Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events: July 2023
Happy July, Northwest Arkansas mamas! We can’t believe how fast the summer is flying by. Here are the fun things to check out this month in NWA. If you’re looking for NWA fireworks displays and events, here’s our sparkly list!
Click on the name of any event below for more information:
Oz Kids Bike & Book Fest
Bentonville Public Library and OZ Kids are joining forces to bring this festival to the community for a third year. There will be food, crafts, Strider, Buddy Pegs, live music, bike course, storytime, and free books donated by KPMG. Pedal It Forward is coming in with bikes to give to kids in need. Presented by Arvest, The Walmart Museum and Ozark Outdoor Foundation. It’s free, but registration is required.
Date: July 1
Time: 9-11 a.m.
Location: Bentonville Public Library
The Knitting Machine
To commemorate July 4, multidisciplinary artist Dave Cole will make the world’s largest knitted American flag at the Momentary in Bentonville from July 1-4. Using telephone poles as knitting needles and two large excavators as arms, Cole will orchestrate each purl and knit of the flag from a boom lift above. The grandiose spectacle will begin on July 1, with a theatrical last knit one, purl two happening during a special celebration on July 4 from 7:30 – 9 p.m. Guests can drop by during the July 4 celebration to witness Cole’s final stitches, and bites and drinks will be available for purchase. The Kitting Machine, and completed flag, will remain on display in the North Courtyard on the Momentary’s campus through July 16 waving in the background of the Brothers Osborne concert on July 15.
Date: July 1-4
Times: Museum hours
Location: The Momentary, Bentonville
Library Lego Challenge
It’s Family Lego Day at the Bella Vista Public Library. This month’s Lego challenge is “EARTH”. Drop in for this screen-free activity all day. Creations will be displayed for the following month in the Children’s Area. This program will take place in the Children’s Department for all ages. *Space & parking are limited, please plan accordingly.
Wednesday, July 5
9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Time: Bella Vista Public Library
First Thursday Fayetteville: Dog Daze
First Thursday is a vibrant, free monthly arts & culture festival brought to you by Experience Fayetteville. From May through October of each year, the event features live music, a robust vendor market, community activations, group bike rides, and different activities based around a new theme each month. July’s event focuses on our canine friends, with dog pageants and tons of fun for you and your best friend. There’s also a dog pageant. 🙂
Date: Thursday, July 6
Time: 5:30-9 p.m.
Location: Downtown Fayetteville
Splash Bash at The Jones Center
Beat the heat with outdoor water-fun and activities and weekend access to The Jones Center pools! At Splash Bash, prepare to get wet with water balloons, a dunk tank, inflatables, a Capture the Flag competition, a giant slip-n-slide, music, dancing and more. Bring your swimsuit and join the fun! Inflatables and games will be ongoing. Capture the Flag starts at 1 pm. A pool day-pass is included and may be used during the weekend of the event. Lawn chairs are recommended. Concessions will be available for purchase.
When: Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $10 per person, which includes a day-pass to Jones Center pools
For more info: Click here to check out Summer in the City events at The Jones Center.
Reading Rocker: Creek Hike & Crawdads
Come spend a morning at Hobbs State Park as we read about a creek adventure and take one of our own as we explore a small shallow portion of Little Clifty Creek. This hands-on learning experience is sure to be a fun way to spark curiosity and awareness of the inhabitants of our Ozark creeks. Participants should wear clothing that can get wet and water shoes or old tennis shoes. Meet at the Van Winkle Trail parking area off Hwy 12 west of the Visitor Center. Make it a day and pack a lunch and enjoy the picnic area with restroom.
Date: Saturday, July 8th
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Hobbs State Park
Terrific Tuesday Nights: Bingo & Game Night
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is hosting its family-friendly, free, summer series, “Terrific Tuesday Nights” every Tuesday from June through August from 5 to 8:30 pm. This series allows the Northwest Arkansas community to experience the Garden on beautiful summer evenings free of charge, thanks to the generous support of the Pat & Willard Walker Foundation, Inc. On July 11, spread out your blankets and chairs on the Great Lawn for a night of Bingo – complete with prizes. An inflatable obstacle course and waterslide will be provided by Big Bounce NWA. The Garden will also provide yard games like giant checkers, cornhole, hula hoops, chalk, & more. Downtown Dawgs will be serving up hotdogs and Sissy’s Snowcones will be selling their sweet treats. Food and drinks are welcome. Please leave pets at home. The event is free, but registration is required.
Date: July 11
Time: 5-8:30 p.m.
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Opera in the Ozarks Presents: Cinderella
Join Opera in the Ozarks for a re-worked telling of this classic fairy tale. A free ticket is required for each person attending. All ages welcome.
Date: Friday, July 14
Time: 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Location: Bentonville Public Library – Walmart Community Room
The Amazeum’s 8th Birthday Party
Save the date on July 15, 2023, for a day full of play while exploring and creating with clay. Look forward to 🎂 Decorating a clay cake; 🤲 Playing with Slip Sensory Bins; 8️⃣ Stamping 8th b-day themed impressions;🏺 Hand building with 5th Street Studio; 🚛 Pottery wheel throwing with Wheel Mobile;🍦 Ice Cream by Leo Tyra Breyers Ice Cream Man;👂 Polymer clay earrings Maker spotlight by Judy & Jean
Date: Saturday, July 15
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: The Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville
Firefly Fling Festival
Drawing thousands of families from the area each year, the Firefly Fling Festival invites guests to embrace the spirit of the event by dressing up as a fairy, woodland creature, and more. The Garden will transform into a whimsical realm, immersing attendees in a world of fantasy and imagination. Before dark, various community groups will offer engaging activities for all ages. Attendees can explore the art of fairy house building, discover the wonders of nature through interactive stations, marvel at giant bubbles floating through the air, and be enthralled by captivating roaming performers. In addition, live music will fill the air, providing the perfect backdrop for an evening of dancing and singing. Returning to the Garden’s stage are Katie Dwyer, Melody Pond, and other talented musicians. Food trucks offering options for dinner and sweet treats will be available throughout the night. Alcohol will be available for purchase for guests 21 & up. The event will come to a close with a laser light show. Tickets required.
Date: July 15
Time: 5-10 p.m.
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Springdale Summer Bash
There will be free food, games, and giveaways. There is a play ground and splash pad at the park, so be sure to bring your swimsuits. Host: Kids Unlimited Learning Academy.
Date: July 22
Time: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: C.L. “Charlie” and Willie George Park, Springdale
