Friday 5: Fun things to do in Northwest Arkansas this weekend, June 9-11

This weekend is set to be hot, so we tried to find the best ways to stay busy and escape the heat. We’ve got something for everyone—a comic expo, Shakespeare in the park, a kids’ obstacle course race, a sewing class, and more!

Arkansas Art Pop Comic Expo

The Arkansas Art Pop Comic Expo (APCE) is moving from Jonesboro to NWA this year! Comic book artists from Marvel, DC Comics, Dark Horse, and other publishers will speak and hold workshops throughout the weekend. Some of the more fascinating sessions include
– How to Draw Comics
– Special Effects Make-Up Workshop with Keaghlan Ashley 
– Cosplay Contest
This is a great event for the superhero nerds in your life! Tickets are required for this event.

Date: Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10

Time: Friday 2 to 9pm; Saturday 10am to 8pm

Location: Jones Center, Springdale

More info: Click here

Love’s Labour’s Lost in Gulley Park

Love’s Labour’s Lost is one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, and this weekend the local theatre company The Crude Mechanicals will be performing it in Gulley Park. Bring a blanket and a picnic dinner to join in on the fun. All of their performances are free and family friendly.
Play summary: The King of Navarre and his friends take an oath to a life of study and abstinence from women for three years. Soon after, the Princess of France and her ladies-in-waiting arrive, pushing the men to a true test of their vows, and their friendship.

Date: Friday, June 9 and Sunday, June 11

Time: 7:30pm

Location: Gulley Park, Fayetteville

More info: Click here

Great Obstacle Runaround 2017

The Great Obstacle Runaround is an obstacle course event for kids 5 to 12, in either a 1/2 mile (10+ obstacles, for kids 5-8; $15) and 1 mile distance (15+ obstacles, for kids 9-12; $20). Obstacles include a mud run, slip n’ slide, tire run, balance beam walk, and many more. Every child who completes the distance will receive their very own Great Obstacle Runaround sweatband, so they can look fierce!

Date: Saturday, June 10

Time: 9 to 10am

Location: Jones Center, Springdale

More info: Click here

June Storytime at Museum of Native American History

Storytime with Miss Sarah will feature a Siksika folktale, When Bear Stole the Chinook, along with more animal stories and a color station. Museum storytimes are geared towards ages 3 to 8 but all ages are welcome.  This event is free and open to the public.

Date: Saturday, June 10

Time: 10:30 to 11am

Location: Museum of Native American History

More info: Click here

Super Saturday: Act!vated Storytellers

Act!vated Story Theatre’s entertaining folk tales and classical literature productions promote reading, theatre arts and imagination in the whole family. They will be performing “Old Joe and the Carpenter,” a story from the Appalachian Mountains about two feuding neighbors, as well as an extended version of “The Three Little Pigs.”

Date: Saturday, June 10

Time: 10:30 to 11:30am

Location: Fayetteville Public Library

More info: Click here

Maker Space: SewSimple

SewSimple is part of the Springdale Public Library’s Maker Studio Series. SewSimple classes are designed for curious adults who want to learn how to sew. Sewing machines are limited, so registration is required. Project supplies will be provided. This event is free and open to the public.

Date: Saturday, June 10

Time: 2 to 4pm

Location: Springdale Public Library

More info: Click here

Black Apple Crossing events this weekend:

The 5 events above offer some great options for the family, but if you have a sitter this weekend — and you’re in need of a date night or a Girls’ Night Out — our Friday 5 sponsor, Black Apple Crossing, always has a fun line-up of events during the week and on weekends.

This weekend you can see Rozenbridge, a guitar and cello duo (tonight, Friday, June 9), or get your belly laughs in at BAX’s monthly “Stand-Up/Stay-Up Comedy Night featuring JT Habersaat (Saturday night, June 10). Ciderday Night Live music events happen almost every Saturday night. They also have Taco Tuesdays, trivia nights and book club events during the week!

Black Apple Crossing is the state’s first cidery. It’s located in downtown Springdale off Emma Avenue just past mile marker 13. Black Apple Crossing has produced naturally gluten-free hard apple cider with no added sulfites or other preservatives since July 2015.

Click here to visit the Black Apple Crossing website. BAX’s newest cider, just released June 8, is a sweet strawberry cider called Frisco Fields, paying tribute to Arkansas strawberry farmers, the rail line to San Francisco, and the Beatles!