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

Kerry Kraus, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

Tweet line: Check out September Events in Central Arkansas: http://ow.ly/2pdmy

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.

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What is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is the Ford Tri-Motor Tour Stop scheduled for Sep. 2-6 in North Little Rock. A beautifully restored 1929 Ford Tri-Motor Airliner owned by the Experimental Aircraft Association is on display at the North Little Rock Municipal Airport. The craft was the world’s first mass-produced airliner. During the plane’s stop in North Little Rock, visitors can take a ride on the vintage aircraft. Flights are $50 for Experimental Aircraft Association members and $60 for non-members. Visit www.flytheford.org to learn the fascinating history of the plane. For more information contact Doug McDowall by e-mailing dougmcdowall@msn.com or by phoning 501-758-1668. The airport is located at 8230 Remount Road.

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The first Arkansas Razorback football game of the season in Little Rock is Saturday, Sept. 11. A great way to gear up and benefit a good organization is by attending the 2nd annual Hogs for a Cause Ultimate Tailgate Party on Friday, Sept. 10 at The Greens at North Hills. The evening features a barbecue dinner with beverages, both silent and live auctions, and music and dancing. Door prizes and raffles are also slated. Proceeds from the party benefit Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event site is located at 7400 Hwy. 107 in Sherwood. Visit www.aeddinc.org to order tickets online. More information can be obtained from Debbie Grooms by e-mailing debbie.grooms@aeddinc.org or calling 501-666-0246.

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Some of the coolest things on wheels are showcased at the 22nd annual Street Machine Nationals Sept. 10-12. Over 1,000 hot rods, street machines and trucks descend upon the River Market Pavilions and Riverfront Park in downtown Little Rock. This free family-friendly gathering includes a pro-judged Show-N-Shine competition with over 40 awards, a dyno challenge, a burnout competition, the Miss Street Machine Nationals contest, and a performance marketplace. Additional activities include a family fun zone and live music. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information contact Carol Dolan by e-mail at cdolan@littlerock.com or by phone at 501-370-3201. Visit www.cruisinlittlerock.com for additional details.

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Discover what was on the menu for prehistoric Native Americans during the Native Foods event at Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park at Scott. According to park personnel, American Indians ate many of the same items we eat today. A park interpreter explains the traditional foods eaten by many Native Americans then visitors sample a variety of dishes. The park is located at 490 Toltec Mounds Road. E-mail toltecmounds@arkansas.com or phone 501-961-9442 for more information.

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

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Jacksonville is providing an opportunity to do something nice for your four-legged friend with a Doggie Swim at Splash Zone on Sept. 11. For one day only, the water park goes to the dogs. Canines and those who love them are welcome to paddle around the pools and soak up some sun. All proceeds to benefit the Jacksonville Dog Park. Splash Zone is located at 201 W. Martin. For more information e-mail mjackson@cityofjacksonville.net or call 501-982-4171.

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You can experience Native American traditions on Sept. 11 by attending the 3rd Annual Arkansas Cherokee Nation Powwow at Pickles Gap Village. Visitors can watch dances and talk with members of various tribes. Purpose of the event, which is co-hosted by the Apache Nation of Oklahoma and the Arkansas Cherokee Nation, is to promote the culture and history of American Indians. In case of rain, the event moves to the Faulkner County Fairgrounds located off U.S. 64 east in Conway. Pickles Gap Village is located at 315 Hwy. 65 North in Conway. Admission is $2 for adults, ages six and under admitted free. Contact Jennifer Hurst by e-mailing arkansascherokee@conwaycorp.net or calling 501-358-4322 for more information.

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At the time of their invention, stationary gasoline engines, two-cylinder tractors and other farm equipment were considered modern marvels. Discover just how far industrialization has come by attending the annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show, Sept. 11 at Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park. Examples of these and additional vintage farm implements are spread throughout the museum grounds in Scott. Antique tractor and engine enthusiasts are on-hand to discuss their prized equipment. Tractor parades takes place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Anyone with a pre-1960 tractor or engine is invited to join in the show. Admission to the outdoor events is free; the regular entrance fee to the museum of $3 for adults, $2 ages 6-12 applies. The state park is located at the junction of U.S. 165 and Ark. 161 in Scott, approximately 20 miles southeast of Little Rock. More information is obtainable by e-mailing plantationagrimuseum@arkansas.com or calling 501-961-1409.

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The gorgeous grounds of Wildwood Park for the Arts provide the perfect backdrop for the Wine and Food Festival, Sept. 17. Grape stompers and roaming musicians create a wine country ambience for guests as they wander through the gardens. Over 150 specially selected wines and creations from area chefs and restaurants highlight the evening. Participating eateries include Lulav, 1620, Forty Two, Ferneau, Acadia, Boulevard Bread, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, and Blue Cake Company. A silent auction and a cork pull are other activities. Hours are 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and tickets are $75 each with discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Visit https://tickets.wildwoodpark.org/ to order. Wildwood Park is located at 20919 Denny Road in west Little Rock. For more details phone 501-821-7275.

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Arkansas’s version of Iron Chef, the 7th Annual Arkansas Chef's Culinary Classic, is Sept. 21 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. A who’s who of Arkansas chefs compete in the soup/salad, appetizer, dessert and entree categories of this cook-off. Judging begins at 4:30 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Also taking place are a special wine tasting event, silent auction and party. Admission is $45.

The culinary competition kicks off the 66th annual Arkansas Hospitality Association Convention and Trade Show, which is Sept. 22 and 23, also at the convention center. The latest in hospitality industry products and services are showcased. Educational seminars and friendly yet lively games such as the bartending competition are also scheduled. The opportunity to sample some of the newest trends in food stuffs is available at the trade show, which is open to the public. Admission is $5. Contact Holly Heer by e-mailing holly@arhospitality.org or by calling 501-376-2323 for more information.

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The University of Central Arkansas Distinguished Lecture Series presents Inside Edition anchor Deborah Norville on Friday, Sept. 24. Norville, who graduated suma cum laude from the University of Georgia with a degree in journalism, has been a part of the syndicated newsmagazine since 1995. A two-time Emmy Award winner, Norville appears at Reynolds Performance Hall on the UCA campus at 201 Donaghey Avenue. Visit http://uca.edu.ticketforce.com/ to purchase the $15 tickets. For more information contact Jerry Biebesheimer by e-mail at jerryb@uca.edu or by phoning 501-450-3682.

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Pumpkin patches herald the fun that comes with fall. They bring out the kid in all of us. September 14 is opening day for Mary’s Place Pumpkin Patch in Bryant, with the season running through Nov. 6. Activities scheduled include hay rides, inflatables, a petting zoo, a tree house maze, haystacks, and more. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Adults admitted free with school groups. Evening times for church groups and private parties only are from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission is $7.50 per person and includes a large pumpkin to take home. Mary’s is located at 3705 Hwy. 5 North. More information is available by calling 501-847-3900.

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September 25 brings the 25th anniversary of Bryant’s Fall Fest. The family-friendly event features a car show, live music and entertainment, games, contests, crafts, a parade, business booths and a food court. Contests taking place include hot dog eating, fishing, baby crawl, hula hoop, archery, and the Biggest, Baddest ATV. An outdoor adventure area, Kidzland, and a Boy Scout's zipline are also on tap. The festival goes “green” with valet parking for bicycles. Location for all the festivities is Bishop Park on Boone Road in Bryant. For more information contact the Bryant Chamber of Commerce by phoning 501-847-4702.

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If you think “geocache” is something from a foreign country, then you need to sign up for Pinnacle Mountain State Park’s Geocache Event. Programs introduce participants to the basics of the popular electronic-aided scavenger hunt and explain the statewide geocache program offered by the Arkansas State Parks system. Details about geocaches found at Pinnacle are also included, accompanied by a special hunt just for the weekend. Pinnacle Mountain is located at 11901 Pinnacle Valley Road in Little Rock. E-mail pinnaclemountain@arkansas.com or call 501-868-5806 for more details.

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Schaefers' 6th Annual Corn Maze opens on Sept. 25 and continues through Oct. 31. You can experience the type of entertainment that only comes with the beginning of fall with scenic hayrides, hay and straw tunnels, horseshoes, sack races and hay bales climbing area. Two corn mazes, one large and one small, are on the grounds, along with a corn pit, a tricycle corral, and the corn maze express for small children. Bring a camera to take advantage of the special photo area. Concessions and covered picnic tables also available. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for those ages 60 and up, $5 for ages 6-12, $3 for ages 3-5, with ages two and under free. The kid's maze is $2.50, scenic hayrides are $3, train rides are $3. Special group rates available; admission is cash or check only. The farm is located at 863 Lollie Road in Mayflower. Visit www.schaeferscornmaze.com for more information or call 501-269-7903.

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Thousands of cyclists from around the country will congregate in Central Arkansas on Sept. 25 for the 5th Annual Big Dam Bridge 100, one of the largest cycling events in the state. The Wyndham Riverfront Hotel in downtown North Little Rock is where registration and packet pick-up take place, beginning Sept. 23. Tours of 16, 30, 50, 68 and 100 miles are offered for participants. All begin at 7:30 a.m. on LaHarpe Blvd. under the Broadway Bridge in Little Rock. A post-race party is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in North Little Rock. Visit www.BigDamBridge.org for more information and route maps; e-mail bigdambridge100@yahoo.com or call 870-246-6686. Entry fees depend on length of race and registration date.

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Three Phantoms in Concert doesn’t refer to a performance by ghosts on the University of Central Arkansas campus. It’s a concert featuring three artists who have played the coveted lead role in Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical “The Phantom of the Opera:” Craig Schulman, Brad Little and Gary Mauer. Combined, the three have appeared in 3,000 performances of the classic theatre production. The Sept. 28 concert, also featuring the Conway Symphony, includes selections from “The Phantom,” “Les Misérables,” “Miss Saigon,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Company,” “Kiss Me Kate,” “Most Happy Fella,” “The Secret Garden,” “Nine,” “Damn Yankees,” “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” and “Sweeney Todd.” This extraordinary experience takes place at Reynolds Performance Hall on the University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway. Tickets range from $10 to $40 and can be purchased on-line by going to http://uca.edu.ticketforce.com/ or calling 501-450-3682.