If you check the Arkansas Outside calendar for September 24–28, 2025, you’ll see it is shaping up to be another action-packed weekend across the Natural State. Here’s a roundup of some of the standout outdoor recreation events and races happening, plus a friendly nudge to get you off the couch and onto the trails, bikes, or bridge paths.
What’s Going Down: Sept 24–28, 2025
24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell (Sept 24–28)
This is one of the marquee events of the year. Five full days of rock climbing at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper will feature climbing competitions, parties, live music, camping, swag, games, and side adventures like mountain biking. If your version of outdoor fun includes chalked hands and sandstone cliffs, this is your playground.
Arkansas Enduro Series | Eureka Enduro (Round 2) (Sept 26–28)
Mountain bike racers will take on serious trails in Eureka Springs. The Eureka Enduro includes stages around Lake Leatherwood and through the foothills near town. It is known for its technical terrain and strong rider camaraderie.
Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival (Sept 26–28)
Coinciding with the enduro event, this festival adds even more energy to the mountain bike weekend in Eureka Springs. Expect trail runs, group rides, vendor booths, social rides, and bike-centric fun in this classic Ozark setting.
Big Dam Bridge 100 (Sept 27)
One of the most iconic cycling events in the state, this ride celebrates the Big Dam Bridge in Little Rock. Riders travel across scenic trails, over the bridge, and along river paths. It is a favorite for cyclists in central Arkansas.
Dirt Movement – Hillfolk Hootenanny (Sept 27–28)
This community-driven off-road festival includes both riding and running, offering courses and distances for many levels. Whether you plan to ride 50 miles or jog a few miles, the Hootenanny brings folks together who love to play in the dirt.
Funnel Cake 5K (Sept 27 at 8:00 AM)
Part of Searcy’s Get Down Downtown Festival, this flat, fun 5K is ideal for families, walkers, or runners looking for a lighthearted morning outing.
The Great 5K Pumpkin Run (Sept 27 at 8:00 AM)
In Lonoke, this chip-timed 5K plus a one mile fun run weaves through neighborhoods and back to the historic train depot. It is a perfect fall run to kick off the season.
NAMI Arkansas “End the Stigma” 5K Run and Walk (Sept 27 at 8:30 AM)
In Fayetteville, this cause run and walk raises awareness and support for mental health programs. It is a community event that makes every mile meaningful.
On Our Way 5K Glow Run and Walk (Sept 27 at 6:30 PM)
This colorful evening run in Clarksville supports efforts to end sexual violence. Glow effects light the way for a family-friendly event as the sun goes down.
Quick Tally and Highlights
Across those five days, around eight to ten events are scheduled to get people out and active. From climbing festivals to multi-day mountain bike series, to short community 5Ks and glow runs, there is something for nearly every outdoor interest and fitness level.
- The biggest and longest is the 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell, which spans the full five days and draws climbers from across the region.
- The mountain bike scene is centered around Eureka Springs with the Enduro and Fat Tire Festival.
- Saturday is perfect for local runs, with Searcy, Lonoke, Fayetteville, and Clarksville all offering events.
- Many of the runs combine recreation with a cause, including mental health awareness and support for violence prevention.
Over to You
Which of these are you planning to attend? Are you more of a climber, biker, runner, or festival fan? Drop a comment and let us know which event you are headed to this weekend. You might inspire someone else to join you. Also, make sure to check out our full calendar of events to see more upcoming outdoor recreation fun coming up in Arkansas.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
