The capital city of Arkansas, Little Rock is one of the most popular vacation spots in the state of Arkansas. The city is a perfect blend of budget-friendly and family fun. Irrespective of whether you are planning to visit the place for a long getaway or a day’s trip, it offers a wealth of activities to do and you do not have to pay for many of them. Unique neighborhoods, world-class tourist destinations, and exciting outdoor activities make the place an excellent destination for a vacation. The city has it all starting from concerts to annual-celebrations and food festivals, as well as expos and performing arts events. Little Rock is an exciting hub of energy. No matter when you plan to come here, there is a festival or the other being celebrated. We have listed down the most popular festivals in Little Rock, Arkansas, so that you can plan your travel itinerary better. Scroll down to learn more.
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1. The Arkansas State Fair
Families from different parts of the state of Arkansas come to the city of Little Rock to participate in the Arkansas State Fair, which lasts for 10 days. The immense popularity of the event can be gauged from the fact that this annual festival draws over 400,000 people every year. The fair features different types of educational opportunities and entertainment for various age-groups. It showcases the state with a strong focus on fields like technology, arts, livestock, and agriculture. The festival features a carnival midway, rodeo, a livestock show as well as, several live musical acts every October.
The Arkansas State Fair
Address: 2600 Howard St, Little Rock, AR 72206, United States
Website: The Arkansas State Fair
Takes place: October
2. Pops on the River
A free, popular out and out family event, Pops on the River is celebrated in the city of Little Rock every year on July 4th. The festivities in this event include spectacular fireworks, mouthwatering delicacies, and foot-tapping music. It has the distinction of being the largest event to be celebrated in the city on July 4th. The day sees over 30,000 people participating in this event every year. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra performs at the event.
Pops on the River
Address: Riverfront Park, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203
Website: Pops on the River
Takes place: July 4th
3. Little Rock Film Festival [Event has passed]
The LRFF or Little Rock Film Festival is held every year in Downtown Little Rock amid much fanfare. The city hosts the film festival every spring and it is a much-awaited event in the capital city. The festival is known to showcase some of the finest short films, documentaries, and narratives from all over the world. The event also hosts youth programs, workshops, and parties for people who aspire to become filmmakers. Little Rock Film Festival specifically screens Arkansas and Southern films. Movies that are officially chosen to be showcased at this festival compete for cash prizes and awards. If you are a movie buff, you should definitely be a part of this wonderful film festival.
Little Rock Film Festival
Address: Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
Website: Little Rock Film Festival
Takes place: Spring
4. Riverfest [Event has passed]
Riverfest Festival has been one of the premier musical events every summer in Little Rock, Arkansas. For the first 12 years, it was a free for all event but with the surge in the quantity and quality of entertainment, the organizers introduced admission prices for the audiences. The event used to offer three days of complete musical entertainment in downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock near the Arkansas River. Thousands of music lovers come to the city every year to participate in this festival.
Riverfest
Address: Little Rock, Arkansas
Website: Riverfest
Takes place: Memorial Day weekend
5. International Greek Food Festival
The biggest ethnic food festival to be hosted in the state of Arkansas, the International Greek Food Festival is a must-attend event for you if you are a foodie. The annual event lasts for three days and serves over 17,000 Baklava pieces and Sourota. The fabulous Old World Marketing offers unique items collected from various corners of the world. It also features a distinct children’s area, church tours, and entertainment lineup. Guests coming here will get a chance to savor a wide array of food, indulge in shopping sprees, attend cultural performances, while kids can enjoy activities offered specially for them.
International Greek Food Festival
Address: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Napa Valley Dr, Little Rock, AR, United States
Website: International Greek Food Festival
Takes place: Usually held in May
6. Little Rock Pride Fest
If you are planning to come to Litle Rock in the month of October, you simply cannot afford to miss the biggest LGBTQ event in the state of Arkansas. Known as Little Rock Pride Fest, it is a fun and family-friendly annual event suitable for all age groups. The event includes a parade and other festivities begin after the parade. The festival attracts thousands of participants and the figures have been increasing over the years. While admission to the event is free, a donation of 5 USD at the gate will be welcome. You can enjoy activities including food trucks, live entertainment, a family zone, adult beverages, and more.
Little Rock Pride Fest
Address: Riverfront Amphitheater, Little Rock, Arkansas
Website: Little Rock Pride Fest
Takes place: October
7. Main Street Food Truck Festival
This popular food festival in Little Rock, Arkansas, is held on the city’s Main Street every September. It is a full day of unadulterated family fun with over 60 food trucks, vendors, and musicians participating in the festivities. The cuisines offered by these food vans include local delicacies, as well as, delectable international fare. You are certain to find some delicacies that tingle your taste buds while visiting this festival. Enjoy a wonderful culinary journey in this popular food festival.
Main Street Food Truck Festival
Address: Main Street, Little Rock, Arkansas
Website: Main Street Food Truck Festival
Takes place: Usually held in September
8. Territorial Fair [Last event in 2019]
If you wish to know how Arkansas looked in the 1800s, you have to attend the Territorial Fair. Held in every May, the event is celebrated at Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock. The annual festival has been celebrated for around five decades now. The fair comes with a brand new theme every year and has been one of the most popular family events in the city. Several activities at Territorial Fair are conducted in the historic buildings of this museum, Little Rock’s most ancient standing building. Hinderliter Grog Shop has music played outside while visitors can enjoy playing period games. You can enjoy different kinds of festivities including pioneer games, frontier demonstrations, 19th-century dancing, activities for kids, and live history performances.
Territorial Fair
Address: Historic Arkansas Museum, Little Rock, Arkansas
Takes place: May
9. ACANSA Arts Festival
Welcome to ACANSA Arts Festival, an event that lasts for five days in Little Rock, Arkansas. It includes activities such as live performances, education programs on art, exhibits, activities, and training from national, as well as, local performers and artists. The festival encourages people to appreciate arts and promotes and showcases the regional arts. If you are an art lover, make sure that you plan your itinerary in a manner to attend this beautiful festival.
ACANSA Arts Festival
Address: 621 E Capitol Ave, Little Rock, AR 72202, United States
Website: ACANSA Arts Festival
Takes place: Usually held in September
10. Tinkerfest
Posted by CitiScapes Magazine on Monday, 23 September 2019
TInkerfest is an annual event in the city, which takes place in the Museum of Discovery. The event lasts for a day and features over 40 interactive and hands-on activities. The activities engage adults, teachers, and kids alike and enlighten visitors about how the objects they see around them daily such as computers and cars operate. The festival also gives a chance to the visitors to explore and learn the science and engineering concepts through these activities.
Tinkerfest
Address: Museum of Discovery, Little Rock, Arkansasw
Website: Tinkerfest
Takes place: September
Be a part of the best festivals in Little Rock
Little Rock is a happening city in the state of Arkansas with so much to do and see in and around it. If you wish to know the city and its people, you should know its culture well. These are the most popular festivals in Little Rock, Arkansas, for you so that you can attend and appreciate them well.
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