Fort Smith National Historic Site

7th Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival

<p>The 7th Annual Fort Smith Fall Festival returns on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., bringing a full day of free family-friendly activities, living history, arts, shopping, and community festivities to downtown Fort Smith.</p> <p>Hosted by Fort Smith National Historic Site, the festival has become Fort Smith's largest history-themed event and brings together several of the city's museums, attractions, and community organizations for one unforgettable day.</p> <ul> <li>Fort Smith National Historic Site will feature more than 80 living history reenactors portraying life at the first and second Fort Smiths, Deputy U.S. Marshals, soldiers, and frontier residents. Visitors can enjoy infantry, cavalry, and cannon demonstrations, historic garden tours, children's Choctaw and Victorian games, hands-on arts and crafts, and take-home prizes. The historic courtroom will once again host the popular Belle Starr Trial Reenactment, and the park will also welcome the 12th Annual Fort Smith Volunteer Fair. All National Historic Site programs are free.</li> <li>Fort Smith Museum of History will provide free museum admission, costumed interpreters, and additional opportunities to experience Fort Smith's rich past.</li> <li>The Clayton House will have a free open house and celebrate Colonel William H.H. Clayton's Birthday, giving guests a chance to explore one of Fort Smith's most treasured historic homes.</li> <li>Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum will have free admission with special speakers, a market, and food trucks. A Grand Re-Opening Event will be from 9am-10am.</li> <li>Fort Smith Regional Art Museum will host its annual Fall Family Day with free art activities and family programming.</li> <li>Fort Smith Trolley Museum will offer free trolley rides throughout the festival!</li> <li>The U.S. Marshals Museum will offer discounted admission until 4pm.</li> <li>Fort Smith Visitor Center will have a kids’ quilt craft, dog treats, and a dog water station</li> <li>The Fort Smith Farmers Market will be active right across the street from 7am to noon.</li> <li>Nearly 100 artisan and retail vendors</li> <li>Delicious food trucks</li> <li>FREE shuttle service connecting festival locations throughout downtown</li> </ul> <p>For a complete schedule of events, parking information, trolley stops, and festival maps, visit www.fortsmithfallfest.com.</p>