Fall Festival Tradin’ Days & Rib Cookoff October 10–11 400 Main Street, Van Buren, AR 72956, United States

Overview

• Two-day community event featuring a blend of arts & crafts vendors, local businesses, food trucks, live music, family activities, and a competitive rib cookoff.

• Open to the public. Ideal for families, food lovers, and shoppers seeking handmade and local goods.

Dates & Times

• Saturday, October 10: Vendor booths and activities typically run mid-morning through early evening. (Exact hours may vary by organizer.)

• Sunday, October 11: Continued vendor markets and family-friendly events; rib cookoff awards and wrap-up in the afternoon.

Location & Parking

• Event centered at 400 Main Street in downtown Van Buren, AR. Expect vendor rows along Main Street and adjacent blocks.

• Public parking available on nearby streets and municipal lots. Arrive early on peak days for best parking; some spots may require short walking distances.

What to Expect

• Tradin’ Days: Dozens of vendors offering handmade crafts, artwork, antiques, collectibles, apparel, home goods, and local products. Good opportunity for seasonal shopping and unique gifts.

• Rib Cookoff: Competitive barbecue teams grilling ribs for judging and public tasting. Expect smoky aromas, sampling opportunities, and a lively food area. Awards typically presented for top rib teams and specialty categories.

• Live Entertainment: Local musicians and performers throughout the weekend.

• Family Activities: Kids’ entertainment, games, and possibly pet-friendly areas. Check event schedule for specific activities.

• Food & Drinks: Local food vendors, concession stands, and specialty booths offering festival-style fare beyond the rib area.

Tips for Attending

• Bring cash and card: Some vendors are cash-only; many accept cards or mobile payments.

• Dress for the weather: October in Van Buren can be mild to cool—bring layers and comfortable walking shoes.

• Arrive early on Saturday for the best vendor selection and on Sunday for rib cookoff finals and award announcements.

• Bring a reusable tote or bag for purchases.

• If attending with a group, designate a meet-up spot in case cell service is limited due to crowds.

Accessibility

• Main Street events typically provide curb access and accessible pathways; check with event organizers for specific ADA accommodations, accessible parking, and restroom locations.

Contact & More Information

• For vendor inquiries, cookoff registration, volunteer opportunities, or exact schedules, contact the event organizers or the Van Buren community events office. (Check local community calendars or the Van Buren city website for the most current details and official times.)

Safety & Regulations

• Observe posted event rules, pet policies, and smoking restrictions.

• Follow instructions from event staff and emergency services if needed.

Enjoy a weekend of shopping, live music, and savory barbecue at the Fall Festival Tradin’ Days & Rib Cookoff in downtown Van Buren.

Ozark Craft Fair Date: October 2–4, 2026 Location: 961 N. Riverside Rd., Ozark, MO 65721

Overview

• Three-day annual craft fair featuring handmade goods, artisan vendors, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly activities.

• Expected hours: Friday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM .

• Outdoor event with some covered and indoor vendor spaces; plan for variable weather.

What to expect

• Hundreds of local and regional artists and crafters offering jewelry, pottery, woodwork, textiles, candles, glasswork, fine art, and more.

• Demonstrations and hands-on activities highlighting traditional crafts.

• A variety of food options from local food trucks and vendors.

• Live music and entertainment throughout the weekend.

• Children’s activities and family areas.

Visitor tips

• Parking: On-site parking and nearby overflow lots available; arrive early on peak days (Saturday) for best parking.

• Admission: Typically free or low-cost; check event announcements for any admission fees.

• Seating: Limited seating; bring a folding chair if you plan to relax during performances.

• Cash and cards: Many vendors accept cards, but some are cash-only—bring small bills for purchases and vendor tips.

• Weather: Dress in layers and bring sun protection or a light rain jacket.

• Accessibility: The venue is generally accessible; contact organizers for specific accessibility needs.

For vendors

• Booth options: Outdoor 10x10 spaces, larger spaces, and limited indoor booths (subject to availability).

• Fees: Vary by booth size and location; early-bird rates often available.

• Application: Artist and crafter application required with photos of work, booth setup, and any sales licenses. Acceptance usually by jury.

• Setup/tear-down: Early setup on Thursday or early Friday; tear-down after the event on Sunday evening. Specific times provided to accepted vendors.

• Rules: No direct sales from non-juried resellers; local health and safety regulations must be followed for food vendors.

Contact and additional info

• Event organizer contact: Check local Ozark community listings or the Ozark Parks & Recreation/event office for the most current details, vendor applications, and schedule updates.

• Follow-up: Confirm exact hours, admission, vendor deadlines, and parking details as the event approaches.

Happy Places Photo and Custom Laser Creations will be attending with engraved keepsakes and custom laser items—stop by our booth to personalize your mementos from the fair.

Whimsical Wonders Craft and Oddities Expo

Arts-and-crafts marketplace and exhibition focused on handmade goods, curiosities, vintage oddities, fantasy and folk art, DIY workshops, and interactive demonstrations. Typically attracts artists, makers, collectors, and people interested in unique gifts and home décor with a whimsical, eclectic, or gothic vibe.

Typical date & time

• 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM each day.

Location & venue - 500 e elm st, Lebanon, MO, United States, 65536

What you’ll find there

• Maker booths: handmade jewelry, ceramics, textiles, paper goods, puppets, miniature art, taxidermy/articulated curios, and oddity displays.

• Vendors selling vintage/antique items, apothecary-style goods, botanicals (dried flowers, pressed herbs), and specialty candles.

• Artists demonstrating techniques: printmaking, polymer clay sculpting, woodburning (pyrography), leatherworking, miniature building.

• Live performances: sideshow acts, acoustic music, storytelling, or itinerant performers depending on local programming.

• Workshops and classes: small, ticketed sessions for making jewelry, terrariums, miniature scenes, resin casting, basic laser-engraving demonstrations (if offered).

• Food & drink: local food vendors, themed concessions, and sometimes craft cocktails or tea service areas.

Tickets & admission

• Admission models vary: free entry, suggested donation, single-day ticket, or weekend pass.

• Special-ticket events: VIP early access, workshop-only passes, or maker-market preview nights.

• Children often welcome; family pricing or free entry for young children may apply.

Shopping & purchases

• Expect to pay with credit/debit cards; some small vendors may accept cash only.

• Many artists accept custom orders and commissions—good opportunity for personalized gifts or custom engraving services.

• Sales tax typically collected at point of sale.

Accessibility & policies

• Check venue for ADA accessibility, restroom locations, stroller/family accommodations.

• Policies often include no pets (except service animals), no open flames, and restrictions on dangerous items or live animals.

• Photo policy may vary—some vendors may not allow flash photography or close-up photos of their work.

Parking & transit

• On-site parking or nearby public parking garages depending on venue.

• Public transit, ride-shares, and bike parking are commonly available in urban-hosted expos.

Vendor & exhibitor info

• Vendors usually apply through an organizer application process with booth fees and jury selection.

• Booth sizes and setups vary; electricity and tables may be available for an additional fee.

• Some expos provide promotional opportunities and social media features for selected vendors.

Tips for attendees

• Bring a tote bag or small rolling cart for purchases.

• Wear comfortable shoes — expos often involve long walking.

• Bring a list of items you’re interested in and budget for impulse finds.

• If you want a custom piece, ask vendors about lead times and payment/deposit policies.

• Arrive early for limited-edition items or workshop sign-ups.

How to get exact details

• Check the event’s official page, social media pages, or local event listings for:

  • Exact date, times, venue address

  • Ticket prices and purchase links

  • Workshop schedules and sign-up instructions

  • Vendor lists and special attractions

Check out the 2026 Homesteading Expo hosted by Ozark’s Homesteading — a must-visit event for anyone interested in self-reliance, homestead skills, and sustainable living. The expo features workshops, vendor booths, demonstrations, and networking opportunities covering gardening, food preservation, animal care, renewable energy, homestead tools, and more.

Why attend

• Hands-on workshops led by experienced homesteaders and instructors.

• Demonstrations on canning, fermenting, natural building, beekeeping, and small-scale livestock care.

• Vendor marketplace offering tools, seeds, equipment, and homesteading resources.

• Opportunities to connect with local homesteading communities and experts.

• Family-friendly activities and programming for all ages.

Who should go

• New and experienced homesteaders looking to expand skills.

• Urban gardeners and backyard food producers exploring self-sufficiency.

• Small-scale farmers and artisans seeking networking and customers.

• Anyone interested in sustainable living, DIY projects, and prepping.

Plan your visit

• Review the event schedule for workshops and demonstrations you want to attend.

• Bring comfortable shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a notebook for notes/contacts.

• Prepare for outdoor portions — check weather and dress accordingly.

• Arrive early to explore vendor booths and secure spots in popular sessions.

For full event details, schedule, ticketing, and vendor information, visit: https://ozarkshomesteading.com/2026-homesteading-expo

Happy Places Photo and Custom Laser Creations — Transform memories into lasting keepsakes with professional laser engraving on various materials. Custom services for personal and special occasions.