Home

About Us

Visitors

Miss Laura's Welcome Center

Where To Stay

Dining and Nightlife

Things To Do

Full Calendar of Events

Star Party: Saturn and Star Focus

March, 12 2010

The north side of Wells Lake on the nature center grounds will be transformed into an outdoor observatory....

Rodney Carrington Concert

March, 12 2010

Tickets: $39.75

Iconography Retreat: Move Toward the Spiritual Life

March, 12 2010

Originally scheduled for January and due to inclement weather rescheduled for March, the Rev. Paul Fetsko,...

Authors in the Afternoon Featuring Yvette Warren

March, 12 2010

Local author Yvette Warren makes a special appearance, as part of the library's Authors in the Afternoon...

Downtown Fort Smith St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl

March, 13 2010

Get all greened up and celebrate St. Paddy's Day in downtown Fort Smith. Annual event features lots...

Rose Pruning Demonstration

March, 13 2010

Rosarians will demonstrate how to prune the city's 120 hybrid tea, miniature and floribunda rose bushes to launch the 2010 growing season. Home growers can learn to prune for better garden color, for a rose show and for the habit and health of the rose bush, according to Fort Smith Rose Society president, Wade Brown.

The Glenn Miller Orchestra

March, 13 2010

Band performs selections from the original "road book" charts which includes music from both the civilian...

Fort Smith Saint Patrick's Day Parade

March, 13 2010

Everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick's Day! The best Saint Patrick's Day parade in Arkansas returns to Garrison Avenue. Free.

Miss University of Arkansas Fort Smith Pageant

March, 13 2010

An official preliminary to the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant and the Miss America Pageant. University...

Romeo and Juliet

March, 13 2010

Perhaps the best known play in the history of live theater, Romeo and Juliet is the greatest love story of all time. William Shakespeare’s classic has been presented tens of thousands of times, as well as having been the basis for other shows, such as West Side Story, and the 1997 movie of the same name staring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. The American Shakespeare Center is bringing this wonderful work to Alma. This event is being presented by the Alma Education and Arts Foundation.

Chautauqua Series: William Clayton - Frontier Prosecutor

March, 14 2010

Leita Spears, who is pursuing a Masters degree from Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Mo., and is...

Boating Education Safety Course

March, 16 2010

The Arkansas Boating Education Course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible boating. Take the...

National Historic Site Interpretive Program: Execution of Cherokee Bill

March, 17 2010

The Fort Smith National Historic Site offers this interpretive program about Crawford Goldsby, alias...

Saint Scholastica Monastery Tour

March, 17 2010

Quiet places of contemplation offer a welcome reprieve from the distractions and stress of modern life...

UAFS Drama Production: Tartuffe

March, 18 2010

Before the Marx brothers, before the Three Stooges, slapstick was mastered by the French playwright Moliere. This ridiculous and hilarious con-man play about a religious fake may be 200 years old, but the laughs never stop once the story is set in motion. Contains crude humor and references.

That Thursday Night Thing: Our Backyard History

March, 18 2010

The popular That Thursday Night Thing returns to the Miller Branch Library with “Our Backyard History.” This special event for the entire family features Herschel Parker performing original songs about local historical characters and Baridi Nkokheli portraying Bass Reeves, one of the first African-American U.S. marshals under Judge Parker.

Third Thursday Movie Night: August Rush

March, 18 2010

This month’s feature is "August Rush" starring Keri Russell, Freddie Highmore, Jonathan Rhys Meyers and...

Diamond Club Dance

March, 19 2010

The T & T Combo plays swing, Latin and ballroom music for the dancers until 11 p.m. Coat and tie for men and after 5 attire for women.

Food for Thought: The Learning Fields

March, 19 2010

River Valley Master Gardener Isaac Witt presents an informative spring-time program examining The Learning...

Theater: Route 66

March, 19 2010

Chockful of hilarious characters, wild antics and good old-fashioned schtick, this sure-fire crowd-pleaser...

Heart of the Hunter: A Contemplative Retreat

March, 19 2010

“To be hunted by God is not to die but to fall in love. The spears of God’s love slice through your being...

17th Annual Border Town Coin Club Show

March, 19 2010

Coins, currency, gold, silver, stamps, tokens, sports cards, medals, foreign coins and jewelry. Look, learn, buy, sell and trade. You don't have to be a collector to attend; dealers will buy, sell, trade or visit with anyone. Door prizes, too.

Vernal Equinox Walks at Spiro Mounds Archaeology Center

March, 19 2010

Celebrate winter's end and spring's beginning at the Spiro Mounds Archaeological Center. Archaeologist...

Friends of National Rifle Association Banquet

March, 20 2010

Features raffles, live auction, silent auction and door prizes. Meal by Nixon Family Barbecue.

Garrison Creek Riders Shodeo

March, 20 2010

Garrison Creek Riders opens their riding season with a shodeo. Four events: pole bending, barrel racing,...

J.R.'s Country Gospel Variety Show

March, 20 2010

Lots of good, clean, country fun. $5 at-door.

Spiro Mounds 23rd Annual Family Kite Flite Day

March, 20 2010

A great day of family fun and a chance to enjoy the beginning of spring at this world-famous Native American...

Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days Pageant Clinic

March, 20 2010

Take your horse if you want hands-on help with horsemanship. The 2010 Miss Rodeo Old Fort Days Pageant is June 4-5 and runs in conjunction with the Old Fort Days Rodeo.

Trail of Tears Memorial Marker Dedication

March, 20 2010

Dedication of a memorial marker commemorating the journey of the American Indians on the Trail of Tears from 1820-1840 on their route through downtown Lavaca.

The Great Lake Fort Smith Expedition

March, 20 2010

This spring break, all state parks will provide various activities to engage the creative mind, body and spirit with nature crafts, hikes, kayaking, boat tours and other activities. All parks will have several activities to cater to the spring break adventurer.

A Star is Born St. Patty's Pageant

March, 21 2010

Contestants compete in beauty and St. Patty's apparel as well as optional categories.

Tournées Film Festival

March, 22 2010

Carl Albert State College has received a grant to host the Tournées Film Festival, a slate of first-run...

Nicholas Bideler Organ Concert

March, 23 2010

A native of Fort Smith, Arkansas, Nicholas Bideler is currently a second year Masters candidate at the...

DEL CASTILLO: Hot Ticket Series @ Second Street Live

March, 25 2010

Del Castillo has become a symbol of the cross-cultural power of music with their eclectic blend of Flamenco,...

The First Tee of Fort Smith's 2nd Annual Bowl-A-Thon

March, 26 2010

The First Tee of Fort Smith pays for shoes, pizza and three games. Your job is to get pledges on how...

River Valley Lawn & Garden Show

March, 26 2010

Annual lawn and garden show, a can't miss event.

KISR Kite Flight Car Show and Free Concert

March, 27 2010

A fun family day in the park with kite contests, Frisbee contests, car show and a free concert. Also,...

Making Books with Katie Harper

March, 27 2010

What exactly is an "artist's book"? The book form has been around for centuries, of course, but the book as a work of art is a relatively new genre. Join Katie Harper as she teaches how to make a variety of books. Ages: 18 and older.

Culpepper and Merriweather Circus in Booneville

March, 27 2010

Fun under the Big Top featuring two shows.

Blues (Slow Dancing) Lesson and Swing and Ballroom Dance

March, 27 2010

First, take a blues lesson, which is basic slow dancing, then practice your steps to swing, Latin and ballroom music from 8-11 p.m. The lesson suitable for all skill levels. Snack table for those who wish to bring items to share.

Flat-Track Roller Derby

March, 27 2010

The River Valley Roller Girls take on the Mo-Kan Roller Girls from Baxter Springs, Kan., in a game of...

UAFS International Festival 2010

March, 30 2010

Come and be part of the International Festival 2010, the biggest international festival in the region!...

360 Leadership Series: John McFarland

April, 01 2010

John McFarland is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Baldor Electric Company. He began his career...

Jeremy Camp Live and Unplugged Concert

April, 01 2010

When you think of Jeremy Camp, the words “shy” and “quiet” don’t come to mind. Energetic? Yes. Passionate?...

Exhibit: American Indian Realism: Images from Oklahoma, the Territorial Era

April, 03 2010

The traveling exhibit from the Oklahoma Arts Council and the Associates of the Western History Collections features a series of photographs of the Native American Tribes who removed to Indian Territory during the late nineteenth century. The Indian Territory was in flux at the time, with a convergence of diverse people, both Native American and non-Indian seeking land and opportunity. The arrival of the railroad and the demand for land by settlers traveling west dramatically changed the land allotments provided for Native American Tribes. Life in late nineteenth century Indian Territory, later Oklahoma Territory, was difficult and full of change.

Mayor's Annual Easter Egg Hunt

April, 03 2010

Sponsored by Grand Avenue Baptist Church. Children, ages 1-10, are invited to look for the Easter Bunny's treasures.

TOUCAN JAM: Children's & Family Series @ Second Street Live

April, 03 2010

Toucan Jam (Kelly Mulhollan and Donna Stjerna) has been performing their visually exciting Things with...

Theater: Look Homeward, Angel

April, 08 2010

Look Homeward Angel by Kitti Frings Directed by Paula Sharum This “coming of age” story was adapted for stage from a 1929 classic novel by Thomas Wolfe. It tells the tale of Eugene Gant, a young man growing up in the early 20th century, assessing family relationships, community, college, love affairs and ideas through literature.

UAFS Jazz Concert

April, 08 2010

Spring concert by the UAFS Jazz Band. This is part of the university's 29th Annual Season of Entertainment...

Star Party: Venus and Mercury Focus

April, 09 2010

The north side of Wells Lake on the nature center grounds will be transformed into an outdoor observatory....

Live in Concert: The Harlem Gospel Choir

April, 10 2010

The world famous Harlem Gospel Choir is the most famous gospel choir in America today. It travels the...

2nd Annual Heritage Festival

April, 10 2010

The Clearinghouse is presently planning our second annual Heritage Festival for Saturday, April 10th. Last year's event was so well received that we were able to expand this year's event. We offer FREE events to the public throughout the day, including free rides on Fort Smith transit to move visitors along the Heritage Trail. We have many stops on this year's Heritage Trail.

2010 Wine and Roses

April, 10 2010

Enjoy past favorites and new favorites, including fine foods, live wine auction, silent art auction, decadent chocolate bar, hip new piano bar and cool coffee bar.

UAFS Choral Concert

April, 13 2010

Dr. Rager Moore, the director of choral at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, brings to life some of the most beautiful, entertaining choral music. All of the elements of the choral department come together to produce a wonderful evening. $6.

"Jesus Christ Superstar" National Touring Production

April, 15 2010

“Jesus Christ Superstar,” called the rock opera vision of the greatest story ever told, debuted in 1971...

GARY HUTCHISON: Home Grown Series @ Second Street Live

April, 15 2010

We are lucky in Fort Smith. We have an inordinate number of great musicians and at the top of the list...

JOHNNY A: Main Stage Series @ Second Street Live

April, 16 2010

Johnny A. burns with a fire that is white hot. He is master of tone, taste and texture. He has created...

Theater: Steel Magnolias

April, 16 2010

Steel Magnolias,Van Buren High School Theater's stage play finale. Robert Harling's popular story of six southern women centered in the mythical town of Chinquapin Louisiana.

STANLEY JORDAN: Masters & Legends Series @ Second Street Live

April, 17 2010

The story of virtuoso guitarist Stanley Jordan's discovery and rise to international acclaim is legendary...

2nd Annual Professional Bull Riders Association Invitational Tournament

April, 17 2010

2nd Annual Professional Bull Riders Association Invitational Tournament. Pro Bull Riders come from all...

6th Annual Hackett "Hot Rod" Car Show and Poker Run

April, 17 2010

Benefits the Hackett Senior Class of 2010. Showcases 13 classes with trophies to first- and second-place...

Arvest Children's Day

April, 17 2010

The Fort Smith Police Department on-hand with McGruff the Crime Dog. Also, kids learn about bicycle safety and parents learn about car seat safety. Fort Smith Fire Department displays a fire house and fire truck.

2nd Annual Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Reunion

April, 17 2010

St. Edward Mercy Medical Center hosts this event featuring face painting, bounce-arounds donated by Kids Play Rental in Van Buren, a special appearance by Daphne the Clown, and lots of food and ice cream.

Fort Smith Symphony: Czech Mates

April, 17 2010

Join the Fort Smith Symphony for an evening of music infused with Czech and Bohemian spirit. Experience...

Catfishing in Arkansas

April, 20 2010

Join keith sutton in an adventure in fishing arkansas waters. "Catfish are the second most popular fish...

UAFS Symphonic Band Spring Concert

April, 22 2010

Spring performance by the UAFS Symphonic Band. This is part of the 29th Annual UAFS Season of Entertainment...

Theater: Sally’s Kitchen

April, 22 2010

Sally’s Kitchen by Mari-Claire Vaccaro. Directed by Matt Ortega It’s a given that when friends become family they gather in the kitchen, sharing nourishment for body and soul. Join us for this drama that explores relationships, life’s problems and pleasures.

SAM BUSH: Masters & Legends Series @ Second Street Live

April, 23 2010

When Second Street Live started its wish list for their Masters and Legends Series one of the first names...

Historic Oak Cemetery Tales of the Crypt

April, 25 2010

Come listen to the tales from the past as costumed actors portray the colorful and amazing stories of...

19th Annual Mayor's Honors for Visual and Performing Arts

April, 27 2010

Given each year to three individuals and a business who promote the visual or performing arts in Fort...

Spring Full Moon Cruise on Frog Bayou

April, 28 2010

Celebrate the arrival of spring while cruising along the Frog Bayou at dusk in search of the awakening...

Arkansas Symphony Quapaw Quartet

April, 30 2010

Features an entertaining evening of classical music.

BLUE FIDDLE: Home Grown Series @ Second Street Live

May, 01 2010

Joe Hamilton, Tom Ware and John Lindquist formed Blue Fiddle in 2004 to do something new. And they have...

An Afternoon with Garrison Keillor

May, 02 2010

UA Fort Smith is hosting “An Afternoon with Garrison Keillor” to give area residents an up-close glimpse...

Fort Smith Symphony: A Night in Old Vienna

May, 08 2010

Program: Johann Strauss, Jr.: Overture to Die Fledermaus; Thunder and Lightning Polka, op. 324; Roses from the South Waltz, op. 388; Wiener Blut, op. 354; Tritsch-Tratsch Polka, op. 214; Éljen a Magyar Polka, op. 332; On the Beautiful Blue Danube, op. 314 Johann Strauss, Jr. & Josef Strauss: Pizzicato Polka Johann Strauss, Sr.: Radetzky March, op. 228 Johann Strauss, Jr.: “The Laughing Song” from Die Fledermaus; Voices of Spring, op. 410 Kristen Plumley, soprano Fritz Kreisler: Liebesfreud; Schön Rosmarin Michi Wiancko, violin Travel back in time to turn-of-the-century Austria for an evening of memorable waltzes, polkas and showpieces that defined a musical era. Hear classical Viennese favorites by “Waltz King” Johann Strauss, Jr., and violin legend Fritz Kreisler, featuring inspiring performances by soprano Kristen Plumley and violinist Michi Wiancko. From Die Fledermaus to On the Beautiful Blue Danube, this season finale concert will provide an unforgettable glimpse into the music and magic of old Vienna.

Spiro Mounds 32nd Birthday Bash and 5th Annual Archaeology Day

May, 08 2010

A day to celebrate the 32nd birthday of the first and still only prehistoric, Native American archaeological...

Star Gazing with the Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society

May, 15 2010

Begin this starry night with a presentation by the Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society, then view...

Centennial Exhibit: The Fort in Flight: Bud Mars and the City’s Aviation History

May, 20 2010

On May 21, 1910, Bud Mars completed the first airplane flight in Fort Smith and the first in Arkansas....

How to Create a Photographic Essay: Telling a Story through Pictures

May, 21 2010

Compose and arrange a photographic essay: a journalistic, pictorial reporting of a subject or theme....

Frog Bayou Founders Day

May, 22 2010

Pioneers lived in ways that we could never imagine. Explore techniques and activities that were utilized in the 1800s during the time of settlement on the Frog Bayou. Activities will be in the Lake Fort Smith Visitor Center area.

Old Fort Days Futurity & Derby

May, 22 2010

The World's Richest Barrel Futurity and Super Derby! $375,000 Estimated Purse Event schedule and more...

77th Annual Old Fort Days Rodeo

May, 31 2010

One of the oldest, biggest rodeos around. Dome see the action! Full schedule of events, ticket...

Theater: Crowns

June, 03 2010

Crowns by Regina Taylor Directed by Carole Rogers A musical play that explores African-American history. The pivotal character is a young woman from the urban North who clashes with her elder kin in the deep South. She comes to understand these Southern Black matrons through their “crowns,” the elaborate hats they wear to church. The story is told through toe tapping gospel tunes. Musical Directors are Micki Voelkel and Thomas James.

River Valley Juneteenth Celebration

June, 11 2010

See website for details of 2010 event.

Fort Smith Classic

June, 14 2010

Arkansas' only stop on the PGA Tour. A fantasically fun week of golfing competition and related events....

Arkansas Big Bass Bonanza

June, 25 2010

Three days of bass fishing, see who can get the biggest, best fish in the river. Details to come.

Fort Smith Air Show

June, 26 2010

Every two years, more than 200,000 people come to Fort Smith to enjoy the daring aerial acrobatics of dozens of soaring fighter jets. Admission: Free

20th Annual Fort Smith Riverfront Blues Festival

June, 26 2010

Dubbed "The Best Little Blues Festival in America," the Riverfront Blues Festival turns 20! Held on two consecutive nights filled with nationally recognized acts, this blues festival on the Arkansas River attracts thousands of people from across the U.S. to Fort Smith each summer. 2010 Lineup of performers TBA Admission: $5 per day

Mayor's Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza

July, 04 2010

One of the biggest fireworks celebrations in the state, held annually on the banks of the Arkansas River at Harry E. Kelley Riverfront Park in Fort Smith. Live music by a variety of local favorite bands leads up to the huge Fireworks Extravaganza after dark. Admission: Free

Theater: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

July, 29 2010

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying by Abe Burrows. Music by Frank Loesser. Directed by Ray Coleman A Fort Smith Little Theatre reprise of a prize-winning musical. It opened on Broadway in 1961 and was performed in 1975 by our community theatre at our former home on North “O” Street. A young window washer has a “How to Succeed” book and a plan. Will he stumble, or rise to a corner office with a view? It is a great rags to riches story with memorable music.

Slamily Reunion 2010 Car, Truck & Bike Show

July, 31 2010

Come enjoy Arkansas's largest custom car show! With over 360 entries last year, this will prove to be a Do Not Miss Event! Over 7 Magazines will be on hand covering the show! Open to Street Rods, Bikes, Classics, Antique Cars and Trucks. Other events include a softball tournament, a Best Tatto Contest, a Tug-of-War Contest, a Kids Coloring Contest, Horseshoe Contests, Volleyball, an After Party, many great vendors and PLENTY of BBQ & beer! Major giveaways, too!

Fort Smith Mule and Donkey Show Festival

August, 06 2010

Mule, Donkey and Draft Horse equine event, along with music, arts, crafts, tack and food vendors. There...

Bargains Galore on 64

August, 12 2010

THE 11th ANNUAL BARGAINS GALORE on 64 will take place on August 12-14, 2010, Thursday through Saturday. If you haven't been out looking at all the antiques, collectibles and just great buys, you have missed 160 miles of yard sales. "Shop until you drop" along Highway 64 (which parallels Interstate 40) from Fort Smith past Conway to Beebe, Arkansas

Exhibit: Boom and Slash! Weapons from the Museum Collection

August, 19 2010

This exhibit showcases weapons and artifacts from the Gen. Benjamin L. E. Bonneville Collection, recently...

Ice Cream Social at the Fort Smith Museum of History

September, 05 2010

Enjoy all-you-can-eat ice cream in the 1920s-style drugstore soda fountain. Build your own sundae from...

Theater: Eat Your Heart Out

September, 23 2010

Eat Your Heart Out by Nick Hall Directed by Rebecca Stoltz When you are dining out, be sure to tip the waiter. He may be an unemployed actor doing a “toy job” – waiting tables while waiting for a role on stage. In this lighthearted comedy, you’ll meet one such aspiring thespian working in four-star to no-star eateries. His customers are a variety of beguiling characters. Their tales are entertaining; their repartee crisp and clever.

Arkansas-Oklahoma State Fair

September, 24 2010

Great fun for families, couples and everyone else. It's the annual, hugely popular Arkansas-Oklahoma...

Exhibit: Return to the Commissary

October, 21 2010

In commemoration of the Fort Smith Museum of History's centennial on December 10, 2010, this exhibit...

Fort Smith FrontierFest

October, 23 2010

Come enjoy Fort Smith's longest-running heritage festival, with re-enactors, frontier arts and crafts,...

Theater: Twentieth Century

November, 11 2010

Twentieth Century by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. Adaptation by Ken Ludwig. Directed by Matt Ortega In the 1930s, streamliner trains became the king of cross-country travel when wealthy and notable travelers were drawn to their speed and posh accommodations. Within this setting is a modernized production of a Broadway comedy and classic film that will stir memories in elders and enlighten the young. All aboard for some great entertainment.

River Valley Feis

November, 12 2010

Celebrate Irish culture and crafts. Open to the public. More details to come.

Theater: A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas

December, 09 2010

A Laura Ingalls Wilder Christmas by Laurie Brooks Directed by Micki Voelkel The celebrated children’s writer, Wilder, gave pleasure to others writing about her childhood, but left two years unrecorded. Now revealed is the poignant story of those years when Christmas was a challenge to a young girl. Told with humor, song and depth of character, this tale will add meaning to your holiday season.

Group Travel

Conventions and Meetings

Photo Gallery

Getting Here

Enews Signup

Home

Partners

Media

Site Map

FORT SMITH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU
2 North B, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
1-800-637-1477 | (479) 783-8888 | Fax (479) 784-2421
E-Mail: tourism@fortsmith.org