By: Haley Frederking

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) — Falltoberfest returned to Dickson Street in Fayetteville Sunday afternoon for its fourth year. 

The free fall festival took over the Upper Ramble and seven blocks of Dickson Street from noon to 6 p.m., featuring local vendors, live music, food, art and activities for visitors of all ages.

Live music performances took place at multiple locations throughout the event. The lineup included Brian Martin, The Irie Lions, School of Rock, Jack Lindsey Band, Hayefield, Mingo Drive and Cody Cooke and the Bayou Outlaws. 

Local artists and vendors set up throughout the festival, giving visitors a chance to shop from local businesses. 

For Kyle Mooncook, a vendor for Moon Press, this year marked his first time participating as a vendor at Falltoberfest. After seeing that vendor spots were still available, Mooncook decided to apply and said the process was simple. Mooncook sold prints and postcards with Moon Press at the event.

“It’s great, it’s been a really busy day, which is awesome,” Mooncook said. “We’ll be back next year, and we’ll do Strawberry Fest as well.”

Mooncook said the steady flow of customers throughout the afternoon made his first Falltoberfest a successful one. He said he looks forward to Strawberry Fest, which takes place in the spring. 

The festival also featured games, art and family-friendly activities. Some of the Falltoberfest favorites returned again for this year, including Dogtoberfest, a dog pageant and costume contest, and Mr. Oktoberfest.

For University of Arkansas students, Falltoberfest also offered a chance to step away from schoolwork and spend an afternoon downtown during a busy point in the semester.

Cole Vanlandingham, a senior at the University of Arkansas, made an afternoon out of the event by walking through the festival with friends and visiting local vendors.

“I feel like it’s something that brings the community together,” Vanlandingham said. “It’s a good way for small businesses to sell their things.”

For Vanlandingham, the festival provided a way to take a break from school while supporting businesses in the Fayetteville community.

With the fourth Falloberfest complete, vendors like Mooncook are already looking ahead to future events and more opportunities to connect with the Fayetteville community.