How to Spend Fall in Russellville
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When fall arrives in Arkansas, the River Valley trades hot summer days on the water for crisp mornings, harvest festivals and scenic drives. Pair the simple pleasures of the season with Russellville’s small-town charm, and you’ve got the perfect place to slow down and enjoy some time with your favorite people.
Fall Festivals
In early- to mid-October, right as temperatures are leveling out from the summer heat, the St. John Catholic School’s Harvest Fest ushers in the season with beloved traditions like a spaghetti dinner, community bingo night and more. Proceeds from the festival support St. John Catholic School in Russellville.
Main Street Russellville’s Downtown Fall Festival and Chili Cookoff has been a community tradition for more than 30 years, bringing local vendors, a car show, a 5k, live entertainment and so much more to the heart of downtown on the last Saturday in October. It’s typically cool enough by then to enjoy some samples from the competitors in the Chili Cookoff, so come hungry!
Every November, the city honors the country’s heroes with a Veteran’s Day Parade. Bring a lawn chair and cheer as local military units, military organizations and public safety personnel cruise down Main Street. From there, you’re perfectly positioned to browse the local stores, coffee shops and restaurants downtown afterward.
Scenic Drives
One of Arkansas' most notable scenic drives passes straight through Russellville, and it’s at its brightest in the fall. The Scenic Byway 7 spans the length of the state from El Dorado all the way up to Harrison, with Russellville positioned perfectly so you can explore in either direction. Head south towards Hot Springs to catch a glimpse of the Ouachita National Forest and its abundant wildlife, or cruise north through the vibrant Ozark Mountains. It’s a drive famous for its fall colors, so make sure to add it to your itinerary if you’re visiting this time of year.
Orchards and Pumpkin Patches
There’s nothing that screams “fall” like a day at an orchard or pumpkin patch, and in Russellville, you don’t have to go far to find some good ones.
Middleton Family Farms Pumpkin Patch is about a 10 minute drive south of Russellville to Pottsville, and it’s the perfect place to spend a fall day with the family. For the $12 admission fee, you can pick pumpkins and spend the day playing on all of the farm's family-friendly activities, including train rides, hay-free hay rides, a corn maze, animal visits, photo ops and so much more.
Drive about 15 minutes north of Russellville to Dover, where you’ll find Drewery Farm & Orchards. If you’re there on a Saturday, make sure to stop by for their locally-grown Front Porch Breakfast, served every Saturday from 7 a.m.-12 p.m., May through November. After breakfast, roam the orchard for pick-your-own pumpkins and apples. If you visit in early September, you might even be lucky enough to nab some of the season’s last peaches!
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