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 popular grape and watermelon festivals to Hot Springs Baseball Weekend. Don’t miss Heather Baker on 103.7 The Buzz’s Morning Mayhem Fridays for the latest event scoop.
Thursday, Aug. 6
Fayetteville Farmers Market – Thursday, Aug. 6
Where: Downtown Square (Fayetteville)
When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Springdale Farmers Market – Thursday, Aug. 6
Where: The Jones Center (Springdale)
When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Eureka Springs Farmers Market – Thursday, Aug. 6
Where: Eureka Springs Community Center Lawn (Eureka Springs)
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 6 – Saturday, Aug. 8
Tontitown Grape Festival – Thursday, Aug. 6 – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 154 E Henri De Tonti Blvd (Tontitown)
When: Begins at 3 p.m. on Thursday, 1 p.m. on Friday, and 7 a.m. on Saturday
While the festivities officially kicked off on Tuesday, you still have time! Believed to be the longest-running annual community event in the state, this festival commemorates Tontitown’s founding and rich Italian-American heritage established by late-19th-century immigrants. Highlights include famous spaghetti dinners, grape-stomping, a carnival, live music, arts and craft booths, the annual community 5k, the crowning of Queen Concordia and more!
Hope Watermelon Festival – Thursday, Aug. 6 – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Downtown Hope
When: Begins at 12 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday
The Hope Watermelon festival features numerous activities, including arts & crafts, food, entertainment and other family-oriented activities. Local civic clubs hold dinners featuring such down-home fare as smokey pulled pork and golden fried catfish. What else can you do at the festival? You can participate in a 5k race, participate in Watermelon Olympics, enter the “Watermelon Idol” talent contest, browse the car show, and have a blast in the Kidz Zone. Country icon Gretchen Wilson will headline the live music.
Thursday, Aug. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 9
Germany’s Great Bavarian Circus – Thursday, Aug. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 9
Where: Pope County Fairgrounds (Russellville)
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 Russellville!
“Footloose: The Musical” – Thursday, Aug. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 9 (runs through Aug. 15)
Where: Murry’s Dinner Playhouse (Little Rock)
When: Dinner at 6 p.m. with curtain at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, dinners at 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. with curtains at 12:45 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. on Sunday
Get ready to kick off your Sunday shoes! One of the most explosive musicals in recent memory now bursts onto Murry’s stage – live! “Footloose,” with music, romance and dance, celebrates the wisdom of listening to the young, while guiding them with a warm heart and an open mind.
Bugtopia! Wonder Magnified! – Thursday, Aug. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 9 (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. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 9 (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. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 9 (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. 6 – Sunday, Aug. 9 (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.
Thursday, Aug. 6 – Saturday, Aug. 8
Comedian Carlos Anthony – Thursday, Aug. 6 – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: The Loony Bin (Little Rock)
When: Showtimes vary
Having the ability to take life’s twists and turns that we all go through and find the humor in those moments is a skill that Carlos continues to hone as he continues his rise to stardom within the industry. Carlos’ brand of humor will leave you with a smile on your face, so plan to catch one of his shows SOON!
“Angels in America Part 1: Millennium Approaches” – Thursday, Aug. 6 – Saturday, Aug. 8 (runs through Aug. 22)
Where: Actors Theatre of Little Rock
When: 7:30 p.m. each night with a 1 p.m. matinee on Saturday
“Angels in America: Millennium Approaches” becomes the emotional and political heart of the season — an unflinching cry of grief, rage, queerness and reckoning in the midst of crisis. Here, the very fabric of America is stretched and tested, and still, hope emerges.
Saturday, Aug. 8 – Sunday, Aug. 9
Carroll County Fair – Saturday, Aug. 8 – Sunday, Aug. 9 (runs through Aug. 15)
Where: Carroll County Fairgrounds (Berryville)
When: Festivities begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, 9 a.m. on Sunday
The fair will kick off with the Annual Carroll County Fair Parade through downtown Berryville, followed by Family Fun Day at the fairgrounds. Throughout the week, guests can enjoy all the excitement the fair has to offer before wrapping up the celebration on Aug. 15 with a live concert by Martin Sims. Highlights include the parade, car show, Jr. Miss & Miss Carroll Co., tractor driving contest, livestock shows, pie and ice cream contests, the ranch rodeo and so much more!
Friday, Aug. 7
SoMa After Dark – Friday, Aug. 7
Where: S Main St (Little Rock)
When: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
SoMa After Dark is one of Little Rock’s most popular recurring events, transforming South Main Street into a lively, walkable destination filled with local shopping, live entertainment, food, art and family-friendly experiences. Whether you’re searching for unique gifts, handmade goods, boutique clothing or locally owned stores in Little Rock, SoMa After Dark offers an authentic and vibrant shopping experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Life in 3D Art Walk – Friday, Aug. 7
Where: 1100 Oak St (Conway)
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Conway Art Walk is bringing back the crowd-favorite theme, Life in 3D, presented by H+N Architects! Explore the possibilities beyond the page and immerse yourself in the worlds of sculpture, carving, architecture, origami or anything else you can think of that takes up physical space.
Friday, Aug. 7 – Sunday, Aug. 9
Hot Springs Baseball Weekend – Friday, Aug. 7 – Sunday, Aug. 9
Where: Hot Springs Convention Center
When: Begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. on Sunday
The 9th annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend gives fans young and old alike the chance to rub elbows with the game’s legends. This year’s lineup in the city that’s celebrated as “The Birthplace of Major League Baseball Spring Training” includes Hall of Fame members Fred McGriff and Jack Morris, joined by Dale Murphy, Bill “Spaceman” Lee, Dave Stewart and Al Hrabosky.
“9 to 5: The Musical” – Friday, Aug. 7 – Sunday, Aug. 9 (last chance)
Where: Red Curtain Theatre (Conway)
When: 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down. Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (Opening Weekend) – Friday, Aug. 7 – Sunday, Aug. 9 (runs through Aug. 16)
Where: The Pocket Community Theatre (Hot Springs)
When: Showtimes vary (As of this publishing, Saturday is the only day this weekend with tickets still available.)
An infamous tale! Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth-century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up… and the carnage has only just begun!
Saturday, Aug. 8
True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Saturday, Aug. 8
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!
Gravette Day – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Kindley Park (Gravette)
When: Activities kick off at 6:30 a.m.
In celebration of its 133rd annual event, highlights include the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, parade, Gravette Day 5k, car show, BBQ Smokeshow, live music, art show and more!
Guitar Wars – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Ron Robinson Theater (Little Rock)
When: Doors open at 9 a.m.
AY Media Group is the media sponsor for Guitar Wars, founded by renowned music instructor and author David Dunavant. The day will bring together players of all skill levels to battle it out for the top spots and cool prizes. The performances will be judged by professional musicians and music educators in the Little Rock area on technical ability, musicality, overall difficulty and rhythmic ability.
Back 2 School Bash – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Knockouts Haircuts & Grooming (Fort Smith)
When: 1o a.m. to 6 p.m.
Head over to Knockouts to enjoy food from Bob Dogs, contests, activities, raffles (including a backpack raffle), prizes, giveaways and fresh back-to-school haircuts! Plus, when you get a haircut in August and rebook your next appointment for September before leaving, you’ll receive 20% off your September haircut!
Summer Luau Pool Party for a Cause – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 4219 B St (Little Rock)
When: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
An ordinary summer day is becoming an extraordinary celebration to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Every ticket helps support life-changing research and care while giving you an afternoon you’ll actually remember. Expect delicious finger foods, refreshing alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, great music, fun games, a tropical photo backdrop and amazing people supporting an amazing cause!
Arkansas Fiddle & Banjo Championships – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Ozark Highlands Theater (Mountain View)
When: Begins at 10:30 a.m.
Admission is free for both state championship contests that happen between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Talented banjo players will compete in the morning, and fiddlers will compete in the afternoon. Stick around in the evening for a special show featuring fiddle and banjo extraordinaires John Showman and Chris Coole and the Ozark Folk Center’s square dancers from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Back 2 School Block Party – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Studio 62 (Little Rock)
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Expect free backpacks, school supplies, photos, haircuts, braiding, food, activities and more! To help serve as many families as possible, advance registration is required. Backpacks and school supplies will be distributed only to children who are present at the event while supplies last.
Inaugural Corvette Show & Shine – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Gwatney Chevrolet (Jacksonville)
When: 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Already own a Corvette? Bring it out and show it off. Don’t own one yet? That’s okay… Gwatney has a few that are looking for a new garage. This event is free to enter and attend; trophies will be awarded to some of the cleanest Corvettes in Arkansas!
Picnic in the Park – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Luther George Park (Springdale)
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ease into your Saturday with good food, laid-back DJ sets, and plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your weekend. Grab lunch from a downtown Springdale restaurant, bring your own picnic or pick up something from one of the food vendors. Bring your own blanket or join everyone on the giant community picnic blanket stretching across the lawn!
“Blueberry’s Clubhouse” Season 5 Premiere Celebration – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: AMFA Performing Arts Theater (Little Rock)
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Created through a partnership between AMFA and Arkansas TV, “Blueberry’s Clubhouse” follows Blueberry—a fun-loving, curious puppet—on imaginative adventures in Arkansas. Season five continues to inspire curiosity, creativity and social-emotional learning through storytelling and song, perfect for families and young learners. At this special sneak preview, watch two new episodes on the big screen in the Performing Arts Theater, meet Blueberry and other cast members, and enjoy complimentary popcorn and a free swag bag. After the screening, the fun continues in the Atrium with interactive activities, including a green-screen experience and a prop pop-up!
Fire & Flow Jam – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Laurel Park (Conway)
When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Have you been looking for somewhere to safely practice your fire & flow manipulation? Here’s your chance! This will be an evening packed with music, movement, community and illumination! Featuring the best local music suppliers and props of many kinds to explore, expect an evening full of connection, experiencing and learning.
3rd Annual Denim & Diamonds Gala – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: President Clinton Library (Little Rock)
When: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Benefiting Next Step Recovery, you can expect an upscale night with purpose where denim meets diamonds in style, a plated dinner, powerful testimonies, live and silent auctions, and a room full of people committed to restoration, hope and second chances.
Trade It Forward Card Show – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: The Jones Center Ice Arena (Springdale)
When: 10 a.m.
This event will bring together collectors, players, families and local vendors for a full day of trading, tournaments and fun. Whether you’re into Pokémon, Magic, Riftbound, sports cards or just curious to check it out, there will be something for everyone. Most importantly, Trade It Forward is about giving back. Every entry, vendor and sponsor helps support local families and children facing food insecurity in Northwest Arkansas.
The Traveling Comic Book Store – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Comfort Inn & Suites – 3627 Central Ave (Hot Springs)
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Expect everything you can find at a comic book store: comic books from $1 to key issues, graphic novels, collectibles, manga, toys, statues, cards, posters, shirts, puzzles/games, handmade items and more! Admission is $1 for adults, and kids 12 and under get in free. Admission also enters you into a raffle for the $50 shopping spree! The drawing will be held at 2:30 p.m. Event organizers will be trading and will buy a limited amount.
Summertime Sirens – Saturday, Aug. 8
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!
Summer Meltdown 5k, 1/4 Marathon, and Half Marathon – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: River Front Park (Little Rock)
When: 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Summer Meltdown Half Marathon kicks off at 7 a.m. for a refreshing early start to your summer race day. With beautiful park scenery, shady stretches and summery views along the course, it’s the perfect blend of challenge and seasonal fun.
Saracen Landing Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 200 Lake Saracen Drive (Pine Bluff)
When: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Fort Smith Farmers Market on Garrison Avenue – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Second Street and Garrison Avenue (Fort Smith)
When: 7 a.m. to noon
Hot Springs Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 1212 Orange St. (Hot Springs)
When: 7 a.m. to noon June 13
Fayetteville Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Downtown Square (Fayetteville)
When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Little Rock Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 400 President Clinton Ave. (Little Rock)
When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Bentonville Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Downtown Square (Bentonville)
When: 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Springdale Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: The Jones Center (Springdale)
When: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cabot Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 101 N. Second St. (Cabot)
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Conway Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Antioch Baptist Church (Conway)
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Dardanelle Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 501 N. Front St. (Dardanelle)
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Downtown Conway Farmers and Crafts Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 718 Parkway St. (Conway)
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Hillcrest Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd. (Little Rock)
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Main Street Searcy Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: White County Courthouse Square (Searcy)
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Paragould Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 201 E. Court St. (Paragould)
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Siloam Springs Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 311 S. Mount Olive St. (Siloam Springs)
When: 8 a.m. to noon
West Little Rock Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: Breckenridge Village (Little Rock)
When: 8 a.m. to noon
Benton Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 125 Ashley St. (Benton)
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Madison County Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 103 Church Ave. (Huntsville)
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Judd Hill Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 3350 Aggie Drive (Jonesboro)
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Rogers Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 4211 S. Champions Drive (Rogers)
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Dunbar Garden Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 1720 S. Chester St. (Little Rock)
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ferndale Farmers Market – Saturday, Aug. 8
Where: 27021 Kanis Road (Little Rock)
When: 9 a.m. to noon
Sunday, Aug. 9
Back to School Blessings – Sunday, Aug. 9
Where: St. James United Methodist Church (Little Rock)
When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
It’s time for the annual Blessing of the Backpacks, where every child will receive a backpack tag featuring a special Scripture to carry with them throughout the school year. After each service, stop by the Back to School Blessings area in the Great Hall to write prayers for students, teachers and friends, receive a personal blessing or prayer from a member of the clergy and take time to pray for the year ahead.
RECURRING EVENTS
- “Footloose: The Musical” will be showing at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock through Aug. 15, 2026.
- The Bugtopia! Wonder Magnified! experience will be held at the Little Rock Zoo through Sept. 20, 2026.
- “Painting the Arkansas Parks” will be on display at the Mississippi River State Park Visitor Center Exhibit Hall in Marianna through Sept. 20, 2026.
- The Scavenger Hunt: Big Fun in Little Rock is currently ongoing throughout Oct. 20, 2026!
- “Where the Wind Lives” will be on display at Garvan Woodland Gardens through Oct. 31, 2026.
- Join The Rail Yard every Thursday evening for SINGO.
- Join Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort every Thursday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Hot Springs Village Day.
- Head out to Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort every Thursday for Thursday night trivia hosted by Roger Scott.
Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
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