From bluegrass festivals, to chili cook-offs, to documentary film fests, there’s always something to celebrate in the fall in Arkansas! Festivals are deeply embedded in our culture. These community gatherings provide an opportunity to celebrate our culture, listen to live music, and raise money for a cause. Here are our picks for some of the best fall festivals in the Natural State.
One of the largest attractions in Arkansas, the state fair in Little Rock is the highlight of the season. Once you're inside the gates, you'll not only enjoy the usual carnival rides and food but also free concerts, competitions, and livestock events. The concerts at the Arkansas State Fair feature a list of well-known, talented headliners.
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This festival has been rockin' the downtown historic district of Russellville since 1992. Expect some seriously delicious samples from the chili cookoff as well as the pie and cake contests. There will be a bike ride, live entertainment, a car and truck show, games and crafts for the kiddos, and a children's costume contest.
Helena is famous for Delta Blues on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi. Since 1986, the King Biscuit Blues Festival has been one of the nation's best showcases of blues music. This festival is named for the “King Biscuit Time” radio show, the longest running radio show ever. While you're busy singin' the blues, don't forget to check out the 5k run, barbecue contests, and bike rides.
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Every October, this festival help the Ozark hills come alive with the sound of music. The Hillberry Harvest Moon Festival is held on “The Farm,” 160 acres of land near the Mark Twain National Forest in historic Eureka Springs. Get your tickets now for this annual four-day live music event!
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With amazing lineups year after year, experience the best of bluegrass at the always memorable Mountain View Bluegrass Festival. If several days of great music is your idea of fun, you're going to want to book tickets for this event right away.
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Hosted by the Grant County Chamber of Commerce, this annual event in downtown Sheridan is held the first weekend of October. In addition to some exciting lumberjack competitions, you can also enjoy a 5K run, parades, arts and crafts, games, and so much more.
Who knew that America’s Spa City was also the host of the oldest non-fiction festival in North America? The HSDFF is an Academy-qualifying festival for the Academy Award’s category “Documentary Short Subject.” Each year thousands flock to this area to attend this interesting festival which has caused Hot Springs to gain national attention.
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You’ll love the breathtaking views at this motorcycle rally in Mountain Home. Located at the Baxter County Fairgrounds, Twi Lakes Thunder Rally offers free admission to the public. Come out and experience the popular beer garden, bike rides, vendors, and much more.