There are always great things to do in the Natural State, and AY About You has compiled some of the most exciting events in Arkansas this weekend. Also, listen to 103.7 The Buzz every Friday morning for Morning Mayhem to learn more about what’s going on during the weekend, featuring AY About You President and Publisher Heather Baker.
Thursday, Oct. 16
What: SpectacuaLR: A Benefit for Trojan Athletics
Where: Jack Stephens Center (Little Rock)
When: 6:30 p.m.
SpectacuaLR is a celebration of Trojan spirit featuring an evening of entertainment, live and silent auctions and an opportunity to meet and connect with Little Rock coaches and student-athletes. Legendary broadcaster Ray Tucker will be this year’s honoree. Every dollar raised is strategically invested in key areas, such as scholarships, student-athlete recruitment and program excellence, ensuring that student-athletes have the resources they need to succeed both on and off the field.
Thursday, Oct. 16
What: Arkansas Inspiration Gala
Where: Statehouse Convention Center (Little Rock)
When: 7 p.m. (6 p.m. for VIP)
Benefitting Children’s Advocacy Alliance, guests will enjoy an elegant evening of heartfelt stories and the opportunity to celebrate extraordinary individuals who are advocating for Arkansas’ most vulnerable children. This year’s honorees include Dr. Karen Farst and Karen Wright. Attorney General Tim Griffin and his wife, Elizabeth, are honorary chairs of the gala.
Thursday, Oct. 16
What: Sherwood’s Night to Unite
Where: City Hall Park (Sherwood)
When: 5 p.m.
This event, Sherwood’s unique take on the National Night Out, aims to strengthen the bond between neighbors and law enforcement while reviving a true sense of community. Free pizza will be available thanks to Sherwood Papa John’s, as well as free Snow Cones courtesy of Kona Ice! You can expect a chance to meet different first responders and see their emergency response vehicles, free food, fun and games and a family-friendly concert!
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Fall Craft Fair
Where: Washington County Fairgrounds (Fayetteville)
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
At this free admission event, attendees can expect 300+ vendors with handmade crafts, boutique treasures and unique gifts. Other event highlights include toe-tapping bluegrass music all weekend, a petting zoo, pony and camel rides, food trucks and more!
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Where: Locations vary (Hot Springs)
When: Times vary
The 34th Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival kicked off Oct. 10 with the presentation of Thomas Winston’s “Lost Wolves of Yellowstone,” followed by the North American premiere of “Centerpiece Selection,” André Hörmann’s “The Cowboy” and Elegance Bratton’s “Move Ya Body: The Birth of House” screening on closing night. Other premieres include the North American premiere of Sheffield DocFest Grand Jury Award winner “Welded Together,” the U.S. premiere of John Dower’s “The Balloonists” and the U.S. premiere of Jo Seyoung’s “K-Number.”
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Life Time Big Sugar Classic
Where: Locations vary across Bentonville
When: Times vary
It’s time for Bentonville’s biggest cycling celebration of the year and the anchor of the city’s annual Biketober festivities. Events include the Big Sugar Gravel, OZ Kids Crit Championship Series, The Gravel Rave and more.
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Wishing Spring’s Arts & Crafts Festival
Where: 8862 W McNelly Rd (Bella Vista to Bentonville)
When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Family Fun! Enjoy original art, handcrafted goods, food trucks and food vendors, music, demo presentations and so much more! Don’t miss out on this 3-day celebration of creativity and community! Guests can expect over 40 festival vendors!
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 19
What: Arkansas State Fair
Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds (Little Rock)
When: Times vary by day and promotion
Big flavors. Big rides. Even bigger fun. The 85th Arkansas State Fair is back with 10 days of pure energy. Come hungry, come ready, come have a blast!
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 19
What: It’s Fall Y’all Craft Fair
Where: Benton County Fairgrounds (Bentonville)
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closes at 3 p.m. on Sunday)
This event is a four-day celebration of local artistry and small businesses. It showcases over 100 makers, artisans, crafters and food vendors offering handmade goods, art, local treats and unique finds. Admission is free, and the fair emphasizes a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with shopping, food booths and community charm.
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 19
What: War Eagle Fair
Where: 11037 High Sky Inn Rd (Hindsville)
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. on Sunday)
With almost 300 booths of all handcrafted products displayed by their creators, the War Eagle Fair takes place along the banks of the War Eagle Creek. A beautiful fall setting of changing leaves makes the perfect weekend getaway experience for you and your family. This is a free admission event; parking is $5.
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 19 (runs through Dec. 7)
What: “Portraits From a Presidency”
Where: Clinton Presidential Center (Little Rock)
When: Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This original and temporary exhibit will feature two- and three-dimensional portraits of the Clinton family members, including more than 50 paintings, sculptures, engravings and photographs. “Portraits” will display works by prominent artists such as Faith Ringgold, Peter Max, Arkansan George Fisher and Chuck Close, alongside personal, heartfelt pieces created by everyday Americans and citizens from foreign countries.
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 19 (runs through Jan. 11)
What: “Architects of Being” Exhibition
Where: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (Little Rock)
When: Hours vary by day
“Architects of Being” refers to the architectural spirits of Louise Nevelson and Esphyr Slobodkina, brought together in dialogue for the first time, as well as how they constructed their identities within the mid-century American art world. In this exhibition, each woman’s story amplifies the other’s. In their artworks, which reveal the two as fellow travelers in the legacies of cubism, surrealism and constructivism, assemblage is an important unifying theme. Works include found-object sculptures, mixed-media reliefs, collage, painting, jewelry and clothing, featuring some of Nevelson’s most iconic fashion statements.
Thursday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 19 (runs through Jan. 26)
What: “Get in the Game: Sports, Arts, Culture”
Where: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
Organized by the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, this exhibition taps into the spirit of sports through art, design and interactive experiences. From the Olympics to the local recreation league, “Get in the Game” will allow you to experience how some of our most iconic images have been formed and unforgettable human stories have played out in sports. Sports icons and everyday athletes alike are celebrated in this thrilling exhibition. Discover the depth of swimmer Diana Nyad’s determination through an unexpected portrait angle; feel the pressure faced by tennis champion Billie Jean King through a reenactment of her legendary Battle of the Sexes match; and celebrate Arkansas-born Scottie Pippen’s legacy as an NBA superstar and cultural icon in lustrous ceramic.
Friday, Oct. 17
What: Masquerade Gala — Ghouls & Games
Where: Old State House Museum (Little Rock)
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Every registration to this event will bring ARPG closer to achieving its mission. Together, we can create support for youth and adults in education and resources for digital health and financial literacy. Bring your own mask or costume to join in on the fun. Cocktail attire is suggested.
Friday, Oct. 17
What: Nightmare at the Museum
Where: Museum of Discovery (Little Rock)
When: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The museum’s fan-favorite adult event is back! (21+) Enjoy a Halloween bash at the Museum of Discovery. Attendees can expect drinks from Stone’s Throw Brewery, barbecue, a variety of art vendors, plus more from community partners! There will also be museum-led activities, including liquid nitrogen snacks, Halloween trivia, spooky competition games, electrifying Tesla shows and more! Costumes are encouraged.
Friday, Oct. 17
What: Bingo Loco
Where: Fort Smith Convention Center
When: 7 p.m.
The traditional game of Bingo has been flipped on its head and turned into a 3-hour interactive stage show, complete with dance-offs, rave rounds, lip-sync battles, throwback anthems, confetti showers and prizes ranging from international holidays to cars, air fryers, lawnmowers and much more.
Friday, Oct. 17
What: Ghoul’s Night Out 2025
Where: Downtown Springdale
When: 5 p.m. to 12 a.m.
This is your chance to get out and shop unique local boutiques, sip on spooky drinks, explore art and entertainment, dress up in your favorite festive outfit or costume and enter a costume contest for a chance to win prizes! Every participating business will be offering something different—specials, pop-ups, spooky surprises and activities you won’t want to miss.
Friday, Oct. 17
What: Ghoul & Glow: A Blacklight Halloween Event
Where: Central Arkansas Inflatables Indoor Park (Bryant)
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Head over to Central Arkansas Inflatables Indoor Park for a night of lights, music, games and glowing fun! Attendees can also expect a giant obstacle course of inflatables to bounce the night away and an arcade full of fun games. Optional Halloween goodie bags will be available for purchase. Costumes are encouraged!
Friday, Oct. 17 – Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Author Fest 2
Where: Pickles Gap Village (Conway)
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Author Fest is BACK! Get ready for TWO days of local authors; experience their stories beside food trucks, live music, games, giveaways, announcements and more!
Friday, Oct. 17 – Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Murder & Mayhem
Where: Begins at Bonnieville House (Fort Smith)
When: 5:30 p.m.
At the Bonneville House, guests will enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails before boarding a hayride to the Fort Smith Museum of History. There, you’ll hear ghostly tales and take part in a hunt through the museum’s haunted spaces, complete with snacks and drinks. From the museum, the hayride winds back through the Belle Grove Historic District, with a few new mysterious stops along the way. The evening continues with a lantern-lit stroll through the neighborhood, where real haunted houses are revealed and their dark secrets brought to life. The tour concludes at The Clayton House, gathered around the fire pit for s’mores, cordials and chilling ghost stories, followed by a final ghost hunt inside the house itself.
Friday, Oct. 17 – Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Ozark Regional Craft Fairs NWA
Where: Springdale NWA Convention Center
When: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday
It’s time for one of Northwest Arkansas’s most popular craft fairs! In its fall show, the festival generally features 200+ booths with artisans and makers from across the country offering high-quality crafts, home décor, fashion, antiques, vintage goods and gifts.
Friday, Oct. 17 – Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Tunnel of Terror
Where: Tommy’s Express (Springdale)
When: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Tunnel of Terror is a seasonal, haunted car wash event where customers drive through a car wash tunnel decorated with spooky themes and actors. It combines a car wash with a Halloween-themed haunted attraction, featuring scares, special effects and performers that appear as you drive through in your car!
Friday, Oct. 17 – Sunday, Oct. 19
What: Disney’s High School Musical
Where: Wildwood Park for the Arts (Little Rock)
When: Times vary
Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to life on the Wildwood stage! Disney’s High School Musical is fun for the whole family. It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The Jocks, Brainiacs, Thespians and Skater Dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations and look forward to the new year. Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical that is being led by Ms. Darbus. Although many students resent the threat posed to the “status quo,” Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.
Friday, Oct. 17 – Sunday, Oct. 19
What: Arkansas Scottish Festival
Where: Lyon College (Batesville)
When: Times vary
What began in 1979 as a small campus gathering has grown into one of Arkansas’ premier cultural events, drawing thousands of visitors for Highland games, live music, heritage displays and authentic Scottish fare. Guests can explore clan histories, enjoy sheepdog and athletic demonstrations, and experience performances by Celtic musicians and pipe bands from across the country. A mix of homecoming festivities, historical reenactments and family-friendly attractions makes the festival a lively tribute to Scotland’s enduring influence on Lyon College and the Batesville community.
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: HOWL-O-WEEN at the Zoo
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: 9 a.m.
Ready for a HOWLING good time? This Saturday, Little Rock Zoo is where giggles meet goosebumps, and the whole family can join the fun! Come in costume! Meet new friends, climb and play on the playgrounds, and take a whirl on the Carousel. Hop aboard the Train for a ride. And don’t forget—our animals are getting in on the action with boo-tiful Halloween-themed enrichment. Watch them explore, play and snack in the spirit of the season!
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: 13th Annual Central Arkansas PRIDEFest and Parade
Where: 1110 W Capitol Ave (Little Rock)
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Take Capitol Avenue from Arch Street to Pulaski Street for a vibrant celebration of love and liberation. Bring your floats, flags, friends and fiercest outfits! PRIDEFest highlights include a celebration with LGBTQIA+ entertainers, vendor booths, food trucks, community organizations, businesses and headlining performances by many of Arkansas’s world-class LGBTQIA+ artists!
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: African American Stories in Stone: Historic Walking Tour
Where: Fraternal Cemetery (Little Rock)
When: 11 a.m.
Enjoy a crisp fall morning with the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center for another historic walking tour. Explore the stories of the men and women buried in this sacred ground, including Black fraternal organizations, community leaders and the legacies they left behind.
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Community Fall Festival
Where: 10101 Johnson Drive (Sherwood)
When: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Bring the whole family out for a fun-filled afternoon at Marissa & Jacq’s Dancers’ Community Fall Festival! There will be free games for kids of all ages, a 40-foot obstacle bounce house, dance performances you won’t want to miss, and yummy treats (for purchase) from Kona Ice and El Primo Taqueria 2.
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Inaugural SHCC Car Show
Where: Sylvan Hills Community Church (Sherwood)
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Enjoy a day of food, fun and door prizes, plus a wide range of car show categories including Best in Show, Best Import, Best Muscle Car (65–72), Best Truck, Best Interior and many more. Entry is $25, with a $5 discount for veterans and first responders. The event also features a special guest speaker: Wilfred Brunache, SHCC’s ministry partner from the Dominican Republic. All proceeds support the orphanage and mission work in the Dominican Republic.
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Monarch Mania
Where: 325 Valley St (Hot Springs)
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The City of Hot Springs Parks and Trails Department and the Diamond Lakes Arkansas Master Naturalists (DLAMN) are encouraging the community to be outdoors by hosting a free Monarch Butterfly Mania event at the Monarch Butterfly Garden, located within the Valley Street Creekwalk Trail of the Hot Springs Creek Greenway, at the corner of Valley and Runyon streets. This event will include monarch tagging, information tables, kid-friendly activities and a presentation on the Monarch Butterfly Garden and its pollinators.
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: 4th Annual “Chili in the Grove” Cook-Off – The Arkansas State Chili Championship
Where: 306 E. Buchanan St. (Prairie Grove)
When: Set up in Chamber Yard beginning at 8 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Morrilton’s Fall Fest 2025
Where: Conway County Fairgrounds (Morrilton)
When: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Family, food, fun, crafts, games, chili cook-off, car show—you name it!! Welcome in pumpkin spice and everything nice at MORRILTON’s FALL FEST!!
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Waldron Elementary School Fall Festival
Where: Historic Main Street (Waldron)
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Get ready for a morning full of family fun at the Waldron Elementary School Fall Festival! This beloved community event is taking over Historic Main Street with something for everyone—games, food, prizes and over 24 confirmed vendors bringing crafts, treats and local favorites!
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: 2025 Bluegrass and BBQ Festival
Where: Bella Vista Assembly of God (Bella Vista)
When: 3 p.m.
This annual event features a large arts and crafts fair, a state championship BBQ tournament, live music and various family-friendly activities. Concerts begin at 6 p.m. with The Butler Creek Boys.
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Run for Recovery 5K
Where: 715 N College Ave (El Dorado)
When: 8 a.m.
El Dorado’s Newhaven Recovery Lodge and Newhaven Counseling & Health Services will be hosting its first-ever Run for Recovery 5K, where folks in south Arkansas have the opportunity to support mental health treatment while getting some exercise right when the weather is perfect for outdoor activity. AY Media Group is a proud sponsor of the event.
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: 5th Annual Jonesboro Oktoberfest
Where: 1812 Rains St. (Jonesboro)
When: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Hosted by All Saints Parish, this family-friendly festival will feature authentic German food and a biergarten, live music and dancing, local vendors, kids’ activities and much more!
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Chelcie Lynn: Trailer Trash Tammy – The Loose Lips Tour
Where: Fort Smith Convention Center
When: 7 p.m.
Chelcie Lynn is a comedian, actress and internet personality extraordinaire. She started building a fan base in 2014 when her sketches featuring her alter ego, Trailer Trash Tammy, went viral. Her videos have since garnered hundreds of millions of views across the internet, launching her career on screen and in comedy touring.
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: Birdie’s Bizarre & Vintage Expo
Where: Kay Rodgers Park (Fort Smith)
When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Birdie’s Bizarre & Vintage Expo is a market event showcasing a wide array of vintage and retro-inspired items, including clothing, home goods, handmade crafts and collectibles. Shop our curated selection of local and regional vendors, creating an inclusive and community-focused atmosphere.
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: PokéKon
Where: Hilton Garden Inn Hotel (Fayetteville)
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PokéKon is the Pokémon collectors’ Mecca, with 1-day trade show conventions across the USA. Striving to be the best and truest Pokémon convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres. As a long-time collector of Pokémon items, the promoter brings you an event that will satisfy all Pokémon fans! There will be exhibitors catering to a wide spectrum of interests, including candy, magazines, toys, video games, retro items, panels, cosplay and much more!
Saturday, Oct. 18
What: 17th Annual Puppets in the Park
Where: The Lower Ramble, Faye Jones Woods (Fayetteville)
When: 12 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Puppets in the Park is a free community event with live puppet shows, this year from Iowa, Missouri and Texas to join our local talent. This event includes children’s music and puppet making, and puppet play for all ages. The grand finale is a giant puppet parade through the woods, so stay all day! There will be popcorn, apples, tea and coffee. Bring your lunch, blankets or chairs and enjoy the day in the cozy green park next to the creek.
Saturday, Oct. 18 – Sunday, Oct. 19 (every weekend through Nov. 2)
What: Magic Screams
Where: Magic Springs (Hot Springs)
When: 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday
By day, attendees can enjoy plenty of seasonal activities, including the Trick-or-Treat trail, pumpkin/canvas painting, a costume contest and more. But by night, the screams begin. Guests can brave haunted houses, eerie scare zones and roaming characters lurking around every corner.
Saturday, Oct. 18 – Sunday, Oct. 19
What: Hot Rods & Harleys Swap Meet
Where: Fort Smith Harley-Davidson
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If you’ve got cool goods, collectibles, crafts, parts or anything else worth sharing, this is the place for you! They don’t even have to be motorcycle-related! This is your chance to be part of one of the most exciting weekends of the year — cars, trucks, bikes and vendors all in one place.
Sunday, Oct. 19
What: Tales of the Crypt
Where: Mount Holly Cemetery (Little Rock)
When: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
At this free admission event, drama students from Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School research a person buried in Mount Holly. They deliver short monologues or dialogues to highlight the history and lives of their character, and they dress in period costumes created by costumer Holly Payne. Student guides lead the audience through the cemetery, stopping at the graves where student actors are stationed. Donations are appreciated!
Sunday, Oct. 19
What: 6th Annual Cruising with the Classics
Where: Sam’s Olde Tyme Hamburgers (Rogers)
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you want breakfast, make sure you show up early enough to enjoy your food. This cruise is for pre-2000 vehicles that want to get out and have some fun across the awesome Ozark roads. Expect a nice and easy pace. The drive isn’t too long. Start at a great local place and end up at a beautiful Arkansas State Park, about 40 miles!
RECURRING EVENTS
- Magic Screams will take place every Saturday and Sunday at Magic Springs in Hot Springs through Nov. 2.
- “Portraits From a Presidency” will be on display at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock through Dec. 7.
- “Architects of Being” will be on display at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts in Little Rock through Jan. 11, 2026.
- “Get in the Game: Sports, Arts, Culture” will be on display at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville through Jan. 26, 2026.
- Join The Rail Yard every Thursday evening for SINGO.
- Join Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort every Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Hot Springs Village Day.
- Head out to AMFA for Creative Saturdays every Saturday as the museum dives into new exhibits.
- Head out to Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort every Thursday for Thursday night trivia hosted by Roger Scott.
Feature Photo: Arkansas Scottish Festival
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