It’s almost time for one of the Ozarks’ most beloved and downright quirkiest traditions—Mountain View’s 43rd Annual Arkansas Bean Fest & Championship Outhouse Races happening October 24–25, 2025!
Every fall, the courthouse square transforms into a feast for the senses. Imagine the aroma of over 1,000 pounds of beans cooking low and slow in antique cast-iron pots, tended by teams who compete for bragging rights in the ultimate bean-cooking showdown. Once the beans are ready, hungry festival-goers line up with cups and bowls, eager for a taste of this hearty Ozark tradition.
But it’s not just about beans. Music is at the heart of Mountain View, and you’ll hear it everywhere—live folk and bluegrass filling the streets with toe-tapping rhythms that celebrate the heritage of the town known as the Folk Music Capital of the World.
And then comes the part that puts this festival on the map: the Championship Outhouse Races. Teams decorate outhouses on wheels, line up at the starting line, and push, pull, or sprint their creations down the street in one of the most hilarious, spirited competitions you’ll ever see. The winning team takes home the coveted Golden Toilet Seat Trophy, a prize that’s as legendary as it is unusual.
The fun doesn’t stop downtown. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the Mountain View Junk Fest at 19833 Highway 5. This outdoor market is a goldmine for antique lovers, vintage seekers, and anyone with a soft spot for repurposed treasures. From one-of-a-kind finds to rustic décor, it’s the perfect place to shop between bites of beans and race-day laughs.
To make your festival experience stress-free, the Ozark Folk Center State Park will once again provide free shuttle service to and from the courthouse square. Visitors are encouraged to park at the Folk Center and ride downtown—saving time and avoiding the hassle of parking in the busy square. Shuttles will run throughout both festival days.
Whether you’re here to taste, cheer, shop, or simply soak up the festive spirit, the Arkansas Bean Fest is one of those “only in the Ozarks” experiences you’ll be talking about long after the beans are gone.
Join us for two days of food, music, laughter, and traditions that could only happen right here in Mountain View. For more details, visit mountainviewarkansas.com.
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Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.