STREET CLOSURES FOR FORT SMITH NEW YEAR'S EVE BALL DROP

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Street Closures  Announced for New Year’s Eve Ball Drop on Garrison Avenue Presented by Fort Smith Downtown Business Association
Family-Friendly Celebration to Feature Live Music, Inflatables, Fireworks & the Iconic Ball Drop
Fort Smith, AR – The Fort Smith Downtown Business Association is proud to announce the closure of Garrison Avenue from 7th Street to 9th Street, and the closure of 8th Street at North A Street.  Also, the parking lot at 800 Garrison (City State Lot). 
This area will be the location for the return of the New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, a festive community celebration taking place December 31 from 8:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on historic Garrison Avenue in Downtown Fort Smith.
This year’s event brings an exciting night of entertainment for families, friends, and visitors. Festivities will include inflatable attractions and rides, a variety of local food trucks, and two high-energy performances by the Niki Waters Band at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Guests of all ages are invited to enjoy the vibrant downtown atmosphere as the city counts down to 2026.
A highlight of the evening will be the official New Year’s countdown led by Mayor McGill, culminating in the dramatic drop of a 10-foot lighted ball over Garrison Avenue. Coinciding with the ball drop, the sky will light up with a spectacular fireworks show, giving attendees a memorable start to the new year.
Event Details

  • Date: December 31
  • Time: 8:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m.
  • Location: Garrison Avenue, Downtown Fort Smith between 7th Street and 9th Street and the Parking Lot at 800 Garrison (City State Lot)
  • Entertainment:
    • Emcees: Molly Dunaway, Miss Worldwide 2025 & David Bushnaq
    • Niki Waters Band live at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
    • Inflatable attractions
    • Food trucks
    • Official countdown with Mayor McGill
    • 10-foot illuminated ball drop
    • Fireworks finale
Presented By
Fort Smith Downtown Business Association
Event Sponsors
  • First National Bank
  • Riverfront Exploration
  • Bullfrog Bouncers
  • Holmes Erection
  • Hog Wild Pyrotechnics
  • Fort Smith Radio Group
  • Greg’s Too
  • Peacemaker Festival
  • A Clean Potty
  • Private Donors
“We’re excited to welcome the community back to Garrison Avenue for one of the most anticipated events of the year,” said the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association. “This New Year’s Eve celebration brings together families, music, local businesses, and the energy of downtown Fort Smith—making it the perfect way to ring in 2026.”
The event is free to attend and open to the public. For more information, visit the Fort Smith Downtown Business Association’s social media pages.
 
 
 

STREET CLOSURES FOR FORT SMITH NEW YE...