Toad Suck Daze

May 1-3 / Downtown Conway

This springtime staple is a favorite among central Arkansans — and for good reason. Thousands of people turn out for this free-admission, family festival that has something for everyone including live music, carnival rides, children’s activities and the World Championship Toad Races.

World Cheese Dip Festival

October / Downtown Little Rock

Cheese Dip is an Arkansas invention. This fest lets you test and rate dips from amateurs and professionals from all across the country. The competition ends with the announcement of the new world champion cheese dip winner.

Six Bridges Book Festival

April 23-26 / Downtown Little Rock

Previously known as the Arkansas Literary Festival, this bibliophile-friendly fest was recently renamed to honor the city’s distinct bridges. The four-day event invites prominent authors to Little Rock for four days of bookish fun and the chance to meet some of your favorite writers.

Main Street Food Truck Festival

September / Downtown Little Rock

More than 50 food trucks and thousands of central Arkansans turn out for downtown Little Rock’s foodie-friendly Main Street Food Truck Fest. The festival takes over downtown Little Rock with multiple blocks loaded with plenty of food, entertainment and beer.

International Greek Food Festival

May / Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

The International Greek Food Festival has been serving up delicious Greek dishes and introducing Little Rock to Greek culture for more than 30 years. Pro tip: Go to the fest on an empty stomach. You can thank us later.

ACANSA

Sept. 11-27 / Various locations in Little Rock

ACANSA is a week-long arts and culture festival that takes place across Little Rock and the Argenta neighborhood in North Little Rock. From contemporary dance and art exhibitions to live music and theatre, ACANSA has something for everyone.

Boo at the Zoo

October / Little Rock Zoo

One of the best times to visit the Little Rock Zoo is during Boo at the Zoo. The zoo is transformed into a spooky Halloween-themed attraction with colorful lights and fun photo ops around every turn.

Arkansas Cornbread Festival

October / South Main Street (SoMa)

Southerners love their cornbread. Little Rock residents love it so much they’ve dedicated an entire festival to it. The fest features tons of vendors, live music, and of course, lots of cornbread.

Chili Fights in the Heights

October / The Heights

This annual street festival pits teams against each other to determine the best chili The Heights has to offer. While the endless chili is reason enough to go, proceeds from the event are donated to a local nonprofit.