Arkansas State Fair Returns for Its 85th Edition, Promising Economic and Cultural Impact

The 85th Arkansas State Fair returns to Little Rock from October 10 through 19, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to the fairgrounds. Hosted by the Arkansas Livestock Show Association, the event began over a century ago as a modest livestock showcase and has since grown into one of the state’s largest and most celebrated gatherings. Today, the fair offers a full spectrum of attractions and events, and this year, organizers are promising an even broader variety of experiences and a vibrant festival atmosphere, with record attendance and revenue anticipated.

A Fair for Everyone: Music, Competitions, and More

The 85th Arkansas State Fair promises a festival experience unlike any other, offering something for every visitor. Spanning Barton Coliseum and the Arkansas Building, the fair’s lineup this year blends music, livestock, culinary arts, and family fun into a lively, week-long celebration.

The concert series sets the tone for the fair’s high-energy opening. R&B sensation Trey Songz takes the stage at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 10. Country fans can enjoy Lonestar and David Lee Murphy at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, while rock enthusiasts will not want to miss 38 Special performing at 6 p.m. on Sunday, October 12.

For livestock enthusiasts, the Sale of Champions will take place at noon on Friday, October 17, in Barton Coliseum, showcasing some of the region’s top animals. Meanwhile, culinary creativity takes center stage in the Creative Arts Building. The week begins with the Adult Open Bake on Saturday, October 11, followed by the Petit Jean Meats Cooking Contest and the Tim Clement Memorial Pound Cake competition on Monday, October 13. On Tuesday, Hiland Dairy’s Cooking Contest and Matthew’s Sweet Potato Cooking Contest put culinary skill to the test, while Wednesday features the Arkansas State Fair Cherry Pie and Skippy Peanut Butter Cooking contests. Thursday highlights the Arkansas Cattlemen’s Steak Competition and the Arkansas Cattlewomen’s Chili Cook-Off. The People’s Choice Chili Contest takes place on Friday, October 17, and the week concludes with the Youth Baking Competition on Saturday, October 18.

Beyond these events, the fair offers arts and crafts, commercial exhibits, and a variety of free shows sprinkled throughout the festival, ensuring every guest finds something to enjoy.

Explore the complete lineup of events here. 

Pageants and Talent Competitions

Pageant contests are already underway. The Jr. Miss Pageant took place on Friday, October 3, followed by the Miss Pageant on Saturday, October 4, both hosted in Barton Coliseum. Additional competitions are scheduled in the Arkansas Building, including the Rodeo Queen Competition on October 4-5.

The Arkansas State Fair Pageant program crowned new royalty in the glamour divisions during the October 3-4 competitions. Allison Frazier of Russellville, Miss Craighead County, won the title of Miss Arkansas State Fair. Participants qualified through county and district fairs across the state. This year, 56 young women competed in the Miss Arkansas State Fair division, while 61 competed in the Jr. Miss division. This marks the second year the pageants have been held in advance of the fair opening and the second year hosted in Barton Coliseum.

The Talent Showdown is scheduled for Friday, October 10, followed by the Youth Pageant & Kids Talent event on Saturday, October 11. The weekend concludes with the Elite Ms., Ms., and Sr. Ms. Pageants on Sunday, October 12.

A Boost for the Local Economy

The Arkansas State Fair remains a significant economic engine for the state. Last year, just over 550,000 guests attended, falling only 9,000 short of the 2023 record.

This large turnout provides a substantial lift for local vendors, restaurants, and hotels. “We have averaged, the last couple years, over 550,000 attendees, and they’re here for, some of them, almost two weeks,” explained Tiffany Wilkerson, general manager. “Some are staying here on the grounds, but we can’t accommodate everyone as far as vendors, concessioners, the livestock exhibitors, the carnival workers. We’re talking over 500 people that are here just working with the carnival. With that, we have people staying at hotels. We have people dining out at restaurants here in the local area. They’re here spending locally.”

While a new economic impact study is forthcoming, Wilkerson pointed to the fair’s budget growth as a clear indicator of increased spending. In 2013, the fair’s budget was $4.5 million; today, it approaches $6 million. She also noted that 3,000 exhibitors from across the state travel an average of 300 miles round trip, boosting fuel purchases and local commerce.

“People think when folks come to the State Fair that they’re here [on the grounds] the whole time and that’s it,” Wilkerson said. “That’s not true. They’re getting out. They’re buying groceries. They’re shopping. They’re doing other things while they’re here. I’ve even heard people have had time to get out and go to the casinos. Those two weeks, counting setup and teardown, definitely have an impact on our local restaurants, hotels, and other attractions in the area.”

Traffic and Parking Improvements

Traffic and parking have posed challenges in past years, but organizers have introduced changes to improve the visitor experience. Admission and parking are structured to accommodate all guests, with a flat $10 fee per vehicle.

A new traffic pattern has been implemented to enhance safety and reduce congestion. Vehicles will no longer be allowed to pass in front of the Main Gate and loop under the bridge to park. Officials say these adjustments will help visitors move more efficiently around the fairgrounds, allowing them to fully enjoy the festival atmosphere and make the most of their experience.

With improved logistics, a diverse schedule of events, and significant economic impact, this year’s fair promises a lively celebration of Arkansas culture, talent, and community.