The City of Washington, Arkansas, in partnership with Buck’s Maintenance Service Inc., the University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana Foundation, Arkansas’s Great Southwest, and Historic Washington State Park, will host the 5th Annual James Black’s Bowie Heritage Festival on April 24–25, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The festival honors legendary bladesmith James Black, who forged the first Bowie Knife for Jim Bowie in Washington. Over two days, visitors will experience Arkansas heritage through hands-on demonstrations, skilled craftsmanship, and living history.

Events will take place throughout historic Washington, including the James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades, the W.P.A. Gymnasium, the Farmers Market Pavilion, the 1874 Courthouse courtyard, the Washington Methodist Church, and the Blacksmith Shop.

This year’s lineup features noted guests such as Bill Worthen, former director of the Historic Arkansas Museum and a leading authority on James Black, and JW Wiseman, a well-known bladed weapons demonstrator. They will be joined by world-class bladesmiths who will display their work and share the stories behind each piece.

Festival highlights include live forging challenges, a knife show, demonstrations, exhibits, and the James Black Arkansas State Cutting Competition Championship, organized by Mastersmith Jerry Fisk of Nashville, Arkansas, recognized as both a National Living Treasure and Arkansas Living Treasure.

Knifemakers and artisans will be on site selling and showcasing handcrafted blades and traditional folk art. Re-enactors will bring history to life by telling the story of Jim Bowie’s journey to Washington to commission his iconic knife.

Visitors can also step into the craft themselves with demonstrations at the James Black School of Bladesmithing and Historic Trades and the Blacksmith Shop, where the Bowie Knife legacy continues.

In addition to the bladesmithing focus, guests can enjoy historic building tours, surrey rides, food vendors, and activities for all ages in one of Arkansas’s most well-preserved historic communities.

A special exhibit of authentic James Black knives and antique Bowie knives, curated by Mark Zalesky, will also be on display.

Admission is free. Parking is $5.

For more information, visit bowieknifefest.com, @VisitWashingtonAR on Facebook, or call 870-648-5084.

Download a festival brochure here: James Black's Bowie Heritage Festival Brochure 2026