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 talk this morning on 103.7 The Buzz, below.

 

Thursday, July 22

What: Rock It! Lab

Where: Library Square, Little Rock

When: 11 am

Join the folks from CALS and Advancing Black Entrepreneurship for their new partnership, Rock It! Lab. This space was designed to promote entrepreneurship for individuals in under-resourced communities. Aspiring business owners will be able to have access to all the resources and free information they may need along the way. A few local favorites will be at the ribbon-cutting, so head out there to learn more!

 

Thursday, July 22

What: Gulley Park Summer Concert Series

Where: Gulley Park Gazebo (Fayetteville)

When: 7 pm-9 pm

A favorite duo from the 90s, Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet of Trout Fishing in America, is heading to Gulley Park for another Thursday concert. These two always deliver a fun show, so grab those chairs and blankets and get ready to laugh.

 

Thursday, July 22

What: Party on the Patio

Where: Copper Mule Table & Tap (Bryant)

When: 7 pm

Have you already booked your seats at Copper Mule’s Party on the Patio? No? Well, you better hurry up because Cory Fontenot is rocking the patio tonight with songs from Tom Petty, Chris Stapleton, Rolling Stones and more. Direct message Copper Mule on their Facebook page to save your spot!

 

Thursday, July 22 – Monday, July 26

What: The Drive-in Laser Light Show

Where: Arkansas State Fair Grounds (Little Rock)

When: Times vary

Cabin Fever is bringing their Drive-in Laser Light Show tour to Little Rock! The show features a mix of music genres, light projections, merchandise and a few surprises. Ticket prices are per carload, so fit as many people as you can into your car and get to the fairgrounds early for a good spot. Depending on which time you choose and whether you would prefer general parking, VIP or VIP front row, the ticket prices range from $20-$99.99. Find the tickets that work for you here!

 

Thursday, July 22 – Saturday, July 24

What: Johnson County Peach Festival

Where: Johnson County Court Square (Clarksville)

When: Times vary

The longest-running festival in the state, the Johnson County Peach Festival “Peachy in the Natural State” has days of events lined up for the community. Mama Tryde will be a featured performer for live music, and the number of vendors that will be attending is too many to count.

Find the full schedule of events here, and a sneak peek includes a peach eating contest, peach pit spitting contest, greased pig race, cardboard boat regatta, peach cobbler bake-off, peach pie-eating contest, a fishing derby and so many more.

 

Friday, July 23

What: The Juice (Duo) Live

Where: Cannibal & Craft (Little Rock)

When: 8 pm

The Juice duo, Jim and Travis, will be performing at Cannibal & Craft in Little Rock. The duo is known for their loud personalities and fun covers of favorite songs from almost every genre of music. Order your favorite drink and sit back for a good night.

 

Friday, July 23

What: Mark Currey and 92 Days with Charlotte Taylor

Where: Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack (Little Rock)

When: 8:30 pm

Little Rock singer and songwriter Mark Currey is heading to Stickyz. Mark’s music is influenced by rock, classic country, folk and Americana music. He is also influenced by southern gothic literature as he is a storyteller at heart. Tickets and table for two are $20, tickets and table for four are $40, and tickets and table for six are $60.

 

Friday, July 23

What: Liquid Kitty Live

Where: Lucky’s Sports Bar & Grill (Maumelle)

When: 9 pm

Liquid Kitty is coming to Maumelle for a night of classic rock and dancing. It’s the weekend, so why not let loose with some good music? Get out of the house for some lighthearted fun.

 

Friday, July 23 – Saturday, July 24

What: Wonder Art Gallery Grand Opening

Where: 3920 E Kiehl Ave, Sherwood

When: 5pm-close

The Wonder Abstract Art Gallery is officially opening! The gallery will have live music, refreshments and featured art on both Friday and Saturday. This event is free to attend, so there isn’t an excuse not to go.

 

Friday, July 23 – Saturday, July 24

What: 53rd Annual Grannis Rodeo

Where: Grannis Trail Riders Arena (Grannis)

When: Times vary

The 53rd Annual Grannis Rodeo is here, and they have everything. Claira Morris will be attending Friday night for some trick riding, calf scrambles and money drops will happen both nights and all the classic events are lined up. A big event many rodeo fans look forward to each year, the Rodeo Royalty pageant, will crown its winner on Saturday night. Check out the full schedule of events! Admission is $6 at the gate and children under 4 get in free.

 

Friday, July 23 – Sunday, July 25

What: RSR & LA Wheelin for Warriors 2021

Where: Hot Springs Off Road Park

When: Times vary

Youtubers Rock Solid Rig will be at the annual LA Wheelin for Warriors event hosted by Bayou Jeep Junkies. This event raises funds for “Our H.O.M.E.” and “CVMA 6-5” – organizations that provide assistance to veterans in the Northern Louisiana area. There will be wheeling, food, a raffle and guided trail runs throughout the weekend. Admission to the event is $60 per vehicle that includes a one year membership to the park, or $33 for vehicles that already have a membership.

 

Saturday, July 24

What: H2GO Miler

Where: LRAFB University Center (Jacksonville)

When: 7:30 am

A fun run in Jacksonville, the H2GO will take participants through a two-mile loop along Vandeberg Boulevard. Volunteers will help hydrate runners by cooling them off along the way with water guns and cannons. Runners will receive a participant bag and t-shirt to remember the wet run. Funds raised will support Alzheimer’s Arkansas provided education, support and financial assistance to Arkansas caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Registration is $20 — sign up quickly!

 

Saturday, July 24

What: Black History Walking Tours

Where: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (Little Rock)

When: 9 am-10 am

As part of “The Negro Motorist Green Book” exhibit at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a walking tour is held once a month for May, June and July.  Starting on Ninth Street, the locations of First Missionary Baptist, Red’s Pool Hall and Dreamland Ballroom will be discussed. Learning about the Black history in this city is free of cost and rich in understanding. This is the last walk of the exhibit, so be sure to attend.

 

Saturday, July 24

What: Not Just Another Comic Con Presents Day Camp 2021

Where: Sherwood Forest

When: 10 am

Not Just Another Comic Con is a locally organized Comic/Horror Convention for all fans. Guest speakers include Amelia Kinkade and Paul T. Taylor. Sessions are split into two time slots: Session 1 from 10am-1pm and Session 2 from 2pm-5pm. There will be vendors, cosplay opportunities and photo-ops. Admission is $15 at the door per session, and the full schedule of events can be found here.

 

Saturday, July 24

What: VFW 4548 Car & Bike Show

Where: Jacksonville V.F.W Post 4548

When: 12 pm – 6 pm

The Drasco Trading Post invites the community out to their free car and bike show. There will be music, food, door prizes and more in store for guests. Bring your favorite people for a day dedicated to our favorite cars and bikes.

 

Saturday, July 24

What: The Rock City Margarita Festival & The Great Arkansas Beer Festival

Where: Statehouse Convention Center (Little Rock)

When: 5pm-8pm

103.7 the Buzz is teaming up with the Rock City Margarita Fest and the Great Arkansas Beef Fest for some classic summer partying. Sample as many margaritas, beers, wines and seltzers as your heart desires. Food will be available for purchases, and to top off the day of fun, there will be games, music, dancing and giveaways. Tickets are $40, and the ticket includes access to the festival and a tasting glass. Only 21 and older may attend. Ticket sales end on Friday, July 23.

 

Saturday, July 24

What: The Amy Winehouse Experience featuring Jenna & The Soulshakers

Where: George’s Majestic Lounge (Fayetteville)

When: 8:30 pm-11:30 pm

The Amy Winehouse Experience is a tribute like no other. For only $12, you can relive the era that was Amy Winehouse. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8:30 pm. Get your tickets here! 

 

Sunday, July 25 

What: Watermelon Festival

Where: The Bernice Garden (Little Rock)

When: 10 am-2 pm

Hardin Farms is bringing their best watermelons for a watermelon eating contest that will commence at 11 am. There will be drawings for watermelons and prizes from vendors available for those lucky guests. A day of old-fashioned summer fun free to attend!

 

Sunday, July 25

What: Party in the Cove 2021

Where: Skinny Dip Cove (Lake Hamilton)

When: 1 pm

It’s time for the second Party in the Cove summer concert series! The 24-foot long floating stage will feature headlining band Mister Lucky. DJ Doug Kramer is of course the Master of Ceremonies for the night playing tunes and entertaining. Rather than standing around, guests can show up on their boats to enjoy the evening from the comfort of their own group. Free to attend, but guests are encouraged to tip the performers via CashApp.

 

Sunday, July 25

What: The Schwag in Little Rock

Where: Sunset Lodge at Rusty Tractor Vineyards

When: 6 pm

A tribute to the legendary Grateful Dead, The Schwag will perform an outdoor concert at the Sunset Lodge. There will be covered seating and space for lawn chairs, so bring what you need to make yourself comfortable. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or at the door. Kids under 10 get in free!

 

Sunday, July 25

What: Little Rock Black Pride Ball: Ending the HIV Epidemic

Where: 1913 Appianway St, Little Rock, AR

When: 9 pm

With special guest judge XaPariis Nicolas Graves Ebony from HBO Max series “Legendary,” the Pride Ball will feature a number of categories for attendees to compete in. The ball brings awareness to Ending the Epidemic and what it means for people living with HIV as well as how to prevent HIV. Reserve your tickets here.

 

On this day…

  • On July 22, 1918, a lightning strike killed 504 sheep in Utah’s Wasatch National Park.
  • On July 22, 1933, Wiley Post completed the first solo flight around the world in seven days and 19 hours.
  • On July 22, 1940, Jacqueline Kennedy’s parents John Vernou “Black Jack” Bouvier III and Janet (Norton Lee) divorced.
  • On July 22, 1991, Jeffrey Dahmer confessed to killing 17 men in 1978.
  • On July 22, 1992, Pablo Escobar escaped prison.
  • On July 23, 1966, Frank Sinatra’s album “Strangers in the Night” was No. 1 on the US charts.
  • On July 23, 2000, Tiger Woods beat Thomas Bjorn and Ernie Els by 8 shots to win his first Open title at the British Open Men’s Golf. He was the youngest player to win all four major titles.
  • On July 23, 2010, One Direction was formed during the X Factor show.
  • On July 23, 2015, NASA’s Kepler mission announced the discovery of the most Earth-like planet yet: Kepler-452b. This planet is 1,400 light-years away from Earth.
  • On July 24, 1911, American explorer Hiram Bingham discovered Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
  • On July 24, 1952, “High Noon,” an American Western film, was released.
  • On July 24, 1982, “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor started its six-week run at No. 1 on the US charts.
  • On July 25, 1943, Benito Mussolini was dismissed as Italian Premier and arrested on the authority of King Victor Emmanuel III.
  • On July 25, 1965, Bob Dylan was booed by sections of the crowd at the Newport Folk Festival for performing with an electric guitar (the beginning of folk-rock).

 

Famous Birthdays

  • Emma Lazarus, American poet (“New Colossus” on the base of Statue of Liberty), was born on July 22, 1849.
  • Sonny Liston, American boxer and heavyweight champion from Arkansas, was born on July 22, 1930.
  • Alex Trebek, host of Jeopardy!, was born on July 22, 1940.
  • Danny Glover, actor and activist, was born on July 22, 1946.
  • Selena Gomez, singer and actress, was born on July 22, 1992.
  • Woody Harrelson, actor, was born on July 23, 1961.
  • Slash, English-American rock guitarist and songwriter, was born on July 23, 1965.
  • Monica Lewinsky was born on July 23, 1973.
  • Michelle Williams, American singer (Destiny’s Child), was born on July 23, 1980.
  • Daniel Radcliffe, actor, was born on July 23, 1989.
  • Alexandre Dumas, French author, was born on July 24, 1802.
  • Amelia Earhart, American aviator, was born on July 24, 1897.
  • Barry Bonds, American baseball left fielder (MLB home-run record of 762), was born on July 24, 1964.
  • Bindi Irwin, conservationist and daughter of Steve Irwin, was born on July 24, 1998.
  • Rosalind Franklin, English chemist and co-founder of the DNA structure, was born on July 25, 1920.
  • Estelle Getty, actress, was born on July 25, 1923.
  • Nate Thurmond, American Basketball Hall of Fame, was born on July 25, 1941.
  • Emmett Till, murdered child victim of racism, was born on July 25, 1941.

 

Holidays

July 22: Eid al-Adha, National Penuche Fudge Day, National Hammock Day, National Rat Catcher’s Day, National Refreshment Day

July 23: Eid al-Adha, Gorgeous Grandma Day, National Hot Dog Day, National Vanilla Ice Cream Day

July 24: National Tequila Day, National Thermal Engineer Day, National Drive-Thru Day, National Cousins Day, National Amelia Earhart Day, National Day of the Cowboy

July 25: National Merry-Go Round Day, National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, National Threading the Needle Day, National Hire a Veteran Day, National Wine and Cheese Day, National Parent’s Day

 

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