The southern state of Arkansas is blessed with an abundance of natural treasures, including a terrain with mountains, rivers, hot springs, and caves. Little Rock is the state’s capital and is considered to be the most populated metropolitan. It’s also home to the Old State House Museum, an outstanding 1800s Greek Revival building. Apart from the capital, other locations such as the rugged Ozark region are known for their hiking trails and limestone caves - an adventurer’s heaven with plenty to explore. You can find plenty of secluded cabins to fully enjoy nature on vacation.
This southern state also offers vast historical sites and attractions for curious tourists to explore. Stay in a historic hotel to amp up the historic vibe! If you already know when and where you’re going, be sure to check if your destination has an upcoming festival! Find out more by scrolling through this list of popular festivals in Arkansas, USA.
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1. Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
This music festival in Arkansas showcases bluegrass music. Bluegrass combines elements of a variety of genres of music including jazz, old-time mountain music, and even square dance fiddling, among others. The festival stretches for four days in Waldron, Arkansas, specifically at the Turkey Track Bluegrass Park. Sixteen bluegrass or bluegrass gospel bands will be making their debut during the festival so you can expect a ton of fresh and entertaining live music. While listening, make sure to try some of the drinks and food offered by the vendors.
Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival
Address: Turkey Track Park, Waldron, Arkansas
Website: Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival
2. Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Juneteenth, from the combination of June and 19, is a festival celebrating the freedom of enslaved people in the country and now educates people on the impact of the practice. June 19 was also recently announced as a federal holiday and now, the whole nation celebrates! The festival in Little Rock, Arkansas, though has been celebrated for years and features events by different entities. Events include parades for everyone to join, runs or marathons, film festivals, and even inter-faith worship services.
Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom
Address: Little Rock, Arkansas
Website: Juneteenth Celebration of Freedom
Takes place: June
3. Spanker Creek Farm Arts And Crafts Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Spanker Creek Farm Arts and Craft Festival in Arkansas is an annual event that takes place in October at Spanker Creek Farm. This art festival attracts visitors and tourists with its lovely exhibits and outdoor events. Checking out this festival is a great way to see Bentonville’s culture and the local talent pool. The venue is set on the foot of the Ozark Mountains, offering pristine hillside scenery.
Spanker Creek Farm Arts And Crafts Festival
Address: 8464 W. McNelly Rd. Bentonville, Arkansas
Website: Spanker Creek Farm Arts And Crafts Festival
Takes places: October
4. Arkansas Folk Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you think of yourself as a music lover, Arkansas Folk Festival in Mountain View is one event that you can look forward to. During this April music festival in Arkansas, you can enjoy amazing music, great performances, and a fun jig dance contest. Food vendors crowd the streets, and the aroma of delicious fair food will definitely whet your appetite. Looking to buy local souvenirs? The street will also be jammed with stalls selling gorgeous arts and crafts, wood carvings, handmade knives, and flameworked jewelry.
Arkansas Folk Festival
Address:109 N Peabody Ave, Mountain View, Arkansas 72560
Takes place: April
5. Hope Watermelon Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Hope Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, 4 April 2017
First started in 1926 in Hope, Arkansas, the Hope Watermelon Festival is an exciting event that usually takes place in mid-August. This summer festival in Arkansas features various activities, including the Watermelon Idol talent show, a car show, and a 5K run/walk event. You can also expect arts and crafts, delicious food from local vendors, and definitely a big crowd!
Hope Watermelon Festival
Address: Fair Park, Hope, Arkansas, United States
Website: Hope Watermelon Festival
Takes place: August
6. Depot Days Music Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you’re planning a trip to Newport in September, then your visit is undoubtedly going to be an exciting one since the Depot Day Music Festival in Arkansas also takes place in the same month. This is a two-day festival that’s always celebrated in downtown Newport. For two whole days, the city enjoys fantastic food, lots of music, and good fun. In addition to the liveliness of the event itself, the venue is just on the banks of the White River, so you can enjoy spectacular scenery to boot!
Depot Days Music Festival
Address: 201 Hazel Street Newport, AR 72112
Website: Depot Days Music Festival
Takes place: September
7. Bikes, Blues and BBQ Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
What are some of your favorite Bikes, Blues and BBQ memories? Is it the rides, the music, the food? You tell us! We can't wait to make more incredible memories in September #rallywithapurpose
Posted by Bikes Blues and BBQ on Wednesday, 15 January 2020
If you consider yourself a die-hard lover of bikes and good blues music, September or October are the months to visit Fayetteville, Arkansas. This is when the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Festival is typically celebrated. This fall festival in Arkansas was first started in 2000, and back then it only had about 300 riders. Today, this event attracts riders and bikers from all 50 states. Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Festival is more than just a gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts. It’s also a somewhat high-end vintage fete characterized by good music and a gourmet barbecue lunch.
Bikes, Blues and BBQ Festival
Address: 601 W Dickson St Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
Website: Bikes, Blues and BBQ Festival
Takes place: October
8. Arkansas Scottish Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Arkansas Scottish Festival on Tuesday, April 16, 2019
The birth of this amazing festival was in 1979, and it aims to celebrate Scottish heritage. Arkansas Scottish Festival is an annual event celebrated in the bustling city of Batesville, and it takes place in July. The festival was first called Highland Games before it was changed to Arkansas Scottish Festival. The event is typically characterized by drummers, athletes, pipers, dancers, and various vendors.
Arkansas Scottish Festival
Address: 2300 Highland Road Batesville, Arkansas 72501
Website: Arkansas Scottish Festival
Takes place: Usually held in April
9. Ozark Folk Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Original Ozark Folk Festival on Monday, November 16, 2020
This music festival is usually celebrated in Eureka Springs in October. The Ozark Folk Festival is known to invite an amazing crowd of festival-goers who flock to enjoy a rich fusion of urban, American, folk, and bluegrass music. If you’re ever in the city during when the festival takes place, you can enjoy everything from live music to delicious food. This is one of the longest folk events in Arkansas, and it honors an outstanding tradition that began in 1948.
Ozark Folk Festival
Address: Eureka Springs, AR
Website: Ozark Folk Festival
Takes place: Usually held in October
10. Magnolia Blossom Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Magnolia Blossom Festival is a two-in-one fete: It hosts an art event and a world championship steak cook-off. It’s one of the biggest festivals in the city of Magnolia, and the cook-off is always the highlight of this festivity. It attracts many participants and thousands of hungry spectators eager to see which grilled rib-eye steak emerges as the victor of the cup trophy for the tastiest and juiciest steak.
Magnolia Blossom Festival
Address: Magnolia, AR
Website: Magnolia Blossom Festival
Takes place: May
11. Hot Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hot Springs’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade is also popularly known as the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This is celebrated annually in June in the heart of Hot Springs. This fun festival attracts a huge crowd of visitors who come to participate or cheer at the dancers and marchers. Food vendors come to sell delicious eats and the street is typically filled with good music, excitement, and fun. This is a wonderful event that brings joy to Hot Springs.
Hot Springs St Patrick’s Day Parade
Address: Hot Springs, AR
Website: Hot Springs St Patrick’s Day Parade
Takes place: March
12. Rodeo of the Ozarks
If you are a rodeo fan, June is one of the best months to be in Springdale, Arkansas. This is when you get a chance to watch the Rodeo of the Ozarks. Among the thrilling amusements to expect include cowboy challenges, bareback riding, steer wrestling, and tie-down roping, among others. Good music will keep everyone entertained throughout while drinks and food will keep the crowd happy and buzzed. The Rodeo of the Ozarks is definitely one you don’t want to miss if you’re in Springdale in June!
Rodeo of the Ozarks
Address: 1423 E Emma Ave, Springdale, AR 72765
Website: Rodeo of the Ozarks
Takes place: June
13. King Biscuit Blues Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Mid-October, the weekend before Columbus Day - this is when the King Biscuit Blues Festival, an iconic event attracting thousands of visitors from all over the globe, takes place. It’s held on the banks of the Mississippi River in Helena, Arkansas. This festival features up-and-coming acts, amazing food and drinks, and outstanding live entertainment. This three-day festival was founded in 1986 and is a popular event among blues enthusiasts. You can also expect street music, arts and crafts, and a barbecue contest.
King Biscuit Blues Festival
Address: Helena, AR 72342
Website: King Biscuit Blues Festival
Takes place: Mid-October
14. Hot Springs Music Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Held in June every year, Hot Springs Music Festival invites classical musicians from all over the world to Hot Springs. This two-week festival brings the city to life by offering concerts and open rehearsals that people can listen to. There’s no one venue to this event as the concerts are held in different venues across Hot Springs, from historic buildings to open-air spaces.
Hot Springs Music Festival
Address: Hot Springs, AR 71902
Website: Hot Springs Music Festival
Takes place: June
15. Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is an annual festival dedicated to celebrating cinema. This is a 10-day event featuring both local and international documentaries. It’s held every October and attracts filmmakers and film enthusiasts from all over the country. Panels and talks are held, and there is also a documentary boot camp that aspiring filmmakers can sign up for.
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Address: Hot Springs, AR
Website: Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Takes place: October
16. Old Fort Days Rodeo
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Old Fort Days Rodeo on Sunday, June 6, 2021
If you’re looking for some fun, excitement, and old-fashioned entertainment, then don’t miss Old Fort Days Rodeo. This is an annual event held in May in the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas. The festival is famous for attracting cowboys from all over the globe who come to compete for the largest price in the state. The event features saddle bronc riding, bareback riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, calf roping, and bull riding. To complement the exciting shows, vendors sell everything from cowboy merchandise, souvenirs, food, and drinks.
Old Fort Days Rodeo
Address: 4400 Midland Blvd, Fort Smith, AR
Website: Old Fort Days Rodeo
Takes place: May
17. ACANSA Arts Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Also known as ACANSA Arts Festival of the South, this event in Noth Little Rock is usually celebrated in September. It’s a two-week fair known to feature music, dance, theater, culinary arts, and visual arts, among other entertainment. This performing arts festival attracts art lovers from different parts of the US. From musical performances to stand-up comedies, ACANSA Arts Festival is sure to delight.
ACANSA Arts Festival
Address: 413 A Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114
Website: ACANSA Arts Festival
Takes place: Usually held in September
18. Territorial Fair [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
If you love historic fairs where people dress up and act like it’s the 1800s, then you’ll love Territorial Fair. This event is hosted by Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock. The activities take place in various areas in and around the museum, and you can enjoy outdoor games and dancing.
Territorial Fair
Address: 200 E 3rd St, Little Rock, AR, United States
Takes place: May
19. Smackover Oil Town Festival [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
One of the most fun-filled festivals that happen in Smackover, Arkansas is Smackover Oil Town Festival. This is a festival featuring various activities such as arm wrestling, turtle racing, bunco, bingo, horseshoe pitching, and a cook-off. This is one of the best family-friendly fairs celebrated during the third week of June. There is always something to look forward to every night.
Smackover Oil Town Festival
Address: Smackover, AR
Website: Smackover Oil Town Festival
Takes place: May
20. Des Arc Steamboat Days [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Steamboat Days on Saturday, 18 May 2019
Held in Des Arc, Arkansas, Des Arc Steamboat Days is usually held in June and invites fun, excitement, and music to the streets of this charming city. Kids get excited as they are treated to a range of games and entertainment. Adults will enjoy good music and drinks. Activities include a barbecue cook-off, a car show, a carnival, and a bass tournament, among others. The fireworks show in the evening makes it all the more exciting.
Des Arc Steamboat Days
Address: Des Arc, Arkansas
Website: Des Arc Steamboat Days
Takes place: June
21. Malvern Brickfest
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Malvern Brickfest is an event that commemorates the importance of bricks to the city. Brick production in Malvern helped boost its economy, so the locals created a festival to celebrate it. This free event is held in June and attracts thousands of people since vendors come to sell food and arts and crafts. As with most fun festivals, a watermelon eating contest is also held, along with a basketball tournament.
Malvern Brickfest
Address: Malvern, Arkansas
Website: Malvern Brickfest
Takes place: June
22. Surf the Bay Watersports Festival [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Surf the Bay Watersports Festival is an event like no other. This is a premier watersport and music event. You’ll be able to enjoy wake surfing, kayaking, and flyboarding, but you can also expect food, live music and lots of socializing. This is the perfect festival to plan a Father’s Day surprise.
Surf the Bay Watersports Festival
Address: 4350 Highway 330 S., Fairfield Bay, Arkansas 72088
Takes place: June
23. Arkansas State Fair
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
October is the month when Little Rock organizes Arkansas State Fair, an annual festival. This exciting festival takes place at a designated 140-acre (57-hectare) arena. The event offers a range of incredible facilities, including the Hall of Industry, Barton Coliseum, and cattle barns. As always, food and drink vendors are present to offer tasty treats. When it comes to October festivals, this is one you can’t miss.
Arkansas State Fair
Address: 2600 Howard St, Little Rock, AR 72206
Website: Arkansas State Fair
Takes place: October
24. Arkansas Jonquil Festival
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Annually hosted at the historic Washington State Park, Arkansas Jonquil Festival is a three-day event that attracts visitors and entertainers to this small city. Vendors sell amazing local goods, including food and crafts. This festival is always celebrated in March since this is when the jonquil plants bloom. Visitors will definitely enjoy the park’s tranquility.
Arkansas Jonquil Festival
Address: 103 Franklin St Washington, Arkansas 71862
Takes place: March
25. Riverfest [Last event in 2018]
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Memorial Day come with so many excitements, it is a day when you get to relax and spend time with family. On Memorial Day weekend, the party still goes on as the Riverfest Festival keeps the festivities going. This annual three-day premier fete is always celebrated on the banks of the Arkansas River. The Riverfest Arts and Musical Festival was initially started in July 1978 by the Junior League of Little Rock. It attracts a variety of crafts and food vendors and features an incredible kid’s zone fitted with loads of assorted amusements for entertainment.
Riverfest
Website: Riverfest
Takes place: May (Memorial Day weekend)
26. Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival
If you think you can be a gold medal marathon champion but haven’t gotten the chance to prove yourself, then Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival presents the perfect opportunity. This marathon is a combination of three Northwest Arkansas cross-country races under one umbrella, forming one major event. Over time, this festival has turned into a premier event in America that features the Tom Lewis 1 Mile Pepper Dashan and 5K and 10K marathon races.
Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival
Website: Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival
Takes place: October
27. Fat Tire Festival [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Nelson Fat Tire Festival is a three-day event held annually in July. This fete commemorates Cam Alexandra, an avid cyclist who tragically lost his life while enjoying what he loved most, cycling. This festival of Arkansas got its name from the Cam Alexandra who was known for his ferocious appetite, warm smile and his love for bikes. He was adored by the city so much that the festival was named after him. It is a festival like no other where instead of mourning their loss, a big party is thrown celebrating his life.
Fat Tire Festival
Address: Eureka Springs Arkansas, AR
Takes place: July
28. Big Bass Bonanza
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Big Bass Bonanza is an annual mid-October event that invites fishing enthusiasts and anglers to head to the Arkansas River to fish for big bass. Competition is high as a cash prize is promised to whoever catches the biggest bass during the event. This tournament is hosted by Arkansas Hospitality Association.
Big Bass Bonanza
Website: Big Bass Bonanza
Takes place: Mid-October
29. Cleburne County Fair
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Another festival that takes place in September is Cleburne County Fair. This fair features livestock shows, good food, and fantastic music. Every year, thousands of tourists from across the US are drawn to this intriguing festival in Heber Springs. Some events include a costume contest, a showmanship competition, a senior pie contest, and more.
Cleburne County Fair
Address: 880 Bittle Rd, Heber Springs, AR 72543
Website: Cleburne County Fair
Takes place: September
30. World Championship Cardboard Boat Races
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Held annually in July, the World Championship Cardboard Boat Races is a festival with an ever-changing theme. It features a mix of amusing activities, including a treasure dig, a volleyball tournament, and a watermelon eating contest. If you get hungry, there are food vendors around. This festival is normally held in Sandy Beach, with races beginning at 10 am and ending at 4 pm.
World Championship Cardboard Boat Races
Address: Sandy Beach, Heber Springs, AR 72543
Website: World Championship Cardboard Boat Races
Takes place: July
31. Lights of the Ozarks Festival
In the city of Fayetteville, Arkansas, the month of November is when the Lights of the Ozarks Festival takes place. It turns downtown Fayetteville into a light spectacle, beautifully illuminating the city streets with over 4,000 colored lights. Food vendors can be found in almost every corner and free space on the street serving up drinks and food. For entertainment, there are several activities, including pony and carriage rides.
Lights of the Ozarks Festival
Address: Fayetteville, AR
Takes place: November to January
Fun festivals in Arkansas
When it’s time to party, it’s time to party. To many, festivals are a reason to socialize and enjoy good food, drinks, and amazing music. If you’re visiting Arkansas anytime soon, check out this list to see if your destination has a festival coming up! Worried about your stay during the trip? Don’t worry as the city has several family resorts to host you and your loved ones comfortably.
Frequently asked questions about popular festivals in Arkansas, USA
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