Nov 10, 2025

Veterans Day in Fort Smith: Honoring Local Heroes & Military Legacy

Today, Fort Smith honors Veterans Day with gratitude for the men and women who have served our nation. From the Fort Chaffee parade to stories of local service, we recognize the heroes who helped shape our community.

Nov 10, 2025

Fort Smith Symphony's John Jeter Earns Grammy Nomination for Florence Price Recording

John Jeter, Fort Smith Symphony's conductor, receives Grammy nod for Florence Price's Piano Concerto recording with Han Chen and Malmö Opera Orchestra.

Nov 3, 2025

River Valley Events Calendar Now Live: Browse & Submit Local Events

MyRiverValleyEvents.com is live with a growing calendar of River Valley happenings. Discover local events or submit your own listing to help support the community.

Nov 3, 2025

Sebastian County Leads Arkansas in Property Value Surge

Sebastian County experiences a 60.23% property value increase, leading 17 Arkansas counties in recent reappraisal.

Nov 3, 2025

13th Annual Regional Veterans Day Parade at Chaffee Crossing Set for Nov. 8

Fort Smith will host the 13th Annual Regional Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 8 at Chaffee Crossing, described as Arkansas’ largest Veterans Day celebration. Ceremony at 10am, parade at noon.

Nov 3, 2025

Honoring Veterans & Veteran-Owned Businesses in the River Valley

Help us recognize River Valley veterans and veteran-owned businesses. Submit names to be featured as we honor their service, leadership, and community impact.

Nov 3, 2025

Fort Smith Moves Ahead on $70M Sewer Upgrades Under Consent Decree

Fort Smith Water Utilities is advancing more than $70 million in sewer infrastructure upgrades under the federal Consent Decree, following new voter-approved funding. Here’s what residents and businesses should know.

Oct 20, 2025

Main Street Fort Smith Opens Fall Mini-Grants for Downtown Businesses and Property Owners

Main Street Fort Smith’s Fall 2025 Mini-Grant Program offers $1,500 – $7,500 in matching funds for storefront and façade improvements to help revitalize downtown Fort Smith.

Oct 20, 2025

SpookyPath.com Maps Halloween Events Across Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma

A Fort Smith local launched SpookyPath.com — a free community website helping families find Halloween fun, from trunk-or-treats to haunted houses across the River Valley.

Oct 20, 2025

Lanterns, Music & New Beginnings at Carol Ann Cross Park | Fort Smith Water Lantern Festival 2025

Celebrate the season of change at Fort Smith’s Water Lantern Festival on Oct 25 at Carol Ann Cross Park. Live music, food trucks & lanterns glowing at sunset.

Oct 7, 2025

Touch-A-Truck Family Event Coming to Chaffee Crossing October 18

ARCOM’s Emergency Medicine Interest Group hosts Touch-A-Truck on Oct 18 at the Chaffee Crossing Artisan Market. Free family fun with firetrucks, ambulances, and teddy bear first aid.

Oct 7, 2025

River Valley Workforce Development Summit Set for October 10 in Sallisaw

Employers, educators, and leaders unite at the River Valley Workforce Development Summit, Oct 10 in Sallisaw. Career Fair from Noon–4 PM. Register today!

Oct 7, 2025

Fort Smith Fall Clean-Up Days: Free Shredding & E-Waste Recycling

Join Fort Smith’s Fall Clean-Up Days Oct 18 & 25 for free shredding and e-waste recycling. Residents only—proof of residency required.

Oct 6, 2025

CityView Makes Fort Smith City Services Easier Than Ever

Apply for permits, pay fees, and submit neighborhood requests online with Fort Smith’s new CityView portal. Available 24/7 at fortsmithar.gov/cityview.

Oct 6, 2025

Fort Smith Fire Department Launches Fallen Firefighter Memorial Fundraiser

The Fort Smith Fire Department is raising funds via engraved pavers to build a Fallen Firefighter Memorial — featuring a life-size bronze statue and engraved Maltese cross layout. Supporters can donate through the BrickMarkers site.

Oct 5, 2025

Temporary Lane Closures on I-540 Bridge

Expect brief traffic delays as crews perform maintenance on the I-540 bridge between Fort Smith and Van Buren.

Oct 5, 2025

New Grant Program to Revitalize Downtown Fort Smith

Fort Smith’s Main Street program launches new grants to help local businesses renovate and grow.

Oct 5, 2025

Fort Smith Bonds Linked to Van Buren Harbor Project

Fort Smith’s bond initiative helps fund infrastructure that connects the River Valley’s new harbor development.

Oct 5, 2025

New Hunting Opportunities in Hot Springs State Forest

The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission expands access and recreation in Hot Springs State Forest, opening fresh opportunities for hunters and outdoor lovers.

Sep 29, 2025

Fort Smith Fall Festival: Essential Tips

Don't miss these essential tips for the Fort Smith Fall Festival! Get information on parking, accessibility, what to wear, and more.

Sep 29, 2025

Food & Fun at Fort Smith Fall Festival

Find food trucks, a Harvest Market, and kids activities at the Fort Smith Fall Festival. Get your guide to all the non-history must-sees.

Sep 29, 2025

Victorian Fort Smith: Clayton House & More

Step into Victorian Fort Smith. Explore the history of The Clayton House and Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum during the Fort Smith Fall Festival.

Sep 29, 2025

Fort Smith Museum of History Events

Explore the Fort Smith Museum of History's special events at the Fall Festival, including a live trial reenactment and outlaw stories.

Sep 29, 2025

U.S. Marshals Museum at Fall Festival

Discover the U.S. Marshals Museum during the Fort Smith Fall Festival! Get free admission to explore the history of lawmen and enjoy family activities.

Sep 29, 2025

Fort Smith National Historic Site Events

Dive into the Fort Smith National Historic Site! Learn about Judge Parker and see thrilling reenactments like the Belle Starr trial and cavalry demos.

Sep 29, 2025

Fort Smith Fall Festival: Your Essential Guide

Explore the Fort Smith Fall Festival! Our guide covers history, live music, food trucks, and free trolley rides at this can't-miss event.

Sep 29, 2025

Fort Smith Fall Festival Schedule & Map

Get the official Fort Smith Fall Festival 2025 schedule and event map. Plan your day with our essential guide to all the historical reenactments and activities.

Sep 27, 2025

Governor Sanders Revises Special Election Timeline for Arkansas Senate District 26

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders initially delayed the special election for Arkansas Senate District 26 until November 2026, sparking criticism. She later moved the general election up to June 9, 2026, after public backlash.