You feel that, Little Rock? We’ve made it to the cool side of Labor Day and are staring down the barrel 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. 4-20
Lucky for us, the festival season is already underway. Now marking its 10th year, Acansa is once again spanning three weekends with live performances across the metro featuring everything from classical quartets to art parties to gospel brunch. Hallelujah, indeed.
Tinkerfest | Sept. 13
Parents, here’s your chance to make Ms. Frizzle proud. This Museum of Discovery fest is in its 14th year, and this time it’s taking over both the River Market museum and the green space under the 30 Crossing Bridge. Expect tons of hands-on activities, crafts and demonstrations for all ages, and all to encourage a spirit of innovation and creativity.
Fall Margarita Festival | Sept. 18
A companion to the Arkansas Times springtime event, this festival brings a whole River Market Pavilion full of margaritas. Food trucks, music and sips from some of your favorite local bartenders await. This is how you do Thirsty Thursday.
PSA: Hispanic Heritage Month is Sept. 15 – Oct. 15. Here are three local festivals celebrating just that.
Downtown Food Truck Festival | Sept. 21
This year brings another new view for the most flavorful event in downtown (the whole city?). Last year’s fest brought a new name (formerly the Main Street Food Truck Festival) and location (Capitol Avenue), and 2025 will see the fest move to the 30 Crossing green space. Of course, the day still promises entertainment, local vendors and more than 100 food trucks. It’s a statewide favorite for a reason, so wear your comfy pants.
Six Bridges Book Festival | Sept. 28 – Oct. 5
Put simply, this annual Central Arkansas Library System event is a bookworm’s dream, and this year it’ll showcase the newly renovated Main Library. Eight days of author talks, panel discussions, writing workshops, hands-on activities, book swaps and even a pie cook-off 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. 3 & 4
The baklava is back, baby. For the first time since 2019 (having gone curbside 2020-2022), the full deliciousness of the Greek Food Fest returns to the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church this year. Expect a stacked menu with all your authentic faves, plus live entertainment and family-friendly fun. Proceeds this year benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana, Youth Home and Community Connections, as well as the Annunciation Scholarship Foundation and Annunciation Ministries.
Hillcrest HarvestFest | Oct. 4
This 31st 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.
Little Rocktoberfest | Oct. 11
Also sporting another new view, the state’s premier brew and craft beer festival is moving its truckloads of tastiness across the river to Argenta Plaza. As always, it’s hosted by the Central Arkansas Fermenters and proceeds benefit a local charity, this time Women’s Own Worth. Also on Rocktober’s to-do list: Teaming up with Dogtown Throwdown for great food, games and music. On ours: Be there.
Arkansas Salsa Festival | Oct. 11
Bringing a little heat to the metro is this inaugural 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). The showdown goes down at the West Central Community Center.
And no, we haven’t forgotten about the Arkansas State Fair on Oct. 10-19. We broke that down for you here.
Central Arkansas PrideFest | Oct. 18
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 2025 theme of “United in Pride.”
Festival of Darkness | Oct. 25
More beer, please, but add a little rotting flesh. This block party at Lost Forty marks the brewery’s annual release of its barrel-aged Nighty Night Imperial Stout, along with serving up dark brews from across the region, all while taking full advantage of spooky season. Expect lots of zombies (this year’s sub-theme is undead outlaws), plus music, food, circus performers and an always-eye-popping costume contest. Proceeds from the “Rodeo of No Return” benefit Camp Aldersgate.
Arkansas Whiskey Festival | Nov. 1
Whiskey enthusiasts, you’re up. This fifth annual event is coming to Argenta Plaza for a day of whiskey, bourbon and scotch tastings, along with other tasty cocktails perfect for your seasonal sipping.
Chili Fights in The Heights | Nov. 8
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.
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.
» Arkansas Cornbread Festival: After making its post-COVID return in 2023, organizers announced the fest will “take a one-year hiatus … and will reassess on how to move forward with a potential future event.”
» Little Rock Yoga Festival: Likewise, this WLR event is on pause until further notice with organizers stressing “this is not goodbye — it’s simply a pause.”
» World Cheese Dip Championship + Foam Fest Craft Beer Festival: Last fall’s combo event was postponed until June 2025. No word yet on whether the duo will continue as a fall tradition or make the move to warmer weather permanent.
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. 12-13 and Oct. 10-11.
We’ll be updating this list as we learn more. Have details? Email info@littlerocksoiree.com.
