The Arkansas Pie Festival is returning to Cherokee Village on Saturday, April 25, and we’d love your help spreading the word.
The festival continues to grow each year and will feature a statewide baking competition, 5K race, pie tasting, live music, food trucks, a pet parade,kids zone, and more. It’s a fun, family-friendly event that draws visitors from across the state.
Get ready for a full day of flavor, fun, and community as the Arkansas Pie Festival returns Saturday, April 25, to the Cherokee Village Town Center. Fresh off its induction into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame, the festival continues to grow as one of the state’s most unique and beloved food events.
At the heart of the festival is the baking competition, where commercial bakers, home chefs, and youth will compete for top honors. As an official qualifying event for the World Food Championships (WFC), the overall winner will earn a coveted “Golden Ticket” and the opportunity to compete on a global stage for a $100,000 prize.
Arkansas bakers are already making their mark at the WFC. Recent winners Buttercream Bakery (Pocahontas) and Community Bakery (Little Rock) both advanced to the final round of the event, proving that the competition in Cherokee Village is as strong as it is sweet.
Beyond the baking competition, festivalgoers can expect a full day of activities for all ages. The event kicks off with the Pie Day 5K race and brings together live entertainment, competitions, and community in a way that highlights Arkansas small businesses and showcases Cherokee Village’s charm.
Festival highlights include:
· Pie tastings from bakeries all over the state
· The Pie Day 5K race
· An electric pie eating competition
· A crowd-favorite pet parade
· Live music throughout the day
· A kids zone with family-friendly activities
· Food trucks
· Charity pie auction
· Small business shopping and a bloom bar
“This event is about more than pie, it’s about bringing people together,” said Jonathan Rhodes, festival co-founder. “Being recognized by the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame is a huge honor, but what makes this festival special is the people who show up year after year to celebrate, compete, and connect.”
The Arkansas Pie Festival has quickly become a destination event, drawing visitors from across the state while supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Proceeds from the festival support STEAM summer learning programs through the Spring River Innovation Hub, helping invest in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the next generation of Arkansas talent.
This year’s event is generously co-sponsored by FNBC Community Bankers and the Bank of Cave City.
Ready to compete or join the fun? Bakers can register for the competition and runners can sign up for the Pie Day 5K at: arpiefestival.com. Event tickets can be purchased at the gate or online for a quick entry.
Follow along on Facebook for event updates, the full schedule, and the official baker lineup as the festival approaches. Whether you’re competing, running, tasting, or just enjoying the fun, the Arkansas Pie Festival promises a day that’s as memorable as it is delicious.
Don’t miss the Arkansas Pie Festival in Cherokee Village on April 25 – our perfect date.
WHEN: Saturday, April 25, 2026
WHERE: Cherokee Village Town Center
5K – 9 AM
Festival – 10 AM – 3 PM
