Buffalo River Elk Festival

The Buffalo River Elk Festival is a lively and meaningful celebration held each summer in Jasper, Arkansas, honoring the successful return of elk to Newton County and the Buffalo National River area. Across two action-packed days, the festival blends outdoor heritage with family fun: attendees can try their luck in the elk permit drawings, test their skills in an Arkansas State Elk Calling Championship, compete in a Dutch Oven Cook-Off, enjoy live bluegrass, country, and folk music, and explore arts & crafts booths. There are also kid-friendly activities, fishing derbies, a “Run with the Elk” 5K, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with nature and community. Whether you’re there for the food, wildlife, or festive atmosphere, the festival offers a warm, spirited gathering that celebrates culture, conservation, and the rugged beauty of the Ozar