Eureka Springs’ Story Trail | An Arkansas Trail Covered in Words
If you’ve ever traveled with preschoolers, you know what adults often...
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As the summer heat gives way to cooler temperatures, 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. It’s time for a wonderful September 2026 in the Natural State—packed with events you won’t want to miss!
National Championship Chuckwagon Races – Clinton | Aug. 29-Sept. 6
The Chuckwagon Races are held Friday through Sunday every Labor Day weekend in Clinton, Arkansas. Each year, an estimated 20,000 people are on hand to watch the excitement of chuckwagon racing, bronc fanning and the Snowy River Race. In addition to the four performances, bands perform after the races and dances are held each weekend. Vendors of Western collectibles, crafts, art, saddles and tack are set up throughout the week at the Western Trade Show. Ozark Mountain trail rides begin on Tuesday and are included as a part of the weekend’s festivities. Make plans to check out the Chuckwagon Races in Arkansas!
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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.
September 5-7 | Pirate Weekend
September 12-13 | A Dragon’s Masquerade
September 19-20 | Celtic Highlands Weekend
September 26-27| Viking Weekend
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Ozark Folk Festival – Eureka Springs | Sept. 3-5
The Original Ozark Folk Festival in Eureka Springs will be highlighted this year with regional music, dance, and arts. The headliners include Steve Poltz, Rainbow Girls, Beat Root Revival and James McMurtry and the Martial Law Review! You won’t want to miss the Old Time Community Dance in Basin Park, as well as folk dance and music workshops.
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Caddo River Festival 2026– Glenwood | Sept. 4-5
It will be a fun weekend in Glenwood filled with shopping vendors, food trucks, and a variety of events such as a car show and 5K.
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FestiVille- Jacksonville | Sept. 5
The Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department, along with other community organizations, is hosting a City Festival in the Ville to bring family fun to the community.
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Prairie Grove Clothesline Fair | Sept. 5-6
The annual Clothesline Fair, hosted by the Prairie Grove Chamber of Commerce, will kick off Saturday, September 5th at 9:00 am. Following the Parade, the annual fair will kick off at the Battlefield State Park, running through Labor Day.
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Garland County Fair – Hot Springs | Sept. 10-19
Enjoy a demolition derby, carnival rides, livestock, rodeo and exhibit hall.
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St. Paul Pioneer Days – St. Paul | Sept. 11-12
Community celebration with live music, local vendors and family-friendly activities.
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Vintage Market Days – Little Rock | Sept. 11-13
Grab your girls and make plans for Vintage Market Days® of Little Rock. There will be some great Fall and Christmas finds with the 125+ amazing vendors. You will be able to find clothing, jewelry, home décor and gifts. Not to mention there will be food trucks, coffee, and sweet treats. This upscale vintage-inspired market makes for a perfect fall weekend.
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Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship – Harrison | Sept. 11-13
Balloon race competitions, Balloon Glow tethered displays, food and family-friendly fun at Anstaff Soccer Complex and downtown Harrison.
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SouthArk Outdoor Expo – El Dorado | Sept. 12
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.
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34th Annual Antique Tractor & Engine Show – Scott | Sept. 12
Historic tractors, small engines, pedal tractor pull, lawn games, livestock demonstrations and food trucks at Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park.
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St. Anne International Food Festival – North Little Rock | Sept. 12
Taste international cuisines and enjoy cultural performances.
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White County Fair – Searcy | Sept. 14-19
One of the 10 largest county fairs in the U.S., featuring rides, funnel cakes, animals, rodeo, demolition derby and entertainment for all ages. This fair is a destination attraction! It is worth the drive.
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Cane Hill Harvest Festival – Cane Hill | Sept. 19
Arts & Eats market, sorghum pressing, live music, historic tours, quilt show, food trucks and entertainment in a historic Ozark town.
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Beatles at the Ridge – Walnut Ridge | Sept. 19
Live Beatles tribute music, vendors and family activities in historic downtown Walnut Ridge.
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29th Annual Petit Jean Fall Swap Meet – Petit Jean Mountain | Sept. 24-26
Over 500 spaces for antique cars, parts, crafts and more. Open car show on Saturday; military vehicle rally Thursday–Saturday.
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Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair – Fort Smith | Sept. 25-Oct. 3
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.
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Big Steam Blues & Roots Festival – Hot Springs | Sept. 25-26
The Big Steam Blues & Roots Festival features live blues, R&B, and rock music performances at Hill Wheatley Plaza.
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Get Down Downtown & Funnel Cake 5K – Searcy | Sept. 25-26
Family-friendly festival with live music, food vendors, games, 5K run, and Cotton Candy Classic 1-mile fun run. Craig Morgan will be the headline act this year!
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Cushman Miners Day| Sept. 26
Miners Day is a way to honor Cushman’s past in manganese mining and has continued to be a day for family, friends, and gathering that honors the past, present and future of Cushman!
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Hardy Homesteaders Day| Sept. 26
Hardy Homesteaders Day is an annual event dedicated to demonstrating pioneer ways.
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Water Lantern Festival- Jacksonville| Sept. 26
Water Lantern Festival is an incredible experience where you, your friends, and your family will create a magical memory together. It can be a very emotional experience, writing down some of your hopes and dreams, or a letter to a loved one, and then sending it out into the water. At Water Lantern Festival, you will be able to cherish moments and have a memorable experience that you’ll never forget.
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Cotton Fest- Wilson| Sept. 26
CottonFest is a day filled with authentic Southern hospitality, music, fresh food, and a rich celebration of cotton, which is the crop that has defined the Wilson legacy. There will be a shrimp boil, college football, vendors and artists at The Wilson Orchard & Gardens.
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Bikes Blues & BBQ- Rogers | Sept. 30-Oct. 3
Bikes, Blues and BBQ is the world’s largest charity motorcycle rally that benefits women, children and the under-served members of the Northwest Arkansas community. Over the course of our 20 years, $3 million has been raised and given to local charities. This is a family-friendly event.
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Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion Concert Series – Rogers
The Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion has a full lineup of different genres. Which one of these would be your top pick to attend? There are still tickets available for some of these.
Young Thug- Sept. 1
NeedToBreathe- Sept. 10
Tim McGraw- Sept. 12
Parker McCollum- Sept. 18
Billy Idol- Sept. 19
Pitbull- Sept. 22
Empire of the Sun- Sept. 26
Matt Rife- Sept. 27
TLC and Salt-N-Pepa- Sept. 29
Koe Wetzel- Sept. 30
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