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“October Fall Events Calendar – Van Buren & River Valley”
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Van Buren's Ultimate October Events Guide |
Pumpkin patches, haunted houses, farmers markets and more -- your one-stop guide to fall fun near Van Buren. |
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Looking for the best things to do this October near Van Buren, Arkansas? Our October Fall Events Calendar brings together the region’s top pumpkin patches, haunted houses, fall festivals, farmers markets, and family-friendly attractions — all within an easy drive of the River Valley.Whether you’re planning a weekend of pumpkin picking, a spooky haunted trail adventure, or browsing artisan booths at a local market, this guide highlights the can’t-miss events and seasonal activities happening around Van Buren this fall.Note:
*Events spanning multiple days or weekends are listed on their opening date and colored orange. Events with performances on several dates are in yellow.
*Please double check event sites prior to heading out to ensure dates and times have not changed.
*If you have an event we missed please let us know so we can let everyone know. Click Here to add an event. |
Farmland Adventures – Springdale, AR |
📅 September 5 – November 1, 2025 (Thu–Sat) ⏰ Thursdays (Oct only) 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Fridays 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Saturdays 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM 📍 5355 Parsons Rd, Springdale, AR 🎟 Admission: Ticketed (check website for pricing) 📑 More Info & Tickets A family-friendly fall destination with a giant corn maze, pumpkin patch, wagon rides, pony rides, petting farm, pig races, and more. Great for a day trip from Van Buren. |
McGarrah Farms / Rivercrest Orchard – Fall Festival |
📅 Sept – Oct (seasonal) Sept 13 - Nov 1 ⏰ Thurs & Fri afternoons, full weekend hours vary 📍 2991 S Dead Horse Mountain Rd, Fayetteville, AR 🎟 Admission: Varies by activity 📑 More Info Includes pumpkin picking, hayrides, zip lines, corn maze, bounce zones, fun family activities. |
Once: The Musical – Arts On Main @ King Opera House |
📅 Thu–Sun, Sept 25–28, 2025 ⏰ Thu–Sat 7:00 PM; Sun 2:00 PM 📍 King Opera House, 427 Main St, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: Ticketed 📑 More Info & Tickets Beloved, award-winning musical set in Dublin—intimate story, live on-stage music, and a limited four-performance run. |
Wait Until Dark – Fort Smith Little Theatre |
📅 Sept 25–Oct 4, 2025 ⏰ Evenings: Sept 25, 26, 27 & Oct 1–4; Matinee: Sept 28 📍 Fort Smith Little Theatre, 401 N 6th St, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Opening Night $20; other nights $13 :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} 📑 More Info & Tickets A tense thriller in darkness—Susy, a blind woman, must outwit con men in a deadly game when the lights go out. |
Fort Smith Farmers Market – Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith |
📅 Saturdays year-round; Wednesdays (seasonal) ⏰ 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 North 2nd Street & Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Free to attend (vendor prices vary) 📑 More Info A community farmers market with fresh produce, baked goods, local artisan crafts, and seasonal vendors. Wednesday service is seasonal; Saturdays remain active even into cooler months. |
Asylum X Haunted House (Downtown Fort Smith) |
Date/Time: Sep 26–Nov 15 (Fridays & Saturdays), 6:00 PM–Midnight Summary: High-intensity haunted house with optional add-ons like Monster Lights and Touch Pass. |
Honeyhill Pumpkin Patch Opening Day (Poteau, OK) |
Honeyhill Pumpkin Patch Opening Day (Poteau, OK)Date/Time: Sat, Sep 27, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (season continues; check hours) Summary: Classic pumpkin patch fun with hayrides and photo ops—a close, family-friendly option near Van Buren. |
Fig Swap – The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing |
📅 Sunday, September 28, 2025 ⏰ 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM 📍 The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardener Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Adults $5, Children 13 & under Free 📑 RSVP / More Info Bring your propagated potted figs to swap with other fig enthusiasts. Meet fellow fig lovers and exchange tips, varieties, and techniques; door prizes included. No selling allowed; free swap. Fig tasting & plant swap begins at 2 PM, tours of the Fig Trial at 3 PM. |
Painted Pumpkin Contest – Fort Smith Animal Haven |
📅 Entry Dates: October 1 – October 25, 2025 (Winners announced October 26) ⏰ Drop off during shelter hours (fill out entry form on site) 📍 Fort Smith Animal Haven, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Free to enter (paint only, no carved pumpkins) 📑 More Info Get creative and paint pumpkins to look like furry friends! Age groups: K–4th, 5th–8th, 9th–12th, and Adult. Winners receive Cherry Berry gift cards. Pumpkins decorate the shelter through Halloween. |
Forest Fears Haunted Attraction – Van Buren, AR |
📅 Open Fridays & Saturdays: Oct 3–4, Oct 10–11, Oct 17–18, Oct 24–25, Oct 31–Nov 1, 2025 ⏰ 7:00 PM – 12:00 Midnight 📍 3138 Dora Rd, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: $20 per person 📑 More Info Step into the woods where your darkest fears come alive. This haunted attraction runs every Friday and Saturday night in October (plus Halloween night and Nov 1). Do you dare enter? |
River Valley Nightmare (Fort Smith) |
Date/Time: Fridays & Saturdays in October — Oct 3 & 4 (7–11 PM), Oct 10 & 11 (7–11 PM), Oct 17, 18, 24, 25 (7 PM–Midnight). Trail opens 8 PM. Summary: Outdoor haunted trail (½-mile) with live entertainment, food & beverages, and special themed nights. |
The Patch at Lost Hwy Farms – Shady Point, OK |
📅 October 2 – November 2, 2025 (Thu–Sun) ⏰ 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM 📍 26037 Calhoun Rd, Shady Point, OK 🎟 Admission: $5 (Children 2 & under free) 📑 Updates & Info Call: 307-337-8602 Pumpkin patch with sunflower maze, farm games, antique tractors, corn pit, photo setups, and educational tours—open every Thu–Sun during the season. |
Fort Smith Fall Festival (Downtown Fort Smith) |
Date/Time: Sat, Oct 4, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Summary: Free museum admissions, trolley rides, historic reenactments, kids’ crafts, food trucks, vendors, and live music—across downtown. |
Shine On Festival – Fort Chaffee / Fort Smit |
📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025 ⏰ Approx. 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (some sources list 12:30–1:30 PM) 📍 Fort Chaffee Entertainment District / Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Ticketed (details TBD) 📑 More Info & Tickets A lively festival celebrating moonshine tradition with live music, comedy, artisan vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly street performers. Fort Smith Harley-Davidson will be involved. |
4th Annual Giving Festival – Benefiting The Artemis Project |
📅 Sunday, October 5, 2025 ⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM 📍 First Christian Church, 3501 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Free to attend (vendors donate a portion of proceeds) 📑 Text 479-719-5205 to Apply as a Vendor A pet-friendly fall festival with vendors, raffles, adoptions, food trucks, and photo ops. Local businesses can connect with the community while giving back to help animals through The Artemis Project. |
Fayetteville Falltoberfest – Dickson Street, Fayetteville |
📅 Sunday, October 5, 2025 ⏰ 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM 📍 Dickson Street (Upper Ramble + 7 blocks), Fayetteville, AR 🎟 Admission: Free / All ages welcome 📑 More Info & Schedule Celebrate fall with live music across multiple stages, a German traditions tent, Dogtoberfest & Mr. Oktoberfest pageants, art & hands-on activities, non-alcoholic cocktail showcases, and local vendors along Dickson Street. |
Adult Basic Paddling Series – Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center |
📅 Mondays: October 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2025 ⏰ Times vary by session 📍 Locations in Sebastian & Crawford Counties (details provided upon registration) 🎟 Admission: Free (participants must be 18+; life jacket & Arkansas Fishing License required) 📑 Register via Email Learn paddling basics in this four-session series for adults. Bring your own life jacket and Arkansas Fishing License. Registration required—email Kendra Ingle at kendra.ingle@agfc.ar.gov to reserve your spot. |
Junie B. Jones Jr. – The Musical @ King Opera House |
📅 Thu–Sat, Oct 9–11, 2025 ⏰ Thu 7:00 PM; Fri 7:00 PM; Sat 2:00 PM 📍 King Opera House, 427 Main St, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: Ticketed 📑 Tickets (Ludus) | Show Details Family-friendly, one-hour musical based on Barbara Park’s books—perfect for kids’ first theater experience. |
Peacemaker Music Festival – Fort Smith, AR |
📅 October 10–11, 2025 ⏰ All day (schedule varies by artist) 📍 Riverfront Amphitheater, 121 Riverfront Dr, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Single day ~$59.50 / Weekend ~$69.50 📑 More Info & Tickets A two-day music festival on the banks of the Arkansas River featuring Country, Rock, Blues, Red Dirt and Americana acts. Partial proceeds donated to local charities. |
Popcorn & Pumpkins: Little Ones & Loved Ones (Fort Smith) |
Date/Time: Fri, Oct 10, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM Summary: Free family morning at the Nature Center—arts & crafts, games, snacks, and pumpkin fun for little ones. |
Family Bonfire Night – Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center |
📅 Friday, October 10, 2025 ⏰ 6:00 PM 📍 Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Rd, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Free (no registration required) 📑 More Info Enjoy an evening around the bonfire with s’mores, blankets, and good company. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and roasting sticks for a cozy, family-friendly night under the stars. |
Artist Spotlight – Michael Warrick: “Spirits” Exhibition |
📅 Opening Reception: Friday, October 10, 2025 ⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Free (light refreshments provided) 📑 More Info Arkansas Living Treasure Michael Warrick presents “Spirits,” a new exhibition of narrative and abstract portraits exploring transformation, identity, and memory. Opening reception with the artist on October 10; on view through February 8, 2026. |
Van Buren Fall Festival (Historic Main Street) |
Date/Time: Sat, Oct 11, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM & Sun, Oct 12, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Summary: Downtown street festival featuring handmade crafts, vendors, food, and family fun along Main Street. |
United Way Pickleball Open – Ben Geren Park |
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025 ⏰ Tournament times vary (check registration details) 📍 Ben Geren Park, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Free to watch; player registration required 📑 More Info & Registration Join the United Way of Fort Smith Area for their Pickleball Open presented by ABB. Players of all skill levels welcome; proceeds support community programs. |
Ongoing Exhibition – Michael Warrick: “Spirits” at Fort Smith Regional Art Museum |
📅 On View: October 11, 2025 – February 8, 2026 ⏰ Regular Museum Hours (check website) 📍 Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Free 📑 More Info Arkansas Living Treasure Michael Warrick’s “Spirits” exhibition continues at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, featuring narrative and abstract portraits exploring transformation, identity, and memory. Sponsored by First National Bank, Arcbest & The Dr. Henry J. Udouj Jr. Family. |
Bonanza City Wide Yard Sale – Bonanza, AR |
📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025 ⏰ Starts 7:00 AM CDT 📍 Bonanza City Park & adjacent parking lots, Bonanza, AR 🎟 Admission: Free (no permits required) 📑 More Info Community-wide yard sale across Bonanza: set up where you like (especially near city park), browse bargains all morning. |
$5 Movie Night: The Princess Diaries – King Opera House |
📅 Tuesday, October 14, 2025 ⏰ 6:00 PM 📍 King Opera House, 427 Main St, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: $5 📑 Series Page Fan-favorite comedy kicks off October’s $5 movie nights in the historic downtown theater. |
$5 Movie Night: Practical Magic – King Opera House |
📅 Thursday, October 16, 2025 ⏰ 6:00 PM 📍 King Opera House, 427 Main St, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: $5 📑 Series Page Seasonal favorite with magical vibes—perfect for a fall night out downtown. |
Murder & Mayhem (Fort Smith Museum of History) |
Murder & Mayhem (Fort Smith Museum of History)Date/Time: Oct 17, 18 & 25 (evening); Halloween Night special on Oct 31. Summary: Step into Fort Smith’s haunted past with ghost stories, eerie legends, and chilling history on a ticketed nighttime tour. |
Chili Supper & Pie Auction – Robert Jack VFW Post 1322 Auxiliary |
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025 ⏰ 5:00 PM 📍 Crawford County Emergency Operations Center, 1820 Chestnut St, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: $5 per person (Children under 2 free) 📑 More Info Enjoy a homemade chili supper and pie auction benefitting Operation Christmas to support local veterans and families. Hosted by Robert Jack VFW Post 1322 Auxiliary. |
Keep Van Buren Beautiful – Dumpster & Electronic Waste Event |
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025 ⏰ Starts 8:00 AM (fills up before noon) 📍 2804 Industrial Park Rd, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: Free community drop-off event 📑 More Info Bring your electronic waste for responsible disposal. Event starts at 8 AM and usually fills before noon, so arrive early. Hosted by Keep Van Buren Beautiful. |
Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisans Market – Fort Smith, AR |
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025 ⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 📍 Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith, AR (near Wells Lake Rd) 🎟 Admission: Free to attend (vendor prices vary) 📑 More Info A vibrant outdoor market featuring local food producers, artisans, crafters, and seasonal vendors at historic Chaffee Crossing. |
Hot Rods & Harleys – Fort Smith Harley-Davidson |
📅 Saturday & Sunday, October 18–19, 2025 ⏰ Sat 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun until 3:00 PM 📍 Fort Smith Harley-Davidson, 6304 South 36th Street, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Free to attend (vehicle entrants likely need registration) 📑 More Info & Event Calendar The 2nd Annual Fall Car, Truck, & Bike show features hot rods, Harleys, vendor booths, food, and a fun community atmosphere. Come join the auto and motorcycle celebration. |
Hoppy Hour Comedy Show – Fort Smith Brewing Co. |
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025 ⏰ 7:30 PM 📍 Fort Smith Brewing Company, 7500 Fort Chaffee Blvd, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: $20 per person 📑 More Info A night of stand-up featuring Chase Myska, Kelly Collum, Lucas Aaron Smith, and Bair. Grab a brew and enjoy laughs at Fort Smith Brewing Company’s Hoppy Hour Comedy Show. |
VBHS Fall Festival – Van Buren High School |
📅 Thursday, October 23, 2025 ⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM 📍 VBHS Commons, Van Buren, AR (Parking & entry on the east side) 🎟 Admission: Free 📑 More Info Family-friendly fall festival with games, face painting, and a petting zoo. Costume contest at 6:30 PM with categories for kids 0–6, kids 7–12, big dogs 13+, and group themes. |
Van Buren Housing Authority Fall Festival (Community Center) |
Van Buren Housing Authority Fall Festival (Community Center)Date/Time: Thu, Oct 23, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM Summary: Free, family-friendly evening with food, games, hayrides, face painting and more. |
Bethesda Church Trunk or Treat – Van Buren |
📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 ⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM 📍 3928 Industrial Park Rd, Van Buren, AR 72956 🎟 Admission: Free 📑 More Info Family-friendly trunk-or-treat with decorated car trunks, candy, and community fun hosted at Bethesda Church. |
Coughran’s Hot Rod Car Show – Downtown Van Buren |
📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 ⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (check for updates) 📍 Main Street Historic District, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: Free for spectators (entry fee for cars) 📑 More Info Annual downtown car show featuring classic and custom hot rods, food vendors, music, and family-friendly activities along Main Street. |
Arkansas CASA “Jeepers Creepers” Crawlin’ for Kids – Ben Geren Park |
📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 ⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 Ben Geren Park Tornado Shelter, 7200 Zero St, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Free to the community (Jeep Show entry $40) 📑 More Info Family-friendly Jeep show and festival benefiting CASA. Enjoy local vendors, food trucks, a silent auction, and a safe trunk-or-treat. Jeep show prizes include Best Halloween Theme, Best Vintage, and Best Off-Road Ready Jeep. |
$5 Movie Night: The Phantom of the Opera – King Opera House |
📅 Tuesday, October 28, 2025 ⏰ 6:00 PM 📍 King Opera House, 427 Main St, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: $5 📑 Series Page A gothic classic screened in a gorgeous 19th-century opera house—chef’s kiss. |
River Valley Misfit Jeeps Trunk or Treat – Van Buren, AR |
📅 Wednesday, October 29, 2025 ⏰ 7:30 PM (Jeepers set up at 6:00 PM) 📍 Lowe’s Parking Lot, 2120 Fayetteville Rd, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: Free 📑 More Info Don’t miss the ghoul-ed out Jeeps, buckets of candy, and non-candy treats for those with dietary restrictions. A fun, safe trunk-or-treat event for the whole family. |
$5 Movie Night: Frankenstein – King Opera House |
📅 Thursday, October 30, 2025 ⏰ 6:00 PM 📍 King Opera House, 427 Main St, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: $5 📑 Series Page Halloween-week classic to wrap the October lineup—grab popcorn and a spooky sweater. |
The Poe Showe / Nevermore: The Poe Experience – Skokos Center / Rudy Ruins |
📅 October 30 – November 2, 2025 ⏰ Evening performances (times vary by night) 📍 Rudy Ruins (Rudy, AR) / produced by Skokos Performing Arts Center 🎟 Admission: Ticketed (reservations required) 📑 More Info & Tickets An immersive dinner-theater experience based on Poe’s works (The Raven, Annabel Lee, Mask of the Red Death, etc.), with a special late-night show on Halloween. |
No Scare Night – Asylum X Haunted House |
📅 Thursday, October 30, 2025 ⏰ 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 223 N 10th St, Downtown Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Tickets required (lights-on walk, no actors) 📑 More Info & Tickets Enjoy a behind-the-scenes walkthrough of the haunted house with lights on—no actors, no jump scares—just the amazing set design and props in full view. |
Halloween on Main – Downtown Van Buren |
Halloween on Main – Downtown Van Buren 📅 Thursday, October 31, 2025 ⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM 📍 Main Street Historic District, Van Buren, AR 🎟 Admission: Free 📑 More Info Family-friendly trick-or-treating, costumes, games, and activities along historic Main Street — merchants and local groups hand out candy. |
ICA Art & Design Fall Festival – Institute for the Creative Arts |
📅 Thursday, October 31, 2025 ⏰ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 📍 Institute for the Creative Arts, 1101 Riverfront Drive, Fort Smith, AR 🎟 Admission: Free 📑 Email info@icafortsmith.org for Details Celebrate Halloween night with trunk-or-treat, carnival games, food, prizes, and more at the Institute for the Creative Arts Fall Festival in downtown Fort Smith. |
Greenwood Fall Festival (Bell Park, Greenwood) |
Greenwood Fall Festival (Bell Park, Greenwood)Date/Time: Sat, Nov 1, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM Summary: Community celebration with arts & crafts vendors, food, entertainment, inflatables, hayrides, and games. |
First Saturday Tradin’ Days – Waldron, AR |
📅 Saturday, October 4, 2025 (recurring first Saturdays) ⏰ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM 📍 Downtown Waldron, AR (about 50 minutes from Van Buren) 🎟 Admission: Free to attend (vendor prices vary) 📑 More Info A long-running open-air market with crafts, antiques, produce, and seasonal items. Perfect for treasure hunters and bargain shoppers. |
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