Top Festivals in Arkansas 2025: A Year-Long Celebration of Culture, Music, and Heritage

Jenny Lee November 19, 2024 | 20:48

Arkansas, the Natural State, is a treasure trove of festivals that celebrate its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities. From soulful blues in Helena to dazzling holiday lights in Fayetteville, 2025 offers a year full of unforgettable events for all ages.

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Arkansas, known as “The Natural State,” offers a vibrant festival calendar that reflects its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and warm community spirit. From music festivals set in the stunning Ozark Mountains to historical reenactments and culinary celebrations, Arkansas provides unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike. Whether you're exploring the charm of small towns or enjoying lively city events, the festivals in Arkansas will leave you inspired and connected.

Arkansas festivals celebrate the state’s unique blend of southern charm, natural beauty, and diverse culture. Each season offers something unique: spring bursts forth with blooms and art festivals, summer heats up with music and food, fall celebrates the harvest with fairs and craft festivals, and winter brings cozy holiday markets and festive light displays.

Key highlights include the Arkansas Folk Festival, King Biscuit Blues Festival, and the World Championship Duck Calling Contest. From lively parades to traditional arts and culinary showcases, Arkansas promises a festival for everyone.

Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More

List of Festivals in Arkansas 2025: Date, Location, Significances, and Activities

A festival map for Arkansas in 2025

January

Eureka Springs Chocolate Festival

Date: January 27, 2025
Location: Eureka Springs, AR
Significance: A sweet celebration of chocolate in all its forms.
Activities:
- Chocolate tastings from local chocolatiers and bakeries.
- Demonstrations of dessert-making techniques.
- Vendor booths featuring handmade candies and gourmet treats.
Tickets: Available online; VIP passes include exclusive tastings.
Transportation: Downtown parking available; shuttles provided for event attendees.

February

Mardi Gras in Eureka Springs

Date: February 10, 2025
Location: Eureka Springs, AR
Significance: A lively Mardi Gras celebration with a unique Ozark twist.
Activities:
- Parades featuring vibrant floats and costumed performers.
- Live music performances and street parties.
- Traditional Cajun cuisine and King Cake tastings.
Tickets: Free admission; VIP parade seating available.
Transportation: Parking available downtown; public transit recommended.

March

Jonquil Festival

Date: March 15–17, 2025
Location: Historic Washington State Park, AR
Significance: A spring festival celebrating the blooming of jonquils and Arkansas’s rich history.
Activities:
- Guided tours of historic sites and gardens.
- Art and craft exhibits featuring local artisans.
- Live music, food vendors, and children’s activities.
Tickets: Free admission.
Transportation: Parking available at the park; carpooling encouraged.

April

Arkansas Folk Festival

Date: April 19–21, 2025
Location: Mountain View, AR
Significance: A celebration of traditional folk music, arts, and crafts in the Ozark Mountains.
Activities:
- Live performances by folk musicians and storytelling sessions.
- Demonstrations of traditional crafts like weaving and wood carving.
- Local food vendors serving Ozark specialties.
Tickets: Free admission.
Transportation: Limited parking; shuttles provided from nearby lots.

May

Magnolia Blossom Festival and World Championship Steak Cook-Off

Date: May 17–18, 2025
Location: Magnolia, AR
Significance: A springtime celebration featuring a high-stakes steak cooking competition.
Activities:
- Steak cook-off with live judging and public tastings.
- Live music performances and parades.
- Arts and crafts vendors and family-friendly activities.
Tickets: Available online; tastings require a food pass.
Transportation: Parking available near the event grounds.

June

Buffalo River Elk Festival

Date: June 14–15, 2025
Location: Jasper, AR
Significance: A celebration of the Arkansas Elk population and the Buffalo River region’s natural beauty.
Activities:
- Elk calling contests and wildlife exhibits.
- Vendor booths featuring local crafts and food.
- Guided tours and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Tickets: Free admission.
Transportation: Parking available on-site; carpooling encouraged for sustainability.

Riverfest

Date: June 28–30, 2025
Location: Little Rock, AR
Significance: Arkansas’s largest music, arts, and food festival along the Arkansas River.
Activities:
- Live performances from national and local artists.
- Art exhibits and interactive installations.
- Food trucks and culinary demonstrations.
- Fireworks display to close the festival.
Tickets: Day passes and weekend packages available online.
Transportation: Public transit and rideshare options recommended; limited parking available.

July

Hope Watermelon Festival

Date: July 26–28, 2025
Location: Hope, AR
Significance: A sweet celebration of Hope’s status as the watermelon capital of Arkansas.
Activities:
- Watermelon tastings, seed spitting contests, and carving demonstrations.
- Live music, arts and crafts vendors, and carnival games.
- Food stalls serving watermelon-inspired dishes.
Tickets: Free admission.
Transportation: Parking available near the festival grounds; carpooling encouraged.

August

King Biscuit Blues Festival

Date: August 2–4, 2025
Location: Helena, AR
Significance: One of the oldest blues festivals in the U.S., honoring Delta blues music.
Activities:
- Performances by legendary blues artists and emerging musicians.
- Food vendors offering Southern classics like fried catfish and barbecue.
- Workshops and talks on the history of Delta blues.
Tickets: General admission tickets available online; VIP packages include premium seating.
Transportation: Public parking available; shuttles provided for festival attendees.

September

Arkansas Apple Festival

Date: September 13–15, 2025
Location: Lincoln, AR
Significance: A charming celebration of the apple harvest season in Northwest Arkansas.
Activities:
- Apple-themed treats, including pies, ciders, and caramel apples.
- Live music and dance performances.
- Craft vendors and kids’ games.
Tickets: Free admission.
Transportation: On-site parking available; shuttle services offered.

Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

Date: September 26–October 5, 2025
Location: Hot Springs, AR
Significance: One of the longest-running documentary film festivals in North America.
Activities:
- Screenings of award-winning documentaries from around the world.
- Q&A sessions with filmmakers and panel discussions.
- Networking events for film enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Tickets: Festival passes and individual screening tickets available online.
Transportation: Public transit and parking options available downtown.

October

Arkansas State Fair

Date: October 11–20, 2025
Location: Little Rock, AR
Significance: A statewide celebration of agriculture, music, and community.
Activities:
- Livestock competitions, carnival rides, and games.
- Live music performances and food stalls serving iconic fair foods.
- Exhibits showcasing Arkansas’s agricultural heritage.
Tickets: Available online and at the gate; discounts for children and seniors.
Transportation: Parking available at the fairgrounds; rideshare options encouraged.

November

World Championship Duck Calling Contest

Date: November 22–24, 2025
Location: Stuttgart, AR
Significance: A premier event celebrating Arkansas’s reputation as the duck hunting capital of the world.
Activities:
- Duck calling contests with participants from across the globe.
- Outdoor gear vendors and wildlife exhibits.
- Family-friendly games and live music performances.
Tickets: General admission tickets available online.
Transportation: Parking available near the event site; carpooling encouraged.

December

Lights of the Ozarks

Date: December 1–31, 2025
Location: Fayetteville, AR
Significance: A magical holiday light display illuminating the Ozarks region.
Activities:
- Strolling through millions of holiday lights.
- Horse-drawn carriage rides and visits with Santa Claus.
- Hot cocoa and holiday treats available from local vendors.
Tickets: Free admission; some activities require fees.
Transportation: Public transit and downtown parking available.

Conclusion

Arkansas’s festival calendar in 2025 captures the heart and soul of the Natural State. From soulful blues in Helena to vibrant lights in Fayetteville, each festival tells a unique story of community and tradition. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Arkansas’s festivals promise unforgettable experiences year-round. Start planning your trip to explore the magic of Arkansas’s celebrations!