The Arkansas Cornbread Festival Is Coming Back
Little Rock’s beloved community celebration returns November 7th and is inviting everyone to the table!
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — April 21, 2026 — The Arkansas Cornbread Festival is returning to Little Rock on Friday, November 7, 2026. After a year away, the festival is back and organizers say this edition is being built even more intentionally with community at its core.
New this year: an amateur cornbread contest open to the public. Home cooks, family recipe holders, and first-time competitors alike are invited to bring their best pan and let Little Rock decide. Details on how to enter will be announced in the coming weeks.
Organizers are actively seeking community partners, vendors, and local organizations who want to be part of shaping this year’s festival. More details on how to get involved will be announced in the coming weeks.
This year’s festival will be held on streets adjacent to Main Street in Little Rock, specifically 13th, 14th, and Scott St, including Bernice Garden and the adjacent lot across from it. Additional logistical details will be shared as planning progresses.
“There’s something powerful about a food that shows up in every Southern family’s story. That’s always been at the heart of this festival for me, a chance to center what we have in common and celebrate community together.” ~Anita Davis, Founder and SoMa St. Advocate
Community members, vendors, and organizations interested in participating are encouraged to visit www.arkansascornbreadfestival.
About the Arkansas Cornbread Festival
The Arkansas Cornbread Festival was founded in 2011 by Anita Davis as a celebration of Southern food, community, and the SoMa neighborhood. What began as a modest gathering has grown into a beloved Little Rock tradition, drawing thousands of attendees from across the city and state.