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October brings cooler temperatures to Arkansas, ushering in a season filled with vibrant festivals and fairs! Embrace the crisp air and enjoy all things pumpkin spice, football, and hearty soups. This month also sparks a sense of mystery and spookiness, making it the perfect time to plan a weekend adventure. With a multitude of fun October 2024 events to choose from, the hardest part will be deciding how to spend your weekends. Get ready to explore all that Arkansas has to offer this fall!
October 2-6
Hillberry Harvest Moon Festival | Eureka Springs
This festival lasts five nights across two stages with all the best of bluegrass, Americana, and Funk. The event is held at The Farm in Eureka Springs, which is a campground & concert venue located in the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Primitive camping is available onsite.
Venue: The Farm
More Information: Click Here
October 3-5
Junk Ranch | Prairie Grove
The Junk Ranch is a two-day junking festival held on a 35-acre farm. This year, the Junk Ranch will be celebrating and will kick off the show with a “Night Under the Lights” show. The big red barn, the farmhouse and the festival grounds will be full, with over 250 vendors. The farm becomes a junking paradise! By going early, you get the best chance at finding a one-of-a-kind treasure. Enjoy!
Venue: The Junk Ranch (11195 Centerpoint Church Road, Prairie Grove)
More Information: Click Here
October 4-5
TimberFest | Sheridan
TimberFest is an annual festival held the first weekend in October of every year. The festival will have a Lumberjack competition, Baggo tournament, 5k, a car show, food, rides and live entertainment. This festival is one you don’t want to miss.
Venue: Downtown Sheridan
More Information: Click Here
October 4-5
MusicFest | El Dorado
Main Street Eldorado puts on MusicFest El Dorado, which is an event you don’t want to miss. There is an all-star musical lineup prepared and ready to perform and provide some great entertainment to festivalgoers. There will also be many other activities and food vendors.
Venue: Main Street El Dorado
More Information: Click Here
Friday, October 4
Fiesta en SoMa Tamale Taste-Off | Little Rock
Get ready to experience the ultimate Tamale Taste-off at Fiesta en SoMa! Local tamale makers, businesses, and home cooks will go head-to-head to see who has the best tamales in town. For just $15, you can sample all the delicious entries and vote for your favorite!
Venue: The Bernice Garden, Little Rock
More Information: Click Here
October 4-6
Arkansas Apple Festival | Lincoln
At the Arkansas Apple Festival, you will find arts and crafts of the Ozarks, food, entertainment, a parade, vendors, a tractor show and many other activities.
Venue: Lincoln Square (112 Boyer Ave)
More Information: Click Here
October 5
Arkansas Goat Festival | Perryville
The Arkansas Goat Festival returns to Perryville so everyone can get their annual dose of goat costume contests, goat parades, goat games, goat races, goat contests and goat products. There will be fun, food and general goat-related shenanigans to delight the whole family.
Venue: Perryville City Park
More Information: Click Here
October 5
Annual Frontier Day Festival | Paris
The Frontier’s Day festival is a family friendly event where you will be able to watch the Old West come to life! There will be bounce houses for the kids and live entertainment coming from local talent on the main stage, not to mention food and craft vendors.
Venue: Downton Paris on the square
More Information: Click Here
October 6
Little Italy 95th Italian Festival | Roland
From 11:00 to 3:30pm, St. Francis of Assisi Church will be hosting its Famous Spaghetti and Sausage Dinner with food and games for all!
Venue: St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (33223 Highway 300, Roland, AR 72135)
More Information: Click Here
October 7
World Cheese Dip Championship | Little Rock
If there’s one thing you need to know about Little Rock, it’s that they take cheese dip very seriously. They love to tell folks that cheese dip was invented in the area all the way back in 1935, and you’ll find dozens of versions of the creamy goodness on restaurant menus across town. Held annually each fall, The World Cheese Dip Championship attracts entrants from across the state and around the county as they battle it out to be the judges’ favorite. Each attendee can cast a vote for their favorite. This outdoor event takes advantage of Little Rock’s gentle fall weather and is one of the city’s hallmark events. For first-time visitors, locals recommend bringing along a muffin tin to hold all your cheese dip samples (trust us, it really makes a difference!).
Venue: Dickey Stephens Park
More Information: Click Here
October 9-12
King Biscuit Blues Festival | Helena-West Helena
Founded in 1986, the King Biscuit Blues Festival is one of the nation’s foremost showcases of blues music. It lasts for three full days in October, and tens of thousands of blues enthusiasts from all over the world converge on historic downtown Helena to hear stirring and uplifting performances of an American art form on the banks of the Mississippi River. Consisting of five stages and a wide variety of buskers, the indescribable personality and culture of “Tent City,” where there are food and arts/crafts vendors galore, make this a weekend event worthy of adding to your plan this month.
Venue: 198 Missouri Street
More Information: Click Here
October 10-12
CabotFest | Cabot
CabotFest has been a strong community tradition since 1978. It was initially a fundraiser to help Cabot rebuild after the damage of the 1976 tornado. Now, it has turned into a full-blown festival with a carnival, 5K, live music and tons of vendors.
Venue: Downtown Cabot
More Information: Click Here
October 10-12
Rendezvous in the Ozarks | Ozark
If you own a four-wheel drive vehicle and enjoy the overlanding lifestyle, or you want to learn more about this fast-growing passion, you are invited to join Natural State Overland at Mulberry Mountain Lodge in the beautiful Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. You will rendezvous with others who share your interest in overland style travel and all the adventure it brings!
Venue: Mulberry Mountain Lodge
More Information: Click Here
October 11-13
Vintage Market Days | Bentonville
Vintage Market Days is an upscale vintage-inspired market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings and more. The market is a three-day event and is a unique opportunity for vendors to display their talents and passions in different venues and for shoppers to enjoy and appreciate their creations.
Venue: Benton County Fairgrounds
More Information: Click Here
October 11-20
Arkansas State Fair | Little Rock
Since 1940, the Arkansas State Fair has been fun for the entire family, including various food vendors, carnival, midway rides, livestock show, arts and crafts, rodeo and musical entertainment featuring top-name performers.
Venue: Arkansas State Fairgrounds
More Information: Click Here
October 12
Morrilton’s Fall Fest | Morrilton
Morrilton’s Fall Fest will include activities, food, vendors, and games for the whole family. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and feature a chili cookoff and car show. Vendors are welcome for $20 per spot. Set up begins 7:00|7:45 a.m. Vendors must have areas cleaned up by 10:00 p.m.
Venue: Morrilton City Park
More Information: Click Here
October 12
Arkansas Rice Festival | Weiner
The 48th Annual Arkansas Rice Festival in Weiner celebrates the rich heritage of rice farming in Arkansas and its harvest. The festival is held annually on the second weekend in October in conjunction with National Rice Promotion Month. There will be entertainment and events to enjoy, such as a rice cookoff, threshing demonstrations, street dance, car show, kid’s activities and more!
Venue: Weiner
More Information: Click Here
October 12
Best of the Beard & Mustache Contest at Sorghum Fest | Mt. Ida
Hosted by Heritage House Museum of Montgomery County. It’s FREE to join the FUN! Sign up at 10 a.m., have your picture taken, and we’ll print it and put it in a jar for patrons to vote! Winners will be announced at 2 p.m. It’s 25 cents a vote, and all the money raised will go to build a cover for our Sorghum Mill. The winner in each category receives bragging rights!!! The overall winner will receive a $50 gift certificate to Kokamo’s. Best Mustache & Best Beard winners will receive a $20 gift certificate to the Dairyette.
Venue: 819 Luzerne St., Mt. Ida, AR
More Information: Click Here
October 12
Old Fashioned Day | Benton
Benton’s Oldest Festival! A day filled with nostalgic activities, live entertainment, food, and fun for the whole family. Attendees can look forward to a variety of vendors, games, and demonstrations that harken back to days gone by.
Venue: Saline County Courthouse and adjoining streets, Downtown Benton
More Information: Click Here
October 12
Hillcrest Harvestfest | Little Rock
The best little neighborhood festival is returning this fall for its 30th year! With a wide range of crafts and goods from over 100 vendors, plenty of your most popular food trucks, live music, local beer, kids’ activities, dog show and so much more, Hillcrest Harvestfest is the good time for the entire family! Want to be part of Little Rock’s premier fall festival? We have so many opportunities; volunteer, sponsorship and registration for our Harvestfest events.
Harvestfest is a committee of the Hillcrest Merchants Association, which works to promote businesses and community projects in the Hillcrest neighborhood.
Venue: Hillcrest neighborhood
More Information: Click Here
October 12 & 19
Saturdays in Stars Hollow ~ A Gilmore Girls October at Petit Jean Coffeehouse | Petit Jean Mountain
This October, Petit Jean Coffeehouse us bringing Stars Hollow to life with a delightful mix of food, fun, and festivities that every fan will adore. Indulge in the special coffee and pastry offerings inspired by Lorelai and Rory’s favorites. Test your knowledge of Gilmore Girls in our trivia contests, where you can win exciting prizes like gift cards and merchandise. Whether you’re Team Jess, Team Dean, or Team Logan, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come celebrate your love for Gilmore Girls in a warm, inviting atmosphere!
October 17-20
War Eagle Fair | Hindsville
The War Eagle Fair began in 1954. It was started as a way for crafters from across the Ozarks region to display their works. It continues today over 60 years later with the same idea. With more than 250 booths of all handcrafted products displayed by their creators, the War Eagle Fair takes place along the banks of the War Eagle Creek. A beautiful Fall setting of changing leaves makes the perfect weekend getaway experience for you and your family.
Venue: Camp War Eagle (11037 High Sky Inn Rd, Hindsville, Arkansas)
More Information: Click Here
October 18
Ghouls Night Out | Springdale
The Downtown Springdale Creepy Crawl is back for a frightfully fun evening. Local businesses will host a night filled with spooky shopping, delicious food, and hauntingly good drinks. Guests can pick up their event passports at Milk & Sugar Bath Co. The first 25 attendees to visit all participating businesses will receive an exclusive tote filled with treats!
The celebration culminates at The Odd Soul at 9 PM with a thrilling costume contest and special surprises from the Potions Masters. This is a wickedly fun night not to be missed—mark your calendars for an unforgettable experience!
Venue: Downtown Springdale
More Information: Click Here
October 18-20
Arkansas Scottish Festival | Batesville
Every year Batesville hosts one of America’s most popular Scottish festivals. Pipers, drummers, dancers, athletes, Scottish clans and vendors travel from all corners of the country to attend the event. Be sure to check it out and all the activities this festival has to offer.
Venue: Lyon College
More Information: Click Here
October 18-26
33nd Annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival | Hot Springs
The Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute champions nonfiction storytelling by providing a platform for storytellers to entertain, educate, broaden perspectives and celebrate their love of documentaries. The Institute engages audience members with impactful cinematic experiences through an annual festival and year-round programming. Check out the schedule of events and choose what is best for you!
Venue: Arlington Resort and Hotel
More Information: Click Here
October 19
2024 Fallin’ Blackbird Festival & 5K | Beebe
In 2010, there was an odd occurrence in Beebe on New Year’s Eve when thousands of blackbirds mysteriously dropped from the sky. That event makes for a fun festival theme. There will be lots of activities for the entire family to enjoy, such as a 5K, blackbird pie eating contest, arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, entertainment and activities for kids!
Venue: Downtown Beebe
More Information: Click Here
October 25- 26
Annual Bean Fest and Championship Outhouse Races | Mountain View
Do you think you have the best beans around? Show up and cook for your chance to win. Enjoy music and dancing on the Courthouse Square throughout the day and sample free beans and cornbread. There will be handmade craft vendors and outrageous outhouse races. The dinner bell will ring at noon, and the “Bean Fest Cooking Champion” will be crowned. Outhouse Races will follow dinner.
Venue: 109 N Peabody Ave, Mountain View
More Information: Click Here
October 26
Russellville Downtown Festival and Chili Cook-off | Russellville
Russellville Fall Festival and Chili Cook-off will be held on October 26th, 2024. Enjoy delicious eats from food vendors, chili cook-off samples, and pie and cake contest entries. The activities will include vendor exhibit booths, arts and crafts, car and truck show, pumpkin bike ride, children’s costume contest, games, live music and much more.
Venue: Downtown Historic District, Russellville
More Information: Click Here
October 26
Apple Butter Festival | Petit Jean Mountain
Celebrate the harvest season with an old fashioned apple butter cook off! Fresh apples cooked down all day on an open fire in large copper kettles following old age traditions. After cooking to perfection the apple butter is poured into jars and will be sold on site at this event. Vendors and crafters will be set up with various wares. Cast iron cooking, fire cider demonstration, and pickin’ in the yard so bring your instrument and join in the once-a-year event.
Venue: Petit Jean Farmer’s Market
More Information: Click Here
October 26-27
Arkansas Paranormal Expo | Little Rock
The Arkansas Paranormal Expo is a benefit supporting the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. The Tower Building, which was built in 1840, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur. It is their mission to raise funds to help preserve this beautiful, historic building. The Arkansas Paranormal Expo has grown to be one of the biggest and most popular events of its kind in all of Arkansas. Subjects such as UFOs, Bigfoot, Cryptozoology, psychic phenomena and ghost hunting will take the stage, providing in-depth education and intriguing insight.
Venue: MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
More Information: Click Here
Saturdays and Sundays in October
Magic Screams at Magic Springs | Hot Springs
Magic Springs hosts a Magic Screams event every Saturday and Sunday in October. There will be Halloween-themed activities every week. Check it out!
Venue: Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
More Information: Click Here
Also, check out this article for a list of pumpkin patches around the state. Or check out this article and make a Cinnamon Streusel Pumpkin Bundt Cake this month or click here to learn how to make some Donut Hole Pumpkin Pops.
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