July Calendar!

Performance and Fireworks Show at the AMP

Free family event! The MDA Central Casting Studios student show team will perform two shows of “Made in the USA”, that includes some of the greatest songs in American pop history. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and make a day of it! There will be kids’ play areas, refreshments for purchase, and other local talent will be playing the AMP between shows. Tune in on Magic 107.9.

Date: Saturday, July 2

Time: First show @11am, Second show @7:30pm, Fireworks immediately following

Location: AMP at the Northwest Arkansas Mall (Fayetteville)

More Info: Free to the public. Click here to see a previous nwaMotherlode story about this event.

Rodeo of the Ozarks – Fireworks Night

67th Annual Rodeo of the Ozarks.

Date: Saturday, July 2

Time: Gates open @6pm, Show kicks off @7:30pm, Fireworks immediately following

Location: Parsons Stadium (Springdale)

More Info: www.parsonsstadium.com

Veterans Park Independence Day Celebration

Fireworks in the park!

Date: Sunday, July 3

Time: Dusk – Approximately 9pm

Location: Veterans Park (Rogers)

More Info: www.rogerslowellarcoc.weblinkconnect.com

Fireworks at the Crosses

A perfect chance for families to relax and fellowship together as they enjoy an evening of patriotism.

Date: Sunday, July 3

Time: 5pm

Location: Cross Church – Pinnacle Hills Campus (Rogers)

More Info: www.crosschurch.com/fireworks

An Evening in Orchards Park

Musical performances and “The Brightest Fireworks Display in Northwest Arkansas”. Featuring Chase Missy and the Arkansas Winds.

Date: Monday, July 4

Time: Show begins @7pm. Fireworks @9:30pm.

Location: Orchards Park (Bentonville)

More Info: Free to the public. For more information, call 479.464.PARK (7275) or online at www.bentonvillear.com

Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza

Celebrate the Fourth of July at one of the largest fireworks shows in all of Northwest Arkansas. Presented by Ozarks Electric Cooperative Corporation, KNWA, KIX 104, Magic 107.9, Hot Mix 101.9, and 93.3 The Eagle.

Date: Monday, July 4

Time: Game @6, Fireworks immediately following

Location: Arvest Ballpark (Springdale)

More info: Admission is $6-12 for adults, $5-11 for children 12 and under. For ticket info, www.nwanaturals.com

Devil’s Den Family Activities

Family festivities but no fireworks display. Face painting, food, bird watching, hiking, softball tournament, relay races, nature activities, ice cream making and a patriotic bike parade.

Date: Saturday, July 1 – Monday, July 4

Time: Varies throughout the weekend.

Location: Devil’s Den State Park

More info: For specific times, call 479.761.3325.

Firecracker 5K and Fun Run

Kids Fun Run and competitive 5K. Free pancake breakfast after the race!

Date: Monday, July 4

Time: 8am

Location: Lake Atalanta (Rogers)

More info: Get race forms and race-day information at www.fccrogers.org or by contacting firecracker5K@juno.com

Break a World Record! – Arvest Ballpark

Help set an all-time “Air Guitar” record! Plus post-game fireworks.

Date: Friday, July 1

Time: 7pm

Location: Arvest Ballpark (Springdale)

More Info: Tickets start at $6 when ordered in advance. For ticket info, www.nwanaturals.com

First Fridays – Bentonville

Activities, food and live music for the whole family! Held on the Bentonville square March through November.

Date: Fridays

Time: 11:30am

Location: Downtown Bentonville Square

More Info: www.downtownbentonville.org

First Thursdays – Fayetteville

First Thursday Fayetteville is a monthly event held on the Downtown Fayetteville Square. It features various works of art, live music, outdoor movies and other cultural arts representations. This year the event has expanded onto Mountain Street and includes a Kids’ Zone! Terra Studios will sponsor the kids’ activities. Free and open to the public.

Date: First Thursday of the month

Time: 5 – 8pm

Location: Downtown Fayetteville Square

More Info: www.firstthursdayfayetteville.com

Fayetteville Farmers’ Market

For the last 37 years, the downtown square market has offered the finest in locally produced vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, meats, baked goods, honey, eggs, jams, crafts, and  fine art from the NWA area. Each market day is a feast for the eyes, ears and palate, with a riot of color, aromas, and sounds — street performers, tourists, and the residents of Northwest Arkansas visiting with over 60 vendors around the beautiful square gardens.

Date: Saturdays

Time: 7am – 2pm

Location: Downtown Square (Fayetteville)

More Info: www.fayettevillefarmersmarket.org

Springdale Farmers’ Market

Fruits, vegetables, herbs, honey, eggs, baked goods, plants and crafts. All items sold are produced by members of the market.

Date: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays

Time: 7am – 1pm

Location: Memorial Walk of the Jones Center for Families (Springdale)

More Info: Free admission. Call 479.751.3352 with questions.

Pickin’ in the Park Series

Bring your instrument and join in with live gospel, country and bluegrass music or just bring your lawn chair, sit a spell, and enjoy a memorable Ozarks evening. Acoustic instruments only. No alcoholic beverages please.

Date: Saturdays

Time: 6pm

Location: Frisco Park (Rogers)

More Info: Admission is free. www.mainstreetrogers.com

Little Sprouts

Join the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks for a short nature-based activity, weather permitting. Activities include a story, game or a take-home craft.

Date: Wednesdays

Time: 10am

Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (Fayetteville)

More Info: Tickets – Kids over 13 are $5, Ages 5-13 are $2.50 and Kiddos under 5 are free. www.bgozarks.org

First Friday Flicks – Shrek

The Bentonville Parks & Recreation department will host a family-friendly movie on a 25 foot inflatable outdoor screen at Lawrence Plaza. This event will be in conjunction with the First Friday events on the Bentonville Square. Bring your blanket and popcorn!

Date: Friday, July 1

Time: 8pm

Location: Lawrence Plaza (Bentonville)

More Info: www.bentonvillear.com. Shrek is rated PG and runs for 1hr 29min.

Kids Workshop – Home Depot

On the first Saturday of each month, the FREE Home Depot Kids Workshops offer useful projects like building toolboxes, fire trucks and mail organizers, as well as more educational projects, such as window birdhouses, bughouses or a Declaration of Independence frame kit.

Date: Saturday, July 2

Time: 9am – Noon

Location: Your local Home Depot (Fayetteville or Rogers)

More Info: Great for ages 5-12. www.homedepot.com or CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

Fast Lane Entertainment Birthday Blowout

Play all day with unlimited activities and grab an All-American Grill Combo (hot dog, chips & 12 oz. soft drink) to snack on. Also, the brand new arcade will be making a debut along with an all new LED light show!

Date: Saturday, July 2 – Monday, July 4

Time: 10am – Midnight

Location: Fast Lane (Lowell)

More Info: All-inclusive $25. www.fastlanebowl.com

Orchards Park – Summer Concert Series

All shows are free to the public. Come enjoy great music and a good time!

Date: July dates are July 4 (4th of July evening and fireworks), July 8, July 15 and July 22

Time: 7pm

Location: Orchards Park (Bentonville)

More Info: July 4 features Chase Missy and the Arkansas Winds, July 8 features Oreo Blue, July 15 features Identity Crisis, and July 22 features Total Defrag. www.bentonvillear.com

Hello, Dolly!

Make plans to be a part of the Opening Night Celebration for “Hello, Dolly!” – the first production of the season at the Arts Center of the Ozarks. Enjoy delightful hors d’oeuvres and dessert.

Date: Friday, July 8 (Opening Night) Show runs July 8-9 and 14-16.

Time: 6:30pm

Location: Arts Center of the Ozarks (Springdale)

More Info: Adults $30/Students $15 www.artscenteroftheozarks.org

Guys and Dolls

An oddball romantic comedy considered by many to be the perfect musical. The New York Post said, “If you have one musical to see, make it this – and make it quick!”

Date: Saturday, July 9

Time: Two shows – 2pm and 8pm

Location: Walton Arts Center (Fayetteville)

More Info: For ticket info, www.waltonartscenter.org

Antique Festival of the Ozarks

Vendors from Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Arkansas bring quality antique merchandise to this 2-day show and sale.

Date: Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10

Time: Saturday 9am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm

Location: NWA Holiday Inn Convention Center (Springdale)

More Info: Adult admission is $5, kids under 12 are free. www.ozarksantiquefestival.com

Arts Live Theatre – Summer Camps

Northwest Arkansas’ only dedicated children’s and youth theatre company will begin its summer camps June 13. Camps available for grades K-12 including Musical Theatre, Theatre Production, Theatre Dance, Stage Makeup, Stage Combat and Comedy Improv. Camps are one week each and offered monthly.

Date: Throughout the summer.

Time: Varies

Location: Arts Live Theatre (Fayetteville)

More Info: For a complete schedule of camps, fees and downloadable registration form, visit www.artslivetheatre.com. There are still spots available!

July Day Camps at Hobbs

Some of the activities for kiddos include hikes, crafts, games, stream studios, and other nature-related fun. Snacks and a t-shirt are provided, too.

Date: Dates for ages 9-12 are July 12-14. Must register by July 5. Dates for ages 6-8 are July 19-21. Register by July 11.

Time: 9am – 3pm

Location: Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area (Rogers)

More Info: Cost is $50 per child and class size is limited, so make your reservation now! Call 479.789.5000 for more information or to reserve a spot.

Gulley Park – Summer Concert Series

FREE concerts in the park – six concerts throughout the summer.

Date: July dates are July 14 and July 28

Time: 7pm

Location: Gulley Park (Fayetteville)

More Info: July 14 features Casual Flyze & the Earth from Fayetteville and July 28 features Tim Brantley from Atlanta, Georgia. www.accessfayetteville.org

Ice Cream Social Fundraiser

All proceeds go to Swat Malaria to raise money for mosquito nets for Nothing but Nets and One Book Foundation in Tanzania.

Date: Friday, July 15

Time: 7 – 9pm

Location: Sequoyah United Methodist Church (Fayetteville)

More Info: The public is invited. Contact SUMC at 479.442.8677 for more information.

FireFly Fling 2011

THE Summer Festival for Families is a great mid-summer event focused on outdoor, nature-oriented activities and entertainment for all ages. Activities throughout the evening and after dark include building fairy houses, cooking bread on a stick, and sky lanterns.

Date: Saturday, July 16

Time: 6 – 10pm

Location: The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (Fayetteville)

More Info: Admission is $8 for individuals, $24 for families of 4, and $40 for groups of 6. Contact the Garden at 479.750.2620 or jsmith@bgozarks.org. Website www.bgozarks.org

Third Friday Twilight Walks

July theme: Summer in the City. Merchants downtown host local artists, photographers and musicians, and promote special sales on the third Friday of each month from May through September. Also enjoy live music, community art projects for kids, street musicians, artists and crafters lining the sidewalks, loft tours of historic downtown residences, and food vendors.

Date: Friday, July 15

Time: 5 – 9pm

Location: Downtown Historic District (Rogers)

More Info: www.rogerslowellarcoc.weblinkconnect.com

Family Sundays – Arvest Ballpark

Families rule on Sunday at Arvest Ballpark! Kids 12 and under Eat Free and can run the bases after the game. Stop by and visit our face painter and balloon artist!

Date: Sundays, July 17, 24

Time: Varies

Location: Arvest Ballpark (Springdale)

More Info: For ticket info, www.nwanaturals.com

Tomato Fest

Sample and learn about several varieties of tomatoes grown in Arkansas, including unusual and heirloom types. Meet master gardeners who can provide free information about growing tomatoes and hear a local chef talk about pairing the unique flavors of these tomatoes with other foods and in special dishes.

Date: Sunday, July 24

Time: 11am – 1pm

Location: The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (Fayetteville)

More Info: Adults – $5, Kids 10 and under – $2.50, www.bgozarks.org

Imagination Movers

A one-of-a-kind interactive concert experience that the entire family will love! According to Indie Kids Rock, The Movers are considered “the U2 of kids music with a big anthemic pop-rock sound, catchy lyrics and of course, imagination.”

Date: Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31

Time: 11am and 4pm (Saturday), 2pm (Sunday)

Location: Walton Arts Center (Fayetteville)

More Info: For ticket info, www.waltonartscenter.org