September's Travelin’ the Ozarks: Events Taking Place During September


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


Tweet line: Check out September Events in the Arkansas Ozarks: http://ow.ly/2s5X9

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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The City of Eureka Springs offers free music in Basin Spring Park throughout the month of September. Weather permitting, the concerts are scheduled for Monday through Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Basin Park is located on Spring Street in the historic downtown. Visit www.eurekasprings.org or call 866-947-4387 for details.

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Music fills the air in Eureka Springs during two banjo events. The first one is a banjo rally on Sept. 1 at Bear Mountain Log Cabins and Riding Stables. Bring your own banjo and join in the fun, or just attend and listen. Admission is free. For more information visit www.eurekasprings.org or phone 800-805-8005.

Then on Sept. 3-4 the 34th annual Banjo Rally International takes place at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks with an admission charge of $5 per day. Jam sessions and workshops are held each day and vendors offer deals on all things banjo. Call 937-207-9062 for more information on this event.

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The Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View offers numerous concerts throughout the year. During September there will be two celebrity concerts and an annual tribute to Grandpa Jones.

Sept. 3 is The Celebrity Concert with Sam Bush. Tickets are $15. Marty Stuart will play Sept. 4 at a ticket price of $20. Take advantage of the combination ticket and enjoy both concerts at one low price of $30. The park offers Tribute to Grandpa Jones concerts that weekend as well. Both nights feature the special celebrity concert, along with Ramona Jones and the Jones Family Band. A Sunday Gospel Concert is set for Sept. 5.

To order tickets online go to https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/ofc-tickets/. The park has hotel-style rooms at its Dry Creek Lodge. Call 870-269-3851 or visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com for more information.

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Celebrate the history of the White River during White River Days on Sept. 3-6 at Bull Shoals-White River State Park in Bull Shoals. The weekend's events focus on the ecology, history, and prehistory of this beautiful area. Explore the river on guided canoe, kayak, and johnboat floats. Contact the park at 870-445-3629 for a detailed schedule. Admission is free, except for the float trips and river cruises.

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In 1923 Petit Jean near Morrilton became the first state park in Arkansas thanks to the efforts of Dr. T.W. Hardison. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) laid the foundation for the park as we know it today. Petit Jean Founders Day will be celebrated at the park Sept. 4. Join the staff for family-friendly activities and programs that help celebrate the founding. Call 501-727-5441 for a program schedule. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.petitjeanstatepark.com.

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Join the staff of Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas on Sept. 4 for the Great Arkansas Cleanup. Volunteers are urged to head to the park and help make the area trash-free. Refreshments will be provided. Take time to help make your Arkansas State Park a better place to visit! For details, contact the park at 870-892-4708.

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Enter your pre-1990 car or truck, or just wander among these classics at the 27th annual Antique & Classic Car Show on Sept. 4 in Mammoth Spring. The gates open at 9 a.m. and judging starts at 11 a.m. Prizes are awarded for "Longest Distance Traveled," "People's Choice," and "Best of Show." The entry fee is $20 for participants and free for spectators. Call 870-625-7364 for more information.

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The 59th annual Clothesline Fair is Sept. 4-6 at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove. Explore more than 200 craft booths with artisans demonstrating and selling their wares. Living history, musical entertainment, and square dancing are intrinsic parts of this celebration. Refreshments are available through the Prairie Grove Lions Club and other local non-profit vendors. Runners, help kickoff the fair with the 1-mile Yankee Dash/Walk followed by the 5K Battlefield Run. The event is free, but the parking fee is $5 per vehicle. There is also a cost to participate in the walk or run. Call 479-846-2990 for information on the fair and 479-267-5000 for details on the 5K.

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Celebrate the "good ol' days" at the 5th annual Diamond City Festival Sept. 10-11. The event’s numerous offerings include a quilting competition, arts and crafts, pooches on parade, car and bike show, dunk tank, and more. Kids have fun hunting for money in straw. Festivities begin with a barbecue dinner followed by the Cody Slaughter “Elvis” Show. There is no admission charge to the festival, but there is a cost for some events. Visit www.diamondcitychamber.com or call 870-422-7575 for more information.

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Enjoy a beautiful drive and yard sales galore during the Heavenly Highways Yard Sale on Sept. 10-11 in the Calico Rock area. Yard sales will take place from Salesville, down Ark. 5 to Norfork, Calico Rock and Mountain View. There will also be sales on Ark. 56 east to Ark. 223 to Ark. 177 from Calico Rock to Pineville. Visit www.calicorock.us or call 870-297-4129 for details.

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The 15th annual Arkansas State Hot Air Balloon Championship is Sept. 10-12 in Harrison. As always, the festival kicks off the first night with more than 20 balloons tethered to the ground for the balloon glow. The event includes several balloon races throughout the weekend. Tethered rides are $5 per person. It takes place at the junior high soccer complex. Visit www.arkansasballoonfest.com or call 870-741-2659 for details.

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See the 19th annual Tired Iron of the Ozarks Fall Show on Sept. 10-12 in Gentry. The event features exhibitions of old-time sawmilling and blacksmithing, hit and miss engines, plowing, baling, and home-related antiques. RV parking with electricity and water hookups is available by calling 479-524-0450. There are food concessions. The event is held at 13344 Taylor Orchard Road. Visit tiredironoftheozarks.org or call 479-736-2841 for details.

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Greers Ferry Lake/Little Red River Cleanup is set for Sept. 11 at Narrows Park in Greers Ferry. The annual cleanup has six objectives: reduce and remove litter by volunteer effort, involve as many people from around the state as possible, be an educational program, instill the public with a since of pride and ownership of the nation's public lands and waters, promote the recycling of resources, and provide a model for other cleanup programs. The program is designed to make the public aware of the need and responsibility everyone shares for the responsible use and care for public property. For more information visit www.greersferrylake.org or call 501-362-2416.

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Hundreds of vintage classics compete for prizes and trophies during the 40th annual Eureka Springs Antique Automobile Festival on Sept. 10-12. The event includes a parade of vehicles on Sept. 11. A re-enactment of a 1922 bank robbery follows the parade. Activities take place all around town and admission is free. Visit www.eurekaspringschamber.com or call 866-947-4387 for more information.

On Sept. 16-19 Eureka Springs hosts Scooting the Ozarks. This rally welcomes riders of all scooters, from mopeds to maxi to vintage to modern. Visit www.scoottheozarks.proboards.com or call 715-574-7099 for details.

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Eureka Springs’ annual Wood Carvers Jamboree is set for Sept. 11-12 at Pine Mountain Village on U.S. 62. Watch wood carvers in action from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Visit www.eurekasprings.org or call 918-251-8734 for details.

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Eureka Springs School of the Arts Fall Workshops take place in September at its facility located on U.S. 62 West in Eureka Springs. Classes offered on Sept. 10-12 are Block Printing, taught by Jack Miller; Silk Dying, taught by Valerie Doran Bashaw; and Wood Turning, taught by Greg Thomas. On Sept. 16-18 workshops are: Basic Chair Slipcovering, taught by Mary Tait; and Beading, taught by Eleanor Lux. Register online at www.esartschool.org or call 479-253-5384.

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Volunteer your time to make Jacksonport State Park in Newport a better, cleaner place to visit. The park takes part in the Great Arkansas Cleanup on Sept. 11. The event is a great service project for scouts, church groups, families and individuals. Those participating will receive a free t-shirt and picnic lunch. To learn more, phone the park at 870-523-2143.

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The 33rd annual Ozark Quilt Fair takes place Sept. 11 at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale. New and antique quilts are for show and sale. The event is free to spectators and $10 for exhibitors.

This award-winning museum tells the story of the Arkansas Ozark region through exhibits and programs. It contains a modern exhibit hall and seven historic buildings on landscaped grounds. Self-guided tours and special tours are available. Visit www.springdalear.gov/shiloh or call 479-750-8165 for more information.

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Cooks from all over Arkansas and surrounding states compete for the title of "Arkansas' Best Chili" at the Arkansas State Championship Hillbilly Chili Cook-Off on Sept. 11 in Bull Shoals. Event-goers can taste the chili and visit vendor booths as the cooks turn up the heat. Co-sponsored by the Bull Shoals-Lakeview Rotary Club, the event takes place at the Bull Shoals-White River State Park. Admission is $3 with children under 12 admitted free. Call 870-445-3629 for more information.

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Look to the skies on Sept. 11 during a Star Party at Withrow Springs State Park in Huntsville. Join park staff and members of the Astronomical Society of Northwest Arkansas for a star gazing session. Learn about the different stars, constellations, and planets that make up the night sky. Telescopes will be available for viewing, but you are welcome to bring your own. Binoculars are also helpful. Dress for the weather and be sure to bring a lawn chair. If the evening skies are cloudy or it is raining, the event will be canceled. The free event takes place at the Crossbow Pavilion. Call 479-559-2593 for details.

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The Kensett Heritage Festival takes place on Sept. 11. Held in downtown Kensett, the day kicks off with a parade, followed by live music throughout the day, a silent auction, food vendors and a variety of arts and crafts. For more information, phone 501-742-5723.

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The 30th annual Maynard Pioneer Days is slated for Sept. 15-18 in Maynard. Held at the town's Pioneer Park, the event features entertainment, live music, great food, a craft fair and a pioneer dress contest. Make sure and stop by the Pioneer Museum for a glimpse of life during the late 1800s. The 87th annual Old Folks Singing, featuring live gospel music, will be held on Sept. 19 at the Maynard Methodist Church. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and also features a potluck luncheon. For more information call 870-647-8013.

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The 9th annual Off the Beaten Path Studio Tour in Mountain View is set for Sept. 17-19. It is a free, self-guided driving tour of the private working studios of area artists and crafts artisans located within 30 miles of the courthouse square. Visitors are given a program which contains maps and directions to each of the venues along with information about each of the participating artists. There will be 30 studios on the tour this year including seven new ones.

As they travel “off the beaten path” in the scenic Ozark Mountains, visitors receive a rare glimpse into the creative spaces where the artists craft their baskets, paintings, pottery, stained glass, candles, weaving, photographs, and more. The public can also purchase an original piece of art or fine craft directly from the artisan. Tour hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. Visit www.offthebeatenpathstudiotour.com or call 870-269-4103 for details.

Also this weekend is the Chuck Wagon Cook-off, where event-goers can see historic wagons from the trail brought to life, and enjoy an authentic chuck wagon meal. It takes place at the Stone County Fairgrounds. Call 870-269-8068 for more information.

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The Ozark Mountain Artists Studio Tour on Sept. 17-19 takes place in Newton County along Scenic Ark. 7 through Jasper to Ark. 74 to Ponca and the Boxley area then back towards Harrison. The tour is offered each day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Most artists serve refreshments. Restaurants in Jasper offer box lunches. Visit www.ozarkmountainartists.com for information on individual artists and tour maps.

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Enjoy an Air Show on Sept. 17-19 in Cherokee Village. Featured are the Greg Koontz Airshows Aerobatics and Comedy Acts, and the Spring River R/C Model Club. Activities include a breakfast each morning, food vendors, and airplane rides. The event takes place at 20 Airport Lane, and admission is free. Call 870-257-2286 for details.

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Music In The Mountains will ring out on Sept. 18 in Horseshoe Bend. This music and variety show is held the third Saturday of each month at the Horseshoe Bend Theatre. There is no admission charge but donations are accepted. Concessions are available. Visit www.myspace.com/musicinthemountainshsb or call 870-373-3303 for more information.

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September 18 is the date for the 17th annual Beebe Fall Fest in Beebe. The outdoor festival is held downtown and features food vendors, arts and crafts booths and live entertainment throughout the day. To learn more, phone 870-882-6295.

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Dutch oven cooking is not only a great way to enjoy the great outdoors…it’s a way to make tasty baked treats for friends and family. Learn to make everything from biscuits to blueberry loaves to chocolate upside-down cake at Baking Bonanza: Dutch Oven workshop at Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas on Sept. 18. You’ll also learn how to maintain and clean the oven, preserving it for decades to come. The cost of the workshop is $40. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 for information.

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For those who like fly fishing, a Hook and Hackle program is offered Sept. 18 at Bull Shoals-White River State Park in Lakeview. Participants can learn from the best as demonstrations of the age-old art of fly tying are conducted by the park’s fly tying experts. The free class takes place at the park’s James A. Gaston Visitor Center. Call 870-445-3629 for details.

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During the 19th century, cooking was an entirely different experience. There were no electric or gas stoves to cook the family dinner. Learn how our ancestors fed their families at the Victorian Dutch Oven workshop at Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan on Sept. 18. Participants will learn to make several Victorian recipes during the workshop. To reserve a space or to get specific information, contact Powhatan Historic State Park at 870-878-6765.

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Learn a variety of dances from the mid-19th century as Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan offers a Historic Dance workshop on Sept. 18. Spend the evening dancing favorites as the Virginia reel and the patti-cake polka. The cost for the class is $5 and is limited to 30 participants. To register or get more information, phone 870-878-6765.

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The 24th annual Cane Hill Harvest Festival is Sept. 18-19 on the grounds of Cane Hill College near Prairie Grove. Activities include bluegrass and gospel music, arts and crafts booths, an all-you-can-eat country breakfast, sorghum making, children activities, quilt show, parade, and more. The event and parking are free. Call 479-848-0137 for details.

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The official senior tour of the Ladies Professional Golf Association will hold its 3rd annual charity social event, golf clinic, and pro-am in Horseshoe Bend on Sept. 18-19. The Horseshoe Bend LPGA Legends Invitational takes place at The Golf Course on Turkey Mountain. Legends of the LPGA will be the honored guests for this weekend event. Visit www.turkeymtngc.com or call 870-670-5252.

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The Museum of Automobiles will hold its 13th annual Fall Swap Meet on Sept. 22-25 at its location on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton. Classic and vintage vehicles from all over the region will be on display. Vehicle parts and other automobile related items will also be available for sale or swap. Call the museum at 501-727-5427 for more information.

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Area artists open their private studios to the public for three days, Sept. 24-26, during the 5th annual Eureka Springs Artists Studio Tour. The free, self-guided tour allows for the public to watch demonstrations and interact with the artists in their working environment. Artwork on exhibit and for sale includes original paintings and prints, pottery, fiber art, musical instruments, jewelry, and found object art. Visit www.eurekaspringsstudiotour.com or call 479-363-9402 for details.

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Downtown Newport is the location of the 13th annual Depot Days Festival on Sept. 25. This year’s offerings include arts and crafts, games and activities for kids, magic shows, and live music throughout the day, with scheduled performances by Sonny Burgess & the Legendary Pacers, Ace Cannon, and Ronnie McDowell. Visit www.NewportARChamber.org or call 870-523-3618 for more information.

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Whether a kid or a kid at heart, you’ll enjoy Historic Games Day at Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan on Sept. 25. Held in conjunction with Take a Child Outside Week, the event features games played by all ages from the Victorian era to present day, ranging from sack races to marbles to horseshoes to jump rope. Bring the family, a picnic lunch and your lawn chairs and spend the day playing games of yesteryear and today. Call Powhatan Historic State Park at 870-878-6765 for details.

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Arkansas’ largest state park will celebrate National Public Lands Day on Sept. 25. Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area in Rogers will offer several activities throughout the day, including guided hikes, backpacking demonstrations, Beaver Lake discovery cruises, crafts, scavenger hunts, and other programs. Contact the park at 479-789-5000 for further details on this free event.

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Getting Started With Fly-Fishing on Sept. 25 is a program offered by Mammoth Spring State Park in Mammoth Spring. Spend a couple of hours learning the terms, equipment, and techniques of fly-fishing from a local fishing guide. Space is limited so reservations are required by Sept. 18. The cost of the class is $20. Call 870-625-7364 for details.

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Mountain View’s Arkansas Fiddle Championship takes place Sept. 25-26 at the Ozark Folk Center State Park. See and hear the best fiddlers compete for bragging rights in senior, junior and open divisions. Contests start in the afternoon and run until the evening show time. The judges are the special performing guests on the show each night. Contact the park at 870-269-3851 for further details. Visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com for more information on the park and lodging.

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The Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville invites home school students from throughout the region to participate in the museum’s Fall Home School Day on Sept. 27. Hands-on activities, demonstrations, craft projects and games offered during the event are designed to introduce students to Arkansas history. Reservations are required. Visit www.OIRM.org or phone 870-793-2121 to learn more.

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Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-7606
E-mail: info@arkansas.com

May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:
"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"

Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-7606
E-mail: info@arkansas.com

May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:
"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"