University of Arkansas - Woo Pig Sooie Collection

The Grateful Dead never made a stop in Arkansas, but that hasn’t kept their music from finding a home here. The University of Arkansas, nestled in the Ozarks, might not have hosted a Dead show, but plenty of students still found their way to the music—drawn to its freewheeling spirit and sense of community. While Barnhill Arena never echoed with Jerry’s guitar, venues like Railyard Live in Rogers and festivals from Deadhead Productions in Eureka Springs have kept the vibe going. The Dead may have skipped Arkansas on tour, but their legacy still lingers, proving you don’t need a tour date to keep the music alive.