May Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks

Jill M. Rohrbach and Kimberly J. Williams, travel writers
Arkansas Tourism

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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: [email protected] or 501-682-7606.
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Lanterns light up Eureka Springs during the town’s Grand Illumination May 1-31. This unique Victorian town nestled high in the Ozark Mountains will be aglow with thousands of Japanese and Chinese paper lanterns adorning the facades of historic downtown buildings and the porches of many of the grand Victorian homes throughout the village.

Part of Eureka’s May Festival of the Arts celebration, the Illumination kicks off with an Upstairs Downtown Tour & Taste from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 1. The event highlights the interior design and architecture of historic homes. Each location hosts an area restaurant serving one of its specialties. Tickets are $20.

After the tour, join Eureka Springs in the Lighting of Basin Spring Park at The Grand Luminary from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The park will be alive with music, performances, the awarding of the lantern displays, and the honoring of this year’s Grand Luminary.

Visit www.eurekaspringsgrandillumination.com/ or call 479-244-5074 for details.

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Experience the life of a pioneer child and their playthings when Jacksonport State Park in Newport hosts Wooden Toys on May 1. Play with some of the favored games and trinkets from the 1800s, including a buzzsaw, ball and cup, and rolling hoops.

Also offered at the park on May 1 is Ants, Ladybugs and Butterflies.Participants learn about the insects' habits and life cycles and also make some colorful insect rubbings to take home.

For more information on either event, contact Jacksonport State Park at 870-523-2143.

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First Thursday on the Downtown Square is a popular evening of arts and culture in Fayetteville. The May eventtakes place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the 5th. Participating galleries and art-related locales offer free access to visual and performing art in a fun and social environment. First Thursday venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists’ receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities. In addition, the square comes alive with performances and interactive exhibits. Visit www.firstthursdayfayetteville.com/ or call 479-521-5776 for details.

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The 34th annual Joe Martin Stage Race gets underway on May 5 and ends on May 8 in Fayetteville. The race is a nationally contested cycling race comprised of a four-day, four-event professional and a two-day, three-event amateur race. It is ranked among the top 10 races on the National Racing Calendar, which is the pro and elite amateur cycling tour in the United States. Visit www.joemartinstagerace.com/ or call 479-521-7766 for more information.

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Celebrate the history of Pocahontas and Randolph County during Founders Day on May 6-7. Events include a barbecue cook-off, live music, living historians and a pink tea. For detailed information visit www.seerandolphcounty.com/ or phone 870-758-1875 or 870-892-0254.

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Part of the northwest Arkansas spring arts and crafts fair weekend, Art on the Creek in Bella Vista takes place May 6-7. Regional arts and crafts and food will be for sale. The event is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the corner of Ark. 71 and McNelley Road. Admission is free. Visit www.bellavistafestival.org/ or call 479-855-2064 for more information.

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The Spanker Creek Farm Arts & Craft Fair in Bentonville runs May 6-8. Regional artists and craftspeople will display and sell their wares. This is one of many fairs open during the annual spring arts and crafts event in northwest Arkansas. Admission is free. Call 479-685-5655 for details.

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The War Eagle Mill Crafts & Culinary Arts Fair on May 6-8 brings a gathering of national artists and craftsmen to the historic mill to sell their handmade items and demonstrate their skills. Artisan food vendors are also on hand for tasting and cooking demos. Step inside the Mill to shop for locally crafted items, and try food samples made from organic grains and mixes. Fair admission is free, but parking is $3. Call 866-492-7324 or visit www.wareaglemill.com/ for more information.

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The 29th annual Fair on the Square takes place in the unique community of Kingston on May 7. Events include a parade, live music all day, craft booths, food, door prize drawings, a Dutch oven cook-off, children's activities, a clown and more. Admission is free. Call 870-420-3731 for more information.

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Pioneer Day in Melbourne celebrates its 60th year on May 7. Festivities include a parade, street dance, rodeo, music, and games. All activities take place on the court square, except the rodeo, which is held at the Izard County Fairgrounds. Visit www.mymelbournearkansas.com/ or call 870-368-4215 for details.

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Fayetteville’s 3rd annual Spring Craft Extravaganza takes place May 7 on Center Street and around the town square. Artisans of the Fayetteville Farmers Market sell juried fine art and handcrafted items. All items at the market are produced locally. Some artists offer on-site demonstrations of their craft. The open-air market runs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free. Visit www.fayettevillefarmersmarket.org/ or call 479-236-2910 for details.

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The North Arkansas Woodcarvers 32nd annual Woodcarvers Show and Sale features whittlers, woodcarvers, wood turners, vendors, judged competitions, demonstrations, and a carving contest. One of the largest shows in the area, it takes place May 7-8 at the Baxter County Fairgrounds in Mountain Home. Participants are from all levels – novice to professional. Admission is free. Visit www.northarkansaswoodcarvers.org/ or call 870-431-8070 for more information.

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Civil War in the Ozarks: Facts and Fascination is a one-day event detailing the history of the Civil War on the battlefields and on the home-front, which were often the same. This May 12 event at the Basin Park Hotel in Eureka Springs also explores how and why this era continues to be of such interest today. The program includes lectures, dramatic performances, walks, readings and panel discussions. A reception at the Eureka Springs Historical Museum will follow the symposium. The cost is $15, which includes the reception and publication produced specifically for this event. Visit www.eurekaspringsdowntown.com/ or call 479-244-5074 for details.

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Head to Mountain View May 13-14 for the 9th annual Ozark Volkswagon Festival. The event is a car show and swap meet that is fun for VW owners as well as those who just want to view the cars. Festivities include prizes, trophies and music. The event is held at Taylor’s sons of the Ozarks. Phone 870-269-8068 for more information.

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Join Old Independence Regional Museum in celebrating the arrival of Spring at the annual Spring Family Day Event on Saturday, May 14, in Batesville. Festivities include historic hands-on activities, demonstrations, and games designed to celebrate the season as well as Arkansas heritage. Admission is free. Visit www.oirm.org/ or call 870-793-2121 for more information.

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Diamond B Mall in Horseshoe Bend is the place to beMay 14 to enjoy the annual Dogwood Days Festival. The town’s celebration of dogwoods in bloom has been going on for a quarter of a century. Festivities include craft vendors, food vendors, games for kids, a pet pageant, and great music. Visit www.horseshoebendarcc.com/ or call 870-670-5008 for details.

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Saturday, May 14, will be loads of fun in Springdale if you like to watch destruction. The 6th annual Ozark Demolition Derby Spring Challenge gets underway at Parson Stadium, located at 1423 E. Emma Ave. In this event, drivers face off in heat competition vying for prizes and bragging rights. Admission is $12 for adults and $7 for children. Visit http://parsonsstadium.com/ or call 479-756-0464 for details.

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Take a Guided Kayak Tour on May 14 at Lake Charles State Park in Powhatan. Join a park interpreter and glide across the waters of Lake Charles.This easy trip is perfect for beginners, but the setting will appeal to any paddler. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. Call 870-878-6595 for more information.

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The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program offers a Walks through History tour series that features sites or districts around Arkansas each month. On Saturday, May 14, an AHPP historian delivers a lecture about properties while leading guests on a walking tour of the Siloam Springs downtown historic district. The free tour begins at 11 a.m. and lasts between one and two hours. Meet at the American Legion Community Hall at 110 N. Mount Olive. Visit www.arkansaspreservation.com/ or call 501-324-9880 for additional information.

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Arkansas Territorial School Days takes place May 18-20 in Pocahontas. Territorial Arkansas was not for the faint of heart. Bring your students out to Davidsonville Historic State Park for this special school event to learn what brought early frontiersman to Arkansas. Living history characters, games, and other programs are sure to make this an Arkansas history lesson your students will not soon forget. Space is limited; register early. Admission is free. Call 870-892-4708 for details.

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For the first time, the town of Cotter will hold White River Artists Plein Air. The event is a Plein Air competition open to all. It takes place May 19-21 at Cotter City Park on the banks of the White River. Plein Air is a word adapted from the French expression En plein air, which means “in the open air,” and is particularly used to describe the act of painting outdoors. Call 870-424-0151 for more information about this competition.

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The Art Odyssey, an artist’s studio tour, is a new offering set for May 20-21 in Mountain Home. Approximately 40 artists in Baxter and Marion counties were judged and 22 were selected to participate. The studio tours take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is offered during the same weekend of the 25th anniversary of the Bass Cat Owners Invitation Tournament, giving the 600 anglers, spouses and their families opportunities to explore the beautiful Mountain Home area and discover local artists works.

Coordinated by the Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce and The Baxter County Library, the event is planned to be an annual art extravaganza. For more information call The Mountain Home Chamber of Commerce 870-425-5111.

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Harrison celebrates on May 20-21with the 21st annual Crawdad Days Music Festival, which offers something for the entire family. Activities include free concerts, vendors selling their wares, car show, carnival, burnout competition, cardboard boat race, fishing derby, horseshoe tournament, and more. The action takes place at Lake Harrison. Admission is free. Visit www.harrison-chamber.com/ or call 870-741-2659 for details.

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For the third year in a row, Mulberry Mountain Lodging and Events in Ozark is throwing a Star Party. The Arkansas/Oklahoma Astronomy Society will conduct the event on May 20-22. Society members will bring telescopes to share, but anyone attending can bring their own. Attendees can buy, sell, or trade astronomical items during a swap meet on May 21. Visit www.aoas.org/ or call 479-782-1131 for details.

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Sugarloaf Heritage Day is May 21 in Heber Springs, home to the Little Red River. During the celebration there will be a presentation about how Sugarloaf Mountain and the surrounding valley were formed. Other activities include inflatable bounce rides, face painting, and guided hikes up the trail and climbs to the summit of Sugarloaf. A slide show on a large projector will display period photographs dating from the turn of the century. The event takes placed on the Arkansas State University – Heber Springs Campus. Admission is free. Visit www.sugarloafheritagecouncil.org/Sugarloaf_Heritage_Council/Home.html or call 501-362-1966 for details.

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Going 62 years strong, the annual Fulton County Homecoming Festival on May 27-28 brings loads of fun to the Salem courthouse square. Activities include a street dance, fish fry, open street market, food, 5K Run, Squirt Race, horseshoe pitching, parade, terrapin race, and music. Admission is free. Visit www.salemar.com/ or call 870-895-5565 for details.

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The City of Marshall’s Buffalo River Spring Fling on May 27-29 is packed with activities. The Fling offers a 5K and 10K walk/run, 2K dog walk, dog show, classic cars and motorcycle cruise, art in the park, handmade crafts fair, gun show, hillbilly skeet shoot, memorial church service, music, and food. It takes place at various sites throughout Searcy County, and admission is free. Visit http://searcycountyarkansas.org/ or call 870-448-4758 for more information.

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Memorial Day weekend is a great time for cookouts and camping. It’s also a great time to enjoy various programs, like owl prowls, star gazing, black powder demonstrations, and historic town site tours at Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas. Activities take place May 27-30. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 for a complete program schedule.

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The 25th annual Randolph County Old Fashioned Plowing Demonstration is planned in Birdell (near Pocahontas) on May 28. The day features plowing demonstrations, live music, old farming equipment, corn grinding, fishing and horse demonstrations. For more information contact Donald Waterworth at 870-378-0285.

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An Artillery Demonstration program is set for May 29 in Powhatan. In honor of Memorial Day, which was created to honor those who died during the Civil War, park staff will be firing an authentic Civil War cannon in this demonstration. Volunteers from the audience will participate in laying the gun while park staff tells the story of Civil War artillery. Admission is free. Call 870-878-6595 for details.