Weekend Fun: Free, Family-Friendly Festivals in Central Arkansas
Who's excited for the first official weekend of fall?! Fall festivals are aplenty, and we've rounded up nine great options for families this weekend (Sept. 26-28) -- from community fests to the multicultural World Fest!
And, with autumn in the air, you don't want to miss all of the hayrides and pumpkin pickin' at local pumpkin patches. Check out our list to find a patch near you!
Sept. 26
Arkansas Department of Health: Food for Thought Unity Fair at War Memorial Stadium: Enjoy a variety of diverse foods from local food truck vendors, as well as music and other entertainment. Share information and traditions unique to a variety of cultures. Be sure to check out the ADH Center booths for more information regarding Public Health. The event is on the north lawn, along Markham Street near War Memorial Stadium. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For info: (501) 661-2268, Whitney.Haynie@Arkansas.Gov. FREE!
FestiVille at Dupree Park in Jacksonville: This festival features carnival rides and games, food vendors, a fishing derby, 5k and 1k fun run, CAVBC volleyball tournament, exhibitor booths, entertainment and much more. Some activities, including the Run the Ville 5k/1k, the fishing derby and the Backyard BBQ Bash will require registration forms, and some activities, including rides, may have a fee. 4-8 p.m. Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 27. For info: Festiville.org. FREE!
World Fest 2014 at War Memorial Park: Presented by the Little Rock Racial and Cultural Diversity Commission, World Fest offers students of all ages multicultural learning experiences through a variety of activities, including Kids World with activities for little ones, the Global Animal Zone with a fishing derby and aquarium, vendors and more! 9 a.m.-2 p.m. For info: (501) 244-5483, RCDCWorldFest.org. FREE!
Sept. 27
3rd Annual Walk, Raffle & Roll Fall Festival at Clinton Presidential Center Park: Join H.D. Arkansas, the local organization for the Huntington's Disease Society of America, for a 1-mile walk around the Clinton Presidential Center. Walkers will earn a free Team Hope shirt and can take part in day's activities, including live music, silent auctions and a raffle. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $10. For info: HDArkansas.org.
38th Annual Sherwood Fest at Sherwood Forest: This one-day festival includes live music all day long, including performances by family favorite Trout Fishing in America (1 & 5:30 p.m.) and American Idol contestant Crystal Bowersox. Families can also enjoy a cutest kid contest, an archery contest, castle-building contest and a totally free Kid Zone filled with bounce houses, crafts and games. The festival closes with fireworks at 8:15 p.m. r9 a.m.-9 p.m. For info: (501) 833-0476, CityOfSherwood.net. FREE!
46th Annual Barn Sale in Camden: Camden Business & Professional Women's Organization presents South Arkansas's largest arts and crafts festival, a one-day event featuring 180 arts and crafts exhibitors and food vendors. This family-friendly event will have plenty of activities for kids. Enjoy the antique and classic car show, 5K run, and live music throughout the day. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. For info: (870) 231-6244, BPWBarnSale.org. FREE!
2014 EKS Day: Unified Sports Experience Festival at Maumelle High School Football Field: This fun and energetic festival for the community encourages families to participate in a day honoring Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her vision of acceptance and inclusion. Activities include kickball, bocce, flag fooball, a cookout, and rally! Free T-shirts for participants while they last. As a Project UNIFY event, people with and without disabilities are encouraged to participate! 4:30-6:30 p.m. For info: (501) 771-0222, Special Olympics Arkansas Facebook Page. FREE!
ACANSA Arts Festival: Artists in the Park at MacArthur Park: This brand-new arts festival spans five days and takes place at multiple locations around Little Rock and North Little Rock. The main draw for families with young children will be the free family day at MacArthur Park. Artists in the Park, hosted by Arkansas Arts Center, will focus on visual arts. From noon-2 p.m., activities will be geared to children: Expect art activities, a performance by Brian Kinder, plus more family-friendly music groups at 2 p.m. Watch as artists produce and sell art throughout the afternoon, and grab delicious bites from the food trucks. Noon-6 p.m. For info and to see the festival's full schedule: AcansaArtsFestival.org. FREE!
Bryant Fall Fest at Bishop Park: This annual festival includes all the best: a parade, festival food, a Duct Tape Boat Race, and live entertainment. KidZland will keep your little ones entertained with free activities, such as bubbles, spray chalk and games. Other attractions, like the bounce houses, slides and inflatables, require a ticket. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For info: (501) 847-4702, BryantChamber.com. FREE!
FestiVille at Dupree Park in Jacksonville: See description on Sept. 26.
For more weekend events, browse our full online calendar here.