy the experience. While it seems to be an “acquired” taste, BBQ mutton is a right of passage for many Callawegians.

The Missouri River community of Mokane has held its "Worlds Fair," since 1950. The fair is Labor Day weekend, Friday, September 1 - Sunday, September 3, 2023 at the Mokane Missouri Lions Club Park. In addition to BBQ mutton and other food options, you will find a demolition derby, tractor and vintage tractor pulls, carnival, music, cloggers, and fun for all ages. Times vary daily. Click here for current schedule. Please follow their Facebook page for the most recent updates.

Started in 1948 in another Missouri River community, the Tebbetts Picnic & Muttonfest will be held Friday, September 22 - Sunday, September 24, 2023. Choose from a variety of food options, including mutton. Events include live music, pie contest and auctions, kid’s pedal tractor pull, car show, and more. Times vary daily, more info will be posted by Tebbetts Community Center as the event gets closer.

PRO-TIP: Both Mokane and Tebbetts are easy to access by bike via the Katy Trail State Park - one of the oldest and longest rails-to-trails conversions in the US.

The Calwood BBQ Mutton Dinner will be held Saturday, October 7 from noon - 7pm at the Calwood Community Center, located 10 miles northeast of Fulton. The first dinner was held in 1980 and occurs each year on the 1st Saturday in October. It usually sells out well before 7pm. You better get there early.

In 2024, the first stop on the Mutton Trail will be the Fulton Street Fair, which is held in the downtown Brick District each June. Grab a beverage from the beer garden to wash down your sandwich. Enjoying non-stop activities including live music, car show, fun run, carnival and more.