2026 ABANA Blacksmithing Conference & Festival

November 2026 in Bentonville, Arkansas

Dates: November 11-14, 2026

Location: Benton County Fairgrounds located just 4 miles from the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). The fairgrounds include ample room for parking, 5 acres for tent camping, RV hookups, and plenty of space for all conference activities.

Instructions for Purchasing Event Tickets:

Select the type of admission ticket that fits your needs (Full Event, 1-Day, etc.).
Add on family members who are coming with you.
Add on camping, RV parking, or tailgating space, if needed.
Add on Saturday night buffet dinner tickets.
Don’t forget your event merchandise! Merchandise sales at the event will be limited, so pre-order to ensure you get what you want.

Registration for Attendees

Registration for Vendors

The 2026 ABANA Blacksmithing Conference & Festival will feature a wide variety of activities, including blacksmithing and metalworking demonstrations, lectures on related topics, demos and hands-on activities surrounding the ABANA National Curriculum, a beginner’s forging area where you can make an item to take home, friendly competitions in the evening, a kid’s area, craft classes (be sure to sign up in advance), tons of vendors, a tailgating section where you can buy/sell/trade, delicious eats from the food trucks, and beer in the evenings. Bring the whole family and have a blast!

Demonstrators

Children’s Activities sponsored by FIERF Forging Foundation

Classes in Gel plate printing, Spoon carving, Stained glass, Weaving, Polymer charms, Needlefelting, Printmaking, Silver inlay, Urban sketching, and Winter greeting cards presented by the Eureka Springs School of the Arts.