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 30

What: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center: Stories of Black Arkansans

Where: Argenta Branch Library (North Little Rock)

When: 10:30 am 

The Mosaic Templars invites the community out to hear stories of the past, present and future of Arkansas African Americans. All are welcome, but ages 6 through 18 would benefit the most. Find more information here!

 

Thursday, June 30

What: Stranger Things Eve Party 

Where: Camp Taco (Little Rock)

When: 11 am to 9 pm

“Turn around, look at what you see-ee-ee.” If what you see is the drop of “Stranger Things” Season Four Volume Two on Friday, July 1 then your eyes are correct. Camp Taco is celebrating the drop with a special Stranger Things Eve party all day on June 30. Join the restaurant for cocktail specials, costume contests, friendship bracelets and more. Find out what’s on the menu here.

 

Thursday, June 30

What: Big Gay Market’s Big Gay Moment

Where: The Momentary (Bentonville)

When: 5 pm to 10 pm

The fourth and final stop on Big Gay Market’s tour of NWA is this weekend at The Momentary. Presenting the Big Gay Moment, visitors can expect a variety of makers and entrepreneurs from socks to pottery to gender-free haircuts and more. Food and drinks will be available for purchase from the MOmentary Food Truck, the RODE Bar and special guest vendors. Explore, mingle and have fun in the light of the Tavares Strachan’s “You Belong Here” neon sculpture at this community night market. Find more information here.

 

Thursday, June 30

What: Bridge St. Live: DJ Night

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 DJ Kramer, DJ Abnormal and DJ Terence. There will be food, drinks, vendors and bounce houses to accompany the live music. Find more information here!

 

Thursday, June 30

What: Gulley Park Summer Concert

Where: Gulley Park (Fayetteville)

When: 7 pm to 9 pm

Gulley Park Summer Concerts are back for the 26th year, and this week’s performance is with Funk Factory. Family, friends and pets are all welcome to attend this free concert and this week will bring a special “Kidz Night” activities. Food for this Thursday will be provided by 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.

 

Thursday, June 30

What: Latin Dance Night – Bachata & Salsa

Where: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)

When: 7:30 pm

In collaboration with NWA Bachata Beats and Breathe Dance Repeat, you’re invited to an evening of Latin Dancing in the Crystal Bridges Great Hall. The fun starts with a one-hour beginner Modern Bachata class at 7:30 pm followed by social distancing from 8:30 pm to 11 pm. Find more information and tickets here.

 

Thursday, June 30

What: Ozark Mountain Soul Fest 2022

Where: The Farm (Eureka Springs)

When: Schedule

Drive out to The Farm for Opal Agafia’s first music festival featuring two days of music, three nights of camping and a variety of vendors. The music lineup for the weekend includes Opal Agafia, Jon Stickley Trio, Aaron Kamm and the One Drops, The HillBenders, Mountain Sprout, The Burney Sisters, Chucky Waggs, Rachel Ammons, Pretend Friends, Red Oak Ruse, Patti Steel and Dime Trip. Find more information, tickets and camp spots here.

 

Thursday, June 30 – Friday, July 1

What: And the Beat Don’t Stop: 50 Years of Hip-Hop

Where: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (Little Rock)

When: Hours of Operation

And the Beat Don’t Stop: 50 Years of Hip-Hop, the traveling exhibit from the National Hip-Hop Museum’s Pop Up Experience, is now open at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. The National Hip-Hop Museum has the largest collection of hip-hop memorabilia and artifacts in the world, many of which are on loan to MTCC for this special pop-up exhibit, including custom tennis shoes, plaques, awards and boomboxes.

 

Thursday, June 30 – Sunday, July 3

What: Bentonville Film Festival

Where: The Momentary (Bentonville)

When: Schedule

The Bentonville Film Festival is entering its 8th year of providing the community with an exclusive opportunity to explore the world of films. Chaired by Academy Award winner Geena Davis and in partnership with founding sponsor Walmart and presenting sponsor Coca-Cola, the 8th annual festival will feature virtual and in-person events from June 22 through July 3. Find more information on what to expect at this year’s festival and tickets here.

 

Friday, July 1

What: The Outlaw Music Festival

Where: Walmart AMP (Rogers)

When: Gates open at 4:30 pm

.Outlaw Music Festival Tour is back on the road again. Willie will be live and in concert with his family and friends at the Walmart AMP! We’re talkin’ Willie Nelson & Family with Brothers Osborne, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Allison Russell and Particle Kid. This is sure to be a fun night with some amazing music. Find tickets and information here.

 

Friday, July 1

What: Pops on the Prairie

Where: Lonoke Ballpark (Lonoke)

When: 5 pm

Lonoke’s Pops on the Prairie is back with a Patriotic Veterans and First Responders parade, food trucks, games for kids and the whole family and fireworks. The locally loved Gravel Yard Bluegrass Band is hosting the event so there are sure to be smiles all around. Free for the whole family, so get out there! Find more information here.

 

Friday, July 1

What: David Adam Byrnes and Gene Watson

Where: Beebe City Park

Speaking of great country music, David Adam Byrnes will be playing in Beebe for the first time ever on Friday, July 1. David Adam Byrnes is headlining and Gene Watson will be playing too, so it’s sure to be an amazing show.

 

Friday, July 1 – Saturday, July 2

What: Freedom Fest on the Lake

Where: Sandy Beach (Heber Springs)

When: Friday, 9 am – Saturday, 10 pm

The Freedom Fest-ivities will kick off with a trap shoot on Friday from 9 am to 5 pm at Cleburne County Shooting Club. Friday will end with a FREE concert featuring Marybeth Byrd and Cory Jackson, contestants from “The Voice,” at Heber Springs Performing Arts Center. The World Championship Cardboard Boat Races will take place on Saturday at 10 am, and the theme this year is “Circus.” Saturday will end with the annual Fireworks Extravaganza at Dam Site Park with live music by the band Just Sayin’ starting at 7 pm. Find more information here!

 

Friday, July 1 – Monday, July 4

What: Balloons Over Russellville

Where: Russellville Soccer Complex (Russellville)

When: Schedule

The hot air balloons are returning to the River Valley this weekend. Balloon flights will be offered to the public from July 1 through the 4th at select parts of the day, weather permitting. This is not a balloon festival, only paid passenger flights. Book your time in the sky now!

 

Saturday, July 2

What: OZ Kids Bike & Book Festival

Where: Bentonville Library Friends & Foundation (Bentonville)

When: 9 am to 11:30 am

Start the weekend off with a trip to the Bentonville Public Library for free fun the kids will love. Children of all ages are welcome to bring their own bikes and the library will provide everything they need to decorate it. At 11:30, there will be a bike parade that will go around the Bentonville Square. There will be crafts, book giveaways, food, face painting, storytime and live music by The Juice. The event is free, but spaces are limited so every child and adult must register on the BPL website. 

 

Saturday, July 2

What: Hamiltons Farm Seafood Festival

Where: Hamiltons Farm (Alexander)

When: 11 am to 2 pm

Mark your calendars for this Saturday, July 2 at 11 a.m. for Hamiltons Farm Seafood Festival. Located at 4930 Sparks Road in Alexander, Hamiltons Farm is hosting a large crowd of local vendors with a special section for seafood vendors. The event advertises that guests will “experience the best seafood in Arkansas.” Sea you there!

 

Saturday, July 2

What: Rooftop Party ft. TRINA live

Where: Shooter’s Bar and Grill (off I-30 in Little Rock)

When: 8:00 pm

This is sure to be off the chain: The undeniably talented TRINA will bring the sexy vibes to Shooters Bar and Grill on Saturday, July 2nd! The classic spot for a special Saturday that will set the tone for the summer! Get your VIP tables and seating early because this will be a night to remember. All accommodations are premiere including the decked-out patio, multiple bars for your enjoyment, photography, and so much more!

 

Saturday, July 2 – Monday, July 4

What: Let Freedom Roar

Where: Little Rock Zoo (Little Rock)

When: Zoo Hours

The zoo is hosting a list of events each day surrounding the Fourth of July. The events are educational and fun for the whole family, and there will be plenty of opportunities to meet the zoo’s ambassadors.

Saturday, July 2:

  • Penguins – Daily Feeding
  • Meet-n-Greet with an Animal Ambassador Eagle
  • Rhino Keeper Chat
  • Great Apes Keep Chat and Feed
  • Elephants Keeper Chat
  • Alligator Keeper Chat and Feed
  • Spider Monkey Chat
  • Serval Chat
  • Penguins – Daily Feeding

Sunday, July 3:

  • Penguins – Daily Feedings
  • Amphitheater Meet-n-Greet with an Animal Ambassador Eagle
  • Rhino Keeper Chat
  • Great Apes Keeper Chat and Feed
  • Elephants Keeper Chat
  • Colobus Monkey Chat
  • Penguins – Daily Feeding

Monday, July 4:

  • Penguins – Daily Feedings
  • Great Apes Keeper Chat and Feed
  • Penguins – Daily Feedings

Find more information here!

 

Sunday, July 3

What: 2022 Independence Day Fireworks

Where: The Dam at Loch Lomond (Bella Vista)

When: 9 pm

Open to the public, the 2022 Independence Day Fireworks at the Dam at Loch Lomond will begin right after the sky goes dark, or at 9 pm. Grab your family and make time for a big of traffic weaving. Find more information here.

 

Monday, July 4

What: Independence Day Trivia

Where: Bentonville Brewing Company (Bentonville)

When: 3 pm to 5 pm

What the Fourth without a little history trivia? Join the Bentonville Brewing Company for an afternoon of trivia before you head out to your parties (or a quiet night at home, you do you). Find more information, and teaser questions, here!

 

Monday, July 4

What: Pops on the River

Where: First Security Amphitheater (Little Rock)

When: 3 pm to 11 pm

Pops on the River is back for the 38th year! Gates to the First Security Amphitheater open at 3 pm with a whole lineup of live music, local vendors, Lost 40 beer, artisans and a Kids Pavilion. Live music performances include Nicky Parrish, the Rodney Block Collective and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Find more information and tickets here!

 

Monday, July 4

What: 4th of July with the Arkansas Travelers

Where: Dickey-Stephens Park (North Little Rock)

When: 5 pm

Party with the Travs this 4th with an All-You-Can-Eat Picnic followed by the Travs Furious Firework Finale. Picnic tickets are $19 a person and include a two-hour buffet and game ticket. Stick around after the game to witness a grand firework show. Find instructions on how to purchase your ticket and more information here.

 

Monday, July 4

What: Pops in the Park

Where: Bishop Park (Bryant)

When: 6 pm

Sparks will fly at Bryant’s Pops in the Park. Food trucks, drinks, yard games and live music by Bryant native Gage Marvel are in store for guests. Blankets and chairs are encouraged as guests are able to spread out in the park. Admission and parking are both free, so there really isn’t an excuse to not go. Find more information here!

 

Monday, July 4

What: Star-Spangled Spectacular

Where: Camden Municipal Airport (Camden)

When: 6 pm

The largest fireworks show in south Arkansas is back for its 22nd year! Zac Dunlap and Crutchfield the Band will keep the fun going with music and entertainment until the show-stopping fireworks show set to the music on 88.7 FM. More to look forward to including special recognition of veterans, inflatables and more. Find more information here.

 

Monday, July 4

What: Walmart AMP Fireworks Spectacular

Where: Walmart AMP (Rogers)

When: 7:30 pm

Are you ready for a night full of patriotic live performances and a fireworks display? Guests are in for a treat as the music will be performed by the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas with music director Paul Haas. Tickets for this event range from $3 to $35 depending on where you would like to enjoy the concert from. Find more information and tickets here!

 

Holidays: 

June 29:

  • Hug Holiday
  • Internal Autonomy Day
  • International Day of the Tropics
  • International Fisherman Day
  • National Almond Buttercrunch Day
  • National Camera Day
  • National Parchment Day
  • National Waffle Iron Day
  • The National Day of Joy

June 30:

  • Blink 182 Day
  • International Asteroid Day
  • National Bomb Pop Day
  • National Corvette Day
  • National Handshake Day
  • National Meteor Watch Day
  • National OOTD Day
  • National Work From Home Day
  • Social Media Day
  • Watermelon Seed Spitting Week

July 1:

  • American Zoo Day
  • Canada Day
  • Drive Your Corvette to Work Day
  • International Chicken Wing Day
  • International Joke Day
  • National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
  • National Gingersnap Day
  • National Postal Workers Day
  • National U.S. Postage Stamp Day
  • National Wrong Trousers Day
  • Zip Code Day

July 2:

  • Comic Sans Day
  • Freedom from Fear of Speaking Day
  • Hop a Park Day
  • I Forgot Day
  • International Cherry Pit Spitting Day
  • International Day of Cooperatives
  • National Disco Day
  • Special Recreation for the Disabled Day
  • World Sports Journalists Day
  • World UFO Day

July 3:

  • Air Conditioning Appreciation Day
  • Build a Scarecrow Day
  • Disobedience Day
  • International Drop a Rock Day
  • International Plastic Bag Free Day
  • National Chocolate Wafer Day
  • National Compliment Your Mirror Day
  • National Eat Beans Day
  • National Fried Clam Day
  • National Independent Beer Run Day
  • National Stay Out of the Sun Day

July 4:

  • Independence Day
  • Alice in Wonderland Day
  • Filipino-American Friendship Day
  • Independence from Meat Day
  • Indivisible Day
  • Invisible Day
  • Jackfruit Day
  • National Barbecued Spareribs Day
  • National Caesar Salad Day
  • National Hillbilly Day
  • Sidewalk Egg Frying Day
  • Thank You Day
  • Great British Pea Week
  • National Childhood Obesity Week
  • National Transplant Week

 

READ MORE: The Best Fourth of July Events in Arkansas 2022