When
September 12, 2026
Where
Life Center, Farmer's Market & City Park
Chester, AR 72934
Admission
Free Entry!
What's a Pawpaw?
Arkansas' largest native fruit
Learn more →
Welcome to Pawpaw Paradise
The 3rd annual Boston Mountain Pawpaw Festival is September 12, 2026! Celebrate Arkansas' forgotten native fruit with delicious desserts, live music, workshops, and family fun. The full schedule of events is below.
The 3rd annual Boston Mountain Pawpaw Festival was September 12, 2026 — and what a day it was. Thank you to every vendor, speaker, volunteer, sponsor and visitor who celebrated Arkansas' forgotten native fruit with us. The photos are in the gallery, and we'll see you next year.
🥧 Pawpaw Desserts
Taste incredible pawpaw ice cream, pies, breads, and more from local vendors
🎵 Live Entertainment
Groove to live music, participate in the cornhole tournament, and enjoy family activities
🌱 Growing Workshops
Learn how to grow your own pawpaw trees from regional experts
What are Pawpaws?
The pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is North America's largest native edible fruit, yet it remains one of our best-kept secrets! With a tropical flavor often described as a cross between banana and mango, pawpaws have a creamy, custard-like texture that makes them perfect for desserts.
Native to the eastern United States, pawpaws grow wild throughout Arkansas's forests. These nutritious fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Join us to discover why pawpaws deserve a place in your garden and on your plate!
See Festival Schedule
Festival Schedule
How the Day Ran
Gates open at 9:00 AM. The Chester Farmers Market opens at its regular 8:00 AM, an hour earlier.
The 2026 schedule, kept for the record — gates opened at 9:00 AM.
Festival Venue
Three neighboring spots in the heart of Chester, Arkansas
The 2026 festival ran across three neighboring spots in the heart of Chester, Arkansas
The Life Center
308 Chester Street
Chester, AR 72934
Our indoor home base — vendors, speakers, and workshops.
Get DirectionsChester Farmer's Market
120 S. Wright Street
Chester, AR 72934
Just across the street — live music, the cornhole tournament, and food.
Get DirectionsCity Park & Pavilion
Chester, AR 72934
A short walk from both — plant growers, community booths, the Kid Zone with face painting, and the pavilion.
Get DirectionsFestival Highlights
A glimpse into the magic of festival day
Fresh from this year's festival — the full 2026 gallery is up
Relive the Magic
Explore hundreds of photos from vendors, activities, performances, and more
View Full Gallery →Vendors & Admission
Applications for the 2026 festival are open now.
2026 vendor applications are closed — thank you to every vendor who joined us. Watch this space in spring for 2027 applications.
Vendors & Food Trucks
Craft booths $35 · Food vendor spaces $120
🚚 Food truck spaces are limited
Artisans, growers, makers, and food vendors are welcome — no application fee.
Apply Now See the 2026 VendorsAttending the Festival
✓ Free admission
✓ No registration needed
Just come out on September 12 and enjoy the day!
See Last Year🤝 Be Part of the Magic!
Join our amazing volunteer team and help make the 2026 festival unforgettable
To the 2026 volunteer team: thank you — the festival runs on you. Want in next year? We'd love to have you.
Perfect for students needing service hours or anyone who loves community events!
Become a Volunteer Volunteer in 2027Thanks to Our 2026 Sponsors
These supporters make the festival possible — live music this year is brought to you by Gemini Capital Group
Interested in sponsoring the 2026 festival? Get in touch
Connect With Us
General Inquiries
Questions about the festival?
ashley@bpsaisoftware.com, eden@thegardenofeden1999.com Managed by Ozark Events HubVenue Information
308 Chester Street
Chester, AR 72934