You feel that, Little Rock? We’ve made it to the cool side of Labor Day and are looking at a horizon of autumn nights, perfect afternoons and the return of a whole slew of citywide-favorite events.
That said, Siri, please add all of these dates to our calendar.
Acansa Arts Festival of the South | Sept. 10-26
Now marking its 11th year, Acansa is once again spanning three weekends with live performances across the metro featuring everything from classical quartets to art parties to a play depicting Arkansas’ own Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s game-changing contributions to rock and roll, pop and gospel music. Hallelujah, indeed.
Tinkerfest | Sept. 12
Parents, here’s your chance to make Ms. Frizzle proud. This Museum of Discovery fest is in its 15th year, taking over both the interior and streets outside the River Market museum. Expect tons of hands-on activities, crafts and demonstrations for all ages, plus a new spotlight on local artists and makers, and all to encourage a spirit of innovation and creativity.
PSA: Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 – Oct. 15. These local festivals and events are celebrating just that.
Oktoberfest | Sept. 19
Step aside, zombies. Lost Forty officially retired its long-running, always-undead Festival of Darkness last year, and this year is debuting a new fest with a new flavor. Throw on your lederhosen and enjoy a day of craft beer, German eats, live music, games and an outdoor Hogs watch party. Proceeds from the day will go to the Arkansas Foodbank.
Bonus: L40 isn’t the only one raising a stein. On the same day, Oktoberfest celebrations will also take place at Southern Tail Brewing and Moody Brews, plus another at Rusty Tractor Vineyards on Sept. 27. Prost!
Downtown Food Truck Festival | Sept. 20
Another September, another craving for the most flavorful event in downtown (the whole city?). 2024’s fest brought a new name (formerly the Main Street Food Truck Festival) and 2025 saw a new location (30 Crossing green space), which the fest will return to for its 15th anniversary. Of course, the day still promises entertainment, local vendors and more than 60 food trucks. It’s a statewide favorite for a reason, so wear your comfy pants.
Six Bridges Book Festival | Sept. 27 – Oct. 4
Put simply, this annual Central Arkansas Library System event is a bookworm’s dream. Eight days of author talks, panel discussions, writing workshops, hands-on activities and art exhibit await guests of all ages, with authors coming in from across the country, and some from our own backyard. Most events will take place within CALS Library Square in the River Market.
International Greek Food Festival | Oct. 2 & 3
The baklava is back, baby. The full deliciousness of the Greek Food Fest returned to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church last year for the first time since 2019, and we’re hungry for more. Expect a stacked menu with all your authentic faves, plus live entertainment and family-friendly fun. Proceeds this year benefit the Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana and Youth Home, as well as the Annunciation Scholarship Foundation and Annunciation Ministries.
Little Rocktoberfest | Oct. 10
Sporting another new view, the state’s premier brew and craft beer festival is moving its truckloads of tastiness across the river to Argenta Green Park at Sixth and Magnolia streets. As always, it’s hosted by the Central Arkansas Fermenters and proceeds benefit a local charity, this time Providence Park. Also on Rocktober’s to-do list: Teaming up with Dogtown Throwdown for great food, games and music. On ours: Be there.
Hillcrest HarvestFest | Oct. 17
This 32nd annual event is all things to all people. You’ll find concerts, food trucks, a kids zone, a dog show, a beer garden and tons of vendors taking over the historic streets of Hillcrest at this family favorite festival that draws in thousands each year. Plus, a portion of proceeds benefits The Allen School.
Arkansas Salsa Festival | Oct. 17
Bringing a little heat to the metro is this second annual event hosted by Little Rock Parks and Recreation. Competitors will break out their best salsa recipes while attendees get a taste of it all (and maybe break a sweat), as well as enjoy vendors, music and more good eats. The showdown goes down at the West Central Community Center.
Central Arkansas PrideFest | Oct. 17
Pride isn’t just a June occasion. This annual fest marks LGBTQ+ History Month and National Coming Out Day with a parade down Capitol Avenue, plus vendors, food trucks, artists and live entertainment, all under the theme of “United in Pride.”
Chili Fights in The Heights | Oct. 24
What goes together better than fall and chili? Hosted by The Hat Club, this fest brings teams from near and far to throw down the chili gauntlet and compete for top honors. Even better? Attendees get to sample it all, and proceeds benefit the Arkansas Foodbank.
And no, we haven’t forgotten about the Arkansas State Fair on Oct. 16-25. We broke that down for you here.
Arkansas Cornbread Festival | Nov. 7
It’s been a bit of a roller coaster the past few years for this beloved SoMa event, which made its post-COVID return in 2023, then took a hiatus in 2025 to “reassess on how to move forward.” But now the buttery goodness is back in all its Southern glory, putting amateur and professional bakers to the test to compete for best bite. SoMa will also be filled with live music, food trucks and local art vendors, while proceeds benefit the Arkansas Foodbank.
Hillcrest Porchfest | Nov. 7
Another debut for the fall calendar, this micro music festival will turn Hillcrest porches into stages featuring local acts. It’s part block party, part concert crawl and fully community-driven.
Maumelle Food Truck Festival | Nov. 7
The north side of the river doesn’t skimp on flavor, either. Lake Willastein will again be the site of roughly 50 food trucks, music, a kids’ zone, 5K, dog show, baking contest and hot dog eating contest. Just save room for dessert.
Not on the Calendar
You’ve probably noticed a few of your favorites are missing from this year’s lineup. Here’s what we know so far.
» World Cheese Dip Championship + Foam Fest Craft Beer Festival: After the 2024 event was moved to the following June, there’s been no word yet on a 2026 return, nor whether the duo will continue as a fall tradition or make the move to warmer weather permanent.
» Fall Margarita Festival: A companion to the Arkansas Times springtime event, no date has been announced for 2026.
» Arkansas Whiskey Festival: This event regularly alternates between Bentonville in the spring and LR in the fall, though no 2026 dates for central Arkansas have been announced.
» Little Rock Yoga Festival: This WLR event is still on hold until further notice with organizers stressing “this is not goodbye — it’s simply a pause.”
Neighborhood Bonus
While it’s not exactly an annual fall festival, the aforementioned Dogtown Throwdown in Argenta shuts down the streets for two days of music, food and vendors during the fair-weather months. This season, that means Sept. 11-12 and Oct. 9-10.
We’ll be updating this list as we learn more. Have details? Email [email protected].
