Bikes, Blues & BBQ
You don’t need a motorcycle to enjoy Bikes, Blues & BBQ September 30 through October 3 in downtown Rogers. Bring the family for free live music, food and vendors, check out rows of bikes, sample barbecue and vote for your favorites, and on Saturday catch the custom car and bike show. Riders can also check out demo rides and scenic Ozark routes.
Arkansas Apple Festival
You can make a weekend of the Arkansas Apple Festival October 2 through 4 on the Lincoln Square. Browse more than 100 craft vendors, grab festival food and free apple slices, and on Saturday catch the 10 a.m. parade followed by the tractor show. It’s a longtime Northwest Arkansas fall tradition.
Final First Friday
You can bring the family — and the dog — to the final First Friday Live of the season Friday, October 2, from 3 to 9 on the Bentonville Square. Explore more than 100 vendors, interactive activities and giveaways, catch the Kids Dance-Off and live entertainment, and grab something from the food trucks. Admission is free, and leashed pets are welcome outdoors.
Music on the Mountain
You can head up to Mount Sequoyah Friday, October 2, from 6 to 8 for a free old-fashioned square dance at Vesper Point. No experience or partner is needed — just follow the caller, enjoy the live string-band music and join in whenever you’re ready.
21st annual Wiener & Corgi Dog Race
You can bring the family to the 21st annual Wiener & Corgi Dog Race Saturday, October 3, from 9 to 2 in Bella Vista. This year’s Hairy Paw-ter theme includes dachshund and corgi races, an all-breeds costume contest, a police K9 demonstration, Musical Sit and a parade of adoptable shelter dogs. Watching is free.
Homegrown Festival
You can spend Saturday, October 3, exploring the Homegrown Festival in downtown Siloam Springs from 9 to 5. Browse handmade goods, vintage finds and local art, grab something from the food trucks and enjoy live music throughout the day. Admission is free.
Museum Free Morning
You can bring the family to the Arkansas Air & Military Museum for free Saturday, October 3, from 9 to noon in Fayetteville. Check out fighter jets, helicopters, vintage planes and military vehicles, with hands-on exhibits and real aircraft you can explore.
Art Fair at Crystal Bridges
You can spend the weekend exploring the Art Fair at Crystal Bridges, Saturday, October 3, from 10 to 6 and Sunday from 10 to 4. Browse work from artists across the country, catch live demonstrations and grab something from the food trucks. Admission is free.
Ozark Society Fall Picnic at Hobbs State Park
You can make a family day of it at the Ozark Society Fall Picnic Saturday, October 3, at Hobbs State Park. Come early for a free Black Bear Hike at 10:30, explore the trails and visitor center, then join the potluck at 1. Smoked chicken is provided — just bring a dish to share.
Fallapalooza
You can bring the whole family to Fallapalooza Saturday, October 3, from 11 to 2 at First Christian Church in Fayetteville. Enjoy a free lunch, games, prizes, face painting and plenty of activities for kids and families. Everything is free, and everyone in the community is welcome.
Shire Post Mint Festival
You can celebrate 25 years of Shire Post Mint Saturday, October 3, from 11 to 4 in West Fork. Tour the working mint, see the antique coin presses, enjoy games, costumes, local makers, live music and food trucks. It’s a free family event with free parking.
ArkanSalsa Fest
You can bring the family to ArkanSalsa Fest Saturday, October 3, from 1 to 5 at Luther George Park in Springdale. Enjoy live music and dancing, food, a salsa-tasting contest, vendors and a kids’ art zone from Crystal Bridges. Admission is free.
Rogers Public Library Costume Exchange
You can save some money on Halloween costumes at the Rogers Public Library Costume Exchange Saturday, October 3, from 2 to 4. Bring a clean costume your family has outgrown and trade for something different — or just come find one you can use. It’s completely free.
Fayetteville Falltoberfest
You can bring the whole family — and the dog — to Fayetteville Falltoberfest Sunday, October 4, from noon to 6 along Dickson Street and the Upper Ramble. Enjoy live music, games, art, local makers, food and the always-fun Dogtoberfest costume contest. Admission is free.
Halloween Family Movie: Halloweentown
You can bring the family to a free showing of Halloweentown Sunday, October 4, from 2 to 4 at the Fayetteville Public Library. The Disney Halloween favorite is rated G, and seating is first come, first served, so getting there a little early is a good idea.
Shakespeare Outdoors
You can enjoy Shakespeare outdoors for free Sunday, October 4, at Luther George Park in Springdale. Arts One Presents Much Ado About Nothing, a funny romantic comedy full of sharp banter and matchmaking, with performances at 2 and 6. Bring a chair or blanket and settle in on the lawn.
Sunset Sundays
You can wind down the weekend at the final Sunset Sundays of the season Sunday, October 4, from 5 to 8 in downtown Bentonville. Browse the Art Market along A Street, then enjoy free live jazz at Dave Peel Park from 6 to 8.
Bentonville National Night Out
You can bring the family to Bentonville National Night Out Tuesday, October 6, from 5:30 to 8:30 at Memorial Park. Meet local police officers, check out police and public-safety vehicles, enjoy games, music, food and drinks, and learn more about community programs in a relaxed setting.
Fayetteville National Night Out
You can bring the family to Fayetteville National Night Out Tuesday, October 6, from 6 to 8 at Gulley Park. Meet local police and first responders, connect with community organizations, and stop by the Fayetteville Public Library Bookmobile while you’re there.
Community Blood Drive
You can help local patients Wednesday, October 7, from 9 to 3 at the Fayetteville Square. The Community Blood Center of the Ozarks bloodmobile will be there, and donors can get a limited-edition T-shirt plus two free Dickerson Park Zoo admissions while supplies last. Walk-ins are welcome.
