What's Happening in 2026
From mountain trails and cultural milestones to major sporting events and new visitor experiences, Arkansas continues to build on its reputation as a place where outdoor adventure, creativity and heritage intersect. In 2026, developments across all six Arkansas Tourism regions highlight continued investment in arts and culture, recreation and community-driven experiences. Major highlights include the expansion of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, the opening of Arkansas’ first chairlift-served mountain bike park and the staging of the Bass Fishing World Championships in Hot Springs. Adding to the momentum, Arkansas was named one of the best places to visit in North America in 2026 by Condé Nast Traveler, reinforcing the state’s growing appeal on a national stage.
The Ozarks
Blending vibrant downtowns with the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains, the Ozarks region is one of Arkansas’ most dynamic destinations. Home to globally recognized cultural institutions, historic architecture and some of the state’s most extensive trail systems, the region offers a balance of arts, outdoor recreation and community-driven experiences. From Bentonville’s role as a hub for cycling and visual arts to Eureka Springs’ longstanding creative spirit, the Ozarks continue to evolve while staying rooted in the landscapes and culture that define the region.
What to Watch
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Expansion
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Location: Bentonville
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Opening: June 6-7, 2026
The expansion of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will increase the museum’s footprint by 50%, adding 114,000 square feet of new galleries, studios, dining options and event spaces, further strengthening Bentonville’s role as a national arts destination.
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Location: Bella Vista
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Opening: Summer 2026
Set to become Arkansas’ first chairlift-served mountain bike park, OZ Bike Park will feature approximately 20 miles of gravity trails for all skill levels, along with a restaurant, beer garden, bike shop and rental center.
Fayetteville Farmers Market Evening Market
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Location: Fayetteville
Beginning in 2026, the state’s longest-running farmers market will introduce a weekday evening market, expanding access to local food, crafts and community gathering opportunities.
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Location: Bentonville
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Date: October 3, 2026
The 1,000-mile Arkansas High Country Race will begin in Bentonville for the 2026 and 2027 editions, positioning the city as a starting point for one of the country’s most demanding ultra-distance gravel and mixed-surface cycling events.
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Location: Bentonville
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Opened: Late 2025
This luxury hotel offers amenities tailored to Bentonville’s cycling culture, including bike valet and secure storage, along with convenient access to nearby trails and downtown attractions.
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Location: Eureka Springs
Opera in the Ozarks has opened a new enclosed performance venue with scenic views, allowing for year-round programming and an expanded range of performances beyond traditional opera.
The River Valley
Stretching along the Arkansas River and home to Mount Magazine, the highest point in the state, the River Valley brings together outdoor adventure and frontier history. The region offers a mix of scenic landscapes and cultural exploration, from climbing and hiking in state parks to historic sites that reflect Fort Smith’s past. Continued updates to parks and visitor infrastructure in 2026 reinforce the River Valley’s appeal as a destination shaped by natural beauty and heritage.
What to Watch
Petit Jean State Park Enhancements
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Location: Morrilton
In 2026, Petit Jean State Park will add 35 new outdoor guided climbing routes through Frontier Climbing, along with the completion of a full renovation of the park’s historic Mather Lodge.
New Fort Smith Visitors Center
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Location: Fort Smith
Opened in December 2025, the new Fort Smith Visitors Center serves as a central gateway for travelers, offering trip planning services, interactive exhibits, wayfinding resources and on-site ambassadors.
The Ouachitas
One of the only mountain ranges in the country that runs east to west, the Ouachita Mountains shape much of western Arkansas. Forested ridgelines, scenic highways and clear lakes create a setting well suited for hiking, biking, fishing and camping. The region has long been associated with wellness and retreat, particularly in and around Hot Springs, where outdoor recreation and historic tourism intersect. In 2026, major events and milestone celebrations will bring renewed attention to the Ouachitas as a destination grounded in both tradition and outdoor exploration.
What to Watch
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Location: Hot Springs
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Date: August 11, 2026
Hot Springs will celebrate 150 years as an incorporated city, marking a major milestone for one of Arkansas’ most historic destinations.
Bass Fishing World Championships
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Location: Hot Springs
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Date: October 2-4, 2026
Hot Springs will host the Bass Fishing World Championships on Lake Hamilton, welcoming anglers from around the world to compete on one of the region’s signature lakes.
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Location: Mena
The Trails at Mena project outlines plans for a lift-served mountain bike and adventure park designed to connect the city of Mena with Queen Wilhelmina State Park. Once complete, the project is expected to become the largest lift-served mountain bike park in the world built specifically for mountain biking.
The Delta
Bordered by the Mississippi River, the Delta region tells a powerful story shaped by music, agriculture and generations of life along the river. Flat landscapes, historic towns and cultural landmarks reflect the influence of the river on daily life and creative expression, from blues heritage to farming traditions that continue today. In 2026, continued trail development and outdoor access projects will invite visitors to experience the Delta at a slower pace, with opportunities to explore the region’s history by foot or by bike.
What to Watch
Delta Heritage Trail State Park
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Location: Helena–West Helena
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Date: Portions opening throughout 2026
The Delta Heritage Trail rail-to-trail project will see major progress in 2026, with large sections of the planned 80-plus-mile hiking and cycling route opening to the public. The trail highlights Arkansas’ ongoing commitment to accessible outdoor recreation while connecting communities across the Delta.
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New Exhibit Location: Helena
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Date: January 9, 2026
The Delta Cultural Center opened a new exhibit on January 9 titled “Where the Waters Meet: Relic Boundaries in the Arkansas Delta,” featuring photographs taken across Phillips County and the surrounding region by artist Andrea A. Gluckman.
New Terminal at Jonesboro Municipal Airport
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Location: Jonesboro
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Date: Estimated completion in July 2026
The new terminal at Jonesboro Municipal Airport is expected to be completed mid-summer and will feature expanded passenger amenities, food service and upgraded TSA accommodations. The project replaces the previous terminal that was lost during a tornado in 2020.
Arkansas Graveler (Delta Blues Addition)
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Location: The Delta (host city announcements TBA)
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Date: October 6-10, 2026
The Arkansas Graveler introduces a new Delta blues-themed course in 2026, emphasizing the region’s music, food and community through live events along the route. This multi-day gravel cycling event attracts hundreds of riders, with participants representing more than 35 states in recent editions.
Central Arkansas
Centered around the state’s capital, Central Arkansas brings together government, culture and outdoor access in a way that shapes much of Arkansas’ identity. Riverfront parks, museums and performance venues sit alongside well-used trails and natural areas, making it easy to move between urban experiences and time outdoors. In 2026, new cultural landmarks and milestone anniversaries will add to the region’s role as both a gathering place and a gateway for exploring the rest of the state.
What to Watch
Crystal Bluffs Climbing Area at Big Rock Quarry
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Location: North Little Rock
Recently opened, the Crystal Bluffs climbing area introduces a new way to experience outdoor recreation in the city, expanding beyond biking and hiking to include climbing on a reclaimed quarry site.
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Location: North Little Rock
The ATG Music Pavilion will feature 21 large-scale bronze sculptures by Arkansas artist Kevin Kresse, each honoring influential Arkansas musicians and adding a new outdoor arts destination along the riverfront.
Arkansas Repertory Theatre 50th Anniversary Season
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Location: Little Rock
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Date: May–September 2026
The Arkansas Repertory Theatre will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a special season running from May through September, marking a major milestone for one of the state’s leading performing arts institutions.
The Timberlands
Covering much of southern Arkansas, The Timberlands are defined by dense forests, winding waterways and communities shaped by a strong connection to the land. Outdoor traditions such as hunting, fishing and nature exploration remain central to the region, while historic towns and cultural venues continue to evolve. In 2026, major investment in entertainment and hospitality will bring new energy to the Timberlands while reinforcing the region’s role as a destination rooted in heritage and outdoor experiences.
What to Watch
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Location: Pine Bluff
The Saracen Casino Resort will complete a major expansion adding a 14-story hotel and a new event center. The project includes more than 400,000 square feet of development, featuring a 320-room hotel and a 1,600-seat venue, representing one of the largest tourism investments in the region at over half a billion dollars.
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Location: Texarkana Regional Airport
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Date: June 27, 2026
Returning for the first time in 30 years, the Texarkana Airshow will take place at Texarkana Regional Airport as a joint effort between regional aviation, civic and educational partners. Scheduled for the weekend prior to America 250, the event will kick off Texarkana’s Independence Day celebrations with aerial performances and community programming.