Your Ultimate Guide to Fall in Little Rock
If you’ve never been to Little Rock, it’s time that we let you in on a little secret: Our city is a fantastic place to visit year-round, but fall is when things really get to rockin’. From the near-perfect weather to the almost endless list of seasonal events, fall is when our city shines its brightest. Need more proof? Here are some of the things that we think make Little Rock the ultimate fall destination.
Whether you're looking for family-friendly things to do or seeking ways to enjoy some of Arkansas's fall festivals in 2024, Little Rock offers a wide variety of exciting events and activities for the fall. Discover food competitions, outdoor explorations, Halloween events, and more.
Food Festivals
Little Rock’s dining scene is one of the hottest in the South, and there’s no better evidence of that than a calendar stacked full of can’t-miss food festivals. From annual celebrations to colossal events, you’ll be hard pressed to leave town with an empty stomach.
Downtown Food Truck Festival
September 22 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Downtown, Little Rock, AR 72201
Located in Downtown Little Rock, this annual festival features around 80 food trucks. Whether you're a foodie with a spice tolerance or a sweet treat enthusiast, you'll find decadent bites for all palettes. Explore this event's thrilling activities with vibrant music and local goods.
Turkish Food Festival
October 5 | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. | Arkansas Culture and Dialog Center, 1501 Market St. Little Rock, AR 72211
The annual Turkish Food Festival features authentic Turkish fresh food that caters to everyone’s taste. A wide variety of Mediterranean food including salads, kababs, baked goods, homemade bread and pastries, desserts (especially Turkish baklava), cakes, vegetable dishes, cookies, hot dishes, and many more will be available for purchase.
World Cheese Dip Championship
October 5 | 12 - 3 p.m. | Dickey-Stephens Park, 400 W. Broadway St., North Little Rock, AR 72114
Cheese dip is an essential part of Little Rock's culture. This contest brings professional and novice participants alike, competing to make the most indulgent types of cheeses. Don't miss taking in Little Rock's mild autumn breezes while sampling several cheese dips. Visitors will enjoy live performances and a variety of vendors throughout this event.
Looking for more? Browse through Little Rock's upcoming events for fall festivals and exciting celebrations.
Arkansas State Fair
October 11-20 | 2600 Howard St., Little Rock, AR 72206
Stroll through an assortment of mouthwatering delights at the Arkansas State Fair. Food and beverage options include fried cakes, savory meats, and refreshing lemonade. After your snack break, head over to the fair's attractions and competitions.
Arkansas Cornbread Festival
November 9 | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 14th and Main Street, Little Rock, AR 72202
Enjoy a variety of delectable eats, live music, and local vendors. Along with a cornbread competition for experts and home chefs, this festival offers a variety of exciting things to do, ranging from entertaining acts and craft brewery stands to shopping for stunning keepsakes and crafts.
Chili Fights in the Heights
November 9 | Kavanaugh Boulevard, Little Rock, AR 72207
Make your way to a chili cook off that supports the Arkansas Food Bank. Hosted by the Hat Club of Little Rock, this event battles food insecurity with a chili contest, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Spooky Fun
We all enjoy the spooky part of the season and Little Rock loves celebrating Halloween festivities with a variety of events.
Howl-O-Ween Parties in the Plaza at the Little Rock Zoo
October 12, 19 & 26 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205
Seeking kid-friendly events in the fall? The Little Rock Zoo is featuring an array of Halloween-themed activities for three Saturdays in October. Have your little ones dressed in their costumes and enjoy features such as magic shows, fairytale princesses, and a scaredy cat carousel.
Big Boo!seum Bash
October 24 | 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Kids on a mission for candy can’t miss the Big Boo!seum Bash. On the Thursday before Halloween, downtown Little Rock’s museums band together to create the city’s largest trick-or-treating route. Fun games, prizes and, of course, candy make this a highlight of the season. And it’s free!
Arkansas Paranormal Expo at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
October 26-27 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 503 E. 9th St., Little Rock, AR 72202
October is when the city gets ghoulish and things kick off at the beginning of the month with the Arkansas Paranormal Expo. Bring your ghost hunting gear because this is your chance to connect with others who are out there searching for all things unexplainable.
Park Activities
Ask anyone and they’ll tell you that Little Rock’s most natural resource is the abundance of green spaces nestled throughout the city, and there’s no better place to experience the fall season than outside in one of Little Rock’s many parks.
Riverfront Park
For an Instagram-worthy fall backdrop along the Arkansas River, make your way to the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden in Riverfront Park. Marvel at dozens of artworks that are placed among the changing leaves and deep hues of fall colors. Wander through the stunning scenery of the park and find La Petite Roche, the stone that gives Little Rock its name.
Two Rivers Park
At Two Rivers Park you can hop aboard a rented kayak and paddle up the Little Maumelle River. This beginner-friendly waterway is the perfect way to see Little Rock from a quieter, more contemplative angle as you navigate the cypress knees and lily pads of the river.
Outdoor Adventures
They don’t call Arkansas “The Natural State” for nothin’. Little Rock sits at the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, making it a prime location for viewing the incredible colors of changing fall foliage.
Arkansas River Trail
Embark on a cycling adventure along the Arkansas River Trail. This 17-mile loop showcases breathtaking riverfront views and vivid autumnal hues of nearby trees. Hikers and bikers will enjoy embarking on this scenic path and being immersed in a tranquil atmosphere.
Pinnacle Mountain
Looking for something a little more adrenaline pumping? There’s not a better view in all of Central Arkansas than from the top of Pinnacle Mountain. Pinnacle Mountain State Park is home to over 15 miles of trails, all of which offer breathtaking views of changing scenery.
Rattlesnake Ridge
Travel to the west and you'll find Rattlesnake Ridge, one of Arkansas’s newest protected natural areas, offers hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing on over 370 acres of forest – the perfect place to get out and surround yourself with nature.
After all of that fun, you’ll need somewhere to take a rest. Find the perfect hotel for your stay by clicking here.
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