Old Fashioned Day returns to Benton Oct 10 with 125 vendors, contests, mechanical bull & Copper Flats

See the vendor map and entertainment schedule below! 👇

Downtown Benton will host the 52nd annual Old Fashioned Day on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, bringing more than 125 craft vendors, live entertainment, and family activities to the Saline County Courthouse grounds.

Celebrating this year’s theme, “Stars, Stripes & Small-Town Vibes,” the free festival runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and benefits Senior Citizen Services of Benton.

Presenting sponsors for the 52nd annual event include Everett Chevrolet, Discover Benton (Benton A&P Commission), and Sonic Drive-In on Military Road.

Read below for all the details!

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Festivities begin early with a $5 pancake breakfast hosted by Birch Tree Communities from 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. at Benton First United Methodist Church’s Christian Life Center on W. Sevier Street (GPS Google Map).

The breakfast will feature member artwork and silent auction items. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit the Arkansas Health Center in Haskell, for their Holiday Fund.

SHOP & EAT

For the first time in over 30 years, organizers report that booth spaces are completely sold out. Choices will feature 125 craft and artisan vendors. There will be 15 food vendors, offering barbecue, cheesesteaks, funnel cakes, kettle corn, catfish, cold treats, beverages and more.

Additionally, the Downtown Benton Farmers Market at 125 W. Ashley Street will operate during special extended hours from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

ACTIVITIES

The main festival grounds around the Saline County Courthouse will open at 9:00 a.m. Highlights for 2026 include live artisan demonstrations and historic exhibits:

Bare Metals Forge: Featuring a traveling blacksmith forge with free hands-on forging experiences for kids and adults.
Lazy H Farms Leatherworks: Showcasing traditional handcrafted leather-working techniques.
Central Arkansas Two Cylinder Club: Displaying antique tractors, farm implements, and vintage stationary engines.
OTIS the Mechanical Bull: Provided by Rank Rides LLC on Main Street.

MAIN STAGE

8:45 AM – National Anthem
9:15 AM – Retro Rose Talent Contest
10:15 AM – Moustache Contest
10:30 AM – Casey Penn Band
11:00 AM – Beard Contest
11:15 AM – Casey Penn Band
11:45 AM – Mullet Contest
12:30 AM – Special Presentations
2:00 – 4:00 PM – Copper Flats Band

KIDS ZONE & STAGE

Children’s activities in the Boys & Girls Club Kids Fun Zone feature inflatables, carnival rides, and a trackless kiddie train.

10:00 AM – Youth performances by Leah’s Gymnastics
11:00 AM – Empire Kids Gymnastics & Cheerleading
12:00 PM – Ovation Music School
1:00 PM – DOXA Arts Academy

Stay updated on Old Fashioned Day by following the event’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oldfashionedday. Meanwhile here’s a flyer with the Map and Event Schedule. 👇

See video below from last year’s 2025 Old Fashioned Day! 👇🏼