NWA Craft Fairs!
Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Show
Nationally known and recognized as one of the top 100 craft fairs in the United States, the Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Show is the largest indoor craft fair in the state of Arkansas. The 17th Annual Springtime Arts & Crafts Festival will offer a unique blend of health and beauty related products and services, home décor and antiques, ladies and children’s fashion and apparel, as well as original home spun arts and crafts.
Date: Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5
Time: 9am – 7pm
Location: NWA Convention Center, Holiday Inn (Springdale)
More Info: Free admission and free parking! www.nwacraftfairs.com
Frisco Station Mall Arts & Crafts Fair
One of the largest craft fairs in NWA, featuring hundreds of crafters. Baskets, woodworkers, potpourris, candles, jewelry, clothing, wreaths, oil and acrylic painting, and lots of other arts & crafts are available. Holiday theme gifts are in abundance, as well as seasonal décor.
Date: Friday, May 4 – Sunday, May 6
Time: 10am-9pm (Sunday till 4pm)
Location: Frisco Station Mall (Rogers)
More Info: www.nwacraftfairs.com
Sharp’s Show in War Eagle
Over 250 booths offering visitors a wide array of handmade crafts from skilled artisans located throughout the country.
Date: Friday, May 4 – Sunday, May 6
Time: 8am-5pm (Sunday till 4pm)
Location: Adjacent to the War Eagle Fair (Rogers)
More Info: www.nwacraftfairs.com
Spanker Creek Farm Arts & Crafts Festival
Clothing, leather goods, baskets, woodworkers, ironworks, jams & jellies, pickled veggies, furniture, sculpture, and lots of other arts & crafts are available. Also, holiday gifts and décor!
Date: Friday, May 4 – Sunday, May 6
Time: 8am-5pm (9am-4pm Sunday)
Location: Spanker Creek Farm (Bella Vista)
More Info: www.nwacraftfairs.com or www.spankercreekfarm.com
War Eagle Mill Craft & Culinary Fair
Date: Friday, May 4 – Sunday, May 6
Location: War Eagle Mill (Rogers)
More Info: www.nwacraftfairs.com or www.wareaglemill.com
Art on the Creek
A juried arts & crafts festival featuring local and national artisans who display and sell their work along McKissic Creek on the grounds of and inside The Studio and Wishing Spring Gallery. Art/craft demonstrations, “you be the judge” art contest, food and fun for everyone.
Date: Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5
Time: 9am-6pm
Location: Wishing Spring Gallery (Bella Vista)
More Info: www.bellavistafestival.org
Centerton’s First Annual Spring Festival
Crafts, vendors and music – a great time for the community to come together!
Date: Friday, May 4 and Saturday, May 5
Time: 10am-5pm
Location: City Park (Centerton)
More Info: www.centertonar.us
Touch a Truck
The sixth Annual Touch A Truck event will be May 5 from noon to 4 p.m. at the John Q. Hammons Center parking lot in Rogers. This is a unique, interactive, one-day event that allows children to climb on, explore and discover their favorite big trucks and vehicles. Kids can also meet the workforce that protects, serves and builds the Northwest Arkansas community.
Date: Saturday, May 5
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: John Q. Hammons parking lot
More Info: Junior League NWA
First Fridays – Bentonville
Activities, food and live music for the whole family! Held on the Bentonville square March through November.
Date: First Fridays of the month
Time: 11:30am-1pm and 5-8pm
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. 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 over 35 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.
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. Wednesdays May thru October.
Date: Wednesdays, May thru October
Time: 10am
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (Fayetteville)
More Info: Check website for weekly theme! Tickets – Kids over 13 $5, Ages 5-13 $2.50 and kiddos under 5 are free. www.bgozarks.org
Lunching for Hospice
Come have lunch at Carrabba’s in Rogers and support Circle of Life Hospice. Bring your friends and coworkers for a scrumptious lunch.
Date: Tuesday, May 1
Time: 11am or 1pm (Two seating times)
Location: Carrabba’s Italian Grille (Rogers)
More Info: Tickets ($15) can be reserved by calling Angela Broome at 479.872.3327.
University of Arkansas Campus Band and Symphonic Band
Final concert of the season!
Date: Tuesday, May 1
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Walton Arts Center (Fayetteville)
More Info: Tickets $10 for the general public, $5 for senior citizens and $1 for students. www.waltonartscenter.org
Garden Party
Lunch will be served as P. Allen Smith talks and demonstrates gardening, cooking and design. Vendor fair and garden tours also included.
Date: Thursday, May 3
Time: 11:30am-1:30pm
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks (Fayetteville)
More Info: Proceeds benefit scholarship fund. $100 donation includes Smith’s book. $75 – donation without book. For ticket info, please call 479.717.1905.
Artosphere Festival Kickoff
Start your afternoon at the Fayetteville Square for First Thursday, then join us at Walton Arts Center for an evening of music, arts and food! Bring a jar of nuts or peanut butter and get FREE event parking (in the lot across from WAC only). We’ll donate it all to local food shelters in an effort to stock the shelves with real food, inspired by Michael Pollan. CLICK HERE for a full listing of May Artosphere events.
Date: Thursday, May 3
Time: 5-9pm
Location: Walton Arts Center (Fayetteville)
More Info: www.artospherefestival.org
Popular Trail Mix Artosphere events:
Trail Mix Concert Tour: Bentonville
May 5 | 1-3:30pm | Enjoy 6 bands, from international to local, on pedal and solar powered stages, while biking or strolling along the Crystal Bridges Trails.
Trail Mix Concert Tour: Fayetteville
May 6 | 1-3:30pm | Walk or bike along the popular Lake Fayetteville Trail and enjoy 6 bands performing on pedal or solar powered stages. A free concert at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks will follow.
Spring Music Fest – World Labyrinth Day
50+ amazing musicians, intimate song circles, Irish, country, rock, folk, indie, gospel… performing throughout the beautiful art park.
Date: Saturday, May 5
Time: Noon – 5pm
Location: Terra Studios (Fayetteville)
More Info: www.terrastudios.com
Battle for Hope 10K/5K/Family Fun Walk
10K/5K/Family Fun Walk to benefit Hope Cancer Resources, providing compassionate, professional cancer support and education in the Northwest Arkansas region today and tomorrow.
Date: Saturday, May 5
Time: 8am
Location: Old Tiger Stadium (Bentonville)
More Info: www.heathersraceforhope.com
Run for the Roses – JDRF Hope Gala
Dress in your Derby-inspired attire: hat contest with celebrity judges! Cash for the best hat!
Date: Saturday, May 5
Time: 4pm
Location: Horton Farms (Bentonville)
More Info: For more info, call 479.443.9190 or aphilley@jdrf.com
Africa in the Ozarks
Africa in the Ozarks celebrates traditional African culture and Its message for modern-day community life. It is presented by AFRIQUE AYA Drum and Dance Company, led by Angelo Yao.
Africa in the Ozarks is a festival of Afropop dance music, Traditional drum and dance classes and demonstrations. Classes are led by master-level African teachers from across the country. The festival culminates in a community-wide drum-circle.
Date: Thursday, May 3 – Saturday, May 5
Time: Check website for showtimes.
Location: The Auditorium (Eureka Springs)
More Info: www.theaud.org
International Migratory Bird Day
Join us as we celebrate the birds’ annual journey to their summer homes. Participate in games, crafts and programs revolving around these wonderful travelers.
Date: Saturday, May 5
Time: Contact the park for full schedule.
Location: Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area (Rogers)
More Info: Admission is free. www.arkansasstateparks.com/hobbsstateparkconservationarea
Wildflower Walk
Withrow Springs State Park protects habitat for many beautiful wildflowers. Join park interpreter Natalie for an easy stroll to look for some examples.
Date: Saturday, May 5
Time: 3pm
Location: Withrow Springs State Park (Huntsville)
More Info: www.arkansasstateparks.com/withrowsprings
NWA Cheese Dip Classic
Attendees will enjoy over 300 beers from around the world, and local celebrities, food critics, and political dignitaries will join the public in voting to decide which cheese dip will best represent the Northwest Arkansas region at the 3rd Annual World Cheese Dip Championship in Fall 2012.
Date: Saturday, May 5
Time: 2-6pm
Location: Washington County Fairgrounds (Fayetteville)
More Info: Admission $10. www.cheesedip.net
Spring Sing
The ACO Chorale and Youth Choir will again combine for a festive, fun-filled Spring concert. A variety of musical styles and composers will be on the program, guaranteeing a delightful repertoire.
Date: Saturday, May 5
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Arts Center of the Ozarks (Springdale)
More Info: www.artscenteroftheozarks.org
Floating Wetland – Work Day
The floating wetland built will be installed in Lake Fayetteville, providing wetland habitat and becoming part of environmental education programs.
Date: Saturday, May 5
Time: 9:30am-1:30pm
Location: Lake Fayetteville Environmental Study Center (Fayetteville)
More Info: COST: $20 (lunch provided). WEAR: Comfortable clothes & shoes–may get wet or dirty. www.irwp.org/events/floating-wetland-registration
Birder Weekend
Whether you are a beginner or expert, Birder Weekend is a great opportunity to open your senses to all of our feathered friends! The weekend’s activities will include guided bird hikes, live bird of prey demonstrations, guest speakers, and crafts for the kids.
Date: Friday, May 4 – Sunday, May 6
Time: See website for details.
Location: Devil’s Den State Park (West Fork)
More Info: devilsden@arkansas.com or www.arkansasstateparks.com
Anna Wilson
Anna Wilson is a critically acclaimed jazz artist and songwriter whose recent album, Yule Swing!, reached No. 12 on the Billboard jazz chart. Her decadent and powerful voice, which Jazz Times likens to “crème de cocoa,” has earned her shared billings with Josh Grobin, Al Jarreau, and countless others.
Date: Sunday, May 6
Time: 2pm
Location: Arend Arts Center (Bentonville HS Campus)
More Info: www.liveonstagenwa.com
7Hills Golf Tournament
This 4-man scramble tournament will not just be a fun day with great prizes, but will also help raise awareness of homelessness and poverty. Build your own foursome or be assigned to a team, $125pp or $400 for a complete foursome.
Date: Friday, May 11
Time: 1pm
Location: Stonebridge Meadows Golf Course (Fayetteville)
More Info: For more info, info@7hillscenter.org or 479.251.7776. Click here for registration.
Faith and Family Night – Arvest Ballpark
Join the Naturals and Sam’s Furniture for a pre-game concert and stay after the game for fireworks!
Date: Friday, May 11
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Arvest Ballpark (Springdale)
More Info: For ticket info, www.naturals.com
Root Run
Annual 5K and Family Fun Run. Proceeds to help provide teachers grants, help pay for literacy aids, playground improvements and much more.
Date: Saturday, May 12
Time: 8am
Location: Root Elementary School (Fayetteville)
More Info: www.rootrun.com
Kendrick Fincher Youth Run & 5K Run/Walk
Youth run for K-8th grades begins at 9am – and is free. The 5K Run/Walk is a fundraiser. The two events are followed by a family fun time that includes vendor booths, fun activities for the family.
Date: Saturday, May 12
Time: 7:30am
Location: Pinnacle Hills Promenade Mall (Rogers)
More Info: www.kendrickfincher.org
Buddy Bass Kids Fishing Event
In conjunction with the annual Buddy Bass Fishing Tournament – no fishing license required to participate. Free lunch, t-shirts and prizes! Kiddos ages 4-15.
Date: Saturday, May 12
Time: 9am-1pm
Location: Prairie Creek Pavilion (Rogers)
More Info: Click here for registration.
Ozark Demolition Derby – Spring Challenge
Drivers face off in heated competition – competing for prizes and bragging rights! Tickets will go on sale May 1st, 2012.
Date: Saturday, May 12
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Parsons Stadium (Springdale)
More Info: www.rodeooftheozarks.com
Speedy Skunk Run & Little Stinker Fun Run
Date: Saturday, May 19
Time: 8am
Location: Prairie Grove Battlefield Park (Prairie Grove)
More Info: www.speedyskunkrun.com
Block Street Block Party
A street fair that boasts 5 stages, kids’ activities, outdoor beer gardens, and best of the best of Fayetteville. Last year’s event drew 7000 people, and this year is only going to get funkier! This event captures the uniqueness of downtown Fayetteville.
Date: Sunday, May 20
Time: 11am – Dark
Location: Block Street (Fayetteville)
More Info: www.blockstreetbusinesses.com
LIBRARY STORYTIMES/EVENTS
Fayetteville – www.faylib.org for a full calendar.
Bentonville – www.youseemore.com/bentonville for a full calendar.
Springdale – www.springdalelibrary.org for a full calendar.
Rogers – library.rpl.lib.ar.us for a full calendar.
Fayetteville MOPS
A faith-based fellowship for mothers of preschoolers age birth to 5. The group meets regularly to share breakfast, share support, to learn from guest speakers and to celebrate Jesus Christ.
Date: 2nd Monday of every month
Time: 9-11am
Location: Trinity United Methodist Church (Fayetteville)
More Info: www.fayettevillemops.com
Rogers MOPS
A faith-based fellowship for mothers of preschoolers age birth to 5. The group meets regularly to share breakfast, share support, to learn from guest speakers and to celebrate Jesus Christ.
Date: 1st and 3rd Friday mornings
Time: 9-11am
More Info: Contact Summer Manzo, sumsum55@yahoo.com.
MOMSNext
An extension of MOPS, our group is focused on K-6th grades.
Date: Wednesdays
Time: 6:30-7:30pm
Location: Rogers 1st Nazarene Church (Rogers)
More Info: Contact Ginger Larsen, gingerbread4life@yahoo.com