HEY, FORT SMITH — HALLOWEEN’S IN THE AIR! 🎃

Crisp nights, spooky lights, and a calendar packed full — that’s fall in Fort Smith! From candlelit concerts to lantern festivals, there’s something happening on nearly every block this week.

So grab your hoodie, maybe a handful of candy, and dive into what’s buzzing around town. 👇

Carol Ann Cross Park in Fort Smith will shine this Saturday during the Water Lantern Release Festival, a free community celebration of renewal and the city’s newest park enhancements.

The festival welcomes families and friends from 3 to 8 p.m. on October 25, offering live music, yoga on the lake, meditation, art, unique vendors, spoken-word highlights, and a variety of food trucks.

As evening falls, attendees will set glowing lanterns afloat, each one symbolizing hope and new beginnings for Fort Smith residents.

This event also marks significant upgrades at Carol Ann Cross Park, completed under the city’s Parks & Recreation Capital Improvement Plan, including new accessible trails and lighting.

Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the revitalized green space, with official lantern kits available on site.

A magical night to celebrate community and change.

🧙‍♀️ Family & Community Fun

Water Lantern Festival @ Carol Ann Cross Park

Sat Oct 25 | 3 PM – 8 PM
A glowing evening of yoga, meditation, live music, and floating lanterns celebrating renewal at Carol Ann Cross Park. Lantern kits sold on-site (city-approved only). Learn more ›

Haunted Train Ride @ Creekmore Park

Fri Oct 24 & Thu Oct 31 | 5:30 – 7:30 PM
Hop aboard for a spooky but kid-friendly ride through Creekmore’s decorated paths. Learn more ›

SpookyPath.com – Your Local Halloween Guide

Online & Fort Smith area | Ongoing through Oct 31
A new local project is making it easier to find Halloween fun across Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma. SpookyPath.com is a community-built map of festivals, trunk-or-treats, haunted attractions, and family-friendly events — all verified and updated regularly. Submit your own event or browse the listings for weekend plans.
Explore events ›

Trunk or Treat with The Artemis Project

Texas Roadhouse – Mon Oct 27 | 5 – 8 PM
Meet costumed, adoptable pitties, grab candy, and support a local rescue. 🐾 Adopt a friend ›

No-Scare Night @ Asylum X

223 N 10th St – Thu Oct 30 | 6 – 9 PM
Lights-on walk-through of the haunted attraction — no actors, just fun for younger kids. Learn more ›

🎭 Arts & Entertainment

Candlelight Concerts @ U.S. Marshals Museum

Fri Oct 24 | 6:30 & 8:30 PM
Two intimate shows under candlelight — Queen vs. ABBA and Halloween Classics. Tickets ›

Edgar Allan Pie Speakeasy

Bakery District – Oct 30 → Nov 1
A Halloween-themed pop-up combining spooky storytelling, cocktails, and local art. Learn more ›

🍸 Nightlife & Halloween Bashes

Downtown Halloween Parties & Costume Contests

 Fri Oct 31 | Various venues downtown
Bars and restaurants across Garrison host live music, prizes, and costume crawls. See list ›

🛍️ Markets & Festivals

Holiday Market – Fort Smith Convention Center

Sat Nov 1 | 100+ vendors launching holiday shopping season. Learn more ›

Arkansas River Valley Holiday Market

Sat Nov 1 | Local crafters and food vendors at the Expo Center. Learn more ›

Halloween just got a little more manageable for local families.

SpookyPath.com is a new, community-driven website that maps out trunk-or-treats, haunted houses, festivals, and family-friendly Halloween events throughout Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma.

Created by a local resident who saw the need for a one-stop resource, the site features an interactive map with links, dates, flyers, and up-to-date information for nearby festivities.

Regularly updated with community submissions, Spooky Path has quickly become popular with parents and thrill seekers eager to make the most of Halloween weekend.

The website’s success means it won’t vanish with spooky season—come mid-November, SpookyPath.com becomes RedNoseRoutes.com, highlighting Christmas light displays and holiday events across the region.

For festive plans or last-minute outings, Spooky Path is your essential local guide this season.

Downtown Fort Smith businesses have a chance to revitalize their storefronts with the return of the Fall 2025 Mini-Grant Program from Main Street Fort Smith.

Property and business owners within the Main Street district can apply for matching grants ranging from $1,500 to $7,500 to fund projects that enhance curb appeal, accessibility, and the overall downtown experience.

Eligible improvements include awnings, exterior lighting, signage, landscaping, and façade restoration that help keep Garrison Avenue and neighboring streets engaging and attractive.

Award decisions happen on a rolling basis until the final deadline of Friday, November 14, making timely applications essential.

The program’s mission is to spark visible improvements that make downtown Fort Smith more beautiful, walkable, and business-friendly for everyone.

Application details and guidelines are available directly from the Main Street Fort Smith office or online.

Greater Fort Smith Chamber Honored “Best of River Valley 2025”

Congratulations to the Chamber team for earning this year’s Best of River Valley award, recognizing excellence in business advocacy and community leadership.

Cousins Music to Refocus on Custom Guitars

After decades of serving local musicians, Cousins Music will close its Fort Smith storefront and shift to custom guitar building and repairs by appointment only.

Carol Ann Cross Park Ribbon Cutting Celebrated

City of Fort Smith officials gathered Oct 17 to mark recent trail, lighting, and accessibility upgrades at Carol Ann Cross Park — part of the Parks & Recreation Department’s multi-year improvement plan.

Interested in sponsoring The Buzz? Email us at info@fortsmithbuzz.com

Veterans Day Parade at Chaffee Crossing

Honor those who served at the 13th Annual Regional Veterans Day Parade — a Fort Smith tradition celebrating local heroes from every branch of service.

The parade begins at 10 AM in Chaffee Crossing and features veterans organizations, military vehicles, bands, and community groups marching in tribute to those who served.

🎖️ Details:
📍 Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith
🕙 Saturday, Nov 8 · 10 AM – Noon
🌐 Learn more: Fort Smith Chamber Event Page

💬 Know a Veteran-Owned Business?

We’re looking to spotlight veteran entrepreneurs and service members making a difference in the River Valley.

If you own or know of a veteran-owned business, send us a quick message at info@fortsmithbuzz.com — they might be featured in an upcoming issue!

“Support those who supported us — bring your family, your flags, and your gratitude.”

Meet Charlie Chaplin, a dapper 50-pound pup ready to be your loyal sidekick and share in all of life’s adventures.

This 3½-year-old gentleman thrives on activity, lighting up during neighborhood walks, backyard play, or spontaneous weekend getaways.

If your days could use more movement, joy, and a whole lot of charm, Charlie is the perfect fit for anyone seeking a devoted companion to join the action and create lasting memories.

It’s time to roll credits on Charlie’s shelter days and start an entirely new story—one starring you and your new best friend.

Ready to make a difference? Consider fostering or adopting Charlie and let his next big scene feature a loving home.

Holiday Market – Fort Smith Convention Center

Sat Nov 1 | 9 AM – 4 PM
Kick off your holiday shopping season with more than 100 vendors featuring crafts, gifts, food, and décor. Admission is free.
Learn more ›

Arkansas River Valley Holiday Market – Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center

Sat Nov 1 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Shop local makers, artisans, and food booths at one of the region’s biggest annual markets.
Learn more ›

Hometown Market Days @ Shops at Brick City

Fri Nov 7 | Live music, makers, and early-holiday finds. Learn more ›

International Food Festival

Sat Nov 8 | Sts. George & Alexandra Church
Sample flavors from around the world with live cultural entertainment. Learn more ›

River Valley Comic Con – Fort Smith Convention Center

Sat–Sun Nov 8–9 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Comics, collectibles, cosplay, and celebrity guests fill the Fort Smith Convention Center for a weekend of fandom fun.
Learn more ›

Fort Smith Innovation Summit – U.S. Center for Economic Development

Thu Nov 13 | 9 AM – 3 PM
Regional business leaders and entrepreneurs gather to discuss innovation and growth across the River Valley.
Learn more ›

Lavaca Holiday Market – Lavaca Performing Arts Center

Sat Nov 15 | 9 AM – 3 PM
Holiday shopping comes to Lavaca with handmade gifts, home décor, and food vendors — perfect for those early Christmas lists.
Learn more ›

7-DAY WEATHER OUTLOOK

(Oct 21 – Oct 27, 2025)

Tuesday: Pleasant with plenty of sunshine — High 75°, Low 44°
Wednesday: Mild and sunny with a light breeze — High 76°, Low 49°
Thursday: Mostly cloudy; chance of a strong thunderstorm — High 78°, Low 56°
Friday: Cooler and cloudy with scattered showers — High 64°, Low 59°
Saturday: Mainly cloudy with isolated storms — High 67°, Low 57°
Sunday: Warmer with early clouds, clearing later — High 76°, Low 60°
Monday: Morning storms possible; partly cloudy later — High 79°, Low 52°

Outlook: Nice start to the week, then a stormy stretch Friday through Sunday. Cool, breezy mornings return next week.

Click the banner to visit our website and read more.

THE BUZZLINE

That’s the buzz for this week, Fort Smith! 🎃

From spooky trails to trunk-or-treats, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the weekend — just keep an eye on those clouds.

In the coming weeks, we’ll trade pumpkins for peppermint as the holiday markets kick off and lights start to twinkle around town.

Until then, stay dry, stay local, and we’ll see ya out there. 🐝