Uh oh...
It appears that you're using a severely outdated version of Safari on Windows. Many features won't work correctly, and functionality can't be guaranteed. Please try viewing this website in Edge, Mozilla, Chrome, or another modern browser. Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused!
Read More about this safari issue.
As the summer heat gives way to cooler breezes, Arkansas comes alive with the sights and sounds of fall. September marks the start of festival season, with craft fairs, car shows, hot air balloons dotting the skies, and leaves beginning their transformation into vibrant reds and oranges. County fairs bring the glow of carnival lights, the smell of fried food on a stick, and the joy of community gatherings. And, of course, Saturdays mean one thing—college football. From Fayetteville to Jonesboro, stadiums fill with roaring fans ready to cheer on their teams. WooPig!
It’s time for a wonderful September in the Natural State—packed with events you won’t want to miss!
Arkansas Renaissance Festival | Mount Vernon
Gather ’round, lords and ladies! The Arkansas Renaissance Festival is almost here! Immerse yourself in a realm where history and fantasy blend seamlessly at Dragonstone Springs at any of the six weekends of the festival. Each weekend will be a different theme at the Arkansas Renaissance Festival. Check them out on their website and decide which weekend would be best for you.
August 30-September 1-Opening Weekend
September 6-7 | Trade “Roots” Weekend
September 8- | School Day
September 13-4 |Clovers, Claymores, and Kilts
September 20-21| Scourge of the Seas
Sept. 27-29 | A Dragon’s Masquerade
More Info
Ozark Folk Festival – Eureka Springs | Sept. 4–6
Celebrate traditional folk music with performances by The HillBenders and Ozark Mountain Daredevils, plus workshops and cultural exhibits.
More Info
Garland County Fair – Hot Springs | Sept. 4–13
Enjoy a demolition derby, carnival rides, livestock, rodeo and exhibit hall.
More Info
Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market – Conway | Sept. 5–7
Over 350 booths featuring vintage, upcycled/repurposed antiques, vintage-inspired décor and handmade items at the Conway Expo Center.
More Info
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks International Festival – Fayetteville | Sept. 7
Celebrate global cultures with music, dance, food and arts.
More Info
SouthArk Outdoor Expo – El Dorado | Sept. 6
Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a 5K run/walk, rib cook-off, student art contest, auto show, live music, craft vendors and food trucks. Admission is one canned or packaged food item per person, benefiting a local food pantry.
More Info
Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship – Harrison | Sept. 12–14
Balloon race competitions, Balloon Glow tethered displays, food and family-friendly fun at Anstaff Soccer Complex and downtown Harrison.
More Info
White County Fair – Searcy | Sept. 8–13
One of the 10 largest county fairs in the U.S., featuring rides, funnel cakes, animals, rodeo, demolition derby and entertainment for all ages.
More Info
Vintage Market Days – Little Rock | Sept. 12–14
Upscale vintage-inspired market featuring art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, seasonal plantings and more.
More Info
Perry County Fair Homestead Conference – Perryville | Sept. 12–13
“Old Ways for New Days” theme: demonstrations, workshops, vendors and family-friendly activities celebrating homesteading skills.
More Info
33rd Annual Antique Tractor & Engine Show – Scott | Sept. 13
Historic tractors, small engines, pedal tractor pull, lawn games, livestock demonstrations and food trucks at Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park.
More Info
St. Paul Pioneer Days – St. Paul | Sept. 13
Community celebration with live music, local vendors and family-friendly activities.
More Info
St. Anne International Food Festival – North Little Rock | Sept. 13
Taste international cuisines and enjoy cultural performances.
More Info
Mount Nebo Chicken Fry – Dardanelle | Sept. 13
Fried chicken, live music, and community fun at Mount Nebo State Park.
More Info
Spa-Con Comic & Pop Culture Convention – Hot Springs | Sept. 19–21
A multi-genre convention including comics, sci-fi/fantasy, horror, anime, toys, video games and cosplay.
More Info
Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair – Fort Smith | Sept. 19-27
An annual event held at Kay Rodgers Park in Fort Smith. Carnival rides, midway acts, live entertainment, games, competitions and more. All entertainment is FREE with paid gate admission.
More Info
Cane Hill Harvest Festival – Cane Hill | Sept. 20
Arts & Eats market, sorghum pressing, live music, historic tours, quilt show, food trucks and entertainment in a historic Ozark town.
More Info
Beatles at the Ridge – Walnut Ridge | Sept. 20
Live Beatles tribute music, vendors and family activities in historic downtown Walnut Ridge.
More Info
28th Annual Petit Jean Fall Swap Meet – Petit Jean Mountain | Sept. 25–27
Over 500 spaces for antique cars, parts, crafts and more. Open car show on Saturday; military vehicle rally Thursday–Saturday.
More Info
Big Steam Blues & Roots Festival – Hot Springs | Sept. 26–27
Live blues, R&B, and rock music performances at Hill Wheatley Plaza. Free general admission; VIP tickets available.
More Info
Get Down Downtown & Funnel Cake 5K – Searcy | Sept. 26 & 27
Family-friendly festival with live music, food vendors, games, rides, 5K run, and Cotton Candy Classic 1-mile fun run.
More Info
College Football – September 2025
University of Arkansas Razorbacks
- Sept. 6 – vs. Arkansas State | War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock
- Sept. 13 – vs. Alabama | Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville
- Sept. 27 – vs. Notre Dame | Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville
Arkansas State University Red Wolves
- Sept. 6 – vs. Arkansas | Little Rock
- Sept. 13 – vs. Iowa State | Jonesboro
Harding University Bisons
- Sept. 11 – vs. Southwestern Oklahoma | Searcy
Arkansas Tech University Wonder Boys
- Sept. 11 – vs. Northwestern Oklahoma | Russellville
- Sept. 27 – vs. Arkansas-Monticello | Russellville
University of Central Arkansas Bears
- Sept. 6 – vs. UA Pine Bluff | Conway
- Sept. 13 – vs. Tarleton State | Conway
Ouachita Baptist University Tigers
- Sept. 13 – vs. Southeastern Oklahoma | Arkadelphia
- Sept. 20 – vs. Arkansas Tech | Arkadelphia
Southern Arkansas University Muleriders
- Sept. 4 – vs. Oklahoma Baptist | Magnolia
University of Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions
- Sept. 13 – vs. Lincoln | Pine Bluff
Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion Concert Series – Rogers
- Jurassic Park in Concert – Sept. 5
- Boyz II Men – Sept. 11
- Luis R. Conriquez – Sept. 14
- Leon Bridges with Charley Crockett – Sept. 19
- A Day to Remember & Yellowcard – Sept. 21
- blink-182 – Sept. 24
- Ben Rector – Sept. 25
- Jon Pardi – Sept. 26
- Papa Roach & Rise Against – Sept. 30
We do the work.
You check your email.
Sign up for our weekly e-news.
Get stories sent straight to your inbox!
Like this story? Read more from Amanda Farris
As students in Arkansas head back to school this month, many families are...
Summer is heating up in Arkansas, and July 2025 is packed with...
June 2025 brings entertaining and interesting festivals to the forefront...
Join the Conversation
Leave a Comment