For nearly five decades, CabotFest has been the heartbeat of community spirit in Cabot, Arkansas. What started as a small gathering in 1978 to bring the town together after a devastating tornado has grown into one of the most beloved traditions in the region. Each year, the second weekend of October sees thousands of residents and visitors flood the streets of downtown Cabot, celebrating not just the town’s resilience, but its future.
“I think we’re still focused on community,” said Gina Jones, President and CEO of the Cabot Area Chamber of Commerce. “We definitely are trying to bring our community together every year.”
From local businesses and vendors to school groups and families, CabotFest, taking place on Oct. 10-12th this year, draws the community together in a way that few events can. And while the festival has evolved over the years, it remains a shining example of the resilience and unity that defines this town.
“I think it’s a moment of remembrance, because every single year we still go back to the foundation of where this event started and what began,” said Rachel Abbott, Membership and Events Coordinator for the Cabot Area Chamber of Commerce. “We’re always trying to keep with the same traditions and put it out there for the community. This is your event.”
The festival isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about fostering a sense of pride in Cabot. Local businesses and nonprofits play a big part, with vendors setting up booths throughout downtown, offering everything from handmade crafts to food. These partnerships have become a hallmark of the event, helping both the economy and the community thrive. For businesses in downtown Cabot, the festival brings an influx of visitors that they might not see otherwise. “There’s going to be 30,000 people walking past your storefront,” Abbott added.
From left: Gina Jones and Rachel Abbott
One of the long-standing partnerships includes the Cabot JROTC, whose volunteers help run the festival smoothly each year. From setting up booths to managing logistics, their role is crucial in making CabotFest a success. “We absolutely could not do CabotFest without our volunteers,” Jones said. “They just are everything.”
This year’s CabotFest promises to be as vibrant as ever, with something for everyone in the family. The festivities will include the popular car show, live entertainment, local talent performances, and a variety of food vendors to satisfy every craving. For the younger attendees, there’s an expansive kids’ area with rides, games, and activities to keep them entertained for hours.
“We try to make sure it’s got a little bit of something for everybody,” Abbott explained. “You’ve got the kids’ area, but not everybody has kids. So, we’ve got the car show, and you’ve got people of all ages who enjoy that. We try to also make sure and stress that we want local entertainment from Central Arkansas.”
Of course, no CabotFest would be complete without the quirky and beloved cricket-spitting competition, a tradition that dates back decades. Participants line up to see who can spit a live cricket the farthest—an event that often garners curious (and amused) onlookers. “You talk about the festival, and you say we’ve got vendors, the carnival, this and that, and then you tell them about the Cabot Arkansas Championship cricket spitting and they’re like, ‘What, what is that?’” Abbott said with a laugh.
Photo credit: CabotFest Facebook page
When and Where
CabotFest will take place Oct. 10-12th, with festivities kicking off on Thursday night and continuing through Saturday. The event spreads across downtown Cabot, with various locations hosting different activities:
- The carnival will be located in the parking lot behind the City Annex building, near the railroad tracks, running Thursday through Saturday.
- The Bags and BBQ event takes place on Friday night at Homer’s Ace Hardware parking lot. Alongside the BBQ competition and cornhole, there will be a DJ playing music to kick off the weekend of festivities.
- The vendor booths will stretch from Second Street to Elm Street, and along Old Main Street down to Fourth Street.
- The main stage will be set up near Old Main Street, where live performances will take place throughout the day on Saturday.
- The car show will be held at First Security Bank’s parking lot.
- The food vendors will be clustered in the parking lot near the main stage.
- The quirky cricket-spitting competition and other fun activities will be hosted near the food court and entertainment area.
In addition, the Army National Guard will host activities in theRailyard Pavilion area, bringing educational exhibits and interactive events for attendees.
How to Get There and Where to Park
Parking for CabotFest can sometimes be tricky due to the influx of visitors, but there are several options for attendees. First Baptist Church, located just caddy-corner to the carnival, offers a large parking area where many people choose to park. Visitors are also encouraged to park along the streets surrounding downtown Cabot.
Jones noted that in previous years, some parking lots required special management to ensure access for businesses and event organizers. This year, police presence will help manage parking more efficiently. Organizers also recommend parking a little further out and enjoying a pleasant walk through downtown, as the festival covers a wide area, providing plenty to see and do along the way. “You’re going to pass at least seven businesses along the route that you might not see when you’re driving,” Abbott added.
At its heart, CabotFest is more than just a weekend of fun—it’s a lifeline for the local economy and a celebration of the businesses and people who call this town home. For some businesses, it’s the boost they need to make it through the year, especially after the slow summer months.
“We hear people, and we sit and we talk, and we look at numbers,” Jones said. “It’s a huge opportunity for people to engage with the community and promote their business.”
The commitment from local volunteers, including the Cabot JROTC and school groups, is also key. “These kids give up their weekend, and they are a huge part of CabotFest from Friday night set-up to Saturday morning,” Abbott shared. “They help vendors get their stuff to their booths, set up their tents. We could not do it without them.”
This teamwork, which includes the efforts of local businesses, schools, and organizations, is what makes CabotFest such a strong community-driven event. The energy and commitment of the town’s people keep the festival thriving year after year.
Cabot Fest is more than just an event—it’s a tradition that reflects the spirit, resilience, and unity of Cabot. Whether you’ve been attending for years or are thinking about coming for the first time, there’s something for everyone at this beloved festival. From live entertainment and family-friendly activities to food vendors and local crafts, the festival embodies everything that makes Cabot special.
Mark your calendars for the second weekend in October and come experience a tradition that has been bringing Cabot together for 46 years. As Abbott put it, “This is your event.”
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