CB Fall Guide

With golden leaves painting the trails, crisp autumn air inviting outdoor adventures, and thought-provoking exhibitions waiting inside, there’s something—no, many things—magical about this season at Crystal Bridges.

The museum and its surrounding trails offer an expansive, 120-acre campus for you to relax and find inspiration in—and with its sheer size, you might need some guidance in finding the best places to start exploring!

Read on to find out how you can best soak up this beautiful season here at the museum, maximize your comfort, and make lasting memories.

Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture will make its debut at Crystal Bridges this fall, bringing the energy and stories of the sports world to life through art. Open September 13, 2025 through January 26, 2026, this exhibition dives into the grit, glory, and cultural impact of sports, exploring how they’ve shaped some of the most iconic moments in history.

So, what’s exactly coming into play here? You’ll discover the drive of swimmer Diana Nyad through an unexpected portrait; feel the heat of the moment as you experience a reenactment of Billie Jean King’s legendary Battle of the Sexes match; marvel at the enduring legacy of superstar Kobe Bryant through stunning ceramic artistry; and much more. Whether you’re a sports fan, an art lover, or both, this show offers something for everyone to cheer for.

Stay up to date with the latest gallery information as you explore our robust permanent collection, which spans over five centuries! Download the Bloomberg Connects app to access our digital guide and discover what’s currently on view—perfect for keeping track of rotating artworks throughout the year.

Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat if they visit in the fall, since the kaleidoscope of warm hues make it one of the most breathtaking seasons to explore the museum’s trails. Late October brings widespread foliage, with peak bold colors arriving in early November—perfect for a serene stroll or a family outing. Keep an eye out for the stunning leaves of the sugar maple and white oak, or the vibrant goldenrod blooming along the way (among other plants you can find in our Plant Guide).

While the Splash Pad closes after Labor Day, there’s no shortage of family-friendly outdoor fun. Campus Parking Plaza is ideal for a picnic if you’re looking to really take in the fresh air.

Plan your path with trail maps and info available on the Bloomberg Connects app. Whether you’re walking the smooth, paved Art Trail or venturing deeper into the grounds, fall is a truly beautiful time to find yourself at Crystal Bridges.

Get into the spooky spirit with us at Trick Art Treat, which happens each year around Halloween and transforms the museum into a freaky, festive journey—complete with art-inspired activities and candy for the whole family. Costumes are highly encouraged!

Come during Thanksgiving week to enjoy daily Fall Break Fun! Kids and families can drop by during all museum hours to go hands-on with creative artmaking activities, celebrate the season with themed games, explore the galleries together, and make the most of the holiday week with art-filled memories.

We always love launching our new exhibitions with themed parties and programming, so don’t miss the grand opening celebration for Get in the Game: Sports, Art, Culture in September! Visitors of all ages can enjoy activities at this museum-wide event, which offers an exciting kickoff to the new exhibition.

And for adults seeking a more refined adventure, our Cocktail Tours are the perfect pairing of art and mixology to expand your palette. Held multiple times each month, these guided tours will teach you how to make thoughtfully crafted cocktails inspired by the museum’s exhibitions and architecture, creating a spirited—and just plain fun—evening out.

Adventurous spirits are always welcome here, whether you’re discovering art in our galleries, venturing around the great outdoors, or swinging by our award-winning local roaster, Onyx Coffee Lab, for a festive fall drink.

The museum’s location in the heart of Northwest Arkansas makes it a great spot for a day trip, as it’s an easy drive from many surrounding towns and neighboring states. Folks from places like Tulsa, OK or Springfield, MO can drive just a couple hours to enjoy a change of scenery. Plus we’re just 30 minutes away from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, meaning you can pack a Razorbacks football game and an outing for art exploration, all in one day!

Fall in Bentonville is all about mild days, cool evenings, and stunning scenery. The trails are especially gorgeous this time of year, with the changing leaves creating a colorful backdrop!

Early fall, especially September and most of October, tends to be warmer than you might expect, with cooler temperatures arriving as the season progresses. To stay comfortable, we recommend layering up—think lightweight clothing for daytime explorations and an extra layer for chilly mornings and evenings.

If you’re planning a visit to Crystal Bridges, note that summer hours wrap up after Labor Day, so check the museum’s current schedule before heading out.

No matter the season, and whether you’re exploring inside or out, we are committed to providing a comfortable and accessible experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. Complimentary wheelchairs and walkers are offered at Guest Services and service animals are welcome, in addition to other accommodations we have for various programs, like assisted listening devices and sign language interpretation. Find out more on our Museum Accessibility page.

With something happening all season long, fall is the perfect time to explore everything Crystal Bridges has to offer. Be sure to check out our Plan a Visit Page for full details on hours, parking, and directions, and explore our calendar to stay up to date on upcoming events.

Plan your visit today and make your fall outing unforgettable!