8 Arkansas Events Worth Clearing Your Calendar For Before 2026 Ends

Somewhere in Arkansas, people race outhouses through the streets for a golden toilet seat trophy. Yes, really.

I can see why that one gets a double take.

The same weekend serves free beans from giant cast-iron pots, which may be the most logical pairing in festival history. Elsewhere, a small town hosts a state squirrel calling contest.

Another spot wraps a whole downtown square in more than 500,000 lights.

I like how these events refuse to blend together. One weekend brings bagpipes and sheepdogs.

Another brings tribute artists in shiny jumpsuits and mountain bikers flying down wooded trails.

I think the best part is how many of these happen in the back half of the year. That gives you time to plan, gas up the car, and convince your friends.

So which one are you saying yes to first?

1. ScotsFest

Bagpipes in Batesville sound unexpected until you learn this tradition is in its 46th year. The Arkansas Scottish Festival, known as ScotsFest, also doubles as Lyon College Homecoming.

For three days, the Lyon College campus becomes a celebration of Scottish culture. Pipe and drum bands perform, and the sound carries in the best way.

Highland dancing brings fast footwork and plenty of skill. Special music performances run through the festival too.

Want to see some serious strength? The Highland athletic competitions feature events that test power and balance in ways your gym never will.

Animal fans have options. Sheepdog demonstrations show herding dogs at work, and the Lyon College School of Veterinary Medicine hosts a dog show.

History lovers can explore clan and heritage exhibits. Tartan-weaving demonstrations show how those famous patterns come together thread by thread.

McNaughton’s Raiders bring living history displays to the grounds. It’s a fun way to see the past up close without reading a textbook.

The 2026 festival adds new family events. Kids can enjoy the Lil’ Highlanders Tea Party, which sounds as charming as it is.

There’s also the first ScotsFest Fishing Derby at Bryan Lake. It’s a nice break if your crew needs some quiet time between pipe tunes.

The weekend wraps up with the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan worship service. It’s a meaningful tradition that closes the festival on a reflective note.

Check whether your family has Scottish roots before you go. You might discover a clan tent waiting with your last name on it.

Address: 2300 Highland Rd, Batesville, AR 72501

2. Güdrun Northwoods MTB Festival

A race named Attila the Hun should tell you this festival isn’t a gentle bike ride. Hot Springs hosts the Güdrun Northwoods MTB Festival from October 23 to 25, 2026.

The three-day festival welcomes riders of all ages and skill levels. First-timers and elite racers can both find something on the schedule.

Things start easy with the Slow Roll fun ride through downtown Hot Springs. You get the city views without needing race legs.

From there, the pace picks up quickly. Arkansas Enduro races, dual slalom contests, and time trials test speed and nerve on the trails.

The Attila the Hun cross-country race celebrates its 34th year in 2026. It also serves as the finale of the Arkansas Mountain Bike Championship Series.

Got a taste for extreme distance? The Ouachita Triple Crown covers about 178 miles and links trail systems around Lake Ouachita.

Little riders get their own moment with a Strider race. Watching toddlers on balance bikes might be the most adorable competition of the weekend.

The bike expo lets you check out gear and chat about the latest equipment. An Opening Night Party kicks off the weekend in a festive way.

Breakfast fans, take note. The Waffles and Coffee Time Trial combines racing with fuel, which feels like a smart plan.

Spectators are welcome even if you never clip into a pedal. Trailside cheering counts as cardio, at least a little.

Pack layers and sturdy shoes if you plan to watch along the trails. The Ouachita terrain is rocky, rugged, and gorgeous.

Address: Northwoods Trails, Hot Springs, AR 71901

3. The Arkansas Elvis Festival

Thank you, thank you very much. Hot Springs welcomes the King back for a weekend of sequins and sideburns.

The Arkansas Elvis Festival is an officially licensed Elvis Presley festival. It runs for three days at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Top Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artists from around the world take the stage. These performers bring serious talent, not just a good wig.

The shows cover multiple eras of Elvis’s career. You can hear early rockabilly sounds and the bold Las Vegas years.

That variety keeps the weekend interesting. Fans of hip-shaking classics and big ballads both get their moment.

Expect powerhouse live concerts and big stage productions. The energy stays high from the first song to the last bow.

Not a die-hard fan yet? This might be the event that converts you.

Elvis music is hard to sit still through.

Bring friends or family who grew up with his records. Watching them sing along is half the fun.

Hot Springs makes a great base for the weekend. The historic downtown is worth exploring between shows.

Dressing up isn’t required, but nobody will stop you. A pair of sunglasses and a little swagger go a long way.

Check the schedule early and plan which performances you want to see. Popular shows can fill up, so don’t wait too long.

When the final song ends, you’ll be humming for days. Elvis may have left the building, but the tunes stick around.

Address: 134 Convention Blvd, Hot Springs, AR 71901

4. Arkansas State Fair

Corn dogs and cattle share the spotlight every fall in Little Rock, and nobody seems to mind. The Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show is the big, classic fair your childhood memories are built on.

The carnival brings rides and games for pretty much any age. If you like your thrills on the ground, the rodeo delivers plenty of dust and drama.

Free shows are part of the deal too. The lineup has featured exotic animals, acrobats, and magicians, so you can rest your legs and still be entertained.

The Arkansas Livestock Show Association runs the fair. Its focus on education and community comes through in the many competitions on the grounds.

You can stroll through arts and crafts entries and see who brought their best handiwork. Culinary contests show off serious kitchen skills, which might inspire your next family recipe.

Livestock competitions are a big piece of the fair’s heart. Young farmers spend months raising and preparing animals for their moment in the ring.

Got kids who love animals? The petting zoo is a solid stop, and fair-day crowds usually make friends quickly with the goats.

The State Fair Pageant and Talent competitions add another layer of hometown pride. Cheering for a contestant is free, and it’s surprisingly fun.

Here’s a nice bragging point. The fair has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Fairs and Festivals in North America.

Plan for comfortable shoes and a flexible schedule. Between exhibits, rides, and shows, a single visit can easily stretch into a full day.

Check the schedule before you go so you can catch the rodeo or your favorite show. Then just follow the smell of fair food.

Address: 2600 Howard Street, Little Rock, AR 72206

5. Bean Fest and Championship Outhouse Races

A golden toilet seat might be the strangest trophy in Arkansas. Teams in Mountain View compete for it with a straight face, sort of.

The Championship Outhouse Races feature handcrafted, people-powered potties racing through the streets. Teams often wear costumes that match their outhouses, which makes the whole scene even sillier.

Winners take home Gold, Silver, or Bronze toilet seat trophies, plus cash prizes. Bragging rights come free of charge.

Now, about those beans. Organizers cook around 1,000 pounds of pinto beans in giant cast-iron pots around the town square.

The best news? Servings of beans and cornbread are free, so you can grab a bowl and find a good spot along the race route.

The festival has been around long enough to reach its 44th year. That’s a lot of beans and a lot of very determined outhouse pushers.

Mountain View is famous for its music, and Bean Fest leans into that. Live performances fill the Courthouse Stage through the event.

Over in the Pickin’ Park, musicians gather for jam sessions. You never quite know who’ll show up with a fiddle or banjo.

Shoppers should save time for the Bean Fest Artisans Market. Handmade goods make a much better souvenir than a photo of a racing toilet, though you’ll want both.

Arrive early if you want a decent view of the races. The town square gets busy, and nobody wants to miss the photo finish.

Bring a jacket, since this is a fall event in the Ozarks. Mornings can feel crisp before the beans warm you up.

Address: 109 N Peabody Ave, Mountain View, AR 72560

6. Lights of the Ozarks

More than 500,000 LED lights turn one downtown square into a glowing holiday postcard. That’s the magic of Lights of the Ozarks in Fayetteville.

The display covers the Historic Downtown Square, with trees and decorations wrapped in sparkle. City crews spend over 3,300 hours each year putting it together.

That’s a lot of ladders and a lot of tangled cords. Somebody deserves hot cocoa and a nap afterward.

The 33rd Annual Lighting Ceremony is set for Friday, November 20, 2026. Live entertainment and holiday performances help kick off the season.

After that, the lights glow nightly from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. through January 1, 2027. You get plenty of chances to visit, even with a busy December.

Holiday music plays as you stroll, which makes the walk feel extra festive. It’s an easy outing for families, couples, or friends.

Mark Thursday, December 3, 2026, for the Lights of the Ozarks Parade. It travels through downtown Fayetteville and adds even more holiday cheer.

Kids will want to stop by Santa’s Workshop. Bring that wish list, or at least a solid argument for being on the nice list.

The official 20-foot Christmas tree makes a great photo backdrop. Snack vendors are around when you need a treat.

Weeknights may feel calmer than the opening ceremony. Pick the evening that fits your style, whether that’s crowds and energy or a slower stroll.

Dress for chilly Arkansas evenings. Gloves make holding a phone camera much more pleasant.

Address: 1 W Center St, Fayetteville, AR 72701

7. Arkansas Pecan Festival

Squirrels may be the real judges at this festival, since Keo hosts the Arkansas State Squirrel Calling Contest. Don’t worry, you can just watch.

The Arkansas Pecan Festival celebrates the official state nut. The event traditionally takes over Main Street in this small town.

Admission is free, which leaves more room in your budget for pie. Speaking of pie, the Pecan Pie Championship is a must.

Bakers bring their best pecan creations to compete. You might leave with a few ideas for your next holiday dessert.

Car lovers can wander the classic car show. Shiny chrome and pecan pie make an oddly perfect pair.

More than 75 vendors and food trucks line up for the day. Take a lap first so you don’t fill up too fast.

Kids get their own space called the Keodore Kids Zone. Bounce houses and a free petting zoo keep little ones happy and busy.

Holiday spirit shows up early too. Pictures with Santa are on the schedule, so bring your best smile.

Cyclists can join The Pie Ride, a scenic ride through the area. Earning your pie never felt so justified.

Live music plays through the festival. It gives the street a friendly small-town soundtrack.

Keo takes pride in calling itself the pecan capital of Arkansas. After one slice of pie, you might agree.

Address: Main Street, Keo, AR 72083

8. Red Autumn Art Festival

A hotel ballroom full of original artwork might not sound like your usual fall festival, but Fort Smith has something special planned for November. The Red Autumn Art Festival returns for its fourth year.

The two-day event takes place November 6 and 7, 2026, at the Wyndham Fort Smith City Center. Admission is completely free, making it easy to spend a few hours exploring.

Artists from around the region gather to show off their work. Paintings and photography share space with handmade creations that go far beyond typical souvenirs.

Ceramics and glass art bring another level of craftsmanship. You can get a closer look at the details and meet the people who created the pieces.

The indoor art market fills the hotel’s Grand Ballroom. It’s a comfortable place to browse, especially when November weather refuses to cooperate.

One interesting addition is the Future of Now Student Art Competition. Young artists get an opportunity to put their creativity in front of a larger audience.

The Crossroads Art Competition adds another reason to visit. It’s a chance to discover artists experimenting with different approaches and materials.

Independent film screenings are also planned for the festival. Emerging filmmakers get their moment alongside the visual artists.

Live entertainment adds to the weekend’s atmosphere. The event offers more than an ordinary craft market, with different forms of art sharing the spotlight.

The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. That leaves plenty of time to browse without racing through the exhibits.

Downtown Fort Smith is right outside, so you can make a longer outing of the visit. Just leave enough time to appreciate the artwork before heading home.

Address: 700 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901