Southern Food Festivals in Arkansas

In The Natural State, food is serious business. Southern festivals and cook-offs are abundant, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to sample local favorites or showcase their cooking talents. In Arkansas, you'll truly find some of the most unique food festivals in the United States.

Praise the purple hull pea at the annual July festival in Emerson. Don't miss the World's Championship Steak Cook-off in Magnolia each May. Tout the tomato at the Pink Tomato Festival in Warren. Salute spinach in Alma, the "Spinach Capital of the World." Glorify the grape at the annual festivals held in Altus Wiederkehr Village and Tontitown. Marvel at the melons during Hope's annual Watermelon Festival. Rallies for rice, Arkansas's major crop -- are held in Weiner and Hazen. Take your secret recipe and join others in one of the many cook-offs held annually in Arkansas.

From gumbo to spinach to ribs, you'll find a cornucopia of challenges surrounding your favorite food or recipe. From chili to tomatoes to peaches, Arkansas is home to a virtual feast of southern festivals and cook-offs. You don't have to worry about leaving hungry!