Community Building
Events

Join us in shaping the Arkansas Folklife Festival—one community at a time.

As we prepare for the Arkansas Folklife Festival in Summer 2026, we’re hitting the road and coming to a community near you. Throughout the year, we’ll be hosting Community Engagement Events in each of Arkansas’ six culturesheds to gather stories, build relationships, and invite YOU to help shape how your region is represented at the festival.

These events are free, welcoming, and open to all.

Whether you’re a tradition bearer, storyteller, artist, grower, cook, dancer, or simply someone who cares about the culture of your place—we want to hear from you.

Attend a community engagement session.

12/06/25

Dardenelle Public Library
1:00 PM
501 N Front St, Dardanelle, AR 72834
Engage with our friends from the Central Cultureshed in Dardanelle. Enjoy live music by Carolina Mendoza and refreshments, presented with community partner The McElroy House. Free and open to the public.
Previous Events

11/01/25

Ozark Folk Center State Park Small Auditorium
1:00 PM
1032 Park Ave, Mountain View, AR 72560
Join us as we survey the North Central Cultureshed in Mountain View at the Ozark Folk Center. Enjoy live music by Lukas Pool and refreshments from The Skillet, presented with Ozark Folk Center State Park. Free and open to the public.

10/24/25

Invitation Only: Fayetteville - Arkansas Folk and Traditional Arts University of Arkansas Special Collections
1:00 PM

10/23/25

B.C.’s Juke Joint at The Pryor Center for Oral and Visual History
6:00 PM
1 E Center St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Celebrate and engage with the Northwest Cultureshed in Fayetteville with us at B.C.’s Juke Joint. Enjoy live music by Carolina Mendoza and refreshments. A partnership with The Music Education Initiative. Free and open to the public.

10/04/25

Delta Magic Oktoberfest Block Party
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
105 Missouri St., Helena, AR 72342
Join us as we celebrate and engage with the Delta Cultureshed community at the Delta Magic Oktoberfest Block Party. We will be there from 11-4, with live music from King Honey at 1 PM. Complete the cultural survey for a chance to win a free TV! Plus free bottled water and hand fans for attendees.
View more event info
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This is your festival. Let’s build it together.
Arkansas Folklife Festival
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