Here’s What to Expect at HarvestFest This Weekend

HarvestFest is returning to Hillcrest this Saturday, Oct. 30, and will feature nearly 100 vendors, 12 food trucks, all-day concerts, a dog show, Baggo tournament, local beer garden and an all-new Halloween costume contest. 

After canceling its 2020 event, this year’s HarvestFest has multiple safety protocols in place to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, including more space for social distance, requiring children under 12 to wear masks in the dog show area and requiring all volunteers and vendors to be vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test within three days of the festival. 

“We are thrilled with the recent drop in COVID cases and the increase in vaccinations in Arkansas,” event chair Steve Shuler says. “While the pandemic is certainly not over, we believe we can hold HarvestFest safely and provide an enjoyable festival experience with these restrictions.” 

Presented by the Arkansas Repertory Theater, the costume contest will run from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in front of U.S. Pizza. Co. where contestants will present to judges and hit the photo booth. Winners will be announced from the concert stage at 2 p.m. and will receive prizes that include free passes to The Rep. All costumes are eligible, but there will be special awards for those who dress as “Peanuts” characters in honor of The Rep’s upcoming holiday show, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” 

The HarvestFest Dog Show will feature 75 local dogs and their owners walking a red carpet. Proceeds will go to support Friends of the Animal Village, which provides support for the Little Rock Animal Village. 

“Hillcrest loves its dogs,” Shuler says. “We joke that we have as many dogs as we do people in the neighborhood. The Hounds Lounge team takes care of so many of our four legged friends, and to partner with them for HarvestFest is a real treat.” 

For the Baggo fans, registered teams of two are guaranteed to play at least three games and the winner will take home $250. Proceeds from the tournament go to support the PTSA at Pulaski Heights Middle School in Hillcrest. Find tournament details here.

Here is the schedule of events for the HarvestFest stage: 

  • 11 a.m. – HarvestFest begins; Halloween costume contest, beer garden, VIP area open 

  • 12 p.m. – HarvestFest Baggo tournament begins 

  • 12:30 p.m. – Lost Forty fall concert begins 

  • 12:30 p.m. – mömandpöp 

  • 2 p.m. – Halloween costume contest awards 

  • 3 p.m. – The Gravel Yard bluegrass band 

  • 4:45 p.m. – Joe & The Feels 

  • 6:30 p.m. – The Libras 

  • 8 p.m. – Jesse Aycock 

  • 3:30 p.m. – HarvestFest dog show 

  • 7 p.m. – HarvestFest concludes 

HarvestFest is put on by the Hillcrest Merchants Association and primarily benefits The Allen School, which has been assisting with the education of special-needs children for 60 years.

For more information, visit the HarvestFest website or follow the fest on Facebook.

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