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.

 

weekend events buzz

 

Thursday, Oct. 23

What: Brandon Burlsworth 2025 Legends Dinner

Where: Fayetteville Public Library

When: 6 p.m.

This year’s Legends Dinner will honor the winningest coach in Razorback Baseball history, Coach Norm DeBriyn, who guided the Hogs to the program’s first-ever NCAA Super Regional appearance. The event kicks off with a reception and silent auction. At 7 p.m., Found and CEO Marty Burlsworth will welcome the audience, and dinner will be served. At 7:40 p.m., it’s time to honor DeBriyn! You’ll hear about his devotion to his family, his love of the game, his love of giving back and some entertaining moments as well.

 

Thursday, Oct. 23

What: Fayetteville Haunts Ghost Walk of the Square

Where: Fayetteville Square

When: 7 p.m.

This 1.5-hour walking tour of downtown Fayetteville Square shares Fayetteville’s lesser-known haunted stories and recounts the tales of ghostly NWA legends from the archives! Miss the free FPL tour? Take this after-dark ghost tour to hear the NC-17 versions of local hauntings for $25/person… but bring a hand to hold!

 

Thursday, Oct. 23 – Friday, Oct. 24

What: 2025 Voices from Eureka’s Silent City – Evening Cemetery Tours

Where: Eureka Springs Cemetery

When: 5:30 p.m.

The theme of this year’s lantern-guided cemetery tours is “Dastardly Deeds and Untimely Demise!” This popular annual museum fundraiser is a unique evening experience, where actors portray the colorful characters from the city’s past while guiding you through the historic city cemetery and sharing the stories of their lives and times.

 

Thursday, Oct. 23 – Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Arkansas Elvis Festival

Where: Hot Springs Convention Center

When: Times vary

Elvis is back in the building! Get ready to shake, rattle and roll at the Arkansas Elvis Festival. Experience a dazzling showcase of talented Elvis tribute artists, live music and exciting competitions. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the King’s music, this event is sure to be a rockin’ good time.

 

Thursday, Oct. 23 – Saturday, Oct. 25 (runs through Jan. 4)

What: “Time Loop by Klip Collective: A Forest Light Experience”

Where: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)

When: Times vary by reservation

Designed exclusively for the museum’s North Forest, this outdoor, site-responsive experience features six immersive installations for you and your crew to explore. Witness the natural rhythms of the Earth brought to life, see yourself fractured across the surface of a broken time machine, marvel together at the movements of the forest in a landscape of light and more.

 

Thursday, Oct. 23 – Sunday, Oct. 26 (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. 23 – Sunday, Oct. 26 (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. 23 – Sunday, Oct. 26 (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. 24

What: Monster Bash 2025

Where: The Venue at Westwind (North Little Rock)

When: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Get ready to party with a purpose at Monster Bash 2025! Benefitting Home for Healing, the event’s highlights include a costume contest, music by DJ Derrick D (Razorback DJ), live and silent auctions, delicious food and spine-tingling drinks. Last year’s event raised over $240,000 for patients and caregivers. This year, let’s aim even higher!

 

Friday, Oct. 24

What: Halloween Express

Where: Creekmore Park (Fort Smith)

When: 5:30 p.m.

Bring the whole family out for free train rides on the Halloween Express, food, drinks and treats. It’s a frightfully fun time for all ages! And the best part? It’s completely FREE!

 

Friday, Oct. 24 – Saturday, Oct. 25

What: 3rd Annual Restore Yoga and Wellness Retreat

Where: Storm Creek Lake and Campground (Helena)

When: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday

The Restore retreat connects people to the restorative power of nature through yoga classes, wellness workshops, outdoor activities and community building. This year’s offerings include numerous yoga teachers from the greater Memphis and Delta region, each of whom brings their own special emphasis, a stress relief session with an integrated medicine practitioner, a workshop with a pelvic floor physical therapist and personal development workshops.

 

Friday, Oct. 24 – Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Bean Fest and Championship Outhouse Races

Where: Mountain View Square

When: 11 a.m. on Friday, 7 a.m. on Saturday

On Friday and Saturday, the town comes alive with the smell of 1,000 pounds of beans cooking in antique cast-iron pots around the court square. Teams of local chefs, some dressed in quirky costumes, compete for the title of “Best Beans” while the public enjoys free servings of beans and cornbread at noon. The excitement continues in the afternoon with the quirky and much-loved Outhouse Races. Watch teams race their handcrafted, “people-powered potties” through the streets, vying for the coveted Gold, Silver and Bronze toilet seat trophies and cash prizes. Don’t miss the Parade of Outhouses, where teams show off their decorated outhouses and spirited costumes before competing for the title of fastest privy in the Ozarks.

 

Friday, Oct. 24 – Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Tunnel of Terror

Where: Tommy’s Express (Benton, Conway, Jonesboro)

When: 7 p.m. to 9 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. 24 – Sunday, Oct. 26

What: “MRS. DOUBTFIRE”

Where: Robinson Center (Little Rock)

When: Times vary

Based on the beloved film, “MRS. DOUBTFIRE” tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. It’s “the lovable, big-hearted musical comedy we need right now,” raves the Chicago Tribune – one that proves we’re better together.

 

Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Oct. 26

What: Roguetoberfest

Where: The Rogue Roundabout (Conway)

When: Times vary by event

Oktoberfest is coming to downtown Conway for a weekend-long celebration complete with food, fun and lots of Roguetoberfest beer. Friday will feature a vendor market in the downtown area and live music through the night. Saturday will include line dancing lessons with Rowdy Roundabout Dancing. The Sunday of the fest is brunch bingo day, benefiting the United Way of Central Arkansas.

 

Friday, Oct. 24 – Sunday, Oct. 26

What: The Lantern Tour of Historic Downtown Conway

Where: Corner of Mill St. & Front St. (Conway)

When: 7 p.m.

Follow the soft glow of the guide’s lantern as you walk through Historic Downtown Conway for an evening filled with tales of murder, mystery, ghosts and more. This one-hour walking tour is the perfect way to get into the Halloween spirit and learn more about the captivating tales this town has to offer.

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Lost Forty Brewing’s Festival of Darkness: Rodeo of No Return

Where: East Village (Little Rock)

When: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Around 1,600 folks are expected at this celebration of dark beer, live music and, essentially, a Halloween carnival. Plus, the brewery’s limited-edition, barrel-aged Nighty Night imperial stout will make its debut at the event! More than 30 local and regional breweries, distilleries and wineries will be pouring from the beer garden; food trucks will be dispensing; live music will be playing; stilt walkers and fire-breathing circus artists will be making the rounds; and cash prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. Part of all event proceeds go to local nonprofits!

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: (V)Amp Out Alz 2025

Where: The Hall (Little Rock)

When: 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Amp Out Alz offers live music in a concert-style fundraiser, and all proceeds benefit Alzheimer’s Arkansas. This year is a Halloween-themed event! Live music will be provided by The Rocktown Sparks, and there will also be a silent auction.

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Dunbar OktoberFEST: Boots on the Ground

Where: Historic Daisy Bates & Chester St. (Little Rock)

When: 2 p.m.

Celebrate culture, creativity and community pride in the heart of Little Rock’s historic Dunbar neighborhood. This vibrant festival brings together live music, DJs, themed line dancing, couture fashion inspired by Senegal, local food trucks and a bustling community marketplace. Guests can compete in the “Best Boots on the Ground” outfit contest and enjoy a day filled with family fun, unity and heritage—all free to attend.

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Harvest Fest

Where: The Promenade at Chenal (Little Rock)

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Event highlights include professional fall photos, a pumpkin tree extravaganza, a petting zoo, painted pumpkins, a live beehive, plus the opportunity to shop for fresh veggies, fruits, pumpkins, honey and flowers while taste-testing fall treats and sips!

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: HaloWell Festival 2025

Where: Pettaway Square (Little Rock)

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Celebrate yourself with a day of healing, movement and meaningful experiences designed to nourish both body and spirit. Attendees can expect holistic healers and wellness providers, aerial and circus performances, yoga, meditation and workshops, local food and artisan vendors, community connection and creative expression.

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Toad Suck 4th Annual Halloween Spookfest

Where: Toad Suck Mini Golf (Conway)

When: 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This year’s event will feature the Jurassic Experience. A real-life Veloceraptor and her NEW BORN BABY SCOUT!! The Erie Egg HUNT will include over 2,000 goodies for the kids. You can bring your own bucket/basket, or one can be purchased for $4 at the event. There will also be three contests with prizes. The Glow Goblin Golf begins at 8 p.m. on a haunted course using glowing balls. Everyone playing receives a FREE glow stick!

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Empire Kids: Trunk or Treat 2025

Where: Empire Kids (Benton)

When: 5 p.m.

Get ready for a spooktacular evening of family fun at Empire Kids’ annual Trunk or Treat! The parking lot is being transformed into a festive Halloween wonderland with trick-or-treating from decked-out trunks, loads of candy and sweet surprises, fun games and inflatables, music, dancing and costume contests. There will also be food trucks and local treats, plus more fall fun for the whole family!

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Poppin’ into Fall-a-Palooza

Where: Our Savior Lutheran Church (Cabot)

When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This super fun fall event includes a Trunk-Or-Treat, live music, fun games, free food and more! There will be prize drawings for kids and adults to win prizes from the awesome local businesses! Golden tickets will be handed out for a top prize for kids. Those who bring their golden ticket from Cabot Fest will receive a bonus entry!

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: 5th Annual Fish-O-Ween

Where: 215 Family Park Rd (Hot Springs)

When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

It’s time for the 5th Annual Halloween Party and Fishing Derby at Family Park! Kids and teens are invited to join the event for games, snacks, crafts, lunch, a costume parade and more! Special guest Clinton Coleman will bring the tunes, and Crystal Bridges Mobile Art Lab will be there with the coolest crafts and activities. Oh, and Big Poppa Bubble will bring larger-than-life bubbles! Costumes are encouraged, but not required.

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Crawl-O-Ween Bar Crawl

Where: Downtown Bentonville

When: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Get spooky and social at the annual Crawl-o-Ween Bar Crawl! Dress up, hit the best bars on the Square, and enjoy Halloween-themed drinks, music and fun all night long. It’s the ultimate way to celebrate the season with friends and neighbors in downtown Bentonville.

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Brews with Moos

Where: Bentonville Brewing Company

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Perfect Picture Pony and Bentonville Brewing Co for a fun and unique event! Here’s your chance to cuddle, brush, and take selfies with mini highland and highpark moo, all while sipping on your favorite Bentonville Brewing Company Brew! This event is perfect for all ages!

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Goblin Run 5K

Where: Bentonville Square

When: 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Calling all ghosts, pirates, divas, ballerinas and all kinds of characters, this annual 5K is a fun and festive race that’s perfect for the entire family! You don’t want to miss it! The race begins and ends in Downtown Bentonville. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the race course due to safety concerns.

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

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.

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Springdale Halloween Fest

Where: Luther George Grove Street Park (Springdale)

When: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween with friends and family for a fun, FREE late afternoon and early evening in the beautiful, newly re-imagined Luther George Park. The event will consist of FREE candy giveaways for the kids, touch-a-truck, carnival games, costumes (and costume contest), the famous pumpkin drop and more!!

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Halloween Fright Fest

Where: West End Bar (Fayetteville)

When: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Throw on your BEST Halloween costume and get ready for an epic Scavenger Hunt up and down Dickson Street, followed by dancing and mingling at West End Bar’s massive rooftop patio—the largest in NWA! (Bonus: It’s right by the parking garage for easy access). Meet at West End Bar. Then, everyone will break into teams. The scavenger hunt starts at 7:30 p.m.! Not to mention, there will be costume contest prizes for the most unique individual costume, best duo costume and best group costume!

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Top Chef NWA 2025

Where: Walmart AMP (Rogers)

When: 6:30 p.m.

This first-class culinary competition is sure to send your taste buds on a retreat! Chefs will prepare dishes with meticulous care, showcasing complex flavors, textures and color combinations. The winner is determined by a panel of esteemed judges, plus attendees will vote on a crowd favorite. This is an interactive experience with chefs conversing and demonstrating their impressive culinary skills.

 

Saturday, Oct. 25

What: Zombie Crawl 2025

Where: Downtown Eureka Springs

When: Festivities begin at 12 p.m., parade starts at 6 p.m.

It’s time for Eureka Springs’ annual ZOMBIE INVASION. Bring your kids (and your brains) downtown for some frightening family fun! The Zombie Crawl Parade starts at 6 p.m., but you can gather downtown starting at 12 p.m. to listen to some spooky music, learn the Thriller dance, participate in the zombie scavenger hunt, shop at the Macabre Market, witness the spectacle of the Brain Buffet and explore the haunted town!

 

Saturday, Oct. 25 – Sunday, Oct. 26

What: Arkansas Paranormal Expo

Where: MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History (Little Rock)

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This year’s attractions include the first-ever Bigfoot Calling Contest, complete with prizes for the best calls and costumes. Visitors can also participate in raffles, psychic readings and shop from vendors indoors and outdoors. Food trucks will be on-site throughout the weekend, as well.

 

Saturday, Oct. 25 – Sunday, Oct. 26

What: Monster Match Pickleball Tournament

Where: Osage Park (Bentonville)

When: 7 a.m.

Get ready for two days of competitive pickleball, where strategy meets style on the court. Show off your pickleball skills, meet fellow Northwest Arkansas players and compete for prizes across divisions designed for all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pickleball pro or just starting your pickleball journey in NWA, there’s a place for you in this spooky Halloween pickleball showdown! Teams are encouraged to dress in costume for potential prizes!

 

Saturday, Oct. 25 – Sunday, Oct. 26 (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.

 

Sunday, Oct. 26

What: Trunk or Treat

Where: Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church (Little Rock)

When: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday School classes and individuals open their “trunks” and distribute candy to children who stop by to trick-or-treat. There will also be games, an inflatable and tons of candy! With more than 1,600 responses to the event page on Facebook, a huge turnout is expected!

 

Sunday, Oct. 26

What: ATB Fall Bash

Where: War Memorial Stadium (Little Rock)

When: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

All Time Bash (ATB) is an automotive tailgating event designed for the community, car and truck clubs, and families. It’s geared toward gathering the automotive community in a positive way and bringing people of all types together to cook out and kick back with their families! BBQ with your friends and family! Meet other people! See dope builds in progress! There will be hundreds of cars and hundreds of people!

 

RECURRING EVENTS

 

Photo Credit: Lost Forty’s Festival of Darkness
READ ALSO: Arkansas Filmmaker Weaves Real-Life Emotions Into Zombie Film