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 May 28-31.
What: Downtown Sip and Shop
Where: Downtown Fayetteville
When: 4-7pm
Enjoy some shopping and live music in downtown Fayetteville this Friday. There will be a pop-up bar at the Fayetteville Town Center plaza, and you can enjoy the drinks outside. There will also be drink specials from local restaurants. Local shops will be holding sidewalk sales and have special discounts. Burton’s Ice Cream Food Truck will be parked on the square.There will be a live music show from Route 358. Free
Friday, May 28
What: Little Rock Rangers vs. Mississippi Brilla FC soccer game
Where: War Memorial Stadium
When: 6pm
The Little Rock Rangers will be facing off against the Mississippi Brilla on Saturday. The Rangers are currently 0-2 but are looking for a win. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.
Friday, May 28-Saturday, May 29
What: The Negro Motorist Green Book Exhibition
Where: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock
When: 9am-5pm
This traveling exhibition shows the history of travel for African Americans in the mid-20th century. It highlights the importance of the annual Green Book, which was started in 1936, and how it was a resource for the African American middle class and others. This guide helped African Americans to navigate the country safety when Jim Crow laws were still in effect. Free
Friday, May 28-Saturday, May 29
What: 72nd Annual Fulton County Homecoming Festival
Where: Fulton County Courthouse Square in Salem
When: 4pm (Friday), 6am (Saturday)
The 72nd Annual Fulton County Homecoming Festival will feature a fish fry, street market and community dance on Friday. On Saturday, there will be a 5K race, a 1-mile senior walk, a car show, horseshoe pitching competition and more. At 12:30 pm on Saturday, there will be a parade through town followed by a corn hole tournament. No admission fee
Friday, May 28-Sunday, May 30
What: Greater Gilbert Arts and Crafts Show
Where: Gilbert RV Campground and Buffalo River Art Gallery in Gilbert
When: 10am-4pm (Gilbert RV Campground), 9am-5pm (Saturday and Sunday at BR Art Gallery)
There will be more than 60 booths in two locations. There will be original art, pottery, art prints, handmade jewelry, wood tables and more. There will be live music all day on Saturday and Sunday at both locations. There will be axe throwing demonstrations. There will be canoe and kayak rentals. Concession food will be available daily at the RV Campground. Free admission
Friday, May 28-Sunday, May 30
What: Northshore BalloonFest
Where: Northshore Golf Range
When: 4-9pm (Friday), 2-10pm (Saturday), 2-9pm (Sunday)
There will be live music all three days of the festival. On Friday, there will be bluegrass, on Saturday, there will be classic country music, and on Sunday, there will be Motown music. On Friday, the Cleverlys, Goldwing Express, the Finley River Boys and Route3 will perform. On Saturday, Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Marty Haggard, and James Carothers will perform. On Sunday, there will be a Best of Motown Show and a James Brown tribute show. There will also be hot air balloon flights, tethered balloon rides and balloon glows. Tickets are $20 for Friday, $35 for Saturday and $30 for Sunday. Tickets are $10 for children 12 and under.
Friday, May 28-Monday, May 31
What: Cirque Italia
Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds
When: 7:30 (Friday); 1:30,4:30,7:30pm (Saturday and Sunday); 7:30pm (Monday)
Cirque Italia will be bringing its Water Circus to the State Fairgrounds. This show, which takes place under the big tent, will feature dazzling water tricks on a stage that holds 35,000 gallons of water. This traveling show was created in 2012 and has become so popular that Cirque Italia had to launch a second traveling show company. Tickets range from $10 to $40. Adult tickets at Level 1 are $40, adult tickets are Level 2 are $30 and $35 for the premium level; and adult tickets for Level 3 are $20. Child tickets for Level 1 are $35. Child tickets are $15 for Level 2 and $20 for the premium Level 2. Child tickets for Level 3 are $10.
Saturday, May 29
What: 7th Annual Automotive Evolution Car Show
Where: New Life Church in Cabot (3400 W Main St Cabot, AR 72023)
When: 8am-3pm
This show will feature a range of cars, trucks and bikes. The event will benefit Beyond Boundaries, a nonprofit therapy center that uses horses to increase motor, speech and behavior responses. The center is located in Ward. There is a $20 fee for entering a vehicle to be judged in the car show and a $10 fee for displaying a vehicle only. There will be food available at the show.. Trinity’s Thunder, a local motorcycle ministry, will be manning the grill.
Saturday, May 29
What: Little Rock Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Where Statehouse Convention Center
When: 10am-6pm
The Oddities & Curiosities Expo is coming to Little Rock, showcasing hand-selected vendors, artists and small businesses specializing in all sorts of weird things. The expo will feature taxidermy, preserved specimens, handcrafted oddities, jewelry, Halloween and horror-inspired pieces, and more. Admission is $10, while kids 12 and under get in free. Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Saturday, May 29
What: Memorial Weekend Party & Music Fest
Where: The Rail Yard LR
When: 11 am-10pm
The Rail Yard will be hosting an all-day music and food fest on Saturday. There will be multiple food trucks open throughout the day. MawMaw’s House and Minute Man will be open 11am-3pm. A Little Crepesy will be open 5-9pm. Nacho’yo Nachos and Tacos Godoy will be open 5-10pm. There is a full line-up of musicians, including Sarah Cecil, the Going Jessies, Babylon Blues, Zach Abbott, Wyonna Road, and Fonky Donkey. There is a $5 cover at the gate.
Looking for more? Check out these “bonus” events:
Friday, May 28
What: Taste of Toad Suck
Where: Rogers Plaza in downtown Conway
When: 11am-7pm
Food vendors will be stationed in downtown Conway at Rogers Plaza May 28, serving up some Toad Suck Daze favorites – corn dogs, chicken-on-a-stick, funnel cakes, turkey legs, walking tacos, barbecue, and more. Two food vendors will be set up. Admission is free but you pay for food.
Saturday, May 29
What: Community Yoga Class
Where: Two Rivers Bridge and Park in Little Rock
When: 6pm
May class will be held from 6-7pm and will be taught by Sarah Pilcher (Arkansas Yoga Collective, Yogathon Arkansas, 365 Yoga Dream). All ages welcome, all levels welcome. They’ve got spare yoga mats! All that’s required is simply your willingness to step onto the mat with us. Please arrive 10-15 minutes prior to class to fill out a waiver form and settle in. Wear a mask while checking in. Donation minimum $1. Donate $5 or more and get a YITR Sticker! All proceeds go to the YITR Scholarship Fund.
Saturday, May 29
What: Lady Legends of the 70s
Where: The Legendary Vapors in Hot Springs
When: 7:30 pm
Get ready to hear the greatest hits of the 70s. Three musicians will pay tribute to the best 70s female musicians. If you miss them, the Lady Legends will be back on in July and August. There will be a beer and wine cash bar. Tickets are $45.
