We’ve been watching our fall calendar fill up with social-distance-friendly fun. Here are the can’t-miss events of the fall season. 

Sept. 26-Nov 1: Visit a Pumpkin Patch

We rounded up the details for our 10 favorite patches to visit this fall. Be sure to check out our full post for details on where you’d like to go … first. 

Oct. 3-Oct. 31 (Saturdays): Garvan Gardens Fall Celebration Saturdays 

Enjoy fall foliage, flowers and fun at Garvan Gardens this month. For a fun twist, the first 100 children to the Gardens will receive a free take-home fall project.

The Details

When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. October Saturdays 

Where: Garvan Woodland Gardens | 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs

Admission: Members Free | $15 ages 13 and up | $5 ages 4-12 | Free ages 3 and younger | $5 dogs on a short leash

Guidelines: 

  • Masks required for entry.

  • Masks required in some garden areas. 

Oct. 9-Oct. 31: Shadows at Sixth Street

Buckle up for family-friendly, pandemic-safe fun with Shadows at Sixth Street, an elevated Halloween drive-through experience. 

The Details: 

When: 7-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 7-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday Oct. 9-31

Where: Best Park Parking Deck | 600 Scott St., Little Rock

Admission: $25/car if purchased online | $30/car if purchased at the event 

Learn more here. 

Oct. 10-Nov. 1: Halloweekends at Magic Springs

This year Magic Screams is getting a family-friendly and social-distance makeover as Halloweekends at Magic Springs. Starting October 10, park-goers of all ages can enjoy Saturdays and Sundays full of fall family fun.

 The Details: 

When: noon- 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday Oct. 10-Nov. 1

Where: Magic Springs Theme and Water Park | 1701 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs 

Admission: 

  • At the gate: $29.99 plus tax for adults | $21.99 plus tax for juniors and seniors 
  • Online: $24.99 plus tax for adults | $19.99 plus tax for juniors and seniors 
  • 2021 Season Pass holders: Free

Learn more here. 

October 23-24: To-Go Greek Food Fest 

This year’s fest will, yes, look a little different. But the most important elements of this beloved event will remain: its dedication to great food and local charities. This year’s fest will consist of online ordering and drive-thru pickup only. Menu and ordering will be available two weeks before pickup begins. Stay tuned here. 

The Details: 

Pickup Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Oct. 23-24 

Location: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church | 1100 Napa Valley Drive 

Oct. 23-24 & 30-31: Funland Halloween Carnival 

Come to Funland for a costume contest and Halloween-themed activities. 

The Details:

When: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 23-24 & 30-31

Where: Funland | 25 Funland Drive, North Little Rock 

Entry: $5 for kids 2 and older | Free for parents  

Guidelines: 

  • Masks are required for attendees over 10. 
  • Social distancing will be practiced.

Oct. 24: Spooky Tinkering at the Museum of Discovery

Come out for the final installment of this year’s four-part Tinkerfest with a little spooky tinkering at the Museum of Discovery. 

The Details:

When: Oct. 24

Tickets will be offered in two hour increments. Members can reserve their spot online. 

  • 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
  • 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

Where: 100 block of Sherman Street

Admission: $10 for adults | $8 for children 1-12 | Free for infants younger than 1 | $8 for seniors, teachers, Little Rock city employees and active and retired military | $2 for SNAP recipients plus an additional five people are admitted 

Oct. 24:  Travelers Halloween Festival & Movie Night

The Travelers Halloween fest promises to be a magical evening. There will be plenty of Halloween fun including a costume contest, distance trick-or-treating and a s'mores station. Come for the activities and stay for the main event, a screening of "Hocus Pocus!"

The details:

When: Gates open at 3:30 p.m.; movie starts at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24

Where: Dickey-Stephens Park | 400 W. Broadway St., North Little Rock 

Tickets:

  • 10 x 10' Field Spots: $60 online, $66 day of
  • General Admission Seats: $5/ticket online; $6/ ticket day of

Oct. 28: Virtual World Cheese Dip Championship 

To celebrate our culinary gift to the south, Little Rock is home to the World Cheese Dip Championship (WCDC). This year, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will be virtual. Families can purchase a Cheese Dip coupon book that offers cheese dip deals you can enjoy all month long. Your purchase also includes access to the virtual fun on October 28 including music, entertainment and … drumroll … the unveiling of the winners.

The details:

When: Coupon books available now, virtual event will take place October 28 from noon-1 p.m.

Where: Virtual event! Coupon locations include Stoby's, Mockingbird Bar and Tacos, Cantina Laredo, and many more

Purchase: Buy your cheese dip coupon book for $10 here, you can also choose to donate to Harmony Health Clinic

Coupon Expiration: Coupons are good through October 2020, so get to dipping!  

Oct. 31: SoMa Trunk-or-Treat 

The SoMa Dining Room parking lot will be lined with decorated trunks and ... mostly importantly ... candy. Bring the kids in their Halloween best for a local truck-or-treating experience. 

The Details: 

When: 5-7:30 p.m. Oct. 31

Where: SoMa Outdoor Dining Room | 1301 Main St., Little Rock

Admission: FREE

Guidelines: 

  • Masks are required. 
  • Social distancing will be practiced.
  • Tricker-or-treaters will not exceed 50 at one time. 

Nov. 21-Dec. 31: New Winter Garden Festival at Garvan Gardens

Looking deeper into fall, don’t miss the new day-time version of Garvan Gardens’ Holiday Light Show, Winter Garden Festival. The event will be focused on the beauty of the season and family fun. 

The Details: 

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; final tickets will be sold at 5 p.m. 

Admission: $15 for adults | $5 for kids 4-12 | Free for kids 3 and under | $5 for dogs on a short leash | Free for garden members | NOTE: Tickets may be purchased on site with exact cash or credit card.

More fall fun: 

  • We rounded up pumpkin recipes for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner and dessert. Get cooking here. 

  • One of our top posts every year, this guide tells you where to experience the best fall foliage in the state.