The mission of the Arkansas Cornbread Festival is to build community by raising awareness and funds for local nonprofit organizations, while celebrating Southern culture and heritage through food, artisan crafts and music. The 2016 festival will benefit the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Our House and studioMAIN.

South Main Street, Little Rock, Arkansas

The sixth edition of the Arkansas Cornbread Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, October 29, 2016, brings local flavor, live music and vendors to South Main Street.Cosmo himself, the loveable festival mascot will make his return to the festival, meeting and greeting the crowd and making for great photo opportunities.

Kids under 6 are free. Admission at the gate on Saturday, October 29 is $10 for ages 13 and up, $5 for ages 6-12, with children 5 and under still free! Friendly pets on leashes are welcome.

Amateurs and Professionals will both be competing this year for generous cash prizes and awards, which will be presented at 3:30 p.m. the day of the festival. The Festival is from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and the competition will last from noon-2:30 p.m.

Amateur Categories:

First Place -- $1,000

Second Place -- $500

Best Side Dish -- $250

Professional Categories:

First Place -- $1,000

Second Place -- $500

Best Side Dish -- $250