Old Fashioned Day

The 52nd Annual Old Fashioned Day will return to downtown Benton at the Saline County Courthouse on Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. With free admission, the event will bring a full day of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, local vendors, and small-town tradition to the heart of the community.

This year's theme, "Stars, Stripes, and Small-Town Vibes," celebrates the spirit of community, patriotism, and the traditions that have made Old Fashioned Day a staple in Benton for over five decades.

This year's festival will continue to build on its strong tradition while introducing exciting additions for attendees of all ages. Highlights include an expanded Kids Zone in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Saline County, offering more activities and engagement for families. Live entertainment will feature regional favorites Copper Flats as the headline act, along with Arkansas Country Music Award-nominated artist Casey Penn. The return of the crowd-favorite pancake breakfast will also add to the day's lineup.

Organizers are also working to bring back festival favorites from years past while introducing new elements that celebrate the area's heritage. Plans are underway to incorporate displays such as antique tractors and similar exhibits that reflect the community's agricultural roots and add to the overall experience.

"We're excited about the direction Old Fashioned Day is heading this year," said Dustin Parsons, event organizer. "This event has always been about community, and we're continuing to grow it in ways that make it even more meaningful for families while still supporting an incredible cause. The 'Stars, Stripes, and Small-Town Vibes' theme really captures what this day is all about."
The festival is expected to feature more than 100 vendors, including handmade goods, crafts, and local businesses, along with a variety of food vendors offering something for everyone. Each year, thousands of attendees gather in downtown Benton to enjoy the event's unique mix of entertainment, shopping, and community spirit.
New Attractions Include:
Bare Metals Forge will be on-site with their traveling blacksmith forge, offering free hands-on forging experiences for kids and adults. Learn the timeless art of blacksmithing, watch hot steel transformed before your eyes, and even try your hand at the forge. They're all about preserving tradition, teaching craftsmanship, and creating memories that last a lifetime.

Lazy H Farms Leatherworks will showcase beautiful, handcrafted leather goods made with pride, skill, and Christian values. Every piece reflects years of dedication to quality craftsmanship and a commitment to honoring God through their work. You'll be able to see authentic leatherworking up close and take home something truly special.

The Central Arkansas Two-Cylinder Club will be bringing a collection of antique tractors, farm implements, and stationary engines. Founded in 1992, this group is passionate about preserving the equipment that helped shape Arkansas agriculture and sharing that history with future generations.