Arkansas Cornbread Festival

The Arkansas Cornbread Festival, an annual celebration of Southern culinary heritage, was inaugurated in 2011 by Anita Davis. Held in the heart of the South Main Street (SoMa) district in Little Rock (Pulaski County), it typically takes place in the fall.

Davis, who is from Murfreesboro (Pike County), became committed to revitalizing the SoMa district after purchasing the Bernice Building in 2004. Inspired by the walkable communities of her childhood and her daughter’s Chelsea neighborhood in New York, she sought to recreate that sense of connectivity. Davis saw the festival as a way to highlight cornbread’s central role in Southern culture. Her vision for the first Cornbread Festival was to “bring people in our community together for good food, music, and conversation.” Additionally, Davis hoped the festival would draw attention to the revitalization of SoMa, showcasing the area’s transformation and its potential as a vibrant neighborhood. Davis opened the Esse Purse Museum and Store in the SoMa district in 2013.

During the festival, local chefs and home cooks showcase their unique cornbread recipes, which range from traditional southern styles to more creative and exotic variations. Attendees can sample classic buttermilk cornbread, sweet cornbread with honey butter, spicy jalapeño cornbread, and even gluten-free and vegan options. One of the festival’s highlights is the cornbread competition, where cooks of all levels compete for titles such as “Best Traditional Cornbread,” “Most Creative Cornbread,” and “Best Side.” There are often cooking demonstrations and workshops where experts share their tips for achieving the perfect cornbread.

Throughout the day, live bands play a mix of bluegrass, country, and folk music. Children can participate in various games and activities, including face painting, a petting zoo, and cornhole tournaments. Local artisans and craft vendors set up stalls offering handmade goods, such as jewelry, artwork, clothing, and home décor.

The first festival had approximately 1,600 attendees; in 2018, there were 5,000. The festival’s proceeds support local charities, such as the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance.

For additional information:
Arkansas Cornbread Festival. https://www.arkansascornbreadfestival.com/ (accessed December 19, 2024).

Brinkley, Rhett. “Arkansas Cornbread Festival Wants You to ‘Get Ready to Crumble.’” Arkansas Times, October 3, 2023. https://arktimes.com/eat-arkansas/2023/10/02/arkansas-cornbread-festival-wants-you-toget-ready-to-crumble (accessed December 19, 2024).

Nelson, Rex. “Anita Davis Finds Her Calling in Old Buildings, Placemaking, Purses and Cornbread.” Talk Business & Politics, January 4, 2023. https://talkbusiness.net/2016/05/anita-davis-finds-her-calling-in-old-buildings-placemaking-purses-and-cornbread/ (accessed December 19, 2024).

Alyssa Davis
Little Rock, Arkansas