Yellville’s Year of Festivals: Local Traditions & Can’t-Miss Events Near Carlton Marion Inn

Looking for small-town charm with big-time fun? Pack the calendar with beloved Ozark traditions.

setembro 9, 2025
9:14 pm

Whether you’re here for hometown parades, live music by the water, or classic Ozark traditions, Yellville puts you close to some of Arkansas’s most beloved events.

Carlton Marion Inn sits right on Crooked Creek with newly renovated rooms and brand-new cabins—your cozy base for a full calendar of fun in Yellville, Mountain Home, Cotter, Flippin, Bull Shoals, and beyond.

At-a-Glance: Seasonal Fun At The Ozarks!

Spring (Mar–May)

Sowbug Roundup (Mountain Home, late March): a three-day fly-fishing gathering with 150+ expert tiers, seminars, and casting lessons.
Cotter Trout Festival (First Saturday in May): family fun, vendors, and live music at Big Spring Park.

Summer (Jun–Jul)

Red White & Blue Festival (Mountain Home, last weekend of June): parade, concerts, and one of North Arkansas’s biggest fireworks shows.
Flippin Fireworks Festival (July 3): all-day party at Hickey/Hickey City Park, fireworks at dusk.
Bull Shoals Lake Fireworks (July 4): fireworks over the dam—bring a blanket or watch by boat.

Fall (Sep–Oct)

Northwest Arkansas District Fair (Harrison, mid-September): classic fair week with livestock, carnival, and more.
The Art Odyssey Studio Tour (late September): meet local artists inside their working studios.
Yellville Turkey Trot (second weekend of October): the town’s signature festival—parade, live music, contests, food, and community fun.

Late Fall & Winter (Nov–Dec)

White River Marathon for Kenya (Cotter, late November): Boston-qualifying marathon/half/5K on a flat, scenic course.
Christmas in Cotter / Trail of Holiday Lights (December): Big Spring Park lights and bridge illumination, with Santa festivities mid-month.

From our location, you’re about 10 minutes to Cotter/Flippin (river strolls), 20 minutes to Bull Shoals (dam views & state park), 25 minutes to Buffalo National River (bluffs and trails), and 30–35 minutes to Mountain Home or Harrison (dining, music, fairs).

Spotlight Events (What to Expect + Tips)

Yellville Turkey Trot (October)
Downtown is filled with floats, marching bands, a parade, pageants, live music, food vendors, and small-town charm. Pro tip: Book lodging at Carlton Marion Inn early—rooms go fast for festival weekend.

Red White & Blue Festival (late June)
Two days of concerts, a car show, a parade, kids’ activities, and a blockbuster fireworks finale on Saturday night. Pro tip: Arrive mid-afternoon to snag parking before the evening crowd.

Cotter Trout Festival (May)
Laid-back river vibes with local vendors and live music at Big Spring Park—great for families and anglers alike. Pro tip: Pair the festival with a White River fishing day.

Fourth of July on the Water
Kick off with Flippin’s July 3 celebration, then catch Bull Shoals’ July 4 fireworks over the lake for a two-night patriotic glow. Pro tip: Bring chairs and plan for traffic after the shows.

White River Marathon (November)
Known for its flat route and fast finishes. Pro tip: Kick back by the inn’s firepit after you cross the line.

Holiday Lights in Cotter (December)
Stroll or drive through the park’s glow all month. The historic bridge lights up every night, and Santa stops by on one scheduled evening (date varies yearly). Pro tip: Check the Cotter Area Chamber’s December calendar for this year’s Santa night before you go.

Where to Stay?

Make Carlton Marion Inn your festival base: renovated rooms, outdoor pool, BBQ grill, a firepit, pet-friendly stays, plus brand-new cabins tucked along Crooked Creek. You’re minutes from the area’s marquee events and the Ozarks’ best fishing and paddling.

Ready to celebrate? Book your room or cabin at Carlton Marion Inn and wake up close to every Ozark tradition!