Fall is officially here, and we are beyond excited about its cool arrival. We love to celebrate in the usual ways: sipping pumpkin spice lattes, digging out our sweaters, tailgating and, of course, attending fall festivals. Here’s your guide to the autumn events you won’t want to miss.
Main Street Food Truck Festival | Oct. 3
Over 45 trucks have signed on to participate in this year’s Main Street Food Truck Festival, which will run along Main Street from Fourth to Eighth streets. Enjoy the tastiest food on wheels while listening to live jams and perusing merch from local vendors and artists.
When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Info: MainStreetFoodTrucks.com
Chili Fights in the Heights | Oct. 17
Endless chili? Yes, please. In this annual street festival cook-off, teams compete to bring you the best chili recipe in town. (Bring antacids and stretchy pants. Worth it.) Proceeds from the event benefit the Arkansas Foodbank.
When: Cooking begins at 1 p.m.; tastings begin at 4 p.m.
Info: ChiliFights.com (Also see: Porter Brothers Set Stage for Chili Fights in The Heights)
Hillcrest HarvestFest | Oct. 17
Concerts, food, games, fashion and tons of vendors await you in Hillcrest at this family-favorite festival. The day kicks off at 7:30 a.m. with the Bird Walk in Allsopp Park and concludes at 8 p.m. with bands performing on the east stage. A portion of the proceeds supports The Allen School and Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
When: 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Info: HarvestFest.us
Pop Up in the Rock | Oct. 24
Pop Up in the Rock, developed by studioMAIN and Create Little Rock, aspires to offer a temporary glimpse into a potential lasting idea by transforming an area with underdeveloped potential with more pedestrian and bicycle traffic. This year, the event featuring pop-up shops, food trucks, a Lost Forty beer garden and live entertainment will take place along W. Ninth Street.
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Info: Facebook.com/PopUpintheRock
Arkansas Cornbread Festival | Nov. 7
We don’t even care if it’s a stereotype to live in the South and have an obsession with cornbread. Tons of vendors and live music, not to mention the traditionally incredible weather, make this cook-off in SoMa even sweeter.
When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Info: ArkansasCornbreadFestival.com