🍂 Cooler temps and busy weekends are here in Fort Smith!

You’ll also find local volunteer opportunities, upcoming festivals, and a furry friend waiting for a forever home.

Let’s see what’s buzzing around town 👇

Downtown Fort Smith is set for a makeover as the Main Street Fort Smith program unveils a new grant initiative targeting local small businesses.

Business owners can now apply for grants to revamp storefronts, upgrade signage, and improve curb appeal—from fresh paint and lighting to façade restoration and enhanced accessibility.

The revitalization effort aims to attract more visitors while maintaining historic character in the city’s vibrant district of restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.

Prioritizing independent businesses that give downtown its unique identity, city officials hope the project will both support entrepreneurs and strengthen the entire River Valley economy.

For many in Fort Smith, these upgrades represent more than just cosmetic changes—they are an investment in community pride and local progress.

The City of Fort Smith has introduced CityView, a new online portal designed to bring city services directly to residents and businesses at any time.

With CityView, you can handle permits, licenses, inspections, and service requests without stepping outside your home.

From applying for building or zoning permits to renewing business licenses and paying fees securely online, CityView streamlines tasks that once required in-person visits.

This digital platform is available 24/7, letting homeowners, entrepreneurs, and contractors track their submissions and stay compliant with local regulations easily.

By centralizing paperwork and requests, CityView saves time and makes managing city requirements more convenient for the entire Fort Smith community.

Visit fortsmithar.gov/cityview to get started or learn more about this innovative service.

💼 Your business could be featured here!

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Affordable local advertising that actually gets read — contact us at info@fortsmithbuzz.com

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).

Bingo Loco

📅 October 17, 2025
⏰ 7:00 PM
📍 Fort Smith Convention Center
📑 Bingo Loco is an interactive 3-hour stage show full of dance-offs, rave rounds, games, and prizes. Get ready to party, shout bingo, and win big—this is bingo like you’ve never seen it before.
🎟️ Tickets: Available via Ticketmaster
#BingoLoco #InteractiveBingo #LiveEvents #FortSmith #VanBurenBuzz #FortSmithBuzz

Murder & Mayhem (Fort Smith Museum of History)

Murder & Mayhem (Fort Smith Museum of History)

Date/Time: Oct 17, 18 & 25 (evening); Halloween Night special on Oct 31.

Summary: Step into Fort Smith’s haunted past with ghost stories, eerie legends, and chilling history on a ticketed nighttime tour.

Event Details & Tickets

Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisans Market – Fort Smith, AR

📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
⏰ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Chaffee Crossing, Fort Smith, AR (near Wells Lake Rd)
🎟 Admission: Free to attend (vendor prices vary)
📑 More Info
A vibrant outdoor market featuring local food producers, artisans, crafters, and seasonal vendors at historic Chaffee Crossing.

Touch-A-Truck Family Event

📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Chaffee Crossing Artisan Market, off Ellis Street
📑 Hosted by ARCOM’s Emergency Medicine Interest Group, this free event invites families to explore firetrucks, ambulances, and emergency vehicles. Kids can draw on the Scribble Car, learn basic first aid, and care for their own teddy bear “patient” to take home! 🧸
🎟️ Free Admission

Birdie’s Bizarre & Vintage Expo

📅 October 18, 2025
⏰ 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Kay Rodgers Park Expo Center, Fort Smith
📑 Explore a curated market of vintage, retro, handmade goods, and collectibles from local and regional vendors. Whether you love thrift finds, one-of-a-kind décor, or handcrafted treasures, this expo has something for every style lover.
🎟️ Tickets: $6.89 – $10 (prices vary) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
🔗 More info & tickets

Hot Rods & Harleys – Fort Smith Harley-Davidson

📅 Saturday & Sunday, October 18–19, 2025
⏰ Sat 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sun until 3:00 PM
📍 Fort Smith Harley-Davidson, 6304 South 36th Street, Fort Smith, AR
🎟 Admission: Free to attend (vehicle entrants likely need registration)
📑 More Info & Event Calendar
The 2nd Annual Fall Car, Truck, & Bike show features hot rods, Harleys, vendor booths, food, and a fun community atmosphere. Come join the auto and motorcycle celebration.

Hoppy Hour Comedy Show – Fort Smith Brewing Co.

📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
⏰ 7:30 PM
📍 Fort Smith Brewing Company, 7500 Fort Chaffee Blvd, Fort Smith, AR
🎟 Admission: $20 per person
📑 More Info
A night of stand-up featuring Chase Myska, Kelly Collum, Lucas Aaron Smith, and Bair. Grab a brew and enjoy laughs at Fort Smith Brewing Company’s Hoppy Hour Comedy Show.

Fort Smith residents are encouraged to join the city’s annual Fall Clean-Up Days on Saturday, October 18 and Saturday, October 25, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

This event offers locals a convenient and responsible way to dispose of unwanted household items, with two free services available this year.

Proof of residency is required—bring a driver’s license or recent utility bill.

Trailers and commercial vehicles are not permitted.

On October 18 at the Ward 4 site (8800 S. Dallas St.), residents can have sensitive documents securely shredded.

October 25 features e-waste recycling with the Sebastian County Solid Waste District, inviting safe disposal of old electronics.

Residents can also request the Dial-A-Truck service to pick up bulky items at no charge.

Help keep Fort Smith clean while clearing out your own space!

Families are invited to enjoy a morning of learning and excitement at Touch-A-Truck, hosted by the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Emergency Medicine Interest Group.

The event will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Chaffee Crossing Artisan Market off Ellis Street.

Kids can explore real firetrucks and ambulances, climb aboard emergency vehicles, and get creative with the colorful Scribble Car.

Young guests will have the chance to practice hands-on first aid skills by caring for a teddy bear “patient”—and then bring their new fuzzy friend home.

This free event is open to the entire community, blending fun and learning for all ages.

Meet local first responders and share a day of discovery and connection with your neighbors.

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 Roosevelt, a lovable American Pit Bull Terrier mix searching for his forever home in Fort Smith.

This playful, loyal pup is about 1 year and 7 months old, eager to become a devoted companion.

Roosevelt is just one of many wonderful dogs and cats waiting for adoption at Fort Smith Animal Haven.

If you’re interested in giving Roosevelt or another pet a second chance, visit fsmah.org/adopt or call (479) 551-2221 for details and to start your journey toward adoption.

Click the banner to visit our website and read more.