Event Description

The Hillfolk Hootenanny is a weekend long festival to celebrate our community of dirt.

Our goal with Dirt Movement events is to create courses and experiences that are shared, as much as possible, for all participants. It doesn’t matter if you’re running 3 miles or riding 50 miles. We are one community with one purpose - get outside and move.

A festival celebration of dirt and community. Our goal with Dirt Movement events is to create courses and experiences that are shared, as much as possible, for all participants. It doesn’t matter if you’re running 3 miles or riding 50 miles. We are one community with one purpose - get outside and move.

What else do we all have in common? We love to eat (a lot), drink (beer or buch), and be merry (rock out to local music). 

Format

The Hillfolk Hootenanny is a two day festival packed with rides, runs, food, music, creek swims, and community! We have built the weekend in a way that you have multiple opportunities to participate in rides and runs while not missing an opportunity to sit on a log and listen to some live music with a cold beverage in hand. You can choose to participate in one, two, or three of the cycling and running events over the course of the weekend. You also have the option to skip the bike and runs and just camp out, listen to the music, and have some great food!

Unpaved Runs

This isn't your classic race! On Saturday morning we host a run on various unpaved surfaces with a number of distances. There may be creek crossings and an obstacle or two in your way so be ready. Anything is possible! 

Gravel Rides

There will be a 15-mile shake out ride on Saturday afternoon to give riders a chance to loosen up before taking on Sunday's epic routes. And we don't use the word epic lightly - just take a look at those elevation profiles. Enjoy the climb the locals have lovingly named "Booger Hill". She's a beaut.

Artist Point Climb

The Artist Point Climb is one of the unique bike events for the weekend. This 13 mile paved climb takes you up 1,500 feet to the to an amazing view of The Ozark Mountains and Lake Fort Smith. This event is one part of The Chester Challenge. Participation in the Artist Point Climb is included with the registration of any of Sunday's gravel rides. 

The Chester Challenge

The Chester Challenge is the pinnacle event of the weekend. Any one who completes a run, the Artist Point climb, and a route on Sunday's gravel day will receive this prestigious award. 

Schedule

Friday

Come out early to grab your primo camp site along Clear Creek. 

Saturday

Saturday's events will include the main running events in the morning, a shake-out ride in the afternoon, and the Artist Point Climb. How you spend the day is up to you. There's plenty to do between activities, homesteading classes, music, food, or a frosty dip in Clear Creek. 

Sunday

Sunday is the BIG gravel ride day. There are three route distances, each containing plenty of hills, hollers and maybe event an unmaintained jeep road or two. The live music continues on Sunday with a final concert that ends early enough to get you home for dinner! 

Find the detailed schedule under "Event Info"

 
What Is Included in Registration?

Your ticket to ride, and run, on some quiet Northwest Arkansas' backroads! These scenic roads are a beautiful place to lose yourself - or find yourself. Either way, we know you'll love the courses. 

Camping 

Each registration comes with a free primitive campsite! You will be asked during registration checkout which nights you plan to stay. 

 
Swag 

There are a lot of events in Northwest Arkansas and we appreciate you choosing to participate in ours. We want your commemorative item to be something that you'll actually wear and will serve you well. We will have hats, beanies, and socks to choose from at packet pickup. You decide what you like and need most. And hey, buy a t-shirt if you like them as much as we do. 

 
Aid Stations and On-Route Support

Each route will have multiple aid stations brought to you by some of our partners like The Meteor, Rapha, and more. In addition to the stationary aid, you'll find vehicles on course to help you out if things don't go as planned. We got you.

Timing

The event will be timed but it isn't a race. There are no podiums or awards.  Runners will receive an overall time for their efforts. Cyclists will be timed for the Artist Point Climb as well as Sundays gravel routes. 

You're the DJ on course! 

In your confirmation email you will receive a link to a Spotify playlist. Add songs that inspire you, make you want to shake it, or bring you back to earth. These tunes will be jamming on course throughout the day. It's your event. 

Live Music 

Each Dirt Movement event features bands from all around the region. We're excited to have Dom B Roy performing on Sunday and we'll continue to announce the rest of Saturday and Sunday's line ups!

Food and Drink

Nothing can bring a community together like a shared meal. Sitting down to connect and exchange stories of the day's adventures over a plate of hot food and free beer from local breweries is key to a good time. Each registration comes with a meal. If you're registering for The Chester Challenge you will receive two meal tickets. There will be food trucks on site for most of the weekend to supplement your bellies. Oh....and free beer!! You are also welcome to bring your own food and beverages with you.

Raffle Giveaways

We'll be raffling off high-quality prizes throughout the day courtesy of our sponsors. Must be present to win!