There are always great things to do in the Natural State, and AY About You has compiled some of the biggest events in Arkansas this weekend—from a huge pickleball championship or a royal cat show to a murder mystery weekend or an exciting circus performance. Don’t miss Heather Baker on 103.7 The Buzz’s Morning Mayhem Fridays for the latest event scoop.

 

weekend events buzz

 

Thursday, Aug. 20

 

Fayetteville Farmers Market – Thursday, Aug. 20

Where: Downtown Square (Fayetteville)

When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Springdale Farmers Market – Thursday, Aug. 20

Where: The Jones Center (Springdale)

When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Eureka Springs Farmers Market – Thursday, Aug. 20

Where: Eureka Springs Community Center Lawn (Eureka Springs)

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Thursday, Aug. 20 – Saturday, Aug. 22

 

Bentonville Restaurant Week 2026 – Thursday, Aug. 20 – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Participating locations across Bentonville

When: Times vary by location

More than 20 local restaurants—including Markham & Fitz, The Hive and Isabella’s Italian—are offering exclusive discounts, freebies and signature dishes for Bentonville Restaurant Week. This year is extra fun with an added “Bingo” element. Grab a bite at one of the participating locations and have your server mark your card at checkout. Once you get a Bingo, take your card to the Visit Bentonville Visitors Center, and you’ll win a locally-designed t-shirt!

 

Couples Therapy: A Relationship-themed Comedy Show – Thursday, Aug. 20 – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: The Loony Bin (Little Rock)

When: Showtimes vary

“Couples Therapy” is one of the funniest, longest-tenured stand-up comedy shows in the country! Hosted by Jesse Peyton, enjoy a night of laughter with that special someone with this unique, relationship-themed comedy show. This is the perfect show for married couples, newlyweds, or even first dates and singles! And… the audience actually gets to be part of this show!

 

READ ALSO: THINGS TO DO IN ARKANSAS

 

Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Aug. 23

 

Germany’s Great Bavarian Circus – Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Aug. 23

Where: Northwest Arkansas Mall (Fayetteville)

When: Showtimes vary

Founded in Bavaria and performed by generations of the Spindler family, Germany’s Great Bavarian Circus brings breathtaking aerial acts, acrobatics, juggling, comedy and unforgettable family entertainment straight to Fayetteville!

 

“Guys and Dolls” – Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Aug. 23

Where: The Royal Theatre (Benton)

When: 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday

“Guys and Dolls” tells the story of Nathan Detroit, who is trying to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck. Meanwhile, his girlfriend (and nightclub performer) Adelaide laments that they’ve been engaged for fourteen years. Nathan turns to fellow gambler Sky Masterson for the dough, and Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced missionary, Sarah Brown.

 

Bugtopia! Wonder Magnified!  – Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Aug. 23 (runs through Sept. 20)

Where: Little Rock Zoo

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily

Climb, play and learn among animatronic bugs and larger-than-life sculptures, including a 12-foot jumping stick, an eight-foot monarch butterfly, a 15-foot-tall praying mantis and a climbable six-foot caterpillar… and that’s just the beginning! This hands-on adventure invites guests of all ages to explore the incredible world beneath our feet. Discover how every insect—from the dazzling butterfly to the hardworking ant—plays a vital role in life on Earth, and watch their stories come to life right before your eyes.

 

“Painting the Arkansas Parks” – Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Aug. 23 (runs through Sept. 20 at this location)

Where: Mississippi River State Park Visitor Center Exhibit Hall (Marianna)

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This traveling exhibition includes the work of 25 artists who participated in the Heart of America Artists’ Association’s multi-year initiative. Each created a plein air study painted on location at one of seven Arkansas parks, later completing a large studio painting inspired by the outdoor work. Artists are showcasing their sizable studio artwork along with the smaller étude, or study, by which it was inspired, created from their participation in one of the park events. After Marianna, the art exhibit will travel to Little Rock, Fort Smith, Cane Hill, Mena and Texarkana.

 

Scavenger Hunt: Big Fun in Little Rock – Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Aug. 23 (runs through Oct. 20)

Where: Locations vary across Little Rock

When: Times vary

Why did the Little Rock scavenger hunt cross the river? To explore all the hidden gems in the River Market neighborhood, of course! Join now on this exciting adventure, navigating through historic landmarks, green spaces and epic sculptures without breaking a sweat. Discover the beauty and charm of Little Rock while solving clues and completing challenges along the way. Get ready to uncover the secrets of a city with a rich history and vibrant culture. From statues to presidential parks to international gates, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

 

“Where the Wind Lives” – Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Aug. 23 (runs through Oct. 31)

Where: Garvan Woodland Gardens (Hot Springs)

When: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Guests are invited to witness “Where the Wind Lives,” a sweeping, large-scale kinetic art exhibition created by internationally acclaimed artist Patrick Shearn and his team at Poetic Kinetics. The immersive project stretches across multiple areas of the gardens, blending art, engineering and nature into a moving, sky-bound spectacle.

 

Friday, Aug. 21

 

The PLANTERS NUTmobile – Friday, Aug. 21

Where: Little Rock Animal Village Adoption Event, ESSE Purse Museum (Little Rock)

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the adoption event, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the museum

The PLANTERS NUTmobile is making its way across the country, with six stops planned in Arkansas! Never seen it before? We have a feeling you’ll know exactly what it is once you see it, but in a nutshell, it’s a gigantic, portable peanut! If you get the chance to see it, make sure to snap a pic and let us know in the comments on AY About You’s social media post!

 

REZA ILLUSIONIST LIVE – Friday, Aug. 21

Where: Historic Malco Theatre (Hot Springs)

When: 7:30 p.m.

Prepare for an evening packed with mind-blowing illusions, hilarious comedy, audience participation, suspense and unforgettable moments for the entire family. REZA delivers a modern theatrical experience that goes far beyond the traditional magic show. This is a fast-paced, larger-than-life production that must be seen live to be believed!

 

Central Arkansas Job Fair – Friday, Aug. 21

Where: Benton Event Center

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Central Arkansas Job Fair is bringing together 50+ employers in Saline County who are actively hiring for positions, including receptionists, welders, content creators, bank tellers and so much more! This is your chance to meet hiring managers, learn about open positions, make valuable connections and maybe even leave with a new job!

 

“Fast & Furious” with Cruising the Ozarks – Friday, Aug. 21

Where: Skylight Cinema (Bentonville)

When: 5:30 p.m.

Watch the iconic “Fast & Furious” movie on the big screen once again with other dedicated automotive like-minded folks while supporting CTO and its SHOW-DRIVE-GIVE Scholarship. The purchase of your ticket gets you a seat and a popcorn bucket and directly supports the SHOW-DRIVE-GIVE Scholarship.

 

American Cancer Society Best Dressed Ball – Friday, Aug. 21

Where: The DeCantillon (North Little Rock)

When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Twenty of Little Rock’s finest will be fundraising for Every Cancer. Every Life. Dr. Katy Marino, event chair of Best Dressed Little Rock, invites you for an evening of incredible food, music, dancing, and a runway show with the BEST DRESSED of Little Rock!

 

Friday, Aug. 21 – Saturday, Aug. 22

 

Bluegrass and Fried Chicken Festival – Friday, Aug. 21 – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Ozark Folk Center (Mountain View)

When: Times vary

This music festival includes an evening concert on Friday and Saturday and a matinée show on Saturday featuring the best bluegrass bands from the Ozarks and beyond, including Mountain Highway, The Gravel Yard, Mountain Heirs, Adam Fudge and more. (Fried chicken sold separately.) Festival tickets include all-day admission to the Craft Village for more live music sets, craft shops, family entertainment and more.

 

Friday, Aug. 21 – Sunday, Aug. 23

 

Pickleball’s Best of the Best State Championship – Friday, Aug. 21 – Sunday, Aug. 23

Where: Little Rock Athletic Club

When: Opens at 5 a.m. on Friday, 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday

With the largest prize purse in Arkansas, 103.7 THE BUZZ, Little Rock Athletic Club and The Hatcher Agency are bringing together top-ranked pickleball players from all over the state for the third annual Pickleball’s Best of the Best State Championship. This three-day, invitation-only event will determine who’s the best in men’s and women’s singles and doubles, mixed, and married in open, 40+, 55+ and 65+ divisions. The event is free for spectators!

 

2026 Murder Mystery Weekend – Friday, Aug. 21 – Sunday, Aug. 23

Where: 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa (Eureka Springs)

When: 7 p.m. on Friday (official welcome reception), 9 a.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. on Sunday

Over three immersive days, you’ll be drawn into a live-action storyline where actors hidden among the group carry out a mysterious crime. Your mission: figure out who did it, how, and why. Collect clues, observe suspicious interactions and interrogate anyone you dare. It’s part game, part theater and completely unforgettable. The full experience includes all meals shared with your fellow participants, some of whom may not be who they seem to be.

 

All American Circus – Friday, Aug. 21 – Sunday, Aug. 23

Where: A-State Equine Center (Jonesboro)

When: 7 p.m. on Friday, 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, 5 p.m. on Sunday

Featuring all the classics of a real American family circus, get there early and enjoy the kids’ fun zone before showtime, featuring face painting, moon bounces and circus treats!

 

Saturday, Aug. 22

 

Family Day on Little Rock Nine Way – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Little Rock Central High School and along Little Rock Nine Way

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Family Day on Little Rock Nine Way will feature hands-on activities for children and families, student-led programs, community resource booths and food trucks. The free event is open to the public and will also include performances by local poets, live music, a DJ and a variety of food truck vendors. There will also be a kids’ zone and free activities with the Museum of Discovery, the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History and the Old State House Museum.

 

Sportsman Banquet – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Beech Street First Baptist Church (Texarkana)

When: 5 p.m.

This is a night of fellowship centered around great food, the family, the outdoors and the Gospel. The key speaker will be Joe Bufford, pastor of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Bring your friends and enjoy an encouraging evening designed to connect families and point hearts toward Christ.

 

Maumelle Cars & Coffee – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Jim’s Razorback Pizza 365 (Maumelle)

When: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Maumelle Cars & Coffee is a free event that takes place on the fourth Saturday of every month. This meetup is for auto enthusiasts of all kinds. Please be respectful of the business and property. No excessive revving, burnouts, loud music or littering.

 

Ozark Bug Crawl – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Historic Cane Hill College

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Participants will be given all the necessary materials to enjoy the Crawl. An instructor and his students will check each team’s catches or documented sightings to determine the order of each specimen and share fun facts about each insect. Those teams with the most diverse collections will have a chance to win prizes, including passes to the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville, personal fans, books and other bug-themed prizes!

 

True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 600 Interstate 30 (Little Rock)

When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

At The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show, you’ll tackle a hilarious and challenging crime while you feast on a fantastic dinner. Just beware! The culprit is hiding in plain sight somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect before you know it!

 

NWACC 29th Annual Summer’s End Corvette Show – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Holiday Inn Springdale and NWA Convention Center

When: 7 a.m.

Thanks to the change in venue, attendees can expect more vendors, expanded food options, and clothing and merchandise vendors. Everything is in ONE convenient location! More cars and more fun. It’s a win-win!

 

Bentonville Cocktail Festival – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: The Record (Bentonville)

When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Record comes alive for four hours with 20+ spirit vendors, more than 40 cocktails to try, and infinite memories, all with one ticket. Grab your friends and make a night of it before it’s too late. Tickets are almost sold out!

 

48 Hour Film Project: Movie Premiere and Award Ceremony – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: AMFA Performing Arts Theater (Little Rock)

When: 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Witness the electrifying finale of the Little Rock 48 Hour Film Project – a night where the city’s boldest filmmakers trade sleepless editing sessions for red carpet glamour. After racing the clock to write, shoot and edit a film in just 48 hours, teams gather for their first big-screen premiere in front of a live audience.

 

Wet It Up Car Show – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Youth Sports Complex (Arkadelphia)

When: 4 p.m.

L&J Auto & Transport hosts its first annual Wet It Up Car Show. The event runs from 4 p.m. until close, with gates opening at 3 p.m. for show participants and food vendors. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and slingshots are welcome. General admission is set at $10.

 

Legends Air Center Open House: National Aviation Week & Louise Thaden Day – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Legends Air Center (Bentonville)

When: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Celebrate National Aviation Week and pioneering aviator Louise Thaden! Get up close with a variety of airplanes featured inside the Exhibit Hangar, enter to win a free 30-minute discovery flight with an LAC Flight Instructor, take a guided tour to see how the local aviation hub operates, and discover more about the Legends Air Center. Live music will be performed by FiNiX from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Louise Cafe will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Summertime Sirens – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Firehouse Museum of Arkansas (Little Rock)

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Climb aboard antique fire trucks, cool off with free lemonade, enjoy balloons and giveaways, and discover the exciting history of Arkansas firefighting. Bring the whole family and make some memories at the Firehouse Museum of Arkansas. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome!

 

Northwest Arkansas Chapter Big Game Banquet – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Fayetteville Town Center

When: 6 p.m.

Prepare for the Northwest Arkansas Chapter Big Game Banquet — the biggest night of the year for elk country supporters! Expect incredible prizes and auctions you can’t find anywhere else, plus dinner and good company! This is your chance to give back to elk country and protect our hunting heritage.

 

Saracen Landing Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 200 Lake Saracen Drive (Pine Bluff)

When: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Fort Smith Farmers Market on Garrison Avenue – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Second Street and Garrison Avenue (Fort Smith)

When: 7 a.m. to noon

 

Hot Springs Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 1212 Orange St. (Hot Springs)

When: 7 a.m. to noon June 13

 

Fayetteville Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Downtown Square (Fayetteville)

When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Little Rock Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 400 President Clinton Ave. (Little Rock)

When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Bentonville Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Downtown Square (Bentonville)

When: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Springdale Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: The Jones Center (Springdale)

When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Cabot Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 101 N. Second St. (Cabot)

When: 8 a.m. to noon

 

Conway Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Antioch Baptist Church (Conway)

When: 8 a.m. to noon

 

Dardanelle Farmers Market  – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 501 N. Front St. (Dardanelle)

When: 8 a.m. to noon

 

Downtown Conway Farmers and Crafts Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 718 Parkway St. (Conway)

When: 8 a.m. to noon

 

Hillcrest Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd. (Little Rock)

When: 8 a.m. to noon

 

Main Street Searcy Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: White County Courthouse Square (Searcy)

When: 8 a.m. to noon

 

Paragould Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 201 E. Court St. (Paragould)

When: 8 a.m. to noon

 

Siloam Springs Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 311 S. Mount Olive St. (Siloam Springs)

When: 8 a.m. to noon

 

West Little Rock Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: Breckenridge Village (Little Rock)

When: 8 a.m. to noon

 

Benton Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 125 Ashley St. (Benton)

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Madison County Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 103 Church Ave. (Huntsville)

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Judd Hill Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 3350 Aggie Drive (Jonesboro)

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Rogers Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 4211 S. Champions Drive (Rogers)

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Dunbar Garden Market  – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 1720 S. Chester St. (Little Rock)

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Ferndale Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 22

Where: 27021 Kanis Road (Little Rock)

When: 9 a.m. to noon

 

Saturday, Aug. 22 – Sunday, Aug. 23

 

Central Arkansas Train & Hobby Show (plus model car contest) – Saturday, Aug. 22 – Sunday, Aug. 23

Where: Conway Expo & Event Center

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days

This family-friendly event includes large-scale model railroad setups running live (including a prominent LEGO train display), multiple displays of slot cars, diecast and plastic models, toys, hobby crafts and plenty of vendors. The plastic model car contest is scheduled for Saturday.

 

PLANTMANIA – Saturday, Aug. 22 – Sunday, Aug. 23

Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry (Little Rock)

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday

Get ready for Arkansas’s biggest plant shopping experience! Plantmania brings together top plant vendors from across the country, offering thousands of rare, exotic and hard-to-find houseplants, tropicals, succulents, aroids and more! Shop an incredible selection of plants, meet passionate growers, enjoy free educational classes and connect with fellow plant lovers.

 

A Royal Cat Show Extravaganza – Saturday, Aug. 22 – Sunday, Aug. 23

Where: Maumelle Community Center

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days

This two-day event will bring exhibitors from across the country to showcase more than 30 pedigreed cat breeds competing for Cat Fanciers’ Association titles. All-Breed Judges will evaluate the cats based on health, temperament and conformation to their respective breed standards.

 

Sunday, Aug. 23

 

NWA Wedding Show – Sunday, Aug. 23

Where: Four Points by Sheraton (Bentonville)

When: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Getting married? Don’t miss this! Grab your crew and head to the NWA Wedding Show — the ultimate planning event in Northwest Arkansas. Meet top wedding/event vendors, get inspiration for your big day and enter to win $1,000 cash in the grand prize giveaway!

 

Comedian Gigi LeFlair – Sunday, Aug. 23

Where: The Loony Bin (Little Rock)

When: 7 p.m.

Gigi LeFlair is one of the fastest-rising comedians in the country, known for her raw storytelling, Southern charm and viral presence online. With over 1.5 million followers and more than 27 million likes on TikTok, she has built a loyal fanbase that continues to grow across the nation.

 

RECURRING EVENTS

 

Photo Credit: All American Circus
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