Craft Fairs & Farmers Markets in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The 14th annual Arkansas River Holiday Market in Fort Smith brings 150+ vendors—crafts, gifts, food trucks, and Santa—under one warm roof. Indoor venue with ample parking makes for comfortable November shopping. First 25 customers get a free swag bag.

Held in Fort Smith for over 80 years, Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair draws thousands of visitors from both states. Each September the fair features carnival rides, live music performances, agricultural exhibits, and food vendors. The fair also hosts livestock shows, rodeos, and competitions, celebrating the area's rich farming heritage. Over 2,500 exhibitors and vendors participate during this nine-day celebration.

Held in Fort Smith's Chaffee Crossing Historic District, this festival-style market runs every third Saturday from May through October, presented by Choctaw Casino & Resort–Pocola. Vendors sell homegrown, handmade, and vintage goods alongside food trucks, with live music and a kid zone. Vendors must file sales tax with the State of Arkansas within 30 days of each market; unique tax forms are provided for each event date.

Held in downtown Fort Smith, the Fall Festival + Oktoberfest is the largest historical-themed event in the city — drawing history enthusiasts, families, and shoppers across multiple venues and museums. Vendors sell at the Harvest Market (artisans and craftsmen from the region) and alongside historical reenactments, cavalry demonstrations, artillery firings, and dozens of food trucks. Free trolley transportation connects all sites. The festival draws strong foot traffic from museum visitors, families, and established downtown crowds.

Founded in 2003, Fort Smith Farmers Market on Garrison Avenue in downtown Fort Smith operates as a grower-verified market serving the River Valley community. Over 90 vendors operate during peak season, with 75% produce and food, 25% crafts. Fresh locally grown fruits and vegetables, grain-fed meats, fresh flowers, baked goods, and a variety of crafts are standard offerings. Local musicians perform most Saturdays. The market is a non-profit organization.

Downtown Business Association food-truck/food-vendor festival