If your phone number begins with (501), get ready for a day of celebrating all the businesses and people that make the 501 area so special.
Celebrate 501 Day, a new holiday being introduced on May 1, 2021, is a day for businesses and organizations in the cities and counties within the 501 area code to celebrate the three digits of Central Arkansas.
The cities of Benton, Bryant, Conway, Fairfield Bay, Greenbrier, Greers Ferry, Heber Springs, Hot Springs, Jacksonville, Keo, Little Rock, Malvern, North Little Rock, Perryville, Searcy, Sherwood and Shirley have a full-lineup of events taking place that focus on 501.
Below are highlights from each city involved in Celebrate 501:
501 Clean Up City Day
Where: Benton, AR
When: May 1, 8am-11am
What: In partnership with volunteer groups throughout Saline County, Benton matters is hosting a clean-up event to encourage people in the area to appreciate where they live and keep it beautiful. In honor of the day, the organizations are setting a goal of 501 volunteers to sign up for any of the five locations planned to be cleaned.
501 Block Party
Where: Bryant, AR
When: May 1, 4pm-9pm
What: Celebrate 501 with the Greater Bryant Chamber of Commerce on Main Street in Bryant with vendor booths, food trucks, yard games, inflatables, a fly over at 5:01pm and live music by Whiskeyways and the Bryant High School Jazz Band.
Toad Suck Daze
Where: Conway, AR
When: April 30, 4pm
What: To kick-off the 501 weekend, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce is bringing back the Airplane Parade at 4pm.
Celebrate 5.01 and Give Back
Where: Fairfield Bay, Arkansas
When: May 1, 11:30am-1:30pm
What: The Fairfield Bay Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Dine-in or Drive-by lunch at the Chamber/Visitor enter. Mexican casserole, Confetti bean salad, tortilla chips and a beverage are on the menu for $5.00 a plate. All proceeds will be put toward the Mural Beautification Project in the Town Center sponsored by We Love VBC (Van Buren County).
Farmer’s Market Kick-Off
Where: Greenbrier
When: May 1, 9am
What: The Greenbrier Farmers Market will start the season on 501 Day. The market will feature local produce, meats, canned goods, and more. Support local and celebrate community!
5.01 Eclectic Estates
Where: Greers Ferry, AR
When: May 1, store hours
What: Eclectic Estates Antiques and Collectibles features treasures from estates around the south. The store is offering three separate deals to celebrate 501 Day: $5.01 off of a purchase of $25.00 or more, buy five and get one free, or a 5% discount on one item.
501 Maker’s Market
Where: Heber Springs, AR
When: May 1
What: The Chamber of Commerce welcomes the artisans, crafters and farmers that make the region special. Vendors are invited to book a booth for their goods and enjoy the day with hot dogs from Waste Connections and attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items for the local food pantries.
Northwoods Mountain Bike Time Trial Race
Where: Hot Springs, AR
When: May 1, 9am
What: The first race in the Summer Fun Series will kick-off on 501 Day. The community is invited to come out to this leg of the Northwoods Trails and set a personal record. Prizes will be awarded to the top three men and women.
Free Admission to the Jacksonville Museum of Military History
Where: Jacksonville, AR
When: May 1, 10am-5pm
What: The Jacksonville Museum of Military History is celebrating 501 Day by offering free admission. Take advantage of this opportunity and celebrate the community’s history.
Keeping Keo Beautiful
Where: Keo, AR
When: May 1
What: The city of Keo is hosting a community event to celebrate 501 Day. Find out more about the Keep Keo Beautiful Clean Up event by reaching out to Stephanie White at (501 285-5051 for more information and how you can help out.
501 Day Public Art 5.01K
Where: Little Rock, AR
When: May 1
What: A free event between Downtown Little Rock Partnership and the City of Little Rock, the community is invited to the first ever public art walk/run. In celebration of 501 Day, this race will be a 5.01K and can be done at participants’ own time. Participants can sign up here then for the race download the RaceJoy App, enter their bib number and be guided on the route with audio descriptions of the art as they approach each piece.
501 Fest in SOMA
Where: Little Rock, AR
When: May 1, 11am-6pm
What: Live music, vendors market and something for everyone in the family, the SoMA Outdoor District has a day chock-full of local specialties.
Jazz in the Park
Where: Malvern, AR
When: May 1, 6pm-7pm
What: Bring lawn chairs, blankets, tablecloths and your family to an outdoor performance of jazz music live streamed by the Daniel Bennett Group.
Celebrate 501 at Funland
Where: North Little Rock, AR
When: May 1, 10am-7pm
What: Come out to Burns Park for special 501 Day discounts at Funland: Discounts include unlimited ride admission for $5.01, hot dog combo (hot dog, chips, drink and dessert) for $5.01, and a nacho combo (nachos, drink and dessert) for $5.01.
Delicious Deals at Mustang Sally’s
Where: Perryville, AR
When: May 1, 5:01pm
What: Mustang Sally’s is running special deals on 501 Day on ribs with two sides and pulled pork with 2 sides for $10.
Rockin’ Arkansas Vendor Events: Vendor and Craft Fair
Where: Searcy, AR
When: May 1
What: Rockin’ Arkansas Vendor Events (R.A.V.E.) is hosting a vendor and craft fair on 501 Day complete with food trucks and live music.
501 Day
Where: Sherwood, AR
When: May 1, 5pm-9pm
What: Come out to the Skyscraper Arts and Entertainment District for food trucks, a live performance from Cliff and Susan and family friendly fun! To enter, bring one non-perishable food item to support the community.
Celebrate 501 in downtown Shirley
Where: Shirley, AR
When: May 1
What: Downtown Shirley has 501 specials coming out the wazoo! The Mona Lisa Cafe and Red River Flash market have deals running all day, the Vintage Red Rooster is hosting a local artist, the Train Station Gift Store will have their Grand Opening Sale with street vendors and local yard sales, and the Shirley Museum will be open with a fundraiser to help fund the restoration of the “old bank building.”
Images courtesy of the Downtown Little Rock Partnership
