Fall in Eureka Springs. What a wonderful time of year to visit. The weather cools down a bit, the leaves begin to change and our favorite festivals in Arkansas return for another year. Festivals in Arkansas include everything from the best barbecue in the state, local crafts, America’s longest continuously running folk festival and a favorite among many visitors, the food and wine festival. Check out our 4 favorite fall festivals to look forward to this year.
Kicking off the fall festivals is the Bikes, Blues, and BBQ weekend in September. From September 23rd through the 26th in Fayetteville, Arkansas, thousands of attendees will flock to the Washington County Fairgrounds. Events over the 4-day festival include a car show, bike show, lawn mower pulls, demo rides and free live music on the Dickson Street Stage. A few of the musicians performing this year are Samantha Fish, Leah and the Mojo Doctors, Steve Pryor, and the Ocie Fisher Band. And be sure not to miss out on the Sam’s Club Arkansas State BBQ Championships where for just $6.00, you can vote and sample the best BBQ around. Bikes, Blues, and BBQ is proud to be a Rally with a Purpose as they support local charities year after year.
America’s longest continuously running annual folk festival in America returns this October 6th through the 10th. The 68th Annual Original Ozark Folk Festival is back again this year with all the festival favorite activities visitors have grown to love each year. From the Queen’s Contest, the Barefoot Ball at Basin Park Hotel, the singer/songwriter contest, parade and free music in the park, it’s all back for another great year. Stay tuned to their website for updates on this year’s schedule of events.
The War Eagle Mill Fall Arts and Crafts Fair returns this October 15th through the 18th. Since it began back in 1954, visitors have come back year after year to shop the more than 250 vendors that display their works of art along the War Eagle River. The fair is sponsored by the Ozarks Arts and Crafts Fair Association. In addition to the craft vendors, there are plenty of food vendors on hand and live music on the porch. Coming out to the Arts and Crafts Fair is the perfect way to kick off the fall season enjoying the cooler weather and the changing leaves while shopping.
The Eureka Springs Food and Wine Festival will be held this year on November 13th and 14th. This favorite fall weekend event has been taking place since it began back in 1993. Many Eureka Springs restaurants participate in the festival and pair their best dishes with their best wines making for a delicious culinary experience. Tourists and locals have made this a successful event year after year as the month of November is generally a quiet time of year before the hustle and bustle of the holidays come around. DeVito’s, The Stonehouse, Cottage Inn and Grand Taverne have all participated in this flavorful event in years past.
When planning your fall getaway to the beautiful state of Arkansas, we would love to host you at our charming bed and breakfast Arsenic and Old Lace. Our Queen Anne Victorian style mansion is home to five spacious guest rooms each complete with private bathroom. Our location on Hillside Avenue is just 2 blocks from the Historic District making us within walking distance of all the action in downtown. For reservation information, please call 479-253-5454. We look forward to hearing from you.
Photo courtesy of Doug Wertman