Holiday Markets, Bluegrass, and a Saturday Night in Fayetteville
The holiday season arrives in earnest this weekend, November 13 to 15, and Arkansas is showing off. Holiday markets pop up from Harrison to Hot Springs, CARTI's Festival of Fashion celebrates 50 years in Little Rock, bluegrass closes out the season at the Ozark Folk Center, and the Razorbacks host South Carolina under the lights on Saturday night. Closer to home, Lake Dardanelle State Park right here in Russellville packs Saturday and Sunday with ranger programs, including a free Eagle Tour on Sunday afternoon.
Weekend weather in Russellville: Friday is sunny and crisp with a high near 59, Saturday is partly cloudy with a high in the mid 50s, and Sunday turns cooler and wetter, with showers likely and a high near 54. Lows run from the low 30s to the upper 30s, so dress in layers, especially for the outdoor markets and the Saturday night game, and keep an eye on the Sunday forecast as you make plans.
Browse the events below and click any red event title for details. Confirm times and availability with the organizer before you head out, grab your favorite people, and go make a few Arkansas memories.
Friday, November 13, 2026
Sister Act the Musical
Community Theatre of Cabot, 208 North 1st Street, Cabot | Friday, 7:00 p.m. | $20
Cabot's community theatre closes out its two weekend run of this feel good musical comedy, built on the hit film with an original score by Alan Menken. A disco diva hiding out in a convent turns its quiet choir into a gospel powerhouse, and it is the kind of big hearted local production that reminds you how good hometown theatre can be. It also plays Saturday at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Festival of Fashion (CARTI Festival of Trees)
Statehouse Convention Center, Wally Allen Ballroom, Little Rock | Friday, doors 5:30 p.m., show 7:00 p.m.
A Little Rock holiday tradition turns 50 this year, and Friday night belongs to fashion, with a New York style runway show from Central Arkansas boutiques like B. Barnett, Scarlet, Vesta's and Unveiled Bridal Collection. The show is set to music and energy from five decades, in honor of the golden anniversary, and every ticket supports care and support services for CARTI cancer patients. Tickets are sold through CARTI; see the event page for details.
Holiday Open Market
Historic Main Street, Van Buren | Friday, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Van Buren's historic Main Street is six blocks of beautifully restored 1800s storefronts, and this open house style market is the perfect excuse to stroll them after dark on Friday. Antiques, boutiques and restaurants stay festive and welcoming, so you can eat, sip and shop your way down the street and get a head start on Christmas close to home.
Holiday Marketplace
Signature Bank Tower, 303 N Main St, Harrison | Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Free admission
Fourteen years in, this indoor marketplace fills the Signature Bank Tower with local artists and small businesses for two full days of holiday shopping. Santa holds court in the Atrium by the fountain for selfies, a food truck keeps shoppers fueled, and admission and parking are both free, which makes it an easy Boone County outing.
Thankful Kisses Market
Maumelle Event Center, 10910 Maumelle Blvd, North Little Rock | Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., plus Ladies Night 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. | $2 general admission, $10 VIP
KissieMe Markets brings its curated shopping experience to the Maumelle Event Center with boutiques, handcrafted goods, home décor and gourmet treats from small businesses across the region. Friday adds a little extra fun, with a VIP muffins and mocktail mimosa hour in the morning and a Ladies Night of shopping after dark. It also runs Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Little Rock Fall Artisan, Trade & Vendor Expo
War Memorial Park, 5101 West Markham Street, Little Rock | Friday, noon to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Free
Three days of community shopping at War Memorial Park, with local artisans, makers, food vendors, creators and small businesses from around Central Arkansas all in one spot. It is a relaxed way to start the holiday gift hunt, meet the people behind the products, and support Arkansas entrepreneurs while you browse.
2nd Friday Art Night @ HAM
Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E. Third Street, Little Rock | Friday, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. | Free
Downtown Little Rock opens its doors after hours for this monthly art night, and the Historic Arkansas Museum hosts an opening reception with live music and Arkansas Made beer on the grounds. Galleries, shops and studios across downtown join in, so you can wander from one to the next and soak up art, history and fall evening air.
Rhea Lana's of Northwest Arkansas Holiday Event
603 N Monitor Rd, Springdale | Friday, during the public sale that runs through Saturday, November 14 | Free admission
Billed as one of the largest consignment events in the nation, this sale packs in more than 150,000 inspected items, from Christmas outfits and toys to baby gear, furniture and holiday décor, at 60 to 90 percent off retail. Friday is a sweet spot for bargain hunters, well stocked public shopping before the final day rush on Saturday.
BrickCity Girls Night Out
The Shops at BrickCity, 2920 N College Ave, Fayetteville | Friday, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
The Shops at BrickCity pulls together dozens of local shops and makers under one roof, and its Girls Night Out turns a Friday evening into a relaxed shopping party with your friends. It is an easy, festive way to browse Fayetteville small businesses and start on the holiday list.
Arkansas State Parks Events
Mountain View Fall Bluegrass Festival
Ozark Folk Center State Park, Mountain View | Thursday evening through Saturday, November 14
Matinee and evening shows fill the park's 1,000 seat Ozark Highlands Theater all day Friday and again Saturday, produced by the Mountain View Bluegrass Association to benefit the Music Roots program for area youth. This is closing weekend at the park, and the festival is a beloved way to end the season. The festival is ticketed; see the event page for prices and showtimes.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Spa Running Festival
Convention Boulevard in front of Embassy Suites, 134 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs | Saturday: Half Marathon 7:00 a.m., 10K 7:40 a.m., 5K 8:00 a.m., Squirt Race 11:00 a.m. | $10 to $78 by race
Hot Springs turns race weekend into a full family outing, with a fast and flat 5K, the Spa 10K celebrating its 45th year, and the Summit2Summit Half Marathon climbing both Hot Springs Mountain and West Mountain through the national park. There is even a Squirt Race for kids ages 2 to 10, and the finish line festival brings food, live music from Jacob Flores, and plenty of bragging rights. Packet pickup and the expo also run Friday, noon to 7:00 p.m., at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Run the Den Trail Races
Devil's Den State Park, 11333 W Arkansas Hwy 74, West Fork | Saturday, races start 7:30 a.m. | Registration through Race Wizard
The first ever Run the Den brings 6 mile, 13 mile and marathon trail races to one of Arkansas's most loved state parks. The shorter courses roll along the Monument Trails past bluff lines and creek crossings, while marathoners add the rugged Butterfield Trail, and proceeds benefit the Friends of Devil's Den. Registration is open now through Race Wizard.
Bark 'N Paws Rescue Pet Fair
Arkansas State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry, 2600 Howard St, Little Rock | Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | $5 donation at the door, free parking
Billed as the largest celebration of rescue dogs and cats in Arkansas, this fair packs the Hall of Industry with dozens of rescue organizations and hundreds of adoptable dogs and cats. Between the pet boutiques, specialty treats, free samples, face painting, door prizes and training demonstrations, it is a very good Saturday for any family thinking about a new four legged member.
Veterans and Vehicles
Arkansas Air and Military Museum, 4290 S School Ave, Fayetteville | Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Free
The museum pairs its free morning with a free car show, and wraps the whole thing in giving back, with a Toys for Tots toy drive and a non perishable food drive for veterans in need, plus prizes for the vehicles that bring the most donations. Veteran owned vehicles are especially encouraged, so expect a patriotic lineup worth the drive to Drake Field. Judging runs 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with awards at 11:30 a.m.
Festival of Trees Jazz Brunch
Mount Sequoyah Center, 150 N Skyline Drive, Fayetteville | Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | From $135.23, ages 21 and up
Kick off the Christmas season on the mountain with brunch from Early Bird Catering and live jazz from The Cocktail Club Trio, surrounded by the decorated trees of the Festival of Trees. Every ticket supports improvements to the Bailey Center, one of Mount Sequoyah's most treasured gathering spaces. This one is a splurge, so we are showing the price up front: tickets start at $135.23 and include brunch, jazz, beverages and Festival of Trees admission.
Stranger than Folklore: The Unknown Ozarks
Fayetteville Public Library, 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville | Saturday, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. | Free
Folklorist and author Brandon Weston has spent nearly twenty years documenting the healers and storytellers of the Ozarks, and in this talk he shares the real stories behind the folklore of the hills and hollers. It is a cozy, bookish way to spend a Saturday afternoon, and a nice reminder of how much living tradition is tucked into these mountains. The talk will also be livestreamed.
Shrek The Musical
Wildwood Park for the Arts, 20919 Denny Rd, Little Rock | Saturday, 2:00 p.m.
The Tony Award winning musical brings Shrek, Donkey, Princess Fiona and a whole swamp full of fairy tale misfits to the stage in an indoor production at Wildwood's Cabe Festival Theater. Directed by Dr. Bevan Keating with choreography by Christina Muñoz, it is big, funny and genuinely fun for the whole family. The run opens Friday at 7:30 p.m. and includes a Sunday matinee, with performances through November 22.
Spa City Crystals & Crafts Gem Show
Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport, 525 Airport Rd, Hot Springs | Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Free admission
This first time outdoor gem show sets up right at Memorial Field Airport with gems, minerals, crystals and fossils alongside artisan jewelry, local art and crafts, an easy head start on holiday gift shopping. Food trucks keep everyone fed, and live music runs through the day with Haley Crabb at 11:00 a.m. and Jerry McCall from 12:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Arkansas Razorbacks vs. South Carolina
Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville | Saturday, kickoff 6:45 p.m. Central, SEC Network
The Hogs are back under the lights at home against a South Carolina team that opened the season in the College Football Playoff selection committee's rankings, so this one has real stakes for a mid November SEC Saturday night. The game carries a Military Appreciation theme in the week of Veterans Day, and tickets are available through the Razorback Ticket Center. Expect a loud, proud crowd in Fayetteville.
Arkansas State Parks Events
Lake Dardanelle State Park, right here in Russellville, runs a full day of programs on Saturday:
Shoreline Stroll
Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville | Saturday, 8:30 to 9:15 a.m.
Start the day with a morning stroll along the Lake Dardanelle shoreline with park staff.
Garden Basket Workshop
Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville | Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A day long basket making workshop at the park. Call the visitor center ahead to ask about registration and any supply fee before you go.
What's for Lunch?
Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville | Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Park staff feed live food to the fish in the visitor center's 8,000 gallons of aquariums, home to species found in Lake Dardanelle, and families get to watch up close. It is a small program that kids absolutely love.
Dutch Oven Outdoor Cooking Demonstration
Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville | Saturday, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
An afternoon outdoor cooking demonstration, with the kind of campfire know how that has fed Arkansas gatherings for generations.
Great Migration Challenge
Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville | Saturday, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m.
An early evening program themed on bird migration season at the lake, a fitting close to a full day at the park.
Sunday, November 15, 2026
Holiday Art Market
Puritan Coffee & Beer, 205 W Dickson St, Fayetteville | Sunday, 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. | Free
Five hours of handmade holiday shopping on Dickson Street, with ceramics, artwork, and one of a kind gifts from Northwest Arkansas makers. The artists themselves are at the tables, so every gift comes with a story and your dollars stay with local small businesses. With showers in the Russellville forecast, check the Fayetteville forecast before you head up.
Lyle Lovett and His Small Large Band
Baum Walker Hall at Walton Arts Center, 495 W Dickson St, Fayetteville | Sunday, 7:00 p.m. | $63.25 to $113.85
The Texas singer, composer, and actor returns to Walton Arts Center for one performance only, part of the Land O'Lakes Concert Series. Lovett fuses country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel, and blues like nobody else, and his live shows are famous for their storytelling. It is an indoor ending to the weekend, which the Sunday forecast makes easy to appreciate.
Arkansas State Parks Events
Morning Bird Hike
Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville | Sunday, 9:00 to 9:45 a.m.
A short morning bird hike to start a quiet Sunday on the lake.
Eagle Tour
Lake Dardanelle State Park, Russellville | Sunday, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. | Free, reservations required
Boarding begins 15 minutes early at the boat dock near the Tournament Weigh-In Facility, and seats must be reserved at 479-967-5516. These free winter lake cruises are the best seat in the River Valley for bald eagles, with American white pelicans, ducks, and snow geese also on the water. Dress warmly, since wind on the lake bites, and note the tours are weather dependent, which matters with Sunday showers in the forecast.
Pinnacle Trail Work Party
Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Middle Mountain Parking Lot, 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road, Little Rock | Sunday, 8:00 to 10:00 a.m.
The Central Arkansas Trail Alliance hosts this trail workday with Arkansas State Parks, the third and final installment of a fall series. Park staff set the work plan, CATA supplies tools, and there are coffee and donuts. Bring a water bottle, gloves, and loppers or pruners if you have them, and wear sturdy shoes. An RSVP is requested.
Also running Sunday
Sister Act closes with a 2:00 p.m. matinee in Cabot, Shrek The Musical plays a Sunday matinee at Wildwood Park in Little Rock, the Spa City gem show runs its second day in Hot Springs, and the Fall Artisan Expo wraps up at War Memorial Park.
We are Live Love Arkansas, and around here, it is more than real estate. We love living here, and we love helping other people find their place here too. If this weekend has you dreaming about a home near Lake Dardanelle, a porch in the River Valley, or a fresh start in Northwest Arkansas, message us. We would love to help you find your way home.
