October's Travelin’ Central Arkansas: Events Taking Place During October

Kerry Kraus, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

Tweet line: Check out October Events in Central Arkansas: http://ow.ly/2FSR8

Note to the Print and Broadcast Media:

In order to better serve your needs and to keep you from getting extremely long documents from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, we have decided to break down our Travelin’ Arkansas release into regions organized by date. This way you will be able to look only at the areas you are interested in covering. The territories covered in Travelin' Arkansas adhere to the six geographical regions found in the Arkansas Tour Guide. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: communications@arkansas.com or 501-682-7606.

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Motorcyclists are invited to ROAR into Toad Suck Oct. 1-3 in Conway. This family-oriented rally features vendors, live music from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Breaking Eden and others, and an antique bike show. In addition, there are Harley-Davidson test rides, a “ride-in” bike show, and two poker runs. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Bethlehem House in Conway. The event, sponsored by ABATE District 17 (Arkansas Bikers Aiming Toward Education), takes place in Simon Park and admission is free. Call 501-450-0745 for more information.

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October 2 brings Opening Night of Philip Mann’s first season as conductor of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Pianist Kevin Cole is the featured artist and selections include Bernstein's Overture to Candide, Gershwin's Piano Concerto in F, and Dvorak's Symphony No. 9 - From the New World. An additional performance is on Oct. 3. The concert is at Robinson Center Music Hall at Markham and Broadway in downtown Little Rock. Tickets are $20 and up, $10 for students. Visit www.ArkansasSymphony.org for more information.

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Jacksonville has a big family event, the 12th annual Wing Ding Festival, on Oct. 2. Crafts, food and lots of music and entertainment take place. Activities just for children, including an area for inflatables, are also scheduled. One of the highlights is the chicken wing cook-off where spectators can sample the end product. It's held at 1700 Redmond Road. Visit www.jacksonvillesoars.com for more information or phone 501-982-1511.

While you’re in Jacksonville, check out the 38th annual Central Arkansas Gem and Mineral Show at the Community Center. It begins on Oct. 2 and runs through Oct. 3. More than 100 tables with minerals, gems, lapidary, jewelry beads and fossils are on-site along with more than 20 dealers. A kids’ dig, demonstrations, exhibits, and door prizes are also a part of the event. The grand prize is a large amethyst cathedral. Visit www.centralarrockhound.org or phone 501-821-2346 for more information.

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The unofficial “official” nut of the South – the pecan – gets its due in Keo with the annual Fall Daze and Pecan Festival. The variety of events planned for Oct. 2 include children’s games and activities with prizes, and a car, truck and motorcycle show with awards. Proceeds benefit the Keo Fire Department. Historic Main Street is where all the action takes place. For more information call 501-842-0100.

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The regular baseball season may be over but the fun at Dickey-Stephens Park continues into fall with the Family Fun Fest on Oct. 2. Over 100 commercial vendors with a variety of services comprise Market Row and the park concession stands offer refreshments. A wide range of entertainers perform on the Main Stage and a jam-packed Kids/Teen Zone keep the younger family members busy. Included are a rock climbing wall, inflatables, a fast-pitch clock, gaming stations, spin art, face painting, and small animals and reptiles from the Arkansas Museum of Discovery. Visit www.nlrfamilyfunfest.org for a full schedule of events. Admission is $3 at the gate with ages 12 and under admitted free. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The ball park is located at 400 West Broadway in downtown North Little Rock.

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Chinese artistry comes to Conway on Oct. 5 with the Cirque Shanghai Bai Xi. This visually spectacular production features the intricacy of acrobatics, folkloric pageantry, contemporary dance and martial arts highlighted by colorful costumes. Performances are both on stage and in the air and include computerized lighting and tuneful orchestrations. The show takes place at Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA Campus at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $40. For additional information, phone 501-450-3682.

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On Oct. 8, 9 and 10, you and your family can take part in a rare evening of overnight camping at Pinnacle Mountain State Park. You'll learn the basics of camping and how to enjoy the outdoors during TENTing at the Mountain. The event focuses on the Traveling Educational Nature Trailer (T.E.N.T), which is full of gear needed for a campout. Park interpreters explain how each piece is used then participants put those tips to use by enjoying a rare overnight outing at the day-use-only park. The fee includes use of the equipment and food. Space is limited and required reservations can be made by calling 501-868-5806. Pinnacle Mountain is located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road in west Little Rock.

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Billed at the state’s largest entertainment event, the Arkansas State Fair rolls around for the 71st time Oct. 8-17 in Little Rock. Headliners on the Wendy’s Main Stage this year include eighties hard rock band Tesla, country performer Joe Diffie, rising country star Easton Corbin, American Idol finalist Bucky Covington, and legendary Canadian rock band Loverboy. Local and regional performers are The Meanies, the Luke Williams Band, Zack Williams & The Reformation, Cody Belew & the Mercers, and Canvas. In addition, the Colgate Country Showdown Arkansas Finals take place. Other attractions are a 10-acre midway filled with carnival rides, games, and amusements, over 50 food booths, and livestock shows with more than 10,000 entries. A demolition derby and two nights of professional bull-riding add more excitement. Competitions in arts and crafts, amateur and commercial wine, monster trucks and demolition derby competitions are scheduled. Admission is $8 for adults; $4 for children with those under 6 years admitted free. Tickets for senior citizens ages 60 and up are $4. Visit www.arkansasstatefair.com for a detailed list of events or call 501-372-8341 for more information.

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Benton celebrates autumn as it has for the past 35 years with this year’s annual Old Fashioned Day, Saturday, Oct. 9. The picturesque courthouse square is the center of activities including arts and crafts, an antique tractor and engine show, a skillet throwing contest, and a cake and pie sale. Games for children, face painting, hay rides and gospel music are also on the schedule. For additional information phone 501-315-0645.

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Many years ago, the Plum Bayou people occupied the site now known as Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park. The tribe made everything they used by hand out of necessity. On Oct. 9, the park hosts a Pottery Workshop where attendees learn their techniques for making earthenware. Park personnel also share information about the use of pots in Native American culture. Everyone will make and take home two pots. Families are welcome. Reservations and an advance deposit are required. Admission price is $15 and the event is at the park visitor center. More details are obtainable by calling 501-961-9442.

As of November 2022, Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park has been renamed Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park. For more information, click here.

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The thriving Central Arkansas community of Cabot celebrates each October with Cabotfest. The festivities take place downtown on Second Street Oct. 9. A large variety of food and drink, entertainment, games, rides, booths, children's activities, and motorcycle and car shows are on tap at this family-oriented festival. Contact the chamber of commerce at 501-843-2136 for more information.

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The Little Rock Air Force Base is rarely accessible to the general public but the facility opens its gates Oct. 9 and 10 as it hosts its Open House and Air Show. Headlining the event is the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, now in their 57th show season. Thunderbird No. 6 is piloted by Hot Springs native Maj. Rick Goodman, one of the current group of air aces. Spectators can expect amazing aerial and ground events from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces from varying eras. In what is known as a "combat capabilities" exercise, the LRAFB C-130 aircraft crew demonstrate combat maneuvers: paratroopers jumping in an exciting display of military power, and the dropping of heavy equipment and other cargo. The Little Rock Air Force Base is the world’s largest C-130 installation. It is located at 840 Leadership Drive in Jacksonville. For additional details visit www.littlerock.af.mil or phone 501-987-3601.

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The Arkansas Fallen Heroes Memorial Motorcycle Run, a ride to honor and remember, is Oct. 9 in Central Arkansas. An 8 a.m. registration takes place at the New Life Church at 8000 Crystal Hill Road in North Little Rock. The memorial run begins from that location at noon. The cyclists escort families of the fallen to Toad Suck Park in Conway where the commemoration service begins at 2:30 p.m. Entry fee for those wanting to ride is $20 per person and includes a t-shirt, an event pin, and a chance for a $300 high roll and a $100 low roll. More information is available from Rob Hopper by calling 870-208-7909.

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Country music superstar Carrie Underwood’s “Play on Tour” makes a stop at North Little Rock’s Simmons Bank Arena on Oct. 12. Appearing with Underwood in the 7 p.m. concert are special guest Billy Currington and Sons of Sylvia.

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What play better fits the Halloween season than The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? The Royal Players in Benton present live performances of the science fiction thriller written by Noah Smith, based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella. Dates are Oct. 14-24 with show times at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens and $5 for students. The Royal Theatre is located at 111 South Market Street in Benton. Reservations can be made online at www.theroyalplayers.com.

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Lace up those walking and/or running shoes and hit the streets of Central Arkansas as part of the 17th annual Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure®, Oct. 16. The Komen race is the largest 5K series in the world and the Arkansas event is one of the best attended in the country. As is tradition, a Race for the Cure Pasta Party is the night before, Oct. 15. Romano’s Macaroni Grill provides the carbs for the chow-down at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock with music performed by The Rockets. Admission is $20.

Saturday is race day beginning at 8 a.m. at the intersection of Broadway and 2nd Street in downtown Little Rock. The course takes participants over the Arkansas River to North Little Rock, then back across, ending at Capital Avenue and Broadway. Additional activities include an expo area, live entertainment, give-a-ways, 5K and 2K walks, and the survivor parade. Proceeds go toward breast cancer research, treatment, education and screening programs. Early registration fees are $26, $30 day of the race. Visit www.komenarkansas.org for more information or to sign-up online. You can also call 501-202-4399.

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Pinnacle Mountain State Park invites you to a Rendezvous and Fall Festival on Oct. 16-17. The West Summit Picnic Area is where mountain men and pioneer re-enactors, along with Native Americans, have their camps and presentations of life in frontier Arkansas. Lots of food, music and activities for the whole family also take place. The park is located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road in west Little Rock. Admission is free but there is a charge for parking. For more information, call 501-868-5806.

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Come dressed in your Halloween finest and listen to spooky favorites during the Halloween Spookfest, Oct. 16-17. Selections from Star Wars, ET, Harry Potter, Frankenstein, and others are performed by the Arkansas Symphony. Take part in the costume contest. Members of the orchestra are in holiday attire as well. Admission prices begin at $20, $10 for students. The concerts are at Robinson Center Music Hall, Markham and Broadway in downtown Little Rock. For more information visit www.ArkansasSymphony.org or call 501-666-1761.

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Jacksonville’s Trash to Treasure Community Yard Sale on Oct. 16 is like having eBay and Craigslist all rolled into one big event. Visitors can check the merchandise in person during this city-wide shopping extravaganza held at the Dupree Park parking lot. Open to buyers and sellers alike, it’s a great place to find a bargain or get rid of things you no longer need. Dupree Park is located at 1700 Redmond Road. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 501-982-4171 for additional information.

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All the beauty and festivities of fall are showcased at Wildwood Park for the Arts during the annual Harvest! Festival, Oct. 16-17. The family event celebrates the glorious colors, aromas, foods, and traditions of autumn in Arkansas. Take part in hayrides to Pumpkin Hill, enjoy crafts and kids activities. One of the highlights is the Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championship which includes flatpick, mandolin, banjo and bluegrass band, with fiddle contest divisions from peewee to senior. Grammy-nominated Mountain Heart performs following the competition with an opening act by Truegrass. A culinary competition judged by local chefs and food experts is open to all cooks. The harvest-oriented theme this year is corn. Categories for submission are appetizers, casserole/main dish, and miscellaneous. Both contests have cash prizes. Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12 with those ages five and under admitted free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Wildwood is located at 20919 Denny Road in west Little Rock. Visit www.wildwoodpark.org or call 501-821-7275 for more information.

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Syndicated columnist Dave Barry takes the stage Oct. 19 in Conway as part of the University of Central Arkansas Distinguished Lecture Series. Barry, whose musings are humorous looks at life, won a 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary. Author of 30 books, Barry’s writings served as the basis for the CBS television sitcom “Dave’s World.” Admission is $15 for the event which is held in the Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus. Call 501-450-3682 for more details. Visit www.uca.edu/Reynolds to purchase tickets online.

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Excitement is brewing at the Little Rock Zoo so it must mean it’s time for Boo at the Zoo. Billed as the state’s largest Halloween festival, the event takes place Oct. 21-24 and Oct. 28-31. Don your scariest outfit and celebrate with animals and spooks. New on the schedule this year are the Haunted Veldt Walkway and a haunted house. Hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and there is a $5 admission fee. While you’re there, don’t forget to hop a ride on the historic Over the Jumps Carousel, the only one of its kind left in the world. For more information call 501-661-7208.

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Get prepared to be scared at “Arkansas’s spookiest and largest” haunted facility, the 18th annual Haunted Cathedral, Oct. 22-31. The historic First Baptist Church with its gothic architecture provides the perfect setting for this holiday fun which serves as a fundraiser for The Museum of Black Arkansans, also known as EMOBA. The facility, located at 1208 Louisiana in downtown Little Rock, is both a museum and a performing arts center. Local actors and animatronics are ready to pounce on unsuspecting visitors each evening. The price of admission is to be announced. For more information call 501-372-0018.

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Raising a wild child can be a good thing if it means introducing them to the great outdoors. Woolly Hollow State Park in Greenbrier is offering such a workshop on Oct. 23. Families can explore and learn together and what it means to live a life close to nature. Park staff has sessions on dealing with the "ick" factor, packing and planning for a family campout, cooking outdoors, tips on hiking with kids and more. Event admission is $25 and takes place at the pavilion. Contact the park at 501-679-2098 for a registration form and additional details.

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A rare opportunity for Arkansans and visitors to hear one of the world’s leading chamber orchestras takes place Oct. 28 in Conway. That’s when the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields appears with Jonathan Biss in an all-Mozart concert. The Academy, based in London, is famous for its superlative performances and award-winning recordings. Biss, an American classical pianist, has appeared with every major U.S. orchestra, along with prominent European musicians. Tickets are $10-$40 for the event at Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus. Visit www.uca.edu/Reynolds or call 501-450-3682 for more information.

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Celebrate All Hallows Eve when Pinnacle Mountain State Park hosts its annual Halloween Hayrides Oct. 30-31. The park invites visitors to experience a different kind of holiday with a fun-filled evening hayride. Afterwards, treats are served around a roaring campfire. Advance reservations and payment of $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12 are required. The park is located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road in Little Rock. More information is available by calling 501-868-5806.

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Two historically black universities – the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Grambling – square off in Little Rock’s War Memorial Stadium on Oct. 30 for the annual Delta Classic football game. A special highlight is always the half-time performances by the two university marching bands. Gates open at 4 p.m. with kick-off at 6 p.m. Proceeds are used to raise awareness about literacy improvement needs in the Delta region of the South and to fund literacy programs. For more information, phone 501-537-5229.

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Guest artist David Renfro plays his horn with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Oct. 30-31. Music Director Philip Mann is at the baton leading such selections as Mozart's Overture to Magic Flute, Horn Concerto No. 2 from Strauss and Mahler's Titan - Symphony No. 1. Tickets are $20 and up, $10 for students. The concert is held at Robinson Center Music Hall in downtown Little Rock at Markham and Broadway. Phone the symphony office at 501-666-1761 for more information.