Fort Smith residents and visitors will have a chance to experience a weekend of visual and performing arts when the fourth annual Red Autumn Art Festival opens its doors at the Wyndham Fort Smith City Center on Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. The free event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, giving families, collectors and casual shoppers ample time to explore original works across a wide range of mediums.
According to 4029tv.com, the festival’s indoor art market is located in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom, where more than 60 regional artists—who first gathered for a one‑day pop‑up in Sallisaw in 2022—will display paintings, photography, ceramics, jewelry, fiber art, glass, woodworking, metalwork and sculpture. Attendees can meet the creators, discuss techniques and purchase pieces directly from the artists.
Two special exhibitions will be staged in the adjacent Judge Parker Room. The “Future of Now” student showcase highlights emerging talent from local schools, while the “Crossroads” juried exhibition features work submitted by participating artists, offering a curated glimpse of contemporary artistic trends in the region.
Beyond visual art, the festival includes live entertainment and independent film screenings, complementing the broader weekend of cultural events in downtown Fort Smith. The Red Autumn Art Festival runs alongside the Fort Smith International Film Festival, which takes place Nov. 5‑7, and the inaugural Garrison Arts Walk scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, providing residents multiple opportunities to enjoy film, music and walking tours of local galleries.
What’s next: Festival organizers encourage visitors to check the Red Autumn Art Festival website for the latest entertainment schedule and film lineup. With admission free and hours extending from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., the event promises to draw both art enthusiasts and families looking for a vibrant downtown experience. The concurrent film festival and arts walk further enhance the cultural weekend, making Nov. 6‑7 a key date on Fort Smith’s community calendar.
Sources: 4029tv.com
