This October is a great time to get the entire family out and about to enjoy The Natural State. In Eastern Arkansas, these fun events offer something for everyone.

Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas celebrates the season with the Ghosts of Davidsonville Fall Festival on Oct. 10. There’s a chill in the air, color in the trees, and pumpkins decorating our doorsteps…time for some fall fun! Activities include musical performances, games, face painting, costume contests, carnival food and, of course, the historic hayride around the Davidsonville town site and through the decorated campground. This event is perfect for the entire family. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 for more information.

Parker Pioneer Homestead in Harrisburg hosts the Homestead Festival on Oct. 10-11 and Oct. 17-18. The event is a wonderful way to experience pioneer life. Activities include wagon rides, sorghum making, kettle corn popping, broom making, hay baling, cross cut sawing, and various demonstrations throughout the day. 

Powhatan and Northeast Arkansas have a long, rich history, so it only makes sense that there are probably a few ghosts still wandering around. Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan offers Ghost Walks on Oct. 17. The park’s century-old buildings, the nearby Black River and the old cemeteries play host to a number of Powhatan’s ghost stories, folktales and legends. What makes the rattling in the jail? Who is that you see in the second story window of the courthouse as you drive by at night? Join park staff for a Ghost Walk, and get introduced to the spirits and spine-tingling tales of ghostly happenings! These ghostly tales may very well be hauntingly true, or more likely just flights of fancy. That decision is yours. 

It’s the 19th annual Fall Festival in Lake Village on Oct. 23-24. This family-friendly event offers fun activities for everyone. This year’s schedule includes a pancake breakfast, a 5K run/walk, a tractor show, live music, a dog show, activities just for the kids, carnival rides and more. 

If you have a budding chef in the family, this is a great opportunity for your future Julia Child or Guy Fieri! Jacksonport State Park in Newport offers a Kid’s Campfire Cooking Workshop on Oct. 24. Campfire cooking can be fun and exciting for the entire family, whether camping at an Arkansas State Park or hanging out in your own backyard. This workshop is designed for kids ages 8-12 and is an excellent workshop for kids, parents, and grandparents to do together!