July's Travelin’ Central Arkansas: Events Taking Place During July

Kerry Kraus, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

Note to the Print and Broadcast Media:

In order to better serve your needs and to keep you from getting extremely long documents from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, we have decided to break down our Travelin’ Arkansas release into regions organized by date. This way you will be able to look only at the areas you are interested in covering. The territories covered in Travelin' Arkansas adhere to the six geographical regions found in the Arkansas Tour Guide. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: communications@arkansas.com or 501-682-7606.

Several Independence Day celebrations take place on July 3 in central Arkansas. The 33rd annual Maumelle Fourth Fest takes place around Lake Willastein. The festivities begin with a parade down Club Manor Drive. Events at the lake include carnival rides, food vendors and entertainment. Admission is free. For more information contact Maumelle Parks and Recreation by calling 501-851-6990.

Sherwood hosts the 11th annual 4th of July Family Celebration at Sherwood Forest from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. A patriotic tribute, entertainment and activities for children are scheduled. Free hot dogs and chips are served and fireworks are at 9 p.m. A free shuttle service runs from the Sylvan Hills High School parking lot at 484 Bear Paw Road. Call 501-835-6893 for additional information.

Lights Over the Lake is Conway’s salute to freedom beginning at 7 p.m. at Lake Beaverfork Park. Special guest artists Loose Ends perform and the Conway Symphony Orchestra presents a selection of patriotic music. Fireworks over the water end the concert. For more details on this free event call 501-269-1066.

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Little Rock’s Riverfest Amphitheatre in Riverfront Park is where the annual Pops on the River is held on July 4. A concert by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is the focus of the evening. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with the top five finalists of the “Oh, Say! Can You Sing” competition performing at 6:30 p.m. The Happy Tymes Jazz Band takes the stage at 7 p.m. followed by the symphony at 8:30 p.m. A huge fireworks display closes out the event at 9:30 p.m. Seating in the amphitheatre is limited and available on a first-come, first serve basis. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Food, soft drinks and beer are available; no coolers or pets allowed. Non-perishable food and monetary donations are collected on behalf of the Arkansas Foodbank Network. Visit www.arkansasonline.com/pops or call 501-378-3807 for additional information.

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Pinnacle Mountain State Park’s Fun on the Fourth is July 4 in the picnic area. Join the park interpreters for a day full of wet and wild games for the whole family. There will be watermelon seed spitting contests, water balloon volleyball, and relay races. A detailed schedule for the free event is available from the park by calling 501-868-5806.

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Adventure Day Camps are scheduled for two Arkansas State Parks: Woolly Hollow at Greenbrier and Toltec Mounds in Scott. July 6-8 are the dates the Woolly Hollow event that is for ages 10 to 12 and introduces them to the wonders of nature. Activities include the basic principles of biology, ecology, and conservation explores in entertaining formats. Participants are supervised by the park interpreter and trained volunteers. Early registration is strongly encouraged. The $75 fee covers all gear, materials and meals. Contact the park at 501-679-2098 for a registration for and additional information.

July 7-9, Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park holds its Adventure Day Camp. The event is for kids ages 8-12 who enjoy energetic outdoor adventures. The day campers participate in programs on animals and crafts, go canoeing, and play games. A side trip to Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Little Rock is also scheduled. Admission fee is $50 and includes lunch, drinks, and snacks. Reservations are required; advance payment is confirmation. Call the park at 501-961-9442 for more details.

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If you like exploring old homes then put the Sandwiching in History Tour of Matthews House, July 9 in North Little Rock, on your calendar. The 1928 modernistic Frank R. Carmean design blends International and Art Deco styles and is located at 406 Goshen Avenue. The structure became a part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. The tour begins at noon and lasts no more than one hour. Participants should bring a lunch. A brief introduction is given about the property and its history followed by a short tour. The event is free and open to the public. More information is available by calling 501-324-9880.

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North Little Rock is the site of the 33rd Annual Sizzle 'N Sweat Brewery Collectibles Show July 10. Brewery collectibles of all shapes, sizes and types are showcased in this buy/sell/trade show. The Shelby Smith Pavilion at Burns Park is the location for the show sponsored by the Ar-Can-Sas Brewery Collectibles Club. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit www.arbeerclub.com or phone 501-945-0042 for more information.

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Discover how our forefathers made the necessities of day-to-day living during Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park’s Homespun Day July 10. Over 100 years ago, the making of tools, utensils, and clothing was dependent on skilled craftsmen. Today, dedicated people still keep these arts alive. Demonstrations of spinning, weaving, and looming of cotton into cloth will take place inside the air-conditioned main museum. Admission $3 for adults, $2 for children ages five and up. The park is located at U.S. 165 and Ark. 161 in Scott. Call 501-961-1409 for additional details.

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Toltec Mounds State Park hosts an Archeology Lab Day on July 21 in Scott. Attendees take part in washing and numbering of artifacts found in central Arkansas. They also observe the park archeologist, Dr. Jane Anne Blakney-Bailey, at work and get to visit with her about what all her job entails. The free workshop is for ages 12 and up and reservations are required because space is limited. Call 501-961-9442 for additional information.

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July is a busy month for Pinnacle Mountain State Park in Little Rock. Three special events provide a wide variety of activities for every member of the family. The Adventure Overnight Camp is July 21-24 and offers a rare opportunity to stay overnight at this normally day-use-only park., The camp, designed for ages 11 through 13, features hands-on activities that introduce kids to the wonders of The Natural State. Participants explore forests, streams, ponds, mountains, and meadows, while having fun at the same time. The $150 advance payment confirms registration for the event. For more information call the state park at 501-868-5806.

Beginning July 23 and continuing through July 25 is the Hooray for Herps! Weekend. The event introduces visitors to this group of very misunderstood animals. Join park interpreters for hikes, crafts, games, and other programs about Arkansas' native reptiles and amphibians, including opportunities to see live animals up-close. Contact the park for a detailed program schedule by calling 501-868-5806.

Ruby Throats & Silver Bands is the July 31 event at Pinnacle. You’ll learn the answer to such questions as “what are those fast-moving birds the size of big bugs?” Participants explore the world of hummingbirds and see them banded for research then released. This is a great activity for families to connect with nature and participate in real hands-on scientific study. More information is available by calling the park at

Additional details on all these events can be obtained by calling the park, which is located at 19001 Pinnacle Valley Road in Little Rock, at 501-868-5806.

As of November 2022, Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park has been renamed Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park. For more information, click here.