Top Weekend Events in Arkansas: June 16-19

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’s Weekend Plans every Friday morning on 103.7 the Buzz. Click here.

Thursday, June 16

What: Bridge St. Live: Texas Hill with Anna Brazeal

Where: Bridge St. LIVE Entertainment District (Hot Springs)

When: 5 pm to 10 pm

Get a taste of Bridge St. Live every Thursday in June! Hot Springs’ Bridge Street Entertainment District is hosting concerts all month long, and this week’s entertainment is Texas Hill with Anna Brazeal. There will be food, drinks, vendors and bounce houses to accompany the live music. Find more information here!

Thursday, June 16

What: Benton’s Third Thursday

Where: Downtown Benton

When: 6:30 pm

Third Thursday season is back in Benton! Find your place in the crowd for live music by Chris John and The Crew, food trucks, beer garden, kids zone (complete with a bouncy house), baggo tournament, local vendors, free tree giveaway and shopping in downtown stores. Find more information here!

Thursday, June 16

What: “The Pollinators” Documentary Screening

Where: Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library (Little Rock)

When: 6 pm

Join the folks at Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library for a free community screening of the award-winning documentary “The Pollinators.” This film takes viewers around the United States following migratory beekeepers and their truckloads of honey bees as they pollinate the flowers that become the fruits, nuts and vegetables we eat. A discussion will follow the film to brainstorm how humans can help. Find more information here.

Thursday, June 16

What: Gulley Park Summer Concert Series

Where: Gulley Park (Fayetteville)

When: 7 pm to 9 pm

Gulley Park Summer Concerts are back for the 25th year, and they’re keeping the summer hot with a performance by headliner Blue Water Highway. Family, friends and pets are all welcome to attend this free concert. Food for this Thursday will be provided by Wicked Wood Fired Pizza, Cracker Jack, Burton’s Creamery and Beavertails, some come ready to chow down with music to begin at 7 pm. Bring your blankets, chairs and coolers full of drinks for the first of many concerts this summer. Find more information here!

Friday, June 17

What: Third Friday Night Art Walk

Where: Argenta Plaza (North Little Rock)

When: 5 pm

Join the artists of Argenta for this month’s Argenta Art Walk. Pop by the different studios to catch up with current projects and featured local talent, and while you’re around, go ahead and grab a bite to eat and something to drink from local restaurants and bars. Find more information here.

Friday, June 17

What: Juneteenth

Where: Depot Park (Russellville)

When: 6 pm to 9 pm

“Festivities, food and fun” is in store at Juneteenth in Depot Park. Join the River Valley Collective Voices as they announce River Valley Black Hall of Fame inductees and then listen to great music by SYNRG. Find more information here!

Friday, June 17

What: 9th Street & Beyond: Black Communities that Sustained Us Then & Now

Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater (Little Rock)

When: 7 pm

Join CALS Ron Robinson Theater, the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center and Arkansas PBS for a free screening of “Dream Land: Little Rock’s West 9th Street.” West 9th Street was once a vibrant African-American business and entertainment district home to Taborian Hall and the Dreamland Ballroom. This film explore West 9th Street’s good days and how Urban Renewal, the Eisenhower Interstate Program and more influenced its future. Find out all about the street’s history at the event.

Friday, June 17

What: 2022 NWA Paint the Town Red: Paint Fest

Where: JJ’s Live (Fayetteville)

When: 7 pm to 11 pm

The American Heart Association invites you to their “Party with a Purpose.” Bringing together, fun, passion and philanthropy, this event raised more than $300,000 in 2020. The money raised from this event go towards funding research, advocacy and educational program necessary for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease and stroke in the Northwest Arkansas community. There will be food from 15 local restaurants, beverages, a silent auction with mobile bidding and entertainment by DJ Derrick and Funk Factory. Find more information here!

Friday, June 17 – Saturday, June 18

What: Berry Fest Bentonville 2022

Where: The Berry Farm (Bentonville)

When: Schedule

Bring your family out to The Berry Farm for the 3rd annual Berry Fest. Enjoy a night of U-Pick either Friday or Saturday. Fill a bucket with organically grown blueberries, relax in lawn chairs while listening to live music, kick back while the kids play in The Berry Farm play space and grab dinner from one of the food trucks. Find more information here.

Friday, June 17 – Saturday, June 18

What: Civitan Services 26th Anniversary Invitational Four-Ball Tournament

Where: Longhills Golf Club (Benton)

When: Schedule

This year’s Anniversary Invitational Four-Ball Tournament is a two-day event with a four-ball format and shotgun start featuring morning and afternoon tee times. Each golfer will be treated to dinner provided by Riverside Grocery and Catering Friday night, drinks and snacks throughout the day, lunch on both days and the tournament’s signature “Thank You” bag. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the second day during the dessert reception. Find more information and tickets here.

Friday, June 17 – Sunday, June 19

What: Bentonville Bike Fest

Where: 1019 SE 8th St (Bentonville)

When: Schedule

Did you know that Bentonville is the MTB capital of the world? Well, now you do, so make plans to be at Bentonville Bike Fest this weekend. Presented by Mobil1, the Bentonville Bike Fest will include several races, world-class entertainment, demo bikes from the biggest bike brands, expos and informational sessions. Find more information here.

Friday, June 17 – Sunday, June 19

What: Arkansas Anime Festival

Where: Sheraton Four Points (Bentonville)

When: Schedule

Practice those cosplay looks because the Arkansas Anime Festival is this weekend. This anime fest is the longest running anime and gaming convention in Arkansas celebrating anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, all things geeky and more. The festival took a two-year hiatus due to COVID, but the Arkansas Anime Festival is back and better than ever. Find more information here.

Saturday, June 18

What: Juneteenth in Da Rock

Where: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (Little Rock)

When: 7 am to 7 pm

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center has hosted Juneteenth for more than a decade, and after two years of virtual celebration, the much-anticipated event is back on West 9th Street. This day-long event will have activities, vendors, virtual programs, food and entertainment for all ages. Juneteenth in Da Rock has brought in more than 5,000 attendees in the past from all over the state. This event allows the museum the chance to engage with the community in the history and culture of African Americans. Find a full list of events on this day and what to expect here.

Saturday, June 18

What: 3rd Saturday at HAM – Acts of Independence

Where: Historic Arkansas Museum (Little Rock)

When: 10 am to 4 pm

On the third Saturday of each month, the museum is hosting an educational experience to learn more about the history of Arkansas. This Saturday’s event will feature the theme “Acts of Independence.” In June of 1851, the U.S. was preparing to celebrate 75 years of independence, but not everyone living in Arkansas could celebrate independence in the same way. Interact with costumed interpreters and participate in hands-on activities to learn how Little Rock Residents claimed their own independence in 1851. Staff will be doing laundry, working with natural fibers and textiles, printing, blacksmithing and performing other trades. Find more information here.

Saturday, June 18

What: 2022 Juneteenth Experience

Where: Arkansas State Capitol Steps (Little Rock)

When: 10 am

The Arkansas Martin Luther King Jr. Commission is hosting “The Juneteenth Experience: A Moment of History.” Join the commission on the steps of the Arkansas State Capitol for a commemorative experience with keynote speaker Broadway Joe Booker. Find more information here.

Saturday, June 18

What: Juneteenth Celebration

Where: Feaster Park (Arkadelphia)

When: 10 am to 7 pm

Head to Feaster Park for a memorable program commemorating Juneteenth. There will be a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, spades and dominos tournament, kids fun zone, food trucks from all over southwest Arkansas, a DJ and prizes. Find more information here.

Saturday, June 18

What: Toothapalooza 2022

Where: Scott Family Amazeum (Bentonville)

When: 10 am to 2 pm

Toothapalooza is back just in time for National Oral Health Month. This family-friendly event took a two-year break due to COVID, but it’s ready to see some smiling faces once again. The first 500 visitors get in free, courtesy of Delta Dental of Arkansas. Come on out for fun oral health education activities. Find more information here!

Saturday, June 18

What: 2nd Annual NWA Mess Fest

Where: Lokomotion Family Fun Park (Fayetteville)

When: 10 am to 2 pm

Time to get messy! Bring your kids out for fun with slime, foam and more in the meadow at Lokomotion (behind the golf course and bumper boats). Vendors will have mess activities set up including shaving cream painting, a mud pie station, water beads, dino digs and more activities your kiddos probably aren’t allowed to do in the house. Bring a change of clothes or have your kids wear swimsuit because things will be, say it with me, MESSY. Find more information here.

Saturday, June 18

What: Summer Kick-Off Party

Where: Terra Studios (Fayetteville)

When: 11 am to 4 pm

If you can’t tell by the title of this event, Terra Studios is kicking summer off with a party. Join the staff and artists at the studio on International Picnic Day for snacks, popcorn, ake-home art bags, on-site art activities and face painting. Blankets and picnic baskets are encouraged to make the most out of the sunny day. Find more information here.

Saturday, June 18

What: Darshana: A Glimpse into Hindu Civilization Exhibition

Where: Bentonville Public Library (Bentonville)

When: 2 pm to 4 pm

Learn about Hindu civilizations and culture with this engaging exhibition. “Deepen awareness” of the Indian culture’s contributions to society and gain glimpses into the Hindu Dharmic way and the traditions and facts you may not know. Find more information on what to expect here.

Saturday, June 18

What: Juneteenth Arkansas Festival 2022

Where: Interstate Park (Little Rock)

When: 5 pm to 9 pm

Juneteenth Arkansas is hosting its second annual parade and community festival this weekend. Join the community for the parade starting at 2 pm and the Community Festival will kick off at 5 pm at Interstate Park with almost 300 vendors, 20 food trucks, a carnival, petting zoo, 3 on 3 basketball, kickball, scholarships, live music and more. A fireworks show will bring the engaging night to a close. Find more information here!

Saturday, June 18

What: 90’s vs. 00’s Cookout

Where: River Market (Little Rock)

When: 5 pm to 10 pm

The annual 90’s Cookout is this Saturday, June 18, at the River Market, but this year brings a new twist: 90’s vs. 2000’s. Guests are asked to dress in either 90’s or 2000’s fashion and be prepared for a good time. There will be food trucks, door prizes, vendors, live music and more. Find more information here.

Saturday, June 18

What: Rainbow Rave

Where: Bark Bar (Little Rock)

When: 6 pm to 10 pm

We’re howlin’ for the Rainbow Rave this weekend. Grab your wigs, throw on some glitter and dress you and your pooch in bright colors to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with Bark Bar! Enjoy food, drink specials, a selfie station and rainbow pawty favors. Find more information here.

Saturday, June 18

What: Glitterville 2022

Where: George’s Majestic Lounge (Fayetteville)

When: 8:30 pm to 2 am

Party with RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 13 winner Symone and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14 contestant Maddy Morphosis as they headline the official party of NWA Pride. The lineup of entertainers includes DJ Tyler Moore, Taylor Madison Monroe, Jazzmyn Turrelle and Miss Gay Arkansas America Athena Sinclair. Internationally known circuit DJ Joe Pacheco will keep the party going so everyone can let loose and have fun. Find more information here.

Saturday, June 18 – Sunday, June 19

What: 2022 NWA Pride Weekend

Where: Dickson Street (Fayetteville)

When: Schedule

Northwest Arkansas Pride is back in full swing this year with the largest LGBTQIA+ Pride Parade, the second annual Trans March, the return of the Pride Festival with entertainment, vendors by the Big Gay Market and the Equality Crew Youth Zone. Find the full schedule of events this weekend here.

Saturday, June 18 – Sunday, June 19

What: Saline County Comic Expo 2022

Where: Benton Event Center (Benton)

When: Schedule

Saline County’s Comic Expo is this weekend and it’s going to be thrilling. This year’s guest appearances are filled with many first-timers to Arkansas such as Bob Clendenin, Chris Rager, Josh Martin, Josh Anderson, Robbie Musso, Tim Lim, Jon Woodard and Archie Cunningham. Find more information and passes here.

Sunday, June 19

What: BBQ & Beer Father’s Day Fest

Where: River Bottom Winery (Little Rock)

When: 12 pm to 6 pm

Treat your dad this Father’s Day with a trip to River Bottom Winery. There will be BBQ from Corky’s, $15 buckets of beer and the winery’s wines and wine-a-ritas to keep you cool while you’re out on the patio. Trey Johnson will be there entertaining your family from 4 pm to 6 pm. Find more information here.

Sunday, June 19

What: Juneteenth Mutual Aid Drive

Where: Faulkner County Library (Conway)

When: 12 pm to 6 pm

Meet at the Faulkner County Library for some helpful community engagement. Hosted by Reinvest in Conway, Conway Mutual Aid Collective and Faulkner County Coalition for Social Justice, donated items will be dropped off at local pantries in town. Find a list of needed items for donation here.

Sunday, June 19

What: Father’s Day Bash

Where: Rusty Tractor Vineyards (Little Rock)

When: 12 pm to 6 pm

Take Dad out to Rusty Tractor Vineyards for live music, drinks and food. Want to know what’s on the menu? Lili’s Mexican Street Food, The Prickly Pickle and the Grilled Sandwich Company. Bad Habit will begin playing at 1 pm, so grab your food and beverage of choice and sit back for some of your favorite jams. Find more information here.

Sunday, June 19

What: Papa Loves Pickleball Tournament

Where: PB & JJ’s (Fayetteville)

When: 1 pm to 4 pm

Fayetteville’s PB & JJ’s is hosting a special tournament this Father’s Day. “Papa Loves Pickleball Tournament” is $50 per team of two, and the entry fee covers two beers of choice. Find more information here.

Sunday, June 19

What: Crystal Bridges to You Mobile Art Lab: Juneteenth Freedom Festival

Where: Downtown Springdale

When: 1 pm to 5 pm

The CB to You: Mobile Art Lab is giving Siloam Springs one last celebration before the lab moves on to the next stop on their tour. Partner artists Bia Furtado and Summer Park will be at the Siloam Springs Public Library from 3 to 6 pm leading a ceramics artmaking activity. Guests will be able to meet Bia and Summer and learn about their art practice. Guests can also check out art totes packed with art supplies and enjoy live music presented by Music Moves. The Mobile Art Lab is a traveling pop-up art experience traveling to different communities to share the power of art. Find more information and the remaining 2022 tour locations here.

Sunday, June 19

What: Freedom Festival – Celebrating Juneteenth

Where: Shiloh Square (Springdale)

When: 1 pm to 9 pm

Featuring live music, entertainment, food and a wellness fair, the Freedom Festival is a family-friendly event commemorating the full emancipation of enslaved African Americans. Live entertainment will feature Montrell “This is How We Do it” Jordan, Morris Day and The Time, Lamar Campbell, “The Mississippi Blues Child Mr. Sipp, Jukeboxx Party Band and more. Find more information about the event here!

Sunday, June 19

What: Father’s Day Fun

Where: Arvest Ballpark (Springdale)

When: 2 pm to 5 pm

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are taking on the Arkansas Travelers this Father’s Day at Arvest Ballpark. The first 500 fathers in attendance will receive a special #1 Dad Naturals t-shirt courtesy of the Arkansas Beef Council. Other highlights of the day include free meals for the kids, dollar hot dogs and a post-game catch in the outfield where the first 300 fans will receive a baseball. Find more information here.

Arkansas Razorback Baseball:

Saturday, June 18: