Mardi Gras
Laissez les bon temps rouler à Little Rock! Mardi gras in Little Rock is celebrated by two major community events, both with a flair inspired by Arkansas’s neighbors to the south.
Arkansas State Fair
Officially called the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show, the Arkansas State Fair is an annual event sponsored by the Arkansas Livestock Show Association.
It features a midway/carnival, music concerts, a rodeo, commercial exhibits and displays, free shows (from exotic animals to acrobats and magicians), arts and crafts competitions and exhibits, food competitions and demonstrations, and various livestock competitions. It runs for ten days, usually in October, starting on a Friday and running through two weekends, ending on a Sunday night.
In recent years, the fair has been known for its wide array of unique – and typically fried – foods. Adventurous eaters will find a smorgasbord of exciting things to try as they make their way across the fairgrounds. The fair’s Main Stage hosts a wide range of bands, and the concerts are always included in the price of fair admission.
From expert needlework and wine glass decorating to canned jellies and abstract photography, if it’s a craft, you can bet you’ll find it at the Arkansas State Fair Creative Arts building/competitions. Crafters of all ages and specialties will bring their finest work to showcase and compete.
Dozens of rides are available for those seeking a thrill, and the fair’s famous livestock barns showcase Arkansas’s farmers’ and ranchers’ best cows, goats, pigs, poultry, and rabbits.
Other events at the Arkansas State Fair include the annual Arkansas State Fair Pageant and Talent competitions, magic shows, a petting zoo, and more.
