If you love pies and friendly competition, the Arkansas Pie Festival is the place to be next weekend in Cherokee Village. This sweet event has gained a special recognition after being inducted into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame last year. Organizer Jaime Land sees it as a tribute to the hard work of volunteers and bakers who make the festival shine.
For newcomers, the festival features exciting baking competitions open to youth, home chefs, and commercial bakers. Over the years, Jaime has seen some truly inventive pie flavors. It’s also heartwarming to watch young bakers develop their skills year after year.
Judging begins with the pies’ appearance. There’s even an award for the “most beautiful pie.” When it comes to taste, judges consider the crust’s color and flakiness, as well as the filling’s texture.
Jaime plans to share her own creation—a strawberry peach pie made with fresh Arkansas berries. She emphasizes the importance of using local ingredients, saying, “We have so many good options here in the state.”
If baking isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to enjoy. The festival will feature live music, food trucks, a morning 5K run, a pet parade, and even pie-eating contests. According to Jaime, there’s something for everyone, making it a perfect family-friendly outing.
An important aspect of the festival is its support for STEAM education in Arkansas. Through pie auctions, the festival raises funds that go directly back into helping kids learn science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Competitors donate two pies—one for judging and one for auction.
If you’re interested in joining the competition, you can sign up on the day of the event. The festival opens at 9 a.m. on April 25, with judging starting around 11:30 a.m. All pies need to be checked in by then. More details can be found here.
Jaime recalls some of the most memorable entries, like a unique “lavender livin” pie and a savory crawfish pie. She especially cherishes the classic recipes passed down through generations, saying, “You really can’t beat those homemade favorites.”
So, whether you’re there to compete or simply enjoy a slice, the Arkansas Pie Festival promises a delightful day filled with fun, flavor, and community spirit.
