Events 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.

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!

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