“A Nightmare on Pleasant Street”
Springdale Public Library is hosting “A Nightmare on Pleasant Street” on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. It’s an after-hours family Halloween event with treat stations set up inside the library and themed activities throughout the building. Free to attend, open to all ages, and it takes place at 405 South Pleasant Street in Springdale.
Astronomy Night at Hobbs
Astronomy Night at Hobbs is set for Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Hobbs State Park Visitor Center in Rogers. The Sugar Creek Astronomical Society will kick things off with a “Beginning Astrophotography” talk at 6:30, then telescope viewing starts at 7:30. You’ll see Saturn, Neptune, Mars, and constellations like Pegasus and Cygnus. It’s totally free, and you don’t need a reservation.
Bella Vista Fire Department
Bella Vista Fire Department is putting on Kids Day Saturday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fire Training Center, 7 Carlisle Drive. It’s free, with live fire and rescue demos, touch-a-truck, gear try-ons, spraying a fire hose, station tours, plus free burgers and hot dogs while they last. No sign-up needed–just bring the family and enjoy.
Crater of Diamonds State Park
An Oklahoma family hit the jackpot at Crater of Diamonds State Park. Raynae Madison spotted a 2.79-carat chocolate brown diamond. They’ve named it the William Diamond. It’s the third-largest gem found at the park this year.
Frisco Inferno BBQ Competition
Frisco Inferno BBQ Competition hits Downtown Rogers Oct 3-4 as part of Bikes, Blues & BBQ. Friday night (6-8 p.m.) is the sauce tasting and vote, Saturday (12:30-3 p.m.) is pork and turkey sampling with People’s Choice and Judges’ Choice awards. Admission’s free.
Goblin Candy Crawl
Goblin Candy Crawl is set for Friday, October 31, 2025, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in downtown Rogers. Families start at Railyard Park by the Butterfield Stage to grab a free trick-or-treat bag and map from the Rogers Historical Museum, then make the rounds to participating downtown businesses for candy. It’s free, all ages are welcome, and costumes are encouraged.
It’s Fall Y’all Craft Fair
It’s Fall Y’all Craft Fair is set for October 16-19, 2025 at the Benton County Fairgrounds in Bentonville. Admission and parking are free. You’ll find more than 100 local makers, artists, and food vendors–everything from handmade crafts and art to seasonal goods and food trucks.
Murder & Mayhem on the Fayetteville Square
Murder & Mayhem on the Fayetteville Square is a guided history walk happening Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Meet in the Mountain Street Lobby on the 3rd floor of the Fayetteville Public Library, then head out with historians J.B. Hogan and Shaun Treat. They’ll share true-crime and mystery stories tied to spots around the Square. It’s free, lasts about an hour and a half, and you’ll be walking the whole way.
Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Fall Fair
The Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Fall Fair happens Oct 17-18 at the NWA Convention Center in Springdale. With 200+ booths of handmade art, home decor, clothing, and vintage finds, it’s all indoors, climate-controlled, and handicap accessible. Free admission and parking.
Paint the Town
Paint the Town is happening Sunday, October 12 on the Bentonville Square, running noon to 4 p.m. It’s a free Downtown Bentonville event built around art–you’ll find street-side stations, make-and-take projects, local exhibits, and chances to meet artists.
Phantasma in the Ramble
Phantasma in the Ramble runs Oct 9-11 in Fayetteville. It’s a free laser-light and silent disco experience in The Ramble. Thursday and Friday in the Lower Ramble with DJs on wireless headphones. Saturday shifts to the Upper Ramble for an open Glow Party, no reservations needed.
Rogers Historical Museum
The Rogers Historical Museum is throwing a 50th Birthday Cake Party on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10-4 at 313 South 2nd Street in Rogers. It’s a drop-in celebration with cake (while it lasts), craft stations, and family-friendly birthday fun. Free and open to everyone.
Siloam Springs Trick-or-Treat
Downtown Siloam Springs is hosting its community Trick-or-Treat on Thursday, October 31, from 4 to 6 p.m. Local businesses in the historic district will be handing out candy, and families can walk the downtown core around East Central and Broadway. It’s free to attend, no sign-up required–just show up in costume and enjoy. Hosted by Main Street Siloam Springs.
Springdale’s Halloween Fest
Springdale’s Halloween Fest is set for Saturday, October 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Luther George Park downtown. It’s free and family-friendly, with candy giveaways, carnival games, costumes, a touch-a-truck, and their big pumpkin drop. The event’s hosted by Springdale Parks & Rec and the Police Department, with help from the Downtown Springdale Alliance.
Star Party
Withrow Springs is hosting a free Star Party on Saturday, November 15, at 5:15. Park staff and the Northwest Arkansas Astronomical Society will have telescopes set up, and you’re welcome to bring binoculars or your own scope. It’s at the park pavilion near Huntsville. They’ll guide you through the night sky, pointing out planets and constellations.
Trick-or-Treat on the Trail
Trick-or-Treat on the Trail is Friday, October 31, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Lower Ramble downtown. The City of Fayetteville’s Arts & Culture team sets up 25-plus candy stations along the trail, with music, costumed characters, and a festive walk through Fay Jones Woods. It’s free, open to all ages, and no sign-up is needed.
U of A Museum
The U of A Museum is bringing a pop-up to the Fayetteville Public Library on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. You’ll find museum staff set up with fossils and other collection highlights, ready to chat and answer questions. It’s a hands-on, casual way to explore what the museum offers. Free and family-friendly.
Weekend Starts in The Ramble
Weekend Starts in The Ramble is Friday, Oct 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Lower Ramble, Fayetteville. It’s a free arts-and-culture series with live music from UA musicians, interactive and visual art, and a relaxed, creative vibe to kick off the weekend. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy.
Wishing Spring October Arts & Crafts Festival
The Wishing Spring October Arts & Crafts Festival runs Oct 16-18 at Wishing Spring Gallery in Bella Vista. It’s free to attend, open 9 to 5 each day, and features juried artists and makers with original art and handcrafted goods across the gallery grounds.
Ballet in the Park
Ballet in the Park is set for Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Chautauqua Amphitheatre in Memorial Park, Siloam Springs. It’s a free outdoor performance under the stars. Maxwell Street will be closed for safety, so bring a blanket, your family, and enjoy an evening of ballet in the park.
Bella Vista’s Fall Tree Giveaway
Bella Vista’s fall tree giveaway sign-up opens Friday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. It’s one tree per household, first come, first served, and they go fast. Pickup is set for Saturday, Oct. 11 starting at 8 a.m. at the Fire Training Center, 7 Carlisle Drive.
Benton County Health Department
The Benton County Health Department is holding two free flu shot clinics next week. Tuesday, Sept. 23, they’ll be at the Rogers Health Unit, 1200 W. Walnut, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Then Thursday, Sept. 25, they’ll be at the Siloam Springs Health Unit, 101 W. University, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. No cost–just bring your insurance card if you have one. e
Costumes, Candy, and Cops Carnival
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is hosting its 10th annual Costumes, Candy, and Cops Carnival on Halloween night, at the Benton County Fairgrounds. It kicks off at 6 with trunk-or-treating, games and food. Admission is just one non-perishable food item, with donations going to the NWA Children’s Shelter and the Children’s and Family Advocacy Center.
ArkanSalsa
The 12th annual ArkanSalsa Fest is coming up on Saturday, October 4th at Luther George Grove Street Park in Springdale. It’s free and family-friendly. You’ll see a parade, live music and dance, art, food trucks, free chips and salsa, kids’ activities, and the always-popular Best Tasting Salsa Contest.
Bentonville’s First Friday: Haunted Holler
Bentonville’s First Friday: Haunted Holler is set for Oct. 3, 2025, from 3-9 p.m. on the Square. It’ll feature live music, vendors, and plenty of Halloween-themed fun with games, crafts, and activities for all ages. Free and family-friendly.
Celebration of Trees
Fayetteville’s 27th annual Celebration of Trees is set for Saturday, Oct. 11. Starting at 7 a.m., the City will give away 1,900 native trees and shrubs at two locations–the Spring Street Parking Deck (drive-through) and the Fayetteville Farmers’ Market on the Square. Each resident can pick up two plants with proof of residency, and staff will help load them at the parking deck.
Fall Dog Days
Fall Dog Days returns to the Bentonville Farmers Market on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your pups downtown for a fun morning that includes free friendly dog competitions from 10-11 a.m. on the Square.
Nature Tour
Crystal Bridges is offering a free Nature Tour on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Meet at Walker Landing to explore the North Forest with Trails & Grounds staff and learn about the history, ecology, and unique features of its trees. Tickets are free but required.
NWA Book Fest
The NWA Book Fest is at The Ledger in Bentonville on Sept. 27-28. Saturday highlights adult readers with author panels, signings, workshops, and Bookish Bingo, while Sunday is all about kids with storytimes, crafts, author meet-and-greets, and free books for the first 1,000 children. Admission is free with a ticket.
Plaza Concert
Crystal Bridges wraps up summer with a Plaza Concert featuring The Honeydew Melon Boys on Sunday, Sept. 28, from 4-6 p.m. Enjoy live music, food trucks, family activities, and the Plaza splash pad. Free and open to all, no tickets needed.
Arkansas Apple Festival
The Arkansas Apple Festival kicks off Friday October 3, on the Lincoln Square. It’s a free, family-friendly celebration of the town’s apple-growing heritage with over 100 craft booths, live music, square dancing, a kids’ area, and plenty of festival food. You’ll get free apple slices and cider, plus a parade Saturday at 10 a.m.
Clay Day at Crystal Bridges
Clay Day at Crystal Bridges is Saturday, September 27, from 4 to 7 p.m. on the museum’s outdoor plaza. It’s totally free and family-friendly, with hands-on clay projects like wheel throwing, hand-building, and even a bike-powered pottery wheel.
Free Fall Movie
Thursday, October 9th–Downtown Bentonville Inc. and the City of Bentonville are hosting a free fall movie night on the Square. The fun runs 5 to 8 p.m. with a screening of Monsters, Inc.. Bring the family, dress in Halloween costumes, and pack chairs, blankets, and candy.
Homegrown Festival
The Homegrown Festival takes over downtown Siloam Springs on Saturday, October 4, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s free to attend and packed with local flavor–browse handmade and vintage goods, grab a bite from food trucks, and enjoy live music all day around the square.
Lowell Tree Giveaway
Lowell is hosting a free Tree Giveaway on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon at the Lowell Street Department, 209 N. Lincoln St. It’s limited to one tree per household, and you must live within Lowell city limits. Available species include White Flowering Dogwood, Water Lily Magnolia, Tulip Tree/Tulip Poplar, and White Pine.
Nature Pop-Up: Nocturnal Neighbors
On Saturday, September 27, at 1pm, Crystal Bridges is hosting Nature Pop-Up: Nocturnal Neighbors at Walker Landing. It’s free and drop-in, with hands-on activities led by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. You’ll learn about bats in a fun, family-friendly setting.
Siloam Springs Fall Cleanup
Siloam Springs will hold its Fall Cleanup October 6-10. Crews will pick up bulky items like furniture, mattresses, tubs, and limited building materials on your normal trash day–just have them curbside by 7 a.m. Not accepted: tires, electronics, hazardous waste, or appliances with Freon. This service is for residential customers only.
Falltoberfest
Fayetteville’s Falltoberfest is Sunday, October 5th from noon to 6 p.m. on Dickson Street and the Upper Ramble. Expect live music, a beer garden, Dogtoberfest parade, contests, art, and plenty of family-friendly fun.
Rogers Tree Giveaway
Rogers is giving away free trees on Saturday, October 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Rogers Aquatics Center, but you’ve got to register first. Each Rogers household can request up to two trees from a list that includes dogwoods, magnolias, oaks, and more. Trees run 3 to 7 gallons, some as tall as eight feet. The event happens rain or shine, and pickup is by reservation only.
Veterans Day Parade
Fayetteville is bringing back its Veterans Day Parade for the first time in over a decade, set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at 11 a.m. downtown. The parade will honor all branches of the military. It starts on East Avenue, runs along Dickson Street, turns onto West Avenue, and ends at Spring Street, followed by a veterans trade show in the Upper Ramble.
Bikes, Blues & BBQ
Funk Factory is hitting the Mainstage at the 25th Anniversary of Bikes, Blues & BBQ on Friday, October 3, rocking from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Catch them live at Butterfield Stage, 101 E Cherry Street in Rogers
Touch a Truck
Springdale Firefighters are hosting Touch a Truck at Arvest Ballpark on Saturday, October 4. It’s free and family-friendly, with kids invited to climb in and explore fire trucks, big rigs, and all kinds of vehicles. A special sensory hour runs 9 to 10 a.m., then it’s open to everyone from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3000 Gene George Blvd. in Springdale.
Goblin Run in Downtown Bentonville
Get your costumes ready–it’s almost time for the Goblin Run in Downtown Bentonville! The 5K starts bright and early at 7:30 AM on Saturday, October 25, with the Kids Fun Run kicking off around 8:30. Register by September 25 to guarantee a shirt, and come dressed to impress for a shot at the costume prize.
Square 2 Square
Square 2 Square is celebrating 10 years, and the fall ride is coming up Saturday, October 11–from Fayetteville to Bentonville along the Razorback Greenway! If you want the special anniversary jersey, make sure to pre-order it by Tuesday, August 19. Registration’s open now, so lock in your spot and get ready to ride in style.
