🎃 The Last Hurrah — Halloween Night & What’s Next in Fort Smith

Halloween night is finally here, Fort Smith — and the River Valley is lighting up one last time with haunted trains, costume crawls, and family fun from Creekmore Park to Garrison Avenue.

But even as the pumpkins dim, the stories keep coming — from Arkansas legends that still echo through the hills to the first markets of the holiday season.

Mist-shrouded ridges in the Ozarks are home to chilling tales of a mysterious creature stalking the night.

Locals know it as the Ozark Howler—a phantom beast said to have black fur, glowing red eyes, a bear’s heft, a snarling hound’s face, and horns that shimmer in the moonlight.

Witnesses describe its cry as eerily unique, combining the haunting howl of a wolf, the shriek of a woman, and the bugle of an elk.

Such a sound can send even seasoned outdoorsmen fleeing for safety.

Legends trace back through generations, with some linking the Howler to early settlers’ fears of a supernatural hellhound, while others dismiss it as a misidentified wildcat or a local prank.

Yet in places like the Boston Mountains and Crawford County, many locals insist something mysterious still howls in the darkness.

Whether fact or folklore, the Ozark Howler remains Arkansas’s most enduring legend—an untamed mystery echoing through the hills.

🕸️ Halloween Night & Final Spooky Fun

No-Scare Night @ Asylum X — Thu Oct 30 · 6–9 PM

Lights-on walk-through for kids and families — spooky atmosphere, no jump scares.
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Haunted Train Ride @ Creekmore Park — Oct 30 · 5:30–7:30 PM

A Fort Smith favorite for all ages. Costumes encouraged, cameras ready.
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Downtown Halloween Parties — Fri Oct 31

Costume contests, DJs, and late-night fun across downtown venues.

🍁 After the Candy: Markets, Art & Food

Arkansas River Valley Holiday Market — Sat Nov 1 · Kay Rodgers Park

Local makers, artisans, and food booths at one of the region’s biggest markets.
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Hometown Market Days — Fri Nov 7 · Shops at Brick City

Live music, makers, and early-holiday finds downtown.
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Masterpieces at The Wyndham — Nov 7–8 · Fort Smith

Local artists, demos, and pop-ups along Garrison Ave — perfect night stroll material.
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International Food Festival — Sat Nov 8 · Sts. George & Alexandra Church

Sample flavors from around the world with live performances and community vibes.
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Chili Cook-Off — Sat Nov 8 · Harley-Davidson of Fort Smith

Friendly rivalry, good chili, better company — annual tradition with a cause.
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River Valley Comic Con — Nov 8–9 · Convention Center

Comics, collectibles, cosplay, and celebrity guests fill the Convention Center all weekend.
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🏛 City Notes

✈️ Travel Update: Fort Smith Regional Airport adds new TSA screening equipment ahead of the holiday rush.

🏆 Congrats: Greater Fort Smith Chamber honored “Best of River Valley 2025.”

🪟 Reminder: Main Street Mini-Grants open through Nov 14 for façade and signage upgrades.

🐾 Local Life

Keep an eye out for The Artemis Project’s adoption pop-ups this month — the perfect post-Halloween serotonin boost.

Meet Jinx — an irresistibly cute male Terrier mix! Born in May 2022, this 59-pound pup is already neutered, heartworm-negative, and completely up-to-date on all vaccines and preventatives.

Since being rescued from the pound, Jinx has blossomed in his foster home in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

He’s mastering his manners, loves going in and out the doggie door, and enjoys relaxing or napping by your side — occasional snoring included!

Jinx is affectionate, playful, and thrives on snuggles and outdoor adventures.

If you’re ready for loyalty, fun, and a sweet speckled nose, Jinx would love to join your family.

Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas. Apply to Adopt: shelterluv.com/matchme/adopt/TAP/Dog

☀️ 7-Day Weather Outlook (Oct 30 → Nov 5)

Mild Halloween night rolling into sunny, breezy weekend days. Highs mid-70s early; upper-60s by mid-week. Light rain chance Saturday; clearing Sunday.

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