OxFest: Where Great Music Changes Young Lives
By Grayling Holmes
Just beyond the western edge of metropolitan St. Louis, where rolling hills, small towns, and close-knit communities define the landscape, thousands of children and families face challenges that often go unnoticed. That's why one of the region's most heartfelt charitable events deserves the attention of Sophisticated Living readers.
On Saturday, September 20, the Washington Fairgrounds in Washington, Missouri, will once again come alive for OxFest, a one-day music festival with a mission far greater than entertainment. Since 2017, the volunteer-driven event has donated more than $400,000 to nonprofits dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people throughout the region. Every ticket purchased, sponsorship secured, and donation made helps fund educational opportunities, healthcare, mentoring, and support services for children who need them most.
How It began
What began as a backyard barbecue honoring the memories of brothers Doug and Duane Haddox, who both died from complications of diabetes, has grown into one of Franklin County's most impactful philanthropic traditions. Inspired by the brothers' legacy, Dave Haddox and Kevin Walde transformed a gathering of friends into an annual festival that now changes lives throughout rural and small-town Missouri.
2026 Festival
This year's celebration promises something for every musical taste while keeping families entertained throughout the day. For Sophisticated Living readers, it's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy an outstanding festival while making a tangible difference in the lives of children just beyond the St. Louis metropolitan area.
Festival Highlights
Saturday, September 20
Washington Fairgrounds, Washington, Missouri
Gates Open: 11:30 a.m.
Live Music: Noon – 10:15 p.m.
Three Stages • Fourteen Bands
Main Stage
8:00 p.m. – Anthology (Allman Brothers Tribute)
6:00 p.m. – The Hard Promises (Tom Petty Tribute)
4:00 p.m. – The SappingTones
2:00 p.m. – Molly Lovette
Noon – The Mighty Pines
Blues Stage
7:45 p.m. – SOUL Cracker
6:00 p.m. – Amanda Fish
4:00 p.m. – Jeremiah Johnson
2:15 p.m. – Moe Barry
12:30 p.m. – Bag Lunch Blues Band
Country Music Stage
7:00 p.m. – Justin Bizzle
5:00 p.m. – Adam Knight
3:00 p.m. – Runaway Train
1:00 p.m. – RiverBend
Also Featured
Meet viral food creator Sarah Kraffty, whose recipes have attracted more than 2.3 million followers. She'll host a meet-and-greet, sign copies of her cookbook, and prepare two exclusive menu items with 100% of proceeds benefiting OxFest Charities.
Free Kids Zone featuring a petting zoo, balloon artists, face painting, bounce houses, giant bubbles, and family activities.
Local vendors.
Food and beverages throughout the grounds.
The Charities Who Benefit
The true headliners, however, are the organizations benefiting from the event. OxFest supports the Duane Haddox Scholarship, Whole Kids Outreach, All Abilities Athletics, CASA of Mideast Missouri, The Covering House, One Classroom, and the WINGS Educational Foundation. Together, these organizations provide college scholarships, classroom grants for teachers, healthcare for underserved rural children, advocacy for abused and neglected youth, opportunities for children with disabilities, and educational resources that strengthen entire communities.
Duane Haddox Scholarship
Whole Kids Outreach
All Abilities Athletics
Whether you spend the day enjoying outstanding music or simply make a tax-deductible donation, your generosity will help ensure children across this corner of Missouri have greater opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. If you are unable to attend, please consider making a contribution. Every dollar stays local and helps provide hope and opportunity for children and families who need it most.
For tickets, event information, or to make a donation, visit oxfestmusicfestival.org.
