☀️ The Ultimate Guide to Summer Events Across Arkansas (2025)

Whether you’re a lifelong Arkansan or just passing through, summer is the perfect time to explore all the incredible festivals, concerts, and family-friendly events this state has to offer. From quirky bathtub races to hot air balloon glows, this season is packed with unforgettable fun. Here's your complete guide to the best summer events across Arkansas!

🎉 Statewide Festivals & Highlights

World Championship Running of the Tubs – Hot Springs (June 7)

A uniquely Hot Springs tradition where teams push actual bathtubs down Bathhouse Row dressed in bath gear! It’s family-friendly, free, and full of laughs.

Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival – Warren (June 13–14)

One of the state’s longest-running traditions celebrates the iconic pink tomato with food, arts, crafts, live music, and a community parade.

Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival – Waldron (June 12–14)

Bluegrass fans, don’t miss one of the largest gatherings west of the Mississippi! Grab your lawn chair and settle in for high-energy mountain jams.

Arkansas Lavender Festival – Hot Springs (June 13–14)

Breathe in the relaxing scent of blooming lavender fields while browsing artisan vendors and enjoying lavender-inspired treats and drinks.

Lavaca Berry Festival – Lavaca (June 7)

Berryville Ice Cream Social – Berryville (June 13–14)

Strawberries, blueberries, and scoops galore—these charming local events are sweet summer celebrations of Arkansas produce.

Delta Arts Festival – Newport (June 6–7)

Arkansas Highland Games – Mt. Vernon (June 7–8)

From Celtic feats of strength to fine arts and crafts, these festivals offer a mix of cultural heritage and community fun.

Hot Springs Music Festival – Hot Springs (early June)

For two weeks, Hot Springs turns into a classical music haven with orchestras, chamber ensembles, and student performances throughout the National Park.

Toad Suck Daze – Conway (first weekend of May)

Though technically in late spring, this massive festival kicks off the season with carnival rides, local vendors, concerts, and yes—actual toad races.

Art in the Park – Hot Springs (Saturdays, June–August)

Live painting, sculpture, and art demos in the heart of Hot Springs National Park.

Little Rock Night Market – Downtown Little Rock (monthly, summer evenings)

An after-dark outdoor market with food trucks, DJs, indie vendors, and artisan pop-ups.

Ballet Arkansas “Movement in the Parks” – Various Parks Statewide (June–July) Free professional ballet performances in public parks, merging art and outdoor beauty.

River Market Live – Little Rock (Fridays, June–August)

Live local bands and food trucks at the River Market Pavilion. Great casual night out.

Magic Springs Dive-In Movies – Hot Springs (Fridays, June–July)

Watch family-friendly movies from the wave pool after sunset—a favorite for kids.

Lake Ouachita Fireworks & Boat Parade – July 4

One of the state’s most beautiful patriotic celebrations, best viewed from the water.

Great Arkansas Cleanup – Statewide (late August through fall)

Not an “event” in the traditional sense, but a meaningful way to connect with your community and keep the Natural State beautiful.

Pops on the River – Little Rock (late June or July)An outdoor symphony performance by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra with fireworks to cap off the night.

Movies in the Park – Little Rock Riverfront Amphitheater (Wednesdays, June–July) Free outdoor movie nights for families and couples alike—bring a blanket and popcorn!

Maumelle Bash on the Boulevard – July 4

Parade, bounce houses, food trucks, and fireworks—classic Americana fun.

Conway's Red, White & Blue Festival – Conway (early July)

Family-friendly with carnival rides, a car show, live music, and a firework finale.

🌆 Northwest Arkansas (NWA) Events

Bentonville BBQ Festival – Bentonville (May 31)

Savor smoky goodness from pitmasters around the country at The Momentary. A true kickoff to the NWA summer scene.

Mudtown Days – Lowell (June 6–7)

A family favorite with carnival rides, local food, vendors, and live music. A perfect weekend outing!

Bentonville Fashion Week – Bentonville (June 6–8)

Celebrate creativity and couture with local designers showcasing their collections at Thaden School.

Gulley Park Concert Series – Fayetteville (Thursdays, June 12–July 24)

Bring your blanket and enjoy free outdoor concerts every Thursday night (except July 3). It’s the perfect summer evening experience.

Bentonville First Friday & Fayetteville Sundays on the Square

Downtown celebrations with food trucks, art booths, live music, and family fun—great for a casual weekend hangout.

Railyard Live – Rogers (weekends, summer)

This vibrant summer concert series offers free live music under the stars at the Butterfield Stage.

Bentonville Film Festival – Bentonville (June 16–22)

Founded by Geena Davis, this week-long event includes film screenings, panels, and live events focused on inclusion in media.

Freedom Festival (Juneteenth) – Springdale (June 21)

Celebrate Juneteenth with music, culture, food, and community events for all ages.

Rodeo of the Ozarks – Springdale (June 25–28)

One of the state’s most iconic rodeos, featuring bull riding, parades, and family-friendly fun.

NWA Pride Weekend – Fayetteville (June 27–29)

Arkansas’s largest LGBTQ+ celebration features a vibrant parade, concerts (including drag star Adore Delano), and inclusive community events.

Tontitown Grape Festival – Tontitown (August 5–9)

Spaghetti dinners, grape stomping, carnival rides, and live music—this beloved Italian-American tradition is a must-visit.

Soar NWA Hot Air Balloon Festival – Bentonville (August 15–16)

Hot air balloons light up the sky alongside food trucks, music, and a festival atmosphere perfect for families.

🎶 Major Concerts & Music Festivals

Walmart AMP – Rogers

Arkansas’s biggest outdoor venue brings in major names all summer long. Highlights include:

• The Black Keys (June 8)

• GloRilla & Bailey Zimmerman (June 13–14)

• Goo Goo Dolls (June 19 & July 19)

• TobyMac (June 20), Def Leppard (June 23), Old Dominion (June 28)

• Jason Aldean, Little Big Town, Kansas, Alabama Shakes, Volbeat, and more through August.

Magic Springs Concert Series – Hot Springs

Enjoy a day at the water park and cap it off with a free summer concert:

• Phil Wickham (June 7)

• Clay Walker (June 14), Jesse McCartney (June 28), Skillet (July 26)

• Puddle of Mudd, Niko Moon, Chris Lane & more through August.

Outlaw Music Festival – Eureka Springs (June 29)

A can’t-miss for country lovers—Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and more legends come together for a night of unforgettable music.

Other Notable Acts Touring Arkansas This Summer

• Kane Brown – July 26

• Creed, The Offspring, and Tim McGraw – August shows across Eureka Springs, Rogers, and more.

📅 Local Community & Seasonal Events

• Russellville Downtown Art Walk – First Friday in June with live music, wine tasting, and local art.

• Mountain View & Clarksville Festivals – Peach and folk festivals celebrating small-town charm.

• River Valley Events – Antique shows, wine tastings, and cultural weekends throughout Hot Springs, Petit Jean, and beyond.

🌿 More Unique Statewide Events & Festivals

Hope Watermelon Festival – Hope (August 8–10)Celebrate Arkansas’s claim to the world’s largest watermelons with seed-spitting contests, live music, arts & crafts, and endless watermelon slices.

Johnson County Peach Festival – Clarksville (July 18–20)Arkansas’s oldest outdoor festival, packed with peach-themed competitions, live music, and a hometown parade.

Cave City Watermelon Festival – Cave City (July 25–27)Claiming the “world’s sweetest watermelon,” this free festival includes pageants, food vendors, and all-day entertainment.

Mount Nebo Chicken Fry – Dardanelle (July 6)A small-town gem! Join locals for a nostalgic summer tradition complete with fried chicken plates, games, and fireworks.

Altus Grape Fest – Altus (July 26–27)In wine country, enjoy grape stomping, vineyard tours, and tastings from Arkansas wineries.

Mountain View Bluegrass Saturdays – Courthouse Square (weekly)

Experience Arkansas’s folk heritage with weekly acoustic jam sessions and family dance nights.

📝 Tips to Maximize Your Arkansas Summer

✅ Plan ahead. Popular concerts and festivals (like NWA Pride or Walmart AMP shows) tend to sell out fast.

🎡 Keep it local. Many towns host monthly art walks, food truck Fridays, or community concerts that are free and welcoming.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Go family-friendly. From Toad Suck Daze to the Grape Festival, there’s something for every age and interest.

🏕️ Stay the weekend. Hot Springs, Bentonville, and Eureka Springs are booking fast—reserve lodging early!

🎟️ Let the summer adventures begin! Whether you're chasing music, funnel cakes, or hot air balloons, Arkansas is bursting with experiences that make for the perfect staycation—or home sweet home.

If you’d like a printable event calendar or custom local guide for clients, reach out! I’d love to help you make the most of this Arkansas summer.