Festivals Abound in April

April is a great time to get out and enjoy a variety of festivals in eastern Arkansas. From food to history to music, you’ll find it all at events in the Arkansas Delta and north central Ozarks!

Seventy-two years ago, the Walnut Ridge Army Airfield opened. Celebrate the facility’s anniversary at the 16th annual Walnut Ridge Army Air Field Reunion on April 11-12. Held at the Wings of Honor Museum in Walnut Ridge, the reunion is dedication to all former personnel, both military and civilian, of the airfield. A variety of activities will be held throughout the two days, including tours, a memorial service and a silent auction. 

Lyon College in Batesville hosts the 35th annual Arkansas Scottish Festival on April 11-13. Originally named the Ozark Scottish Festival, the festival celebrates the college’s Presbyterian and Scottish roots and has become known as one of the premier Scottish festivals in the South. Activities include a Celtic concert, the Parade of Clans and Bands, competitions for pipe bands and individual bagpipers, sheepdog demonstrations, Scottish food, Celtic music, and a traditional feast and Ceilidh on Saturday night. 

Stuttgart celebrates the town’s early settlers during the 7th annual German Heritage Festival on April 12. You’ll find a bratwurst cook-off, children’s old fashion games, a 5K run/walk, Germanic beer and wine tastings, brats and beer, live polka music, and a variety of arts and crafts and food and beverage vendors. 

Head to West Memphis on April 19 for the sights, smells and sounds of the 11th annual Gumbo Fest. Teams will be cooking throughout the day and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get a chance to taste-test food from the variety of cooking categories, including gumbo, chicken wings and “anything but.” Spend the afternoon and evening enjoying great food and live music. The event is held in the parking area of the Holiday Plaza Mall. 

Motorcycles and music take over Cherry Street during the annual Wild Hog Musicfest and Motorcycle Rally on April 24-27 in historic downtown Helena. The event features food and merchandise vendors, a motorcycle parade, a poker run, field events, Ms. Wild Hog contest, and music, music, music! Mustang Sally, All My Rowdy Friends (Hank Williams Jr. tribute band), Big Gun (AC/DC tribute band), Down to 5, Geneva, Pulse and Don Ray are all scheduled to perform.