The Fort Smith Fall Festival is always a fan favorite for residents and visitors alike. This year, the festival will be held on Saturday, October 5. It's the largest history-themed event in the city, and in 2024, it’s going to be bigger and better than ever as the Fort Smith Fall Festival + Oktoberfest!
That’s right. This event is not just for history buffs (although they’ll love it, too). Foodies, families, and friendsies will be saying a collective “Fall-ellujah!” at all the fun to be had this year.
Thanks to the collaboration and partnership of Fort Smith’s historic attractions, museums, Main Street Fort Smith, and the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association, there will be 12 hot spots to explore in and around Downtown Fort Smith, free parking and trolley rides, AND an Oktoberfest Pub Crawl to keep the party going. Get ready, because it’ll be “b-autumns up” for grown-ups until 2am! (See what I did there?)
Here’s everything you need to know.
Trolley Stops for the Fall Festival
You’ll notice that several sites are within walking distance from each other; however, some are further out. Well, no worries! Because you can easily park and ride the modern and historic trolleys around town.
Modern Streetcar Trolley Stops
The City of Fort Smith is sponsoring free trolley rides from 10am - 4pm from any of these 7 locations:
- Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | 1601 Rogers Ave.
- 6th and Rogers Ave.
- 4th and Parker Ave.
- Fort Smith National Historic Site | 3rd & Garland Ave.
- Miss Laura's Brothel Museum | 2 N B St.
- U.S. Marshals Museum | 789 Riverfront Dr.
- The Clayton House | 514 N 6th St.
The trolley will operate on a loop, so you can hop on and off nearest to where you parked and make the most of your day. See the modern streetcar trolley stops in purple.
Historic Streetcar Trolley Stops
In addition to the modern streetcar trolley, Main Street Fort Smith is sponsoring FREE historic trolley rides from 9am-5pm! The historic trolley will stop at these locations:
- Pendergraft Park | 115 Garrison Ave.
- Fort Smith Museum of History | 320 Rogers Ave.
- Fort Smith Trolley Museum | 100 S 4th St.
- Bricktown Brewery Parking Lot | Behind 318 Garrison Ave.
Where to Park for Free
Roads will be closed on 3rd Street between Garland Avenue & Garrison Avenue, on Rogers Avenue between 3rd Street & 5th Street, and on 3rd Street between Garrison and A Street. Outside of these road closures, you may park in any of the free downtown parking spaces.
Here are our recommendations for free parking in Downtown Fort Smith:
- Downtown Garrison Ave. Street Parking (between 3rd & 10th)
- Fort Smith National Historic Site Parking Lot: 3rd & Garland
- The Blue Lion Parking Lot: 101 N 2nd St.
- Miss Laura's Brothel Museum Parking Lot: 2 N B St.
- Riverfront Park Parking Lot: 121 Riverfront Dr.
- U.S. Marshals Museum Parking Lot: 789 Riverfront Dr.
- The Clayton House Street Parking: 6th St. between E & F
- The Bakery District
- Street Parking: 6th between Parker & Wheeler
- Street Parking: Parker between 6th & 7th
- Parking Lots: 7th between Parker & Wheeler
Fall Festival + Oktoberfest Hot Spots
Regional Art Museum (RAM)
At a Modern Trolley Stop
11am - 3pm, Kid-Friendly, Free, Free Hot Dogs & Cotton Candy
In addition to their regular amazing art exhibits (which are free, by the way!), RAM will have kid-friendly arts and crafts, artisan vendors, and free hot dogs and cotton candy sponsored by ArcBest and Mercy! The museum will open for tours at 10am and activities will begin at 11am.
913 Garrison Avenue | 708 Cornhole Tournament
Near Modern Trolley Stop at 6th & Rogers
Starting at 12 PM, Kid-Friendly, $40 per team
Head to 913 Garrison Avenue (Garrison Commons) where cornhole lovers can toss bags to their heart's content. It’s “bags up” and friendly cornhole games for the whole family. Play will continue until there's a winner!
800 Garrison Avenue | Harvest Market
Near Modern Trolley Stop at 6th & Rogers
10am - 6pm, Kid-Friendly, Shopping
Explore a parking lot full of artisan vendors at 800 Garrison Avenue. Looking for that special, “just right” gift? There’s a good chance you’ll find your treasure here!
601 Garrison Avenue | Kids Zone + Food Trucks
Near Modern Trolley Stop at 6th & Rogers
10am - 7pm, Kid-Friendly, Live Music, Food & Beverage,
Meander through a parking lot filled with food trucks! This selection will delight the pickiest eater. From BBQ to burgers and everything in between, you’ll say “oh my gourd-ness” to great food. Plus, kids can enjoy inflatables and mid-day carnival games!
Oktoberfest Kids Zone & Food Truck Court
Rogers Avenue | Car Show
Near Historic Trolley Stop at Museum of History
9am - 2pm, Kid-Friendly, Free
Weave your way through a line up of muscle cars on Rogers Avenue between 5th Street and 3rd Street. Peruse almost two blocks of impressive vehicles of all shapes and sizes!
3rd Street | Artisan Vendors
Near Modern Trolley Stop at Historic Site (3rd & Garland)
10am - 4pm, Kid-Friendly, Shopping
As you descend onto 3rd Street from the trolley, you’ll see artisan vendors lining the street heading toward the Fort Smith National Historic Site. Shop and stroll as you make your way down 3rd Street!
Fort Smith National Historic Site
At a Modern Trolley Stop (3rd & Garland)
10am - 4pm, Kid-Friendly, Free, Historical
There’s plenty to see at the Fort Smith National Historic Site where the admission is free to everyone. Take a self-guided tour and learn everything you need to know about the history of Fort Smith! Head outside to watch some historic reenactments, including the firing of a cannon.
Fort Smith Museum of History
At a Historic Trolley Stop
10am - 4pm, Kid-Friendly, Discounted Admission, Historical, Free Sundae & Soda Bar with Admission
The Fort Smith Museum of History is a true gem filled to the brim with historical artifacts and stories. Stop by the historic soda fountain for a good old fashioned ice cream sundae, float, or soda! Don't forget to enjoy their special History Alive! event from 1pm - 3pm.
200 Garrison Avenue | Pendergraft Park
At a Historic Trolley Stop
10am - 4pm, Kid-Friendly, Free, Health & Wellness
Dance, stretch, and get your health on at an interactive health fair in Pendergraft Park! There will be blood pressure stations, yoga, zumba, and more. So whether you’re looking to relax and breathe or bust a move, there will be something for everyone!
Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum
At a Modern Trolley Stop
9am - 5pm, Ages 16+, Free, Historical
Miss Laura’s is a Fort Smith attraction you can’t miss. This free museum takes you back in time to explore a Victorian-era mansion which used to be one of the most frequented houses in the “red light district”. Learn about its role in Fort Smith history and about the women who lived and worked there.
Miss Laura’s Fall Festival + Oktoberfest Event
The Clayton House
At a Modern Trolley Stop
11am - 4pm, Kid-Friendly, Free, Historical
Celebrate Judge Isaac Parker’s birthday, enjoy free admission and building tours, and participate in kid-friendly activities at the historic Clayton House! This beautiful Victorian home is in the heart of Fort Smith’s Belle Grove Historic District. Don’t miss exploring this beauty.
The U.S. Marshal’s Museum
At a Modern Trolley Stop
9am - 5pm, Kid-Friendly, Discounted Admission, Historical
As the newest museum in Fort Smith, the U.S. Marshals Museum offers a modern representation of the history of the U.S. Marshals from inception to present day. Experience five galleries with interactive exhibits like a touch-screen poker table, digital bartender, marshal fitness test, and more.
USMM Fall Festival + Oktoberfest Events
Special Events at the Fort Smith Fall Festival
Fort Smith Farmer’s Market
Time: 7am - Noon
Location: 2nd Street & Garrison Avenue
Downtown Witches Ride
Time: 9am
Location: Garrison Avenue between 6th Street & 9th Street
Women of all ages dress as witches and ride their brooms (bikes and scooters) passing out candy along the way!
More Info About the Witches Ride
Reenactments at the National Historic Site
10:00am Belle Starr Trial Reenactment
11:00am Civil War Musket Demonstration
11:30am Civil War Artillery Demonstration
12:00pm “Running at the Heads” Cavalry Demonstration
1:00pm Belle Starr Trial Reenactment in the Visitor Center Courtroom
2:00pm The Rifles of Fort Smith Weapons Demonstration at North Parade Ground
2:30pm Civil War Artillery Demonstration at North Parade Ground
3:00pm “Running at the Heads” Cavalry Demonstration on South Parade Ground
3:30pm Civil War Musket Demonstration at North Parade Ground
Events at the U.S. Marshals Museum
9:30am - 11:30am: Curator Cart Showcasing Artifacts
10am - 11am: Roping Activities and Ponies from Packard Point Ranch from 10 am to 11 am
1pm: "Bass Reeves is Innocent" Curator Talk
2pm: Tommy Wildcat, Cherokee Flute Player
History Alive!: Voices from Early Fort Smith
Time: 1pm - 3pm
Location: Fort Smith Museum of History (320 Rogers Avenue)
Hear from historical Fort Smith figures as tour guides lead groups to meet reenactors stationed throughout the FSMH. Tours are on the half hour; the last tour begins at 2:30.
History Alive!: Voices from Early Fort Smith Cast:
Susie Brooks as Mrs. Mary Rogers
Floyd “Sonny” Robison as Judge Isaac C. Parker
Dan Masur as General William O. Darby
Barbara Richardson as Fort Smith Little Theatre Founder
Sherry Toliver as Victorian Teacher
Les Johnson and guest as Gold Rush travelers
Era specific U.S. Deputy Marshals:
Jeremy Roberts as a U.S. Deputy Marshal
Al Whitson as U.S. Deputy Marshal Cal Whitson
Matt Hutchinson as U.S. Deputy Marshal J. Warren Reed
Marcus Woodward as a U.S. Deputy Marshal
Oktoberfest Pub Crawl
Time: 10am - 2am
Location: Fort Smith Downtown Entertainment District
Grab a wristband and a commemorative cup for $5 at any of the following bars and restaurants. Pop in and out of venues as you walk Downtown, enjoy live music, and refill your cup along the way.
Participating Venues:
- 906 Lounge
- AJ's Oyster House
- Amigos Bar & Grill
- Bricktown Brewery
- Club Kinkead's
- Courtyard Fort Smith Downtown
- Garrison Goodies
- Hero's
- La Birreria La Jefa
- La Huerta Mexican Restaurant
- Mad Ox Bar and Tap
- Neumeier's Rib Room
- Neumeier's Whippoorwill Restaurant
- Old Town Grain & Feed
- Papa's Pub & Pizzeria
- Prohibition
- The Majestic
- Tipsy's Pub
- The Windham
Now that you’ve got all the information, are you ready to make your plans? We can’t wait to see you on October the 5th in Fort Smith, Arkansas for our annual Fall Festival + Oktoberfest. It’s going to be a really gourd time!
