Summer is almost here! If you’re looking to get out and enjoy the sunny season, perhaps taking in one of Arkansas’s summer festivals and events is what you’re looking for. The Natural State is home to festivals of all types and sizes, from low-key local gatherings to large musical performances. Here’s a list of some popular events you’ll find throughout the state.
Northwest Arkansas
Balloons Over Russellville – Russellville, Arkansas
May 5-7
Few things are as awe-inspiring as seeing the sky filled with colorful hot air balloons. Balloons Over Russellville is a lot of fun for the whole family. Anyone brave enough to give it a go can take a ride on a balloon, but the flights are limited, so be sure to sign up early. For those only a little brave, the festivals do offer tethered flights.
Peacemaker Festival – Fort Smith, Arkansas
July 28-29
Fans of music will find a lot to love at Peacemaker Festival. If you love Americana, rock, and/or indie country music, this is the place to be. There will be two days of live music on the riverfront as Harry E. Kelly Park plays host. Peacemaker Festival also supports children’s and festival artists charities, having raised over $750,000 at last year’s event.
Southwest Arkansas
Magnolia Blossom Festival & World Championship Steak Cook-Off – Magnolia, Arkansas
May 19-20
Held on the square in downtown Magnolia, the Magnolia Blossom Festival’s main event is the World Championship Steak Cook-off. Steak cooking teams participate in a morning parade before setting up their stations and cooking 2,000, 16-ounce ribeyes for the competition. $25 tickets include a steak, baked potato, salad, and a drink. The winning team goes home with $10,000.
47th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival – Hope, Arkansas
August 10-12
Hope, Arkansas is home to an epic annual bash described as a “seed-spitting good time.” The Hope Watermelon Festival has been held for nearly a century. Fruit and fun are enjoyed with events like a 5K race, the “Watermelon Idol” talent show, Watermelon Olympics, and a “Kidz Zone” all scheduled during the three-day festival.
Central Arkansas
Arkansas Country Music Awards – Conway, Arkansas
June 5
The best country music that Arkansas has to offer will be on display at the Arkansas Country Music Awards. “The Arkansas Country Music Awards, Inc. is a non-profit entity that honors legends, independent artists, and professionals. The highly anticipated annual red carpet event covers the current music scene, honoring legends, producers, independent artists, and more.” See a list of this year’s nominations and grab a ticket to see the ceremony live at Reynolds Performance Hall.
Southeast Arkansas
67th Annual Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival® – Warren, Arkansas
June 9-10
Pink tomatoes, a variety that ships well once the tops turn pink, have been a popular export of Bradley county farmers since the 1920s. Arkansans celebrate this popular fruit in one of the longest-running festivals in the state—the Pink Tomato Festival. This event packs a huge number of family friendly activities into every second weekend in June. Highlights include a parade, tomato eating contest, tomato packing contest, Miss Pink Tomato pageant, 5K, quilting contest, fair rides, fireworks, and a seriously competitive steak cook-off (with tomato appetizer).
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Spending the summer going festival to festival is a blast, and it shouldn’t come with any worries. That’s why Farm Bureau Insurance of Arkansas has you covered by offering high-quality and comprehensive car insurance. Use our Agent Finder and contact us today to get started.