• About Dardanelle
  • Festivals & Events
  • Chamber Members
  • Statewide Connections
  • Miss Mt Nebo
  • Board of Directors
  • Food & Lodging
  • More
    • About Dardanelle
    • Festivals & Events
    • Chamber Members
    • Statewide Connections
    • Miss Mt Nebo
    • Board of Directors
    • Food & Lodging
  • About Dardanelle
  • Festivals & Events
  • Chamber Members
  • Statewide Connections
  • Miss Mt Nebo
  • Board of Directors
  • Food & Lodging
Dardanelle's Festivals and Events

Community Connections that Rock!

From signature festivals to networking luncheons, the Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce keeps our calendar full and our community connected. 

About our events

Monthly Chamber Luncheon

Join us for the Chamber Member Luncheon, held every third Wednesday of the month at 12:00 PM at a local restaurant. This casual, Dutch treat event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow Chamber members. During the luncheon, we recognize the Chamber Member of the Month and welcome a guest speaker who will cover relevant business topics, local government updates, or community initiatives. It’s an excellent time to network, share ideas, seek solutions, and offer advice.

For the latest details, visit the Chamber's Facebook. 

Rock the Block

Join us downtown for Rock the Block, a monthly Third Thursday event with live music, shopping, food, and family fun. Front Street (Pine to Market) from 6–8 PM. Check with the Chamber for dates

Celebrate the creativity, grit, and community spirit that makes Dardanelle special. Bring your family and friends and make Front Street the place to be. 

Annual Chamber Banquet

Each January, the Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its Annual Banquet at the Dardanelle Community Center. This special evening celebrates the dedication and impact of the individuals and businesses who help make Dardanelle and the surrounding communities a great place to live and work. Guests enjoy a delicious meal, a lively silent auction, and an evening filled with community pride and celebration.

Miss Mt Nebo and Miss Mt Nebo Teen February 21, 2026

The Miss Mt. Nebo and Miss Mt. Nebo Teen Competitions help young women build confidence, interview skills, and stage presence while competing in Private Interview, Talent, Evening Gown, On-Stage Question, and Fitness.

As part of the Miss Arkansas Organization, contestants gain leadership experience and scholarship opportunities while preparing for success beyond the stage.

Winners advance to Miss Arkansas and Miss Arkansas Teen.

Lil Miss Mt Nebo Pageant February 28, 2026

The Lil’ Miss Mt. Nebo Competition celebrates girls ages 0–13 in a fun, confidence-building environment where every participant shines.

Categories: Formal Wear, Fun Fashion, Talent (optional), and Photogenic (optional)
Special Awards: Brightest Eyes, Lovely Locks, Dazzling Personality, and Sparkling Smile

This event also serves as a fundraiser supporting the Miss Mt. Nebo and Miss Mt. Nebo Teen Competitions.

Free State of Yell Fest May 7-9, 2026

Since 1989, Yell Fest has been Yell County’s largest free-admission family festival — bringing a full weekend of fun, food, and entertainment to our community.

Enjoy the carnival featuring 15 rides, games, and concessions. Armband specials are available all three nights: $20 in advance | $25 at the festival.

Saturday Highlights: Lions Club Pancake Breakfast,  Run Like Yell 5K & Kids Run, Little Miss & Mister Yell Fest Pageant and the Loudest Yelling Contest in Arkansas
10 PM – Bunting Fireworks Show

Chocolate Festival July 17, 2026

"Life is like a box of chocolates…” — Forrest Gump

Join us for the Chocolate Festival, a fun, family-friendly fundraiser supporting a local cause when life doesn’t go as planned. Enjoy everything from chocolate-dipped strawberries and Grandma’s fudge to chocolate chipotle popcorn and even chocolate gravy with biscuits!

Held at the Dardanelle Community Center, this sweet celebration highlights local businesses, nonprofits, and civic groups — all while supporting the heart of our community.

Back 2 School Kickoff Breakfast August TBA 2026

The Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce kicks off the school year by hosting a special breakfast for Dardanelle school employees on their first day back. Thanks to the generous support of Chamber members and sponsors, the Chamber Board members cook and serve breakfast to show appreciation for the hard work of our local educators and staff. Employees also have the chance to win exciting door prizes, including tickets to the Mount Nebo Chicken Fry.

Mt Nebo Chicken Fry August 29, 2026

Celebrate the Arkansas River Valley poultry industry at the historic Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry, held at Mt. Nebo State Park since 1948. Enjoy chicken strips, smoked chicken, and all the fixings from Tyson’s award-winning cooks and Chamber volunteers, plus beautiful views and community fun.

For updates, visit the Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry FB page.

Christmas in Dardanelle

The Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce partners  with Yell County, the City of Dardanelle, local businesses, and residents to bring the holiday spirit to life.

Community Events:

  • Crowning Mister and Miss Christmas Spirits
  • Christmas Tree Lighting at the Gazebo 
  • Christmas Trees at the River  
  • Dardanelle Christmas Parade – Friday, Dec. 4, 2026, 6:30 PM 
  • Christmas Window Decoration Contest – open to homes & businesses

Christmas Past

Tree Lighting at Gazebo

The City along with area businesses and churches play host to the Tree Lighting Ceremony 

held on Front Street.

Christmas Trees

For more information on how you can sponsor a Christmas Tree to represent your business or in memory of a loved one, 

contact Dardanelle Community Center (479)-229-5084

 sports@dardanelle.com 

Parade & Festivities

Dardanelle Parks and Recs department organizes the Dardanelle Christmas parade, the largest Christmas parade in Yell County. 

For more information  (479)-229-5084

 sports@dardanelle.com 

Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce

212 Front Street, Dardanelle, Arkansas 72834, United States

Copyright © 2026 Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce - All Rights Reserved.

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