De Soto Days Festival is the largest on-going event in our community. It began in 1964 by the Jaycees who encouraged all of our community organizations to join in the event. De Soto Days has been held at a number of locations over the years: both sides of 83rd Street, on the old High School football field, Riverfest Park, Miller Memorial Park & Downtown where it is currently being held.

​

​

In true Jaycee spirit, the De Soto Festival's mission was:

​

• To promote the City of De Soto with pride and enthusiasm

• To develop a yearly event to enhance the lives of the De Soto residents & members of neighboring communities through events which appeal to a diverse audience

• To unite the citizens of De Soto

• To celebrate the past & envision the future

​

​

​After the Jaycees, the event was organized by the City, then the City Park Board, for a time, with help from the De Soto Chamber of Commerce.  The De Soto Days Festival is the largest city event and is now organized by a volunteer group of citizens who spend many months and hours planning the annual event. This group aims to provide class-act entertainment, great food, many vendors and the Evans Midland Carnival! The three-day event also includes one of the largest parades in the state and the Dean Weller Classic Car Show.

​

The festival is held each year during Labor Day Weekend. We welcome and encourage all ages to attend, participate or volunteer.

​​​​