Do you know what’s happening this weekend? AY About You Magazine has all the details to help you plan a fantastic weekend, whether you want to kick back and watch some sports, enjoy some live entertainment or eat some great food.
Each Friday, AY President and Publisher Heather Baker sits down with the guys at 103.7 The Buzz to share some of the hottest events going on over the weekend in Arkansas. With so many fun things going on, you shouldn’t be limited to just a few events, though!
There are always great things to do in the Natural State, and AY has compiled some of the most exciting events. Here are the top 10 weekend events coming up from Friday, April 30 to Sunday, May 2.
Listen to Heather Baker talk to David, Tommy and Roger this morning on 103.7 The Buzz, below.
Friday, April 30
What: Toad Suck Daze
Where: Conway Airport
When: 4-7pm
On Friday, Toad Suck Daze will have its Centennial Bank Airplane Parade from 4-7pm. At the Conway Airport, you can watch the planes take off and land. The air show will last 45 minutes. This is the second annual airplane parade. There are viewing areas at Conway Regional Airport and TGI Friday’s in Conway. This kicks off six weeks of Toad Suck celebrations, more than ever before, which will include the Taste of Toad Suck every Friday in May, Tinkerfest (May 8, put on by Museum of Discovery, Acxiom and the Conductor), the World Championship Toad Races (May 13), and more. FREE
Friday, April 30
What: Pink Out Day at Oaklawn
Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
When: 11 a.m.
Oaklawn is hosting Pink Out Day in honor of breast cancer awareness. All attendees are encouraged to wear pink. A breast cancer survivor’s parade will be held on the track between the second and third races. UAMS will have a mobile mammography unit on-site for the event.
Friday, April 30-Sunday, May 2
What: Balloons Over Russellville
Where: 901 Rock and Dam Road
When: 4pm-9pm (Friday), 7am (Saturday and Sunday)
This is the ninth annual Balloons over Russellville hot air balloon festival. There will be 20 hot air balloons, with balloon flights available to the public. There will be tethered balloon rides, a balloon glow, helicopter rides, powered parachute flights. There will be live entertainment and food vendors, as well as a chainsaw carving competition. Free admission, but hot air balloon rides are $250 per person. Tethered rides are $20 for adults and $10 for children.
Saturday, May 1
What: Walk for the Waiting
Where: Virtual
When: All day
For the eighth year in a row, The CALL, Immerse and Project Zero are joining forces to support waiting children and the families that care for them. Around 200 teenagers will “age out” of foster care without being adopted this year.There are 4,600 kids in the foster care system in Arkansas, and there is a need for 2,000 more families to foster them. Not everyone is called to foster or adopt, but we can all help the cause by walking, raising funds or donating ourselves. Go to www.walkforthewaiting.org to register and become a sponsored virtual walker for this year’s event, and you can walk, run or bike wherever or whenever you want on Saturday. All funds raised go directly to the three organizations putting on the event. Don’t forget to take photos and videos to post on social media with the hashtag #W4TW21
Saturday, May 1
What: Bit’s Big Bass-O-Rama
Where: WestRock Landing at Lake Maumelle
When: 6:45 am
This is a two-person fishing tournament at Lake Maumelle. There will be a five-fish limit with a minimum 12-inch length. The entry fee is $120 per person.The first place winner will receive $2,000. Second place: $1,250. Third place: $500. Fourth place: $250. This can be a Arkansas Game and Fish official qualifying event for the AGFF Commissioners Cup. All proceeds benefit childhood cancer research through the Innovative Therapeutics Department at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Hosted by The Brooklyn Project, a nonprofit that supports research and clinical trials for childhood cancer patients in Arkansas.
Saturday, May 1
What: Beats and Eats
Where: Downtown Searcy
When: 9am-1pm
This interactive event features 10 activity stations with STEM fun. The Museum of Discovery will be performing the Awesome Science Show at 10am and 12pm. Admission is $6 for adults and children. Kids 2 and under are free.
Saturday, May 1
What: May on Main
Where: Downtown El Dorado Main Street
When: 11am-5:30pm
This is the inaugural May on Main event. It will feature live music, a chili cook-off, a motorcycle poker run, games, inflates, kids’ activities and more. The Grill Wars Chili Cook-Off Contest will have more than $2,000 in cash and prizes, with the winner getting $500. You can pay $10 for a ticket to sample five pots of chili. There will be great festival food, including funnel cakes, corn dogs, cotton candy, Pupps BBQ, snow cones and more. Admission is free.
Saturday, May 1
What: 501 Fest
Where: SoMa
When: 11am-6pm
This is Little Rock’s official 501 Day celebration. There will be a ton of food and live entertainment at the celebration. You’ll be able to represent 501 in style with 501 merchandise that will be on sale. There will be giveaways all day long.
There are tons of 501 Day events going on Saturday. Click here to find out more about them!
Saturday, May 1-Sunday, May 2
What: Southern Outlaw Drag Races
Where: 1000 County Road 3586 in Clarksville
When: 10am
This is drag racing for boats! This is hosted by the Southern 3-Cylinder Outboard Outlaw Drag Club. The race will be held on Lake Ludwig, north of Clarksville. Make sure to bring a blanket, chairs and drinks to enjoy the races. FREE
Sunday, May 2
What: Spring Mustang Show & Shine
Where: Outlets of Little Rock
When: 1-4 pm
This is an open show of classic and contemporary Mustangs. Visitors will get to see a vast display of Mustangs, courtesy of the Central Arkansas Mustangers. There will be no judging or awards – it’s just a fun time looking at classic cars. Admission is free and masks are required.
Want some more? Here are some alternate events:
Friday, April 30-Saturday, May 1
What: Ballet Arkansas Live at the Plaza
Where: Argenta Plaza in North Little Rock
When: 6-7pm Friday, 8am-8pm on Saturday
Ballet Arkansas will be holding a two-week educational and performance program in May.
Ballet Arkansas will be holding live performances of classical and contemporary dance by world-famous choreographers.
They will also be holding classes, including a pilates class, a stretching and strength class, and more. There will be an evening performance on Friday. Free
Friday, April 30-Sunday,May 9
What: Arts & The Park 2021
Where: Downtown Hot Springs
When: Different times
This is a 10-day celebration of the arts in downtown Hot Springs. It will feature local artists from both Arkansas and surrounding states. You can catch live music, dance performances, as well as jewelers, potters, writers, glass-makers, sculptors and more. Free
Saturday, May 1
What: Celebrate 501 Day at the Little Rock Zoo
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: All day
From 10:30am-1:30pm, there will be live music on the Elephant Stage, including the Darn Country Band. There will be lunch specials for $5.01, including hot dogs, chips and drinks. As always, the animals will be glad to see you!
Saturday, May 1
What: CALS Rock It! Lab Preview
Where: Cox Building (120 River Market Ave) in downtown Little Rock
When: 10am-5pm
This is a preview of a new space for entrepreneurs that gives resources and services, including technical assistance, mentorship, education, training workshops and more. You’ll get to see makers in action at the 501 Makers makerspace. Free
Saturday, May 1
What: 501 Day Disc Golf Tournament
Where: Burns Park Disc Golf Course
When: 1pm
This is an 18-hold, 2-person disc golf tournament. Tournament entry is $5.01. Proceeds go to the One Heart Playground in Burns Park.
Saturday, May 1
What: Wildwood Community Day
Where: Wildwood Park for the Parks
When: 10am
Wildwood is hosting its Community Day.There will be free children’s activities from 10am to 12pm. At 11am, there will be a special presentation from magician Paul Carlon. Bring your fishing rods, bikes and hiking boots to explore the park. FREE
Saturday, May 1
What: Music in the Wild
Where: Wildwood Park for the Arts
When: 8pm
This is the first Music in the Wild concert of 2021. Richard Smith, a thumb-picking guitarist, will be the featured artist. Smith is a member of the Thumbpickers Hall of Fame and has played with some of the most famous practitioners in the world. Tickets are $25.
Saturday, May 1
What: The Blues Brothers: On a Mission From God
Where: The Legendary Vapors in Hot Springs
When: 7:30 pm
The Blues Brothers, made famous by John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd, on SNL and the classic film, are coming to Hot Springs. This tribute show will be at the recently reopened Legendary Vapors in Hot Springs. There will be a beer and wine cash bar.If you miss them this week, they have shows on May 6, May 7, May 13 and May 28 at the Vapors. Tickets: $45.
Sunday, May 2
What: First Lady’s Tea
Where: Arkansas Governor’s Mansion
When: 2-5pm
First Lady Susan Hutchinson will be hosting the traditional First Lady’s Tea. It will celebrate the Disney classic, Alice in Wonderland. There will be a menu filled with sweet and savory treats, as well as hot and cold teas. Miss Arkansas will be at the Tea, visiting with guests. There will be a Princess Carriage at the Mansion, giving horse-drawn rides. Adult tickets are $50, tickets for children 10 and under are $35.
