We look forward to welcoming whittlers from near and far. Whether you are young or old, experienced or trying whittling for the first time, we want you to be part of the celebration.

We also welcome hand woodcarvers, chainsaw carvers, traditional makers, antique vendors, and sellers of rustic and vintage goods.

Seventy-one years ago, Collier’s magazine published an article about Leslie, Arkansas, and named our town the “Whittling Capital of America.”

The Whittlin’ & Fiddlin’ Festival honors the people and traditions that inspired the article and earned Leslie this memorable title.

Our heritage of whittlers lining the benches along the streets brings back fond memories of a simpler time, when the quiet craft of whittling was a familiar part of everyday life.

In 2026, we are celebrating the second annual Whittlin’ & Fiddlin’ Festival and the 71st anniversary of Leslie receiving this national recognition.

Leslie has a long tradition of welcoming talented musicians. We invite fiddlers, banjo players, mandolin players, bluegrass performers, and other Ozarks-style musicians to showcase their talents at the festival.

Music teachers and studios are encouraged to bring their students for a recital or performance as we celebrate the traditional sounds of the Ozarks and surrounding hill country.

Whether you are an established performer, a student, or someone who simply enjoys joining a pickin’ group, we want to showcase you and keep the music playing throughout the day.

This year, we want even more festivalgoers, whittlers, fiddlers, makers, musicians, farms, and families to be part of the celebration.

We want festivalgoers. We want whittlers. We want fiddlers. We want you!

September 19, 2026