There are always great things to do in the Natural State, and AY About You has compiled some of the most exciting events in Arkansas this weekend.
Listen to Heather Baker this morning on 103.7 The Buzz below.
Thursday, August 19
What: Third Thursday Festival
Where: Downtown Benton
When: 6 pm
Two Thursdays have come and gone this month, which means that this Thursday has to be the long-anticipated third. The Downtown Benton Third Thursday Festival is kicking off with a parade of the Benton Panthers, and the fun will continue all evening with guest vendors, local favorites, live music and plenty of activities for the kids. Delta Biscuit Company, a climbing wall and the band Vintage are just a taste of what to expect from August’s Third Thursday.
Thursday, August 19
What: Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe, Bethel Music
Where: Walmart AMP
When: 7 pm
Chris Tomlin, Kari Jobe and Bethel Music along with worship leaders Jonathan & Melissa Hesler, Dante Bowe and Brandon Lake will be performing at the Walmart AMP. After a prolonged period of time without any performances, Tomlin and the crew are back on the road for a special tour. Find your tickets here.
Thursday, August 19
What: Jeff Foxworthy Live
Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
When: 7 pm
If you have a “glorious absence of sophistication,” you might want to head to Oaklawn for some laughs with Jeff Foxworthy. The expert on all things redneck is in Arkansas for the night, and for only $40 to $95 you can sit back, get comfortable and find out if you yourself are a redneck. Find your tickets here.
Thursday, August 19 – Friday, August 20
What: NLR Chamber 2021 Annual Golf Classic
Where: Burns Park Golf Course
When: Times vary
Supporting the North Little Rock Chamber’s educational programs such as ALPS and Arkansas Scholars, the Annual Golf Classic is here for two days. Four-man team registration is $600, and team/hole sponsorships are $800. Team registration includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, beverages, green fees, golf cart use and prizes. Register here!
Friday, August 20
What: Giggles After Dark ft. Clint Coley
Where: Maumelle Event Center
When: 7 pm
Needing a good laugh right about now? You’re in luck because Clint Coley along with his friends, Louis Gee, Andre Price, Nick Moore and Patrick Page have a few things to say. This line-up is sure to be a memorable group of comedians all in one place. The tickets range from $15 to $125 depending on group size, and buy your tickets early for a discounted price of up to $5.
Friday, August 20
What: Free Movie Night: Sandlot
Where: Arvest Ballpark
When: 7:30 pm
We’re all sad that summer is ending, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end just yet. Grab your ‘mallows and head out to Arvest Ballpark for a free showing of the all-time classic movie The Sandlot. Free popcorn, snow cones and water will be provided by NWA City Church. Legends never die!
Friday, August 20 – Saturday, August 21
What: 36th Annual Frisco Festival
Where: Downtown Rogers Inc.
When: 5 pm to 10 pm
For the 36th year, Roger’s Frisco Festival is back with fun for the whole family. The street festival honors the rich railroad history of the area and showcases the local life in a celebratory way. There will be performances by DJ Raquel, Ballet Folk Lorico, NWA Regional Dance Company, Son Sin Gnero and more. Local food trucks and surrounding restaurants are ready to show off their culinary talents, and the local crafters will be spread throughout the festival with jewelry, clothing, artwork and so much more. Car fan? Don’t worry, there will also be a Classic Car Show on Saturday with a trophy awarded to the local businesses’ favorite ride. A new tradition being introduced this year is the Bicycle Block showcasing all things bicycle in Rogers and the NWA region. This is a weekend full of fun for everyone, so find the full schedule for this free event here.
Friday, August 20 – Saturday, August 21
What: 17th Mountains, Music and Motorcycles
Where: Stone County District Court
When: Times vary
Mountains, Music and Motorcycles, the three greatest “m” words, is back for the 17th year. A poker run, free entertainment, corn hole tournament, dunk-a-cop booth for charity, merchant vendors and food stands will be available all weekend. Saturday includes a special event: a car and bike show! Find the full schedule of events and vendors here.
Friday, August 20 – Saturday, August 21
What: Amplify Music Festival
Where: 15523 Interstate 30, Benton
When: Times vary
It’s that time of year again for one of the largest Christian music festivals in the state. Amplify Fest has a line-up chock-full of favorite artists such as Matthew West, Colton Dixon, Leanna Crawford and more. Find the full schedule here.
Saturday, August 21
What: ARSCCA Solo II Points Event 10 “Hail Mary”
Where: War Memorial Stadium
When: 8 am
Everyone’s favorite autocross event is back at War Memorial Stadium. ARSCCA (Arkansas Sports Car Club of America) has mapped out a course in War Memorial lot. SCCA member entry fee is $30, and the non-member entry fee is $50. Register here!
Saturday, August 21
What: The Broken Sword Triathlon
Where: Lake Ludwig
When: 7 am
The story of the Broken Sword is one of legends. Along a swift stream, a sword was broken in battle over the star-crossed love of a lost explorer and a Quapaw Chieftain’s daughter. Many moons later, a group of Spanish explorers traveled through the area and came across the same stream, and as if by fate one of the explorers found the broken sword and yelled, “Spadra!” “Espada” is Spanish for “sword,” so the creak was thus named Spadra Creek, or “Stream of the Broken Sword.” Creating their own legends, participants of the race have the option to participate in a variety of races, and don’t forget the kids! Kids have their own race line-up planned. Adult registration is $75, and kid registration is $35. Sign up here to be a part of the legendary story!
Saturday, August 21
What: Annual Underwater Treasure Hunt
Where: Jordan Campground, Lake Norfork
When: 9 am to 2 pm
Grab your friend, grab your kids or grab someone you’ve never met before for the annual Underwater Treasure Hunt. There will be a full day of fun, diving and prizes. To have a safe trip diving, there are a few rules to follow, a scuba diving certification card, a diving buddy, no diving deeper than 40 feet and you must exit the water with 500 psi (pounds per square inch) in the scuba tank. Whether you choose to dive or not, there will be plenty of things to do around the Marina. Find more information and register here.
Saturday, August 21
What: Rigs and Coffee: Little Rock
Where: Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee
When: 10 am to 12 pm
Head out to Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee for some hot beverages and hot rigs. This event happens every third Saturday of the month at the same time and same place. Learn about the rigs, participate in offered classes and join them on the trail for some fun rides. Free to attend!
Saturday, August 21
What: Gardening 101: Fall in Love With Your Vegetable Garden
Where: Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center
When: 1 pm to 3 pm
Don’t know what to do with your summer garden and wanting to get a headstart on your fall garden? Attend this hands-on gardening workshop for all the tips and tricks. Learn how to phase out your summer garden and what you need to start preparing for the fall and winter seasonal growth. Free to attend, but make sure to register your spot!
Saturday, August 21
What: Hot Summer Nights: Pet Drive
Where: The Promenade at Chenal
When: 5 pm
A night can’t get any better than vintage cars and the opportunity to donate to the Pulaski County Humane Society. Both will be at the Promenade where there will be vintage and futuristic cars, live music provided by Rick McKean, custom cocktails, vouchers and discounts for surrounding restaurants and retailers (after using the phrase “Pop My Hood”) and the Pulaski County Humane Society accepting donations. Find the full list of items the Pulaski County Humane Society is requesting here.
Saturday, August 21
What: Argenta Plaza Summer Music Series: The Grave Yard
Where: Argenta Plaza
When: 5 pm to 8 pm
For the last Argenta Plaza Summer Music Series concert, join Ten Penny Gypsy and The Gravel Yard for a night of live music and community fun. Ten Penny Gypsy will go on at 5 pm, and featured band and local favorite, The Gravel Yard, will go on at 6:30 pm. With local restaurants surrounding the plaza and plenty of bar options to choose from, this free event has it all. Enjoy this last summer concert before the cooler weather hits.
Saturday, August 21
What: 90’s Electric Throwdown Tour ft. Sammy Kershaw, Aaron
Where: Magic Springs Theme and Water Park
When: 6 pm
Magic Springs is not ready to shut down the party, and it’s a good thing, too considering that this weekend’s concert lineup is all things 90’s. Experts of the decade Sammy Kershaw, Aaron Tippin and Collin Raye will be performing. Bring your blanket and chairs, but you may not be sitting down for this concert. Season and day passes are tickets into the concert.
Saturday, August 21
What: Summer Music Series: Red Dirt Rangers
Where: Basin Spring Park
When: 6 pm to 8 pm
The seventh concert in the Eureka Springs Summer Music Series is none other than the Red Dirt Rangers. Free to attend!
Saturday, August 21
What: Mid-South Drag Revue starring Mayhem Miller
Where: Central Theatre
When: 8 pm
Meet and greet time! This week’s Mid-South Drag Revue will feature Mayhem Miller and 7 Fierce Local Queens. Tickets are $5 to $250 depending on your group size and seating.
Sunday, August 22
What: 2021 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Fall Bridal Show
Where: Statehouse Convention Center
When: 12:30 pm to 4 pm
All newly engaged couples (and friends) are invited to attend the annual Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Bridal Show. There will be wedding vendors for any and every detail of a dream wedding along with drawings for special prizes and offers. As always, there will be a fashion show exhibiting all the styles that are in season and classic. VIB/G (Very Important Bride or Groom) tickets are $25. These tickets include reserved seating, early attendance and a swag bag. General admission is $10. Find the schedule and tickets here.
Sunday, August 22 – Monday, August 23
What: Justin Moore St. Jude Golf Classic
Where: Chenal Country Club
When: Times vary
The St. Jude Golf Classic is back for two days of fun and fundraising for the fight against childhood cancer. Justin Moore will kick off the event Sunday night with an acoustic performance while guests enjoy a Pairing dinner and participate in a silent auction.
The golf tournament will start Monday afternoon with the St. Jude Founder’s dream in mind: “No child should die in the dawn of life.” All proceeds will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Tickets are currently sold out, but consider making a donation here.
Thursday, August 19 – September 27
What: Small Works on Paper Touring Schedule
Where: University of Arkansas at Little Rock
When: 10 am to 4 pm
Here in the Natural State, we’re proud of our local artists. The Small Works on Paper tour features Arkansas artists in locational all around Arkansas for a year. Starting this week, the tour has made a stop at UA Little Rock in the Windgate Center of Art + Design.
Weekend Line-Up at George’s Majestic Lounge
Friday, August 20:
- Happy Hour with Honeyjack and Raised on Radio; doors open at 5 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $8 – $10.
- Funk Factory; doors open at 8:30 pm, show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $15.
Saturday, August 21:
- Arkansauce; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $18.
Weekend Line-Up at Railyard Park Rogers
Friday, August 20:
- Dazz & Brie with DJ Raquel, Ballet Folklorico and NWA Regional Dance Company; doors open at 4 pm, show begins at 5 pm; tickets are $0 – $20.
Saturday, August 21
- Vandoliers with Opal Agafia and the Sweet Nothings and Son Sin Gnero; doors open at 3 pm, show begins at 4 pm; tickets are $0 – $20.
On this day…
- On August 19, 1692, five more people were hanged for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts.
- On August 19, 1791, Benjamin Banneker wrote a letter to Thomas Jefferson criticizing his pro-slavery stance. Banneker requested justice for African Americans using language from the Declaration of Independence.
- On August 19, 1919, Afghanistan declared itself independent after almost 100 years of British control.
- On August 19, 1955, WINS radio announced it would not play “copy” white cover versions of R&B. For example, DJs would play Fats Domino’s “Ain’t It A Shame,” and not Pat Boone’s cover.
- On August 19, 1980, George Brett ended his hitting streak at 30.
- On August 19, 2014, NASA satellites reveal that the easter basin of the Aral Sea had completely dried up for the first time in history.
- On August 20, 1866, President Andrew Johnson formally declared the U.S. Civil War over.
- On August 20, 1896, the dial telephone was patented.
- On August 20, 1965, Rolling Stones released their single “(I can’t get no) Satisfaction.”
- On August 20, 1966, the Beatles were pelted with rotten fruit during their Memphis concert.
- On August 20, 1977, NASA launched Voyager 2 toward Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.
- On August 20, 1993, Mother Teresa was hospitalized with malaria.
- On August 20, 1993, One Direction: This Is US 3D concert film of the boys of One Direction premiered in London.
- On August 20, 1993, Kamala Harris accepted her nomination for vice-president. She became the first US woman of color on a major party ticket.
- On August 21, 1831, former slave Nat Turner lead an uprising against slavery.
- On August 21, 1897, Oldsmobile was first manufactured by Olds Motor Vehicle Co.
- On August 21, 1911, the “Mona Lisa” was stolen from the Louvre by Vincenzo Perugia. It was recovered in 1913.
- On August 21, 1955, Emmett Till arrived in Money, Mississippi a week before he was murdered.
- On August 21, 1989, Voyager 2 began a flyby of planet Neptune.
- On August 21, 2001, “How You Remind Me,” by Nickleback was released.
- On August 21, 2020, BTS released the hit single “Dynamite.” The first video to be watched more than 100 million times in 24 hours.
- On August 22, 1848, the U.S. annexed New Mexico.
- On August 22, 1849, Austria launched the first air raid in history. Pilotless balloons were dropped in Venice, Italy.
- On August 22, 1902, President Theodore Roosevelt became the first U.S. chief executive to ride in a car.
- On August 22, 1950, Althea Gibson became the first black competitor in a U.S. national tennis competition.
- On August 22, 1964, civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer spoke at the U.S. Democratic National Convention about her struggle to register to vote in Mississippi.
- On August 22, 1987, Madonna’s single “Who’s That Girl” hits the No. 1 spot.
- On August 22, 1994, DNA testing linked O.J. Simpson to the murder of Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman.
Famous Birthdays
- Orville Wright, American aviator, was born on August 19, 1871.
- Coco Chanel, French fashion designer, was born on August 19, 1883.
- Malcolm Forbes, American publisher of Forbes Magazine, was born on August 19, 1919.
- Bill Clinton, former U.S. President, was born on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas.
- Li-Young Lee, Indonesia-born American poet, was born on August 19, 1957.
- John Stamos, American actor, was born on August 19, 1963.
- Lee Ann Womack, American country singer, was born on August 19, 1966.
- Matthew Perry, Canadian-American actor, was born on August 19, 1969.
- Roy Rogers, American NBA player and coach, was born on August 19, 1973.
- Christina Perri, American singer-songwriter, was born on August 19, 1986.
- H.P. Lovecraft, American horror writer, was born on August 20, 1890.
- Rober Plant, English rock vocalist for Led Zeppelin, was born on August 20, 1948.
- Amy Adams, American actress, was born on August 20, 1974.
- Misha Collins, American actor, was born on August 20, 1974.
- Andrew Garfield, British American actor, was born on August 20, 1983.
- Demi Lovato, American actress and singer-songwriter, was born on August 20, 1992.
- Miracle the white buffalo, a rare white, non-albino buffalo calf, was born on August 20, 1994.
- Wilt Chamberlain, American College and Basketball Hall of Fame, was born on August 21, 1936.
- Kenny Rogers, American singer-songwriter, was born on August 21, 1938.
- Kim Cattrall, British Canadian actress, was born on August 21, 1956.
- Kacey Musgraves, American singer-songwriter was born on August 21, 1988.
- Virgina Clemm Poe, wife of writer Edgar Allen Poe, was born on August 22, 1822.
- Michael Aldrich, British inventor of online shopping, was born on August 22, 1941.
- Kristen Wiig, American comedian and actress, was born on August 22, 1973.
- James Corden, British actor, comedian and television host, was born on August 22, 1978.
- Dua Lipa, English singer-songwriter, was born on August 22, 1995.
Holidays
August 19:
- International Bow Day
- National Soft Ice Cream Day
- World Photo Day
- Aviation Day
- “Black Cow” Root Beer Float Day
- Coco Chanel Day
- International Orangutan Day
- World Humanitarian Day
August 20:
- National Radio Day
- National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day
- World Mosquito Day
August 21:
- International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
- Internet Self-Care Day
- Poet’s Day
- National Senior Citizens Day
- World Honey Bee Day
- National Brazilian Blowout Day
- National Spumoni Day
August 22:
- National Bao Day
- Never Bean Better Day
- Be an Angel Day
- National Surgical Oncologist Day
- Southern Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day
- National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day
- National Tooth Fairy Day
- National Pecan Torte Day
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