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New Eats, Big Fests & Local Flavor — Your Fork & The Fun
New Eats, Big Fests & Local Flavor — Your Fork & The Fun
Odie’s Diner debuts, Back Porch opens soon, plus music fest, art shows & more in the River Valley.
Author
Oct 9, 2025
Tip of The Day |
Check out the local farmers market in River Valley to discover fresh produce and unique crafts. Support local artisans and farmers while enjoying live music and delicious food! |
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Odie’s Diner has opened its doors in Van Buren, bringing classic hometown comfort food to the former Willie’s Wagon Wheel location.
Early risers and night owls alike can enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner, with breakfast served anytime — making pancakes and omelets just as welcome at sunset as at sunrise.
The menu features traditional diner favorites, including fluffy omelets, savory biscuits and gravy, juicy burgers, and rotating home-style daily specials.
Guests are greeted with the kind of friendly, laid-back atmosphere that makes everyone feel like a regular.
Located at 5300 Alma Highway, Odie’s Diner is open from 5:30 AM daily, closing at 10 PM Monday through Thursday, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 3 PM on Sundays. Whether you’re stopping in before work or craving late-night comfort food, Odie’s Diner is ready to serve Van Buren locals a hot meal and a smile. Read More... |
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Fort Smith Farmers Market – Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith |
📅 Saturdays year-round; Wednesdays (seasonal) |
Peacemaker Music Festival – Fort Smith, AR |
📅 October 10–11, 2025 |
Halloween Light Show |
📅 Begins Oct 3 (October 2025) |
Family Bonfire Night – Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center |
📅 Friday, October 10, 2025 |
Artist Spotlight – Michael Warrick: “Spirits” Exhibition |
📅 Opening Reception: Friday, October 10, 2025 |
Van Buren Fall Festival (Historic Main Street) |
Date/Time: Sat, Oct 11, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM & Sun, Oct 12, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Summary: Downtown street festival featuring handmade crafts, vendors, food, and family fun along Main Street. |
Chili Supper & Pie Auction – Robert Jack VFW Post 1322 Auxiliary |
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisans Market – Fort Smith, AR |
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
Hoppy Hour Comedy Show – Fort Smith Brewing Co. |
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
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Artsea Watercolors brings a Gilmore Girls–inspired Ladies Fall Brunch to Fort Smith Coffee Co. inside the U.S. Marshals Museum on Saturday, November 15, from 10 AM to Noon.
Enjoy a seasonal brunch menu featuring fresh quiche, mini-scones, and a festive drink, all catered by the beloved local coffee shop.
The morning features creative fun, including Gilmore Girls trivia, paper hat making, giveaways, and a relaxing fall-themed watercolor project everyone can take home.
Gather with friends to celebrate the spirit of Stars Hollow—art, laughter, and coffee abound for a memorable local experience.
Registration is $45 per person and must be completed by November 7.
This cozy event promises the perfect autumn escape right here in Fort Smith. Read More... |
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The Mudbug Mayhem Crawfish Festival is set to return to Patriot Airpark in Pocola, Oklahoma on March 7, 2026, providing a full day of food and fun from 10AM to 5PM.
Organizers are seeking local vendors — from food trucks to artists and small businesses — to take part in this lively River Valley tradition.
Guests will enjoy a Crawfish Cook-Off, a classic car and bike show, live music, family-friendly activities, and even a cornhole tournament, creating an energetic, inclusive experience for all ages.
This festival offers a unique chance for local businesses and creators to connect with thousands of attendees, celebrate Cajun flavors, and join the region’s most anticipated event.
Vendor registration is now open at www.mudbugmayhemfest.com. Read More... |
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Downtown Fort Smith is about to welcome The Back Porch, a new hangout spot designed to capture the comforting vibes of home.
This upcoming eatery will feature a country-style, deli-inspired menu full of fresh and satisfying choices, from hearty sandwiches to vibrant salads.
With Southern charm at its core, The Back Porch is inviting locals to settle in for great food and lively company.
Inside, the décor channels rustic, country flair, making it a space where both cowboys and cowgirls can relax and feel welcome.
Visitors will enjoy watching football on TV, playing pool, or simply sharing a drink with friends—all backed by the sounds of country music.
The Back Porch promises to blend local flavor with classic Fort Smith hospitality—a spot you won’t want to miss. Read More... |
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Celebrate the creative vision of Panama Middle and High School students at the upcoming exhibition hosted by the Regional Art Museum (RAM) in Fort Smith.
Join the opening reception on Friday, October 10, from 5–7 PM to view an inspiring collection of artwork crafted by students in grades 7 through 12, all under the guidance of dedicated art teacher Leota Hartgraves.
The event is free to attend and includes light refreshments, offering a welcoming environment for guests to appreciate local talent.
The exhibition runs through February 1, allowing the community to experience the creativity and hard work of these emerging River Valley artists over several months.
This unique student showcase is made possible with support from Arkansas Colleges of Health Education (ACHE).
Share in celebrating the future of local art! Read More... |
🌤️ 7-Day River Valley ForecastFriday, Oct 10 – Thursday, Oct 16 |
📅 Friday: ☀️ Plenty of sunshine, mild breeze. High near 81°F, Low around 60°F
💡 Outlook: A warm, dry week ahead — great for outdoor events, festivals, and fall markets! No major rain chances expected until next weekend. |