Lanterns at Wildwood Park for the Arts
An unforgettable celebration of culture, art, and community in the heart of West Little Rock. The Lanterns Festival is one of the most anticipated outdoor festivals of the year, where people come…
501 Fest
A Day for Celebrating the Best of Central Arkansas
If you’re not from Arkansas, we’ll clue you in: 501 is the telephone area code for Central Arkansas, and it’s why May 1 (5/01) is set aside to celebrate our home region. Whether you're looking for live music or planning a family-friendly itinerary, this yearly event is a must-visit experience for unforgettable fun.
Though Little Rock is the largest city in the 501 area code, it’s far from the only one. 501 Day celebrates the many communities that work together to make Central Arkansas the vibrant, thriving region it is. Many cities host 501 Day events, and 501 Fest is one of Little Rock’s signature events.
Event Details
Date & Time
- Friday, May 8, 2026 - 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Location
501 Fest is held annually in downtown Little Rock, the event centers around the River Market District. Discover a variety of comfortable accommodations with our list of hotels near the 501 Fest.
Admission
Reserve a free ticket for this exciting annual event here.
Featured Experiences
- Live Music - Groove to an array of vibrant performances throughout the festival, listening to rich vocals, catchy rhythms, and harmonious melodies.
- Food & Drinks - Indulge in a variety of mouthwatering eats and succulent beverages during the festival. From savory meals to sweet snacks, you'll enjoy a variety of exceptional culinary creations.
- Family-Friendly Activities - The 501 Fest includes bouncy houses and a laser tag area for your little ones. Don't miss making your way to the face painting station, creating Instagram-worthy moments.
- Local vendors - Handcrafted keepsakes and accessories are just some of the Little Rock-based items that you can find at this event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why 501?
501 is one of the original 86 area codes created by AT&T and the Bell System in 1947. It originally served the entire state of Arkansas. As Arkansas’s population grew, the 501 area code was split in 1997, creating the 870 area code. In 2002, the area code was split again, creating the 479 area code for the folks up in Northwest Arkansas.
What’s Up With That Logo?
The official 501 Fest logo is a riff on Little Rock’s official tourism logo from the 1990s. Even more than 25 years later, locals still love its off-kilter angles and bright colors. The accompanying slogan, “Big on Little Rock,” is still in use, and eagle-eyed visitors can still spot the vintage logo on posters, t-shirts, and stickers around Little Rock.
Other 501 Day Events
The excitement of 501 Day in Little Rock isn’t contained just to 501 Fest. Area attractions, retailers, and restaurants offer special deals and discounts to celebrate. For example, look for special discounts and events that cost only $5.01 and fun, family-focused programming at attractions across Little Rock.
Where is there parking for the 501 Fest?
There are a few parking options available for those looking to drive in. In addition to the district's street parking, there are 3 parking garages within walking distance of the event.
- Markham St Parking | 225 E Markham St
- Statehouse Convention Center Parking | 201 Main St
- 2nd St Garage | 500-598 E 2nd St Garage
501 Fest encourages attendees to consider carpooling or using a rideshare app due to the limited parking and large attendance of the event.
Is 501 Fest Accessible?
501 Fest, at its core, is a street festival. Stretching President Clinton Ave and some additional side streets, the terrain is primarily paved streets and sidewalks, making it largely accessible.
Any additional questions about accessibility or requests for accommodations can be directed to info@501festival.com.
