Fall is arguably the best time of year in Arkansas. While fall in Arkansas comes a little later than some more famous fall foliage destinations, the raging heat has usually subsided by mid-October, and the Boston Mountains exhibit significant color change, popping in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Arkansans come out of summer hibernation in October to experience fall color, attend an epic festival, or hit the trails for our favorite fall hikes.
The University of Arkansas rumbles with the calling of the Hogs as football season is in full swing. The seasonal rains contribute to gushing waterfalls. The pumpkin patches are open. Apple harvesting is at its height, and farmer’s markets are brimming with seasonal goodies. There’s just so much to see and do! If you’re an Arkansas native or are coming for a visit, we’ve gathered a list of the best 2024 activities to help you get the most out of your fall in Arkansas!
Experience Arkansas Frontier
We are officially open! It’s October, and our pumpkin farm and frontier village are open to the public. Come test out your blacksmith skills, tour our Indian Village, visit our one-room farmhouse, or join in the fun and games at the pumpkin patch! Whether you’re a family with little ones or a teacher looking for an informative and fun field trip, we’ve got a day of fun for you at Arkansas Frontier!
Awesome Activities for Fall in Arkansas
The list of family-friendly events for fall in Arkansas is gigantic. Literally, every town has a farmer’s market and a Halloween festivity of some sort. The state parks offer some of their most interesting and educational events in the fall. Every major museum has a haunted night or Halloween-inspired event. Sports events, Oktoberfests, and music festivals are raging. No matter what you’re interested in, you can pack your fall calendar with Arkansas events. Here are just a few of the best options!
1. Scenic Fall Foliage Drive
From the Ozark Mountains in the north to the Ouachita Mountains in the south, mid-October to early November is prime fall foliage season around here. A hike is a great way to enjoy our flamboyant fall, but so is one of these iconic fall Arkansas drives!
The Pig Trail
Hwy 23 is colloquially known as The Pig Trail as it used to be the main route to Fayetteville for Hog games. Now, it’s primarily used during the fall for leaf peepers. It’s a winding road, full of hairpin turns and hills, and made more motorcycles! As suggested route starts at the base of the Ozark National Forest, in Ozark or Clarksville, and travels to Elkins via Hwy 23 and Hwy 16. Stop at Turner Bend for a picnic and some epic vista views, then head back via Hwy 21, or continue into the Ozark Mountains for some hiking and camping near the Buffalo River around Jasper!
Boston Mountains Scenic Loop – Highway 71
Highway 71, part of the Boston Mountains Scenic Byway, is a perfect fall foliage drive. With I-49 now handling most traffic, this route is popular with leaf-peepers and motorcyclists. Along the way, you’ll find artistic communities showcasing local crafts and ridge-top bridges with stunning views. The loop runs from Alma in the Arkansas River Valley to Fayetteville and back.
Talimena National Scenic Byway
The Talimena National Scenic Byway (Hwy 88) winds through the Ouachita Mountain Range in the eastern sections of Oklahoma and Southwest Arkansas. The Ouachita Mountains are home to the second-largest mountain in the state—Rich Mountain, and some of the most beautiful fall views. Stop and do some fishing in Lake Ouachita or enjoy a meal at the top of Rich Mountain at Queen Wilhemina Lodge.
2. Arkansas Razorback Football Game
Football is king in The South, and everybody knows it. Razorback pride runs pretty thick, and you haven’t experienced Arkansas in full until you’ve called the Hogs! If you prefer your sports on the court, Bud Walton Arena comes alive in early November!
3. Cedar Falls at Petit Jean
Petit Jean is one of the most popular state parks in Arkansas and is home to the Cedar Falls Hike. Cedar Falls is a beautiful Arkansas waterfall and is usually flowing well by the end of fall, and the entire hike is gorgeous. Make sure to admire Cedar Creek Canyon views, washed in a myriad of colors, from the Mathers Lodge overview!
For more natural adventures, check out “The Top State Parks in Arkansas for Every Kind of Adventure.”
4. Fall Foliage Hiking
The best way to experience the glorious fall colors is on foot! Here are a few of the best Arkansas hikes to see fall colors.
Whitaker Point Hike
A famous North Arkansas landmark, Hawksbill Crag or Whitaker Point is an absolutely stunning hike! The trail is a 2.7-mile out-and-back adventure located south of Ponca, on Hwy 21. You’ll traverse bluffs on a heavily trafficked trail until you reach the jutting viewpoint where you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the national forests, awash in color!
Mount Magazine
Mount Magazine is the tallest mountain in the state, and while it doesn’t boast the views of Whitaker Point or Cedar Falls, the hike to Signal Hill and the drive through the mountains to arrive at the park surrounds you in the vibrant colors of fall!
Yellow Rock Trail at Devil’s Den
Yellow Rock is a rocky outcropping similar to Whitaker Point with an equally epic canyon view. Actually… it has two massive viewpoints. The park also has several slot caves and small waterfalls to explore, all surrounded by colorful deciduous forests!
5. Arkansas Pumpkin Patches
Pumpkin patches are a top family activity for Arkansas fall. Families put on their cutest attire for sweet fall photos, and the farms go all out to create an atmosphere full of wholesome games and homemade foods. We are obviously a bit biased about which U-pick pumpkin farm is the best (we are), but can give props where they are due.
Schaefer’s Pumpkin Patch in Mayflower offers excellent prices. Bo Brooks Farm has wonderful activities, a great shop selling tasty treats, and an on-site winery. Lastly, Peebles Farm in Augusta has a wide range of activities for both young and older children.
6. Arkansas Fall Festivals
Fall in Arkansas means chili cookoffs, rodeos, music festivals, craft fairs, and craft beer gatherings. For a full list of the best gatherings in Arkansas, check out the “Most Popular Fall Festivals in Arkansas: From Pumpkins to Beans.” Here are a few of our favorite highlights.
King Biscuit Blues Festival-Helena
Since 1986, the Delta town of Helena has hosted the King Biscuit Blues Festival, celebrating the musical heritage of the communities along the Mississippi River. The festival includes camping in Tent City, BBQ cook-offs, a 5K run, and a craft fair featuring local artists. It runs from October 9-12, 2024.
Hillberry: Harvest Moon Festival-Eureka Springs
The Harvest Moon Festival takes place from October 2-6, 2024. It’s a live music festival with multiple stages, featuring Bluegrass, Americana, and Funk bands. Aside from music, there is camping and workshops that range from craft beer exchanges to somatic stress relief. Lil Berries is a family-friendly event at the festival with activities for kiddos. Children under the age of 12 get in free!
War Eagle Craft Fair-Hindsville
The 2024 War Eagle Craft Fair will take place from October 17-20 along the scenic banks of the War Eagle River in Northwest Arkansas. One of the most popular craft fairs in the region, it brings together artisans and crafters from across the country to showcase handmade items like pottery, jewelry, woodworking, and textiles. The fair has been a tradition since 1954, offering a perfect blend of shopping and Ozark heritage.
7. Arkansas and Missouri Railroad
If you want a unique way to explore Arkansas in the fall, take a train ride! The train runs from historic Downtown Van Buren to Springdale (via several routes) on a 1920 Pullman Coach. You’ll traverse iron trestle bridges in the mountains and see some of the best foliage in Arkansas on the three-hour journey.
8. Fayetteville Ale Trail
Northwest Arkansas has a strong craft brew scene. To see a bit of the best, get your passport and take on the Fayetteville Ale Trail. You see 23 fun and unique breweries and receive a free stein when you visit all 23!
9. Arkansas State Fair
Fall is fair time! While every major city in Arkansas has a fall fair, the biggest and arguably the best is in the capital city of Little Rock. The State Fair takes place on October 11-20th, 2024. It includes epic rides, fantastic concerts including Ginuwine, Quiet Riot, and Dru Hill, and free attractions for the whole family!
10. Crystal Bridges Museum Art Fair
Crystal Bridges is Arkansas’s premier art museum normally featuring unattainable art for most citizens. However, the annual fair showcases artists from all over the country, side by side with food trucks, culinary experiences, and live art exhibitions! Plus, the entrance is free! It takes place October 5-6, 2024.
11. Arkansas Fall Museum Events
Little Arkansas has some truly unique museums, and they are always hosting special events, especially for kids. Not only are they educational, but they’re fun! Here are just a few of the best fall events.
Night in the Museum– Arkansas Air & Military Museum
Like many museums in the state, the Arkansas Air & Military Museum at Drake Field in Fayetteville is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat this year on October 18th at 7 pm. The museum’s historical exhibits are transformed for a night of gentle frights. It’s a free event, so bring your candy bucket for a budget-friendly sugar high!
Big Boo!seum Bash- Historic Arkansas Museum
The Historic Arkansas Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the heritage of the state from costumed interpreters. On Halloween night, they’re open from 5:30 to 8:30 for a FREE haunted peek into the museum. Again, bring your candy bucket!
Science After Dark –Nightmare at the Museum (of Discovery)
The Museum of Discovery excels at events for kids. They have multiple classes and workshops for little engineers and scientists every week. However, their Science After Dark events are for adults only! On October 10th, from 6-9 pm, the museum will transform from a space for little scientists to a terrifying haunted house complete with a costume contest, beer from Stone’s Throw Brewery, cocktails, and pizza! You must be 21 to attend.
12. Arkansas Farmer’s Markets
Arkansas is a grower’s paradise! Famous for its rice and soybeans in the south, the north of the state is home to apple orchards and pumpkin patches. For the freshest ingredients and a dip into Arkansas culture, check out one of these great farms.
Fayetteville Farmer’s Market– Fayetteville
Tuesday & Thursday – 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturdays-7:00 am – 2:00 pm
This award-winning farmer’s market is one of the best in the state. The selection of vendors is huge, and they offer special events like a fall festival (October 26th) and yoga classes. If you receive any type of food benefits from the government, the farmer’s market will double your dollars!
The Bernice Garden Farmers Market – Little Rock
Sundays- 9 am to 2 pm
Bernice Garden Farmers Market is a local favorite with free admittance. You can peruse excellent crops and crafts from local farmers and artists, but you can also partake in their popular prepared farm-to-table breakfasts!
The Siloam Springs Farmers Market – Siloam Springs
Taking place May-October on Saturdays, the Siloam Springs Farmer’s Market is another great option with vendors from all over Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas. It’s located in Memorial Park and is another one that doubles your SNAP dollars. They even host a kid’s day on the second Saturday of each month.
13. Fall Play at Robinson Center
Got a Star Wars fan in your clan? The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will be performing The Empire Strikes Back from October 18-20, 2024. It’s a combination film showing with live music at Robinson Center in Little Rock.
14. State Park Education Sessions
We really do have great state parks in The Natural State, and the rangers are heavily engaged in educational activities for visitors of all ages. During fall in Arkansas, events range from: Creatures of the Night hikes at Lake Dardanelle to Intro to Archaeology 101 at Parkin Archaeology Park, and Haunted Lake Tours at Lake Fort Smith State Park. For a full list of events, check out Arkansas Tourism’s events page!
15. Fiesta en SoMa
On October 4th, the SoMa neighborhood of Little Rock will be throwing a fiesta! A celebration of all local Latin cultures, the event will feature art, music, dancing, and Latin cuisine! They will also have a kid zone for little partygoers.
16. Howl-O-Ween at Little Rock Zoo
Take a ride on the Scaredy-Cat Carousel or the Trick-or-Treat Train at the Little Rock Zoo’s kid-friendly Howl-O-Ween celebration. Come enjoy Halloween-themed engagement for the animals, and special treats for the humans too. Don’t forget to wear your best costume! Howl-O-Ween takes place on Saturdays, October 12, 19, & 24.
Time to Enjoy Fall in Arkansas!
We hope you found something interesting on this list of fall Arkansas activities! From fiestas to frights, festivals to farmer’s markets, we’ve got a little bit of everything going on this autumn. So, get pumped up on some pumpkin-spice latte, grab your sweater, and we’ll see you soon in Arkansas!
For more excellent Natural State adventures, check out our list of 60+ family-friendly activities in Arkansas!