The 2024 festival season has been one to remember for central Arkansas, and it winds down this weekend with a veritable fall feast for locals and visitors alike.
Two of the city’s most popular events — the Arkansas Cornbread Festival and Chili Fights in The Heights — will take place this Saturday, Nov. 9, in their respective neighborhoods of South Main and The Heights, and both benefiting the community.
The Arkansas Cornbread Festival made its grand return to SoMa last year (its first since 2019) and is breaking out even more fun for 2024. The core of the event is the cornbread cookoff between area restaurants, but the day’s lineup also includes live music, food trucks, vendors and a kids’ zone. Admission is free, but purchase of a ticket is required to taste and vote on cornbread entries. Proceeds will go toward the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and improvements to the SoMa district.
Meanwhile on Kavanaugh Boulevard, Chili Fights in The Heights will keep the competition going with pros and amateurs alike vying for the trophy. Along with the chili throwdown hosted by The Hat Club, festivities include food trucks, a petting zoo, music and more entertainment. Again, admission is free, but tasting kits are available for purchase to support the Arkansas Foodbank.
And don’t worry, hungry friends, there’s no need to choose just one event. The Arkansas Cornbread Festival will take place from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Chili Fights lasts from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. so you can get your fill of both fall menu must-haves.
Learn more on the Arkansas Cornbread Festival and Chili Fights in The Heights websites. You can find the Arkansas Cornbread Festival on Facebook and Instagram, and get your chili updates on Facebook and Instagram as well.
Can’t wait for the weekend? Try Ben Brainard’s award-winning Chili Fights recipe from 2023.