Comprehensive Guide to the Fort Smith Fall Festival (October 4, 2025)

Welcome to the ultimate guide to the Fort Smith Fall Festival!

This comprehensive resource is your passport to stepping back in time and experiencing the best of Fort Smith's history and community spirit.

From thrilling reenactments of famous trials to a free trolley that connects it all, this guide will walk you through every event, exhibit, and attraction.

Get ready to explore the past, celebrate the present, and plan an unforgettable day of family fun.

Part 1: Your Festival Plan

Fort Smith Fall Fest offers a full day of family-friendly fun on Saturday, with activities and historical reenactments happening from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Key events at the Fort Smith National Historic Site include a Belle Starr Trial Reenactment at 10:00 AM, musket drills for kids at 11:00 AM, and several Civil War artillery and cavalry demonstrations throughout the afternoon.

Interactive experiences also await at the Fort Smith Museum of History, with “History Alive!” re-enactors and another Belle and Sam Starr Trial Reenactment between 1:00 and 3:00 PM.

All-day attractions include free trolley rides, food vendors, a Kids Zone at Pendergraft Park, and period encampments.

Festival details and a downloadable map are available on the Fort Smith Fall Fest website.

Part 2: The Core Experience

Downtown Fort Smith gears up for an unforgettable Fall Festival on Saturday, October 4, 2025, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience a day where history comes alive.

From 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the city’s historic heart transforms with Civil War reenactments, live music, artisan markets, and savory bites from local food trucks.

Highlights include immersive activities at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, the U.S. Marshals Museum, and hands-on history at the Clayton House and Miss Laura’s Museum.

Families can delight in crafts at the Regional Art Museum’s Fall Family Day and kids will love the bustling inflatables at Pendergraft Park.

Free trolley rides make it easy to explore all participating venues, so guests can soak up every moment without parking hassles. Step into Fort Smith’s rich past—this festival promises something special for every generation.

The Fort Smith National Historic Site is the vibrant centerpiece of the Fall Festival, offering visitors a unique chance to step into the dramatic past of the American frontier.

Walking its storied grounds, guests retrace the paths of soldiers, marshals, and notorious outlaws where a military fort once stood and Judge Isaac C. Parker’s famed federal court held sway over what would become Oklahoma.

Festival highlights include gripping reenactments such as the Belle Starr trial and thrilling cavalry drills, immersing families in the lawless days of the Wild West.

Younger visitors can join in hands-on activities like the School of the Soldier, picking up wooden muskets and marching in step with history.

Throughout the day, live demonstrations from Civil War camps to frontier laundresses fill every corner, ensuring the spirit of the era is present at every turn.

Part 3: Law, Order, and Outlaws

Experience living history at the U.S. Marshals Museum during the Fort Smith Fall Festival, where free admission and special events welcome all ages.

This national museum honors America’s oldest federal law enforcement agency, founded in 1789 by President George Washington.

Through engaging exhibits, visitors discover stories of the brave men and women who established justice across the wild frontier, including legendary lawmen like Bass Reeves.

Fort Smith’s pivotal role as the enforcement center for the lawless Indian Territory — under figures such as Judge Isaac C. Parker — makes the city the ideal home for this museum.

Younger explorers can immerse themselves in The Lawman’s Satchel, an interactive activity where kids make their own badges and map out western towns.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with local and national history in an unforgettable setting.

The Fort Smith Museum of History, located in the historic 1906 Atkinson-Williams Warehouse, offers a unique look at the city’s colorful past.

Unlike the National Historic Site, the museum delves into personal stories, spotlighting legendary lawmen, notorious outlaws, and everyday citizens who shaped Fort Smith.

During the annual Fall Festival, visitors can experience history firsthand through interactive events.

The engaging US v. Belle and Sam Starr Reenactment lets guests serve as jurors as the infamous “Bandit Queen” stands trial, revealing the drama of Judge Parker’s court.

"History Alive!" brings historic figures like Judge Parker, Belle Starr, and even criminals such as Bonnie & Clyde to life through authentic portrayal.

This year, the museum spotlights outlaw Henry Starr with a book signing and special program, giving guests a rare window into the dual world of an infamous local figure.

Part 4: Fort Smith's Cultural Crossroads

Fort Smith’s transformation from frontier outpost to thriving city is reflected in its unique blend of Victorian sophistication and rugged Western spirit.

During the Fall Festival, visitors can explore this fascinating contrast at The Clayton House and Miss Laura's Brothel Museum.

The Clayton House, a stately Gothic Italianate mansion, once belonged to federal prosecutor William Henry Harrison Clayton.

This historic site celebrates refined 19th-century living, offering carnival games and festivities that transport guests back to an age of social grace and grandeur.

Nearby, Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum invites visitors to discover stories from Fort Smith’s lesser-known past, honoring madam Laura Ziegler and other women from “The Row.”

Festival guests enjoy free admission and tours led by staff in authentic 1930s costumes, bringing to life the city’s complex and colorful history.

These two museums together capture the full spirit of Old Fort Smith.

The Fort Smith Fall Festival blends deep-rooted local history with vibrant community spirit and excitement.

Beyond captivating historical reenactments, the festival bursts with art, music, food, and interactive family activities—ensuring something for every age.

Families flock to the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum for “RAM Fall Family Day,” where kids enjoy free hot dogs, goodie bags, and hands-on fall crafts, making creativity central to the celebration.

The Harvest Market highlights local artisans, offering handmade treasures and crafts, while an array of food trucks satisfies every taste, from classic treats to gourmet bites.

Younger festival-goers can let loose in the Pendergraft Park Kids Zone, packed with inflatables and fun designed just for them.

With its festive energy and diverse offerings, the event promises a memorable day out for the entire community.

Planning Your Visit: Final Details

Get ready for a memorable time at the Fort Smith Fall Festival with these essential tips for an effortless experience.

Arriving early is your best bet for easy parking in bustling downtown Fort Smith, as public lots tend to fill quickly.

The city’s free trolley conveniently connects visitors to all the festival hot spots.

Although admission to many events and museum exhibits is free, bring both cash and cards for food trucks and craft vendors.

While most festivities take place on paved streets, some historic areas may be less accessible, so wheelchair and stroller users should plan ahead.

Weather in Arkansas can shift fast, so dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes to keep up with the fun.

Stay updated by checking fortsmithfallfest.com and follow #FortSmithFallFest to join the local excitement on social media.

Fort Smith 8-Day Forecast (Oct 2–9)