The Fort Smith Fire Department has launched a heartfelt fundraising campaign to build a Fallen Firefighter Memorial, honoring local heroes who gave their lives in service.

The planned memorial will feature a life-size bronze statue and an array of engraved pavers arranged in the shape of a Maltese cross, a symbol cherished in firefighting.

Partnering with BrickMarkers, the FSFD invites residents to donate by purchasing personalized engraved bricks—available in two sizes—that will form part of the memorial’s design.

Every engraved brick offers a chance for families and community members to leave lasting tributes.

Donations are tax-deductible and handled through the Fort Smith Firefighters Foundation.

The memorial will become a meaningful place for reflection, cementing the bravery of Fort Smith’s fallen firefighters for generations to come.

Community leaders, educators, and local employers are set to gather on Friday, October 10, 2025 for the inaugural River Valley Workforce Development Summit.

This regional event at Sallisaw Middle School aims to boost local talent and equip the area with a skilled workforce for the future.

Attendees can expect expert speakers, interactive panels on emerging workforce trends, and dynamic networking opportunities connecting business, education, and community stakeholders.

Focused discussions will highlight actionable strategies to prepare the next generation for career success.

The day also features a Career Fair from Noon to 4 PM, giving job seekers direct access to employers and career resources.

All are invited to engage, share ideas, and strengthen the River Valley’s economic future through collaboration.

Halloween Light Show 

📅 Begins Oct 3 (October 2025)
📍 8005 Bridgewood Lane, South Fort Smith
🕡 Show Times:
• Friday & Saturday: 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Sunday – Thursday: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
🎶 Tune your radio to 103.1 FM to enjoy the synchronized music!
🍬 Friendly Reminders:
1️⃣ Please do not block neighbors’ driveways.
2️⃣ Turn off headlights – running lights work best.
3️⃣ Stay out of the yard (many wires aren’t visible at night).
4️⃣ Keep music volume respectful.
5️⃣ Most importantly – HAVE FUN! 🎉
✨ This is a FREE community event — enjoy the lights, the music, and a little Halloween magic with your family and friends!

Peacemaker Music Festival – Fort Smith, AR

📅 October 10–11, 2025
⏰ All day (schedule varies by artist)
📍 Riverfront Amphitheater, 121 Riverfront Dr, Fort Smith, AR
🎟 Admission: Single day ~$59.50 / Weekend ~$69.50
📑 More Info & Tickets
A two-day music festival on the banks of the Arkansas River featuring Country, Rock, Blues, Red Dirt and Americana acts. Partial proceeds donated to local charities.

Family Bonfire Night – Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center

📅 Friday, October 10, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, 8300 Wells Lake Rd, Fort Smith, AR
🎟 Admission: Free (no registration required)
📑 More Info
Enjoy an evening around the bonfire with s’mores, blankets, and good company. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, and roasting sticks for a cozy, family-friendly night under the stars.

Artist Spotlight – Michael Warrick: “Spirits” Exhibition

📅 Opening Reception: Friday, October 10, 2025
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave, Fort Smith, AR
🎟 Admission: Free (light refreshments provided)
📑 More Info
Arkansas Living Treasure Michael Warrick presents “Spirits,” a new exhibition of narrative and abstract portraits exploring transformation, identity, and memory. Opening reception with the artist on October 10; on view through February 8, 2026.

Van Buren Fall Festival (Historic Main Street)

Date/Time: Sat, Oct 11, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM & Sun, Oct 12, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Summary: Downtown street festival featuring handmade crafts, vendors, food, and family fun along Main Street.

Event Details

The Walk + Fun Run – Stomp the Stigma

📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 10 AM – 1 PM
📍 The Barracks at Chaffee Crossing, 7308 Ellis Street, Fort Smith
📑 Join the TREO Foundation for a morning of movement, awareness, and connection at The Walk + Fun Run – Fort Smith! This 501(c)(3) event raises funds for obesity treatment, research, and education.
👟 Enjoy the walk or run, visit obesity care exhibitors, and connect with others supporting health and wellness in our community. Registration includes a t-shirt while supplies last!
🎟️ All proceeds benefit the TREO Foundation.

United Way Pickleball Open – Ben Geren Park

📅 Saturday, October 11, 2025
⏰ Tournament times vary (check registration details)
📍 Ben Geren Park, Fort Smith, AR
🎟 Admission: Free to watch; player registration required
📑 More Info & Registration
Join the United Way of Fort Smith Area for their Pickleball Open presented by ABB. Players of all skill levels welcome; proceeds support community programs.

Blippi: Join the Band Tour!

📅 October 14, 2025
⏰ 6:00 PM
📍 ArcBest Performing Arts Center (Fort Smith Convention Center)
📑 Everyone’s favorite curious explorer is coming to Fort Smith! Join Blippi and Meekah for the Join the Band Tour — a high-energy, music-filled show designed for kids ages 2–7 (and parents who love to dance along). Expect songs, laughter, learning, and interactive fun for the whole family.
🎟️ Tickets: Available now on Ticketmaster
📸 Optional Photo Experience available after the show (separate ticket required).

LOOKING FOR MORE EVENTS?

To view more events happening in the area

CLICK HERE

If you’ve ever come home to a wagging tail, you understand the special warmth dogs bring.

Kate, a two-year-old Terrier mix from the Fort Smith, AR area, is still waiting for a family to share that love.

Born around October 2022 and weighing about 50 pounds, Kate is spayed, vaccinated, and heartworm negative.

Her playful energy and joy have earned her the nickname "professional goofball" among volunteers.

Despite her healthy, happy spirit, Kate has spent almost two years without a home.

She dreams of belly rubs, cuddles, and a cozy couch after play.

This deserving pup just wants to be treasured inside, not overlooked.

If you’re in the Fort Smith region, consider fostering or adopting Kate—or simply share her story to bring her closer to finding her forever family.

Downtown Fort Smith is about to welcome The Back Porch, a new hangout spot designed to capture the comforting vibes of home.

This upcoming eatery will feature a country-style, deli-inspired menu full of fresh and satisfying choices, from hearty sandwiches to vibrant salads.

With Southern charm at its core, The Back Porch is inviting locals to settle in for great food and lively company.

Inside, the décor channels rustic, country flair, making it a space where both cowboys and cowgirls can relax and feel welcome.

Visitors will enjoy watching football on TV, playing pool, or simply sharing a drink with friends—all backed by the sounds of country music.

The Back Porch promises to blend local flavor with classic Fort Smith hospitality—a spot you won’t want to miss.

🌤️ 7-Day Fort Smith Forecast

Friday, Oct 10 – Thursday, Oct 16

📅 Friday: ☀️ Plenty of sunshine, mild breeze. High near 81°F, Low around 60°F
📅 Saturday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny and warmer. High 84°F, Low 63°F
📅 Sunday: ☀️ Bright and hot for October! High 88°F, Low 65°F
📅 Monday: 🌤️ Mostly sunny with light winds. High 84°F, Low 65°F
📅 Tuesday: 🌤️ Partly sunny, very warm. High 87°F, Low 66°F
📅 Wednesday: ☀️ Mostly sunny, summer-like. High 88°F, Low 64°F
📅 Thursday: ☀️ Warm and pleasant with a light breeze. High 87°F, Low 63°F

💡 Outlook: A warm, dry week ahead — great for outdoor events, festivals, and fall markets! No major rain chances expected until next weekend.