The Friday 5: Things to do in Northwest Arkansas this weekend, May 13-15

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circa circle1. Artosphere: Circa’s Carnival of the Animals {Tickets, $10}. Friday night, 7 p.m. Circa, an ensemble of multi-skilled dancers, acrobats, gymnasts and tumblers, will perform Carnival at Walton Arts Center’s Baum Walker Hall.

This is one of the 2016 Artosphere Festival’s featured events for children and families, Carnival of the Animals is a blend of circus, music and multimedia. Circa’s performers will take audiences on a thrilling escapade through the wondrous world of the animal kingdom with whimsical tales of creatures from land and sea.

Click here to grab tickets to tonight’s show at Walton Arts Center!

2. Artosphere’s Trail Mix, May 14 & 15, Saturday and Sunday {Free} Ride a giant rattlesnake, hop on the world’s only bicycle-powered carousel, and take your picture with a white feathered owl or any of the unique creatures traveling along Northwest Arkansas’ trails during Artosphere’s Trail Mix, May 14 & 15.

Plus there will be all kinds of cool music and other antics.

Artosphere Festival Trail Mix on the Razorback Greenway (Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.):

This year, Trail Mix has expanded to include the Razorback Regional Greenway, spanning six Northwest Arkansas cities. Join us for a festive day of free programs with artists and musicians in various locations across NWA – they’ll start with a kickoff celebration at the Fayetteville square, then meet up again for the Springdale Front Porch Festival in the Mill Street District.

trail mix bikeThere will be live performances at: Mercy Trailhead in Rogers and a final celebration at Lawrence Plaza just off the Bentonville square. Events include bike parades, interactive performance art, live music and dancing, farmers’ markets and a celebration of the one-year anniversary of the Razorback Greenway. This year’s Trail Mix also partners with the second annual “Square to Square” bike ride (fee and registration required).

Saturday Trail Mix artists include: The Bike Zoo, Evalyn Parry, Paula Fuga, Polyglot Theatre ANTS, The Okee Dokee Brothers, The Barefoot Movement and more.

Saturday’s Trail Mix will extend to the grounds of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for the 2nd Annual Garden Party until 5 pm, with music, food trucks and special performances by Trail Mix artists Circa, Beth Stockdell and more!

Artosphere Festival Trail Mix: Frisco Trail, Sunday, 4-8 p.m.: 

On Sunday, Trail Mix comes to the Frisco Trail in downtown Fayetteville, starting with bike decorating at Community Creative Center at 4 pm. Then, beginning at 5 pm, head to the Frisco Trail for more outdoor fun and entertainment.

Sunday Trail Mix artists include: Paula Fuga, The Barefoot Movement and more.

Click here to see all the Trail Mix events!

books in bloom3. Books in Bloom Literary Festival, Crescent Hotel, Sunday {Free} Spend the day with inspiring writers in the garden setting of The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Springs. Rain or shine!

The event is Saturday and starts around noon at the Crescent.

Click here for more information on the festival!

4. Artosphere: The Okee Dokee Brothers {Tickets, $8}, Sunday.

okee dokee bros in the waterRafting down their neighborhood creek and discovering hiking trails through the Rocky Mountains created the Okee Dokee Brothers passion for the great outdoors.

They write and perform original music to inspire children and families to get outside and get creative. The Brother’s witty lyrics, musicianship and unique folk style have won praise from NPR’s All Things Considered and USA Today. Inspire your students’ love and respect for our Natural State with these three-time Parents’ Choice Award winners!

The Bros will be performing at Walton Arts Center at 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Click here for more info on the Okee Dokee Brothers concert. Okie dokie?

5. Under the Sea with Ariel, Sunday. Come under the sea to meet Ariel in person at The Jones Center pool! On Sunday, May 15th from 1-3 pm, Ariel will be in person at the splash pool to take pictures, sign autographs, and interact with kids.

This event is MEMBERS ONLY, so make sure your membership is active, and bring your family. CLICK HERE to become a member or renew your membership online. You can also call 479-756-8090.

Click here for more information on the Sea event!

under the sea