Don't Miss These Top Fall Festivals in Arkansas
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 allow us 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.
Arkansas State Fair, Little Rock, AR
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.
King Biscuit Blues Festival, Helena, AR
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.
Hillberry: The Harvest Moon Festival, Eureka Springs, AR
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!
Mountain View Bluegrass Festival, Mountain View, AR
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.
Timberfest, Sheridan, AR
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.
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, Hot Springs, AR
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.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Arkansas State Fair in Little Rock features carnival rides, food, free concerts, competitions, and livestock events.
- King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena showcases blues music, including a 5k run, barbecue contests, and bike rides.
- Hillberry: The Harvest Moon Festival in Eureka Springs offers four days of live music on 160 acres of land near the Mark Twain National Forest.
- The Mountain View Bluegrass Festival in Mountain View features amazing lineups and multiple days of great music.
- Timberfest in Sheridan includes lumberjack competitions, a 5k run, parades, arts and crafts, games, and more.
- Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival in Hot Springs is the oldest non-fiction festival in North America and is an Academy-qualifying festival for Documentary Short Subjects.
