Life In Fort Smith, Arkansas

As the air cools and the leaves change, Fort Smith is brimming with exciting activities for all ages! Here are some annual autumn events in Fort Smith. Some may have already passed, but never fear--there's always next year!

🍁 Fort Smith Fall Festival + Oktoberfest (Oct 5) Join us for the largest historical-themed event in Fort Smith! This year, the Fort Smith Fall Festival, in collaboration with the Fort Smith National Historic Site and various local museums and organizations, invites you to a day filled with history, fun, and entertainment.

Learn more at fortsmithfallfest.com.

🎶 Peacemaker Festival (Oct 11-12) Celebrate incredible music by the riverfront! Peacemaker Festival brings an unforgettable experience with top artists and a vibrant community vibe.

For more info, visit peacemakerfest.com. 🏃‍♂️ Races for a Cause The Jim Rowland River Valley Run (Nov 4): Lace up for this annual run through the scenic River Valley! Register at rivervalleyrun.org

Whitney’s Race (Nov 9): Race to fight ovarian cancer and raise awareness in our community. Register at whitneysrace.org

🎃 Halloween Festivities Halloween Hoopla (Oct 26 - 10:00 am to 1:00 pm): Join us for our annual Halloween Hoopla at the Riverpark Events Building (121 Riverfront Drive). Candy, Costumes, Games, and lots of spooky fun! 

Ghouls on Garrison (Oct 31): Our historic downtown turns spooky with trick-or-treating and fun for the whole family.

Begin your fall experience in Fort Smith by exploring the colors around town. Take in the vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow among historic streets, National Park Sites, and scenic walking spaces. Grab a local cup of coffee or warm tea with notes of pumpkin, apple spice, and maple while exploring the town. 

Using Fort Smith as a home base offers access to several nearby destinations, which provide fantastic opportunities to see fall colors at their peak.

There is no need to head to the Northeast or twist among the Kancamagus; you can see the vibrant colors of fall in Arkansas! 

Here are some day trip ideas to enrich your autumn experience near Fort Smith:

1. Mount Magazine State Park and Scenic Byway | Paris

A must-visit for fall foliage enthusiasts, Mount Magazine State Park is home to the highest point in Arkansas and a lodge that overlooks the Western section of the Arkansas River Valley. Take a scenic drive along the byway, where the stunning views of vibrant foliage stretch as far as the eye can see. Hiking trails lead to breathtaking overlooks that make for perfect photo opportunities. Pack a picnic and explore for the day from a sunrise amphitheater to the back porch of the historic lodge.  

2. Bell Park | Greenwood

Just a short drive from Fort Smith, Bell Park in Greenwood provides a charming setting to enjoy the fall scenery. The park features walking trails and picturesque picnic spots, all surrounded by trees bursting with autumn colors. It's an ideal spot for a family outing or a peaceful day in nature.

3. Lake Fort Smith State Park | Mountainburg

For those looking to combine fall foliage with water activities, Lake Fort Smith State Park is the place to be. The park's scenic trails wind around the lake, providing stunning views of the trees as they change color. The vibrant leaves' reflection on the water creates a picturesque scene that will take your breath away. Bring your kayak or canoe for an unforgettable autumn experience!

4. Wineries and Scenic Byway | Altus

For a delightful combination of fall colors and local flavors, head to the wineries near Altus. The scenic byways in this area wind through beautiful landscapes, with vineyards framed by colorful leaves. Stop by a winery for a tasting and enjoy the stunning views of the changing seasons and the unique landscape of changing colors across the vineyards.

5. Devil's Den State Park | West Fork

Devil's Den State Park, known for its dramatic terrain and stunning vistas, is another excellent spot to experience fall foliage. The park offers numerous trails that wind through the forest, showcasing vibrant colors. Be sure to explore the unique rock formations and buildings set by the CCC almost 100 years ago. The Yellow Rock trail offers a variety of landscapes, exploring the ecosystems of the park and a shared space for multiple abilities. 

6. White Rock Mountain | Winslow

A hidden gem near Fort Smith, White Rock Mountain offers stunning panoramas of the surrounding landscape. The area is spectacular in the fall, with sweeping views of the colorful foliage below. Hiking trails lead you through the heart of nature, making it a perfect spot for a day trip.

7. Artist Point and Mulberry River Overlook

Artist Point and the Mulberry River Overlook are to be noticed by those seeking a picturesque viewpoint. These spots provide breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys, showcasing the vibrant colors of fall. Both routes offer ideal motorcycle paths for winding roads and pull-offs with easy scenic viewing. 

8. Highway 22

Finally, drive along Highway 22, between Fort Smith and Dardanelle, for a leisurely tour of the changing fall colors along a historic route that was part of the original 1926 Arkansas highway system. This scenic route winds through some of the area's most beautiful landscapes, including a large portion that connects with the True Grit trail, marking several destinations in Charles Portis' 1968 novel. 

Now is the time to get out and explore. Fort Smith serves as the northern corridor to Western Arkansas. It's time to get out and explore where the border town brings the fun. 

"I found a great primary care doctor just by Googling 'best doctor in the area,' and now he’s one of my best friends. He even helped me find a neurologist the same day, which is unheard of. Healthcare here has been super accessible."

Read more about my relocation from Illinois to Fort Smith at this link.

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Living in Fort Smith comes with plenty of perks, and one of the best is our live music scene in April and May! It’s a fantastic time when our community comes together to enjoy great music, delicious food and drinks, and quality time with friends and neighbors. Sound like your kind of vibe? We’d love to see you at the next one!

Find apartments, homes, and townhouses for rent and for sale in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Plus, helpful links and realtors. Click here to check it out!

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Fort Smith, Arkansas, is home to some amazing annual events that bring in thousands of visitors to the River Valley each year! Below you'll find a list of some of our favorite events that you won’t want to miss.

Steel Horse Rally

Get ready for the 2025 Steel Horse Rally, taking place on May 2nd and 3rd, 2025, in downtown Fort Smith. Join us as we continue the tradition of "Honoring All Who Serve" while supporting local charities and the community. Experience the Thunder through the Valley Motorcycle Parade, park your bike on Garrison Avenue (one of the widest downtown streets in the USA), and enjoy great motorcycle rides, a poker run, live music, entertainment, and more than 75 vendors.

Peacemaker Festival

This year, the Peacemaker Festival will be held in October, bringing the hottest acts in Americana, Red Dirt, Rock, Indie, and Country to Fort Smith. It’s a must-attend event for music lovers!

Mayor's 4th of July Celebration

Celebrate Independence Day with the Mayor's 4th of July Celebration! This FREE annual event features free transportation, giveaways, food trucks, a star-spangled lineup of LIVE entertainment, and the largest fireworks display in the region. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

Fort Smith International Film Festival

From August 22nd to 24th, the Fort Smith International Film Festival & MidAmerica Film Market will take over TempleLive and The Bricks. With 201 films screened over three days at two venues, it’s a film lover's paradise. Immerse yourself in the world of cinema and discover new talents and stories from around the globe.

Fort Smith Fall Festival

Join us in early October for the largest historical-themed event in Fort Smith! The Fort Smith Fall Festival, in collaboration with the Fort Smith National Historic Site and various local museums and organizations, offers a day filled with history, fun, and entertainment. It’s a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the rich heritage of Fort Smith.

Old Fort Days Rodeo

Experience the excitement and tradition of the Old Fort Days Rodeo, one of the top rodeos in the country. Held annually in late May and early June, this event draws cowboys and cowgirls from all over to compete in events such as bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping. With a rich history dating back to 1933, the Old Fort Days Rodeo offers thrilling rodeo action, a lively parade, and family-friendly activities, making it a beloved event for all ages.

Creekmore Holiday Express and Light Display

Every December, Creekmore Park transforms into a winter wonderland with the Creekmore Holiday Express and Light Display. Take a free train ride through the park and see the thousands of Christmas lights on display!

These events highlight the community and culture of Fort Smith. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's always something exciting happening in our city.

Check out all that Fort Smith has to offer at www.discoverfortsmith.com