Fiestas, Festivals and Fanfares
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Arkansas demographics have changed over the past two decades. Now it is possible to find Latino restaurants in small towns in the hills of the Natural State. In fact, there are Latin festivals throughout the region. Here are some of them.
Dates may change from year to year. The organizers announce them in advance so, to the fiesta!
Day of the Dead
Where? The entire state.
When? November 1-2.
What's happening? Few holidays are associated as much with the Mexican spirit as the Día de los Muertos, although other Hispanic nations (including Spain) have similar traditions, with roots in Catholicism and, in the case of Mexico, Aztec customs. There will be commemorations in Little Rock, Springdale, Eureka Springs, Bentonville, Jonesboro, among other places.
Fiesta Fest in De Queen
Where? Dowtown De Queen.
When? May (the exact day for 2022 has yet to be announced).
What's happening? Formerly known as the Diversity Festival, it is sponsored by the University of Arkansas Cossatot which offers two-year vocational and technical majors. Its goal is to bring the community together to celebrate Southwest Arkansas cultures and raise funds for students. There are rides, live music, traditional dances, games, lots of food, and more.
Little Rock Cornbread Festival
Where? Little Rock's South Main Street Entertainment District.
When? The 2021 edition was changed to 2022. The new date has yet to be announced.
What's happening? Cornbread is a tradition in the South of the United States and chefs and amateurs participate in this festival preparing their best recipes for that dish. There is also music, arts and crafts sales, and activities for children. The event is free, but you must buy a ticket to try the food samples. Information at arkansascornbreadfestival.com.
Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival
Where? Town of Warren, in the south of the state.
When? Second week of June.
What's happening? This is one of the oldest and best-planned festivals in the state and celebrates the southern pink tomato, which is Arkansas' official fruit and vegetable. There are parades, music, sale of handicrafts, contests to eat tomatoes, pack tomatoes, and collect tomatoes, among others. Information at pinktomatofestival.com.
Bentonville Film Festival
Where? Different locations in Bentonville
When? From August 2 to 8, 2021.
What's happening? This film festival is named after its promoter, actress Geena Davis. Its objective is to increase the diversity of artists in film production. Some of the films shown are jewels that could hardly be seen on commercial broadcasters. Information at bentonvillefilm.org.
Frisco Festival in Rogers
Where? Frisco Plaza in downtown Rogers and in Railyard Park
When? Annually in August
What's happening? A festival that combines the American with the Latin cultures. It has live music, dancing, food and craft sales, and a classic car parade.
Bikes Blues and BBQ of Fayetteville
Where? Downtown Fayetteville.
When? Postponed until 2022.
What's happening? For more than 20 years, thousands of motorcyclists have come to Fayetteville for music, food, and sales events of all kinds to help local charities. Admission is free.
Jonesboro BBQ Festival
Where? Downtown Jonesboro.
When? September 25, 2021.
What's happening? Music, beer, and barbecue contests in one of Arkansas' most flourishing cities.
Hispanic Heritage Festival in Fayetteville
Where? Central Plaza of Fayetteville.
When? September 26, 2021.
What's happening? A parade, floats, food, music and dance and presentation of charitable organizations in the most relaxed city in Northwest Arkansas.
El Dorado Music Fest
Where? Downtown El Dorado.
When? October 1-2
What's happening? Music, food, free fun, as well as a beauty pageant in one of the loveliest towns in the state.
Mariachi Festival 2021
Where? Shiloh Plaza in downtown Springdale.
When? Saturday, October 2 from 12 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
What's happening? Mariachi groups from across the region will perform their music celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Organized by the Latin Art Organization of Arkansas. The event is free.
10th Little Rock Food Truck Festival
Where? Downtown Little Rock.
When? Saturday, October 2, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
What's happening? One of America's best food truck festivals features food from every continent, arts and crafts of all kinds, and great music and art.
King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena
Where? In downtown Helena.
When? From October 6 to 9
What's happening? Blues fans will be able to enjoy that music for three days, as well as races, bike races and barbecue contests on the banks of the Mississippi river.
