Around town
Local events
The best part of living in Central Arkansas is everything going on in it. Here's where I'll share community events, markets, festivals, and family fun across Bryant, Benton, Little Rock, and beyond.
Here's what's happening around Central Arkansas this October, with a Saline County focus. 🎃
All Month
Free Costume Closet — Saline County Library
All locations (Benton, Bryant, and East End) host a free costume closet throughout October.
7th Annual Royal Haunted House
Returns to historic downtown Benton, October 15–31.
Natural State Nightmare Haunted Attraction
Alexander — select weekend nights through November 1, with age-specific nights for 8+, 12+, 18+, and 21+.
Circle D Funny Farm Pumpkin Patch
Malvern — open Saturdays and Sundays through November 1, with a petting zoo, hayride, mega slide, corn pit, zip lines, mini golf, and more ($12 admission).
Saturday, October 3
Alexander Fall Fest
Free admission, food trucks, and family activities.
Oktoberfest in Bryant
Food, a hayride, a cake walk, and more.
Lake Norrell Fire Department Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser
With a silent auction.
Saturday, October 10
Old Fashioned Day in Benton
The 52nd annual event returns to downtown Benton at the Saline County Courthouse from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission and live music, 100 vendors, food, and a kid zone.
Argenta Dogtown Throwdown
North Little Rock, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday, October 15
Ghost!Town in downtown Benton
A Halloween street carnival from 5:30 to 8 p.m., where local businesses, organizations, churches, and community leaders hand out candy.
October 16–25
Arkansas State Fair
Little Rock — a lively carnival, nightly concerts, a rodeo, commercial exhibits, and free shows ranging from exotic animals to acrobats and magicians.
Saturday, October 17
Halloweentown at Mills Park
Saline County Library is showing "Halloweentown" at Mills Park in Bryant.
Thursday, October 22
Benton Chamber BINGO Night
BINGO with cash prizes, a cash raffle, concessions, and a cash bar. Tickets are $20 and costumes are encouraged. Doors open at 5:15 and games start at 6 at the Benton Event Center.
Saturday, October 24
Arkansas 20K
The race starts at 8 a.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Saline County in Benton, with finisher medals new for 2026.
Saline County Library Trunk or Treat
In the Benton branch parking lot.
Saturday, October 31 — Halloween!
Bryant Fall Fest
Food trucks, a car show, entertainment, and a kid zone, plus the 3rd Annual HalloWiffle Tournament.
Parkview United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat
Benton, 5–7 p.m., free, with hot dogs and popcorn.
Traskwood Trunk or Treat
4–6 p.m. at the Traskwood Community Center.
Know an event I missed?
Tell me about an event your neighborhood loves and I'll add it to the list.
Share an event