Clinton Presidential Center’s current exhibit, “Dinosaurs Around the World.”

Clinton Presidential Center’s current exhibit, “Dinosaurs Around the World.”

1. Super Summer Saturdays

Little Rock

Aug. 1: The entire family will enjoy the fun while celebrating the Clinton Presidential Center’s current exhibit, “Dinosaurs Around the World.” The free, educational activities include digging for dinosaurs, creating fossils and building your own dinosaur. Admission is free, and the event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(501) 374-4242 | clintonfoundation.org


watermelonfestival

2. 39th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival

Hope

Aug. 6 through 8: A car show, pageant, 5K and the Watermelon Idol contest are all a part of this year’s Watermelon Festival, and for the first time ever, there will be a Friday night concert with performances by artists such as The Beatles tribute band Liverpool Legends. You’ll want to stick around as “Nashville Star” Buddy Jewell and Sammy Kershaw will grace the stage as well. Early bird and concert combination tickets are available.

(870) 777-3640 | hopemelonfest.com


Saxophonist Grady Nichols

Saxophonist Grady Nichols

3. 14th Annual Evening with Grady Nichols

Little Rock

Aug. 8: Enjoy the energizing and melodic sounds of saxophonist Grady Nichols as he comes to Little Rock to raise funds for the Lupus Foundation of Arkansas. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. The proceeds will help the foundation “provide patient education and support as well as advocacy for those suffering from lupus.”

(501) 525-9380 | lupus-arkansas.com


4. ‘SPEAKeasily’

Hot Springs

Aug. 13 through 15: “SPEAKeasily” is an original dinner theater production that is set, as you may have guessed, in a 1920s-style speakeasy. Don your roaring ‘20s or gangster outfit, and join the Hot Springs Village Players, Hot Springs Village Reaction and local social club Boomers Rock for the evening, which will include gaming as well as dinner and the show. These entertaining evenings are being presented at Coronado Community Center. Tickets are $40 each or $55 for “mob boss” seating.

(501) 922-5050 | hsvpoa.org


5. Summer Star Party

Little Rock

Aug. 15: Amateur astronomers, here’s your opportunity to join other enthusiasts for a view of the night sky at Pinnacle Mountain. This is sponsored by the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society, and they’ll provide the telescopes —there’s no cost. The stargazing starts at 9 p.m.

(501) 868-5806 | caasastro.org


6. Rackensack Folklore Society Concert

Little Rock

Aug. 15: The Rackensack Folklore Society continues its tradition of preservation with an old-time, acoustic folk music concert at the Arkansas Arts Center. More than 20 musicians, playing fiddles, mandolins, banjos, dulcimers, a stand-up bass and musical saw, will provide the toe-tapping, hand-clapping entertainment. The Arkansas Country Dance Society will join in — they hope you will, too. Admission is $5 for children 12 to 17, $10 for adults and family admission is $25.

(501) 680-1700 | rackensack.wix.com/rackensack


7. Summer Concert Series

Fayetteville

Aug. 25: The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is ideal for an outdoor concert. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to the garden, at 4703 N. Crossover Road, and enjoy the Ozark Folk Grass duo as they “create a kaleidoscope of musical color and texture” during this free concert. Soft drinks and water will be available for purchase — no alcohol, please.

(479) 750-2620 | bgozarks.org


arkansas-womens-hall-of-fame8. Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

Little Rock

Aug. 27: It’s been a long time coming: the first-ever induction ceremony of the newly established Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. The inductees are: Mary Ann Ritter Arnold; former Arkansas First Ladies Betty Bumpers and Hillary Rodham Clinton; Mary Good; Johnelle Hunt; Dr. Edith Irby Jones; Alice Walton; the organization Women’s Emergency Committee to Open Our Schools; and, posthumously: Daisy Bates; Hattie Caraway; Hester Davis; and Roberta Fulbright. Tickets are $200 per person, and the ceremony will be held at the Statehouse Convention Center.

(501) 372-1433 | arwomenshalloffame.com


9. Larry the Cable Guy

Forrest City

Aug. 28: “Git-R-Done!” Purchase tickets to see Larry the Cable Guy in all his sleeveless-flannel-shirt glory as he shares his “life-changing” wisdom on topics ranging from global warning to the dollar store. This night of bellyaching hilarity will be held at the East Arkansas Community College Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $31 to $40.

(870) 633-4480 | eacc.edu


WhiteRiverWaterCarnival10. White River Water Carniva

Batesville

Aug. 29: This family-fun event is one of the oldest in the state. Admission is free, and the fun includes White River drag boat races, a car show, talent show, fishing competition, rides for the children and much more — all held at Riverside Park.

(870) 793-2378 | mybatesville.org