04/30/2026
This will be really cool to see! Grab some beers and food at the Brewery before they travel around the block
šØ Budweiser Clydesdales to make a stop in Arkansas!
The thunder of hooves, the glint of polished brass, and the unmistakable presence of American tradition are headed back to the Arkansas River Valley.
The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales will make a special three-day stop in Arkansas beginning April 30th and continuing through May 2nd, highlighted by a signature appearance at Chaffee Crossing Historic & Entertainment District in Fort Smith for the 80th anniversary celebration of Belle Point Beverages.
For many in the region, this is more than just a visit--itās a chance to see one of the most iconic traveling symbols in American advertising history up close.
The centerpiece of the tour will take place Saturday, May 2nd, from 1 to 3 p.m., when the full eight-horse Budweiser Clydesdale hitch arrives at Chaffee Crossing. The team will be harnessed to the legendary red beer wagon in a full public display designed to honor Belle Point Beveragesā 80 years of service to the region.
But the celebration begins before Saturday. In the days leading up to the main event, individual āgentle giantsā will be making special appearances across the River Valley:
Thursday, April 30 (4ā6 p.m.) at Choctaw Casino Pocola
Friday, May 1 (4ā6 p.m.) at Cherokee Casino Roland
These smaller showcases offer fans a rare opportunity to meet a single Clydesdale up close before the full hitch takes center stage in Fort Smith.
The Budweiser Clydesdales have been associated with Anheuser-Busch since 1933, originally introduced to celebrate the end of Prohibition. What began as a symbolic gift has grown into one of the most recognizable traveling teams in the world.
Each horse stands roughly six feet tall at the shoulder and weighs around 2,000 pounds, yet they are known for their calm temperament and precise training. When traveling as a full hitch, the team includes eight horses pulling the ornate red wagon, accompanied by a Dalmatian--a nod to the breedās historic role as carriage watchdogs.
Behind the scenes, the operation is just as impressive as the spectacle. The horses travel in custom-equipped trailers designed for comfort and safety, are cared for by specialized handlers, and follow carefully managed feeding and exercise routines to maintain peak health while on the road.
Since their first public appearances in the 1930s, the Clydesdales have become a cultural fixture--appearing in parades, national commercials, and major events across the country, including Super Bowl broadcasts.
Their journey across Arkansas this spring continues a tradition that blends history, pageantry, and community celebration. When not traveling, the horses reside at historic stables in Missouri, including the renowned breeding facility at Warm Springs Ranch.
Events like this donāt come around often. Seeing the full eight-horse hitch in motion--gleaming harnesses, synchronized strides, and the rhythmic sound of hooves--is a spectacle that has drawn crowds for nearly a century.
For the River Valley, this weekend marks a celebration of heritage, craftsmanship, and community pride, all centered around one of Americaās most enduring symbols.
As the Clydesdales roll into Fort Smith, one thing is certain: this will be a moment people remember long after the wagons move on.
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