NWA Calendar of Events: July 2024
July is bursting with events in Northwest Arkansas, mamas! Click on the name of any event for more information.
Wild Creativity at the Amazeum
How does a kangaroo gain energy as it bounces? Why do birds have different beaks? How does a prairie dog cool its home? Creatividad silvestre | Wild Creativity invites Amazeum visitors of all ages to explore fundamental concepts of biomimicry through hands-on design challenges, spotlighting the interplay between the art and science of nature and how it continues to inform our world. This is a traveling exhibition at the Amazeum.
Date: Now through September 2
Time: See museum hours here
Location: Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville
Twilight Firefly Walk
Join Hobbs State Park interpreter Trish and celebrate world firefly day away from the lights and noise of the city. Explore Van Winkle Hollow and see these jewels of the night. You’ll learn some firefly trivia and play a fun game to see if you can avoid being fooled by the Photuris firefly. Meet at the Van Winkle Trailhead. The trail is ½-mile long and is ADA compliant. Recommended age 4+.
Most programs are free and will meet at the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. Call the park office at 479.789.5000 or visit the Friends of Hobbs Facebook page or web site to check on the latest status of programs.
Date: Tuesday, July 2
Time: 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Location: Hobbs State Park
4th at the Field Fireworks Spectacular
The special event on Independence Day at Arvest Ballpark will include an exhibition baseball game and one of the largest fireworks displays in NWA while the Naturals are on the road in Springfield. Seating for 4th at the Field is general admission, so the seating bowl will be available to fans on a first come, first serve basis. Tickets will be $13 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Arvest Ballpark concessions will be open and lawn chairs and blankets are allowed.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. for the 6:30 p.m. game fireworks will conclude the night.
Location: Arvest Ballpark, Springdale
July 4th Fireworks Spectacular
Celebrate the holiday with a patriotic Symphony of Northwest Arkansas concert followed by a glorious fireworks display sponsored by the City of Rogers. Music starts at 8 pm. Advance tickets are on sale now, and prices range from $3-25 plus applicable fees.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: Gates open at 7 p.m.
Location: The AMP, Rogers
An Evening at Orchard’s Park
This annual Independence Day event will include all the sights and sounds of a traditional, patriotic celebration. There will be food trucks and concessions on site, selling summertime favorites like cotton candy, kettle corn, and snow cones. With a full playlist of classic hits and holiday favorites, Two Story Radio and Arkansas Winds will kick off the fun at 7 pm. The evening concludes with a huge fireworks show at approximately 9:30pm. Reminder: Personal fireworks and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Orchards Park, Bentonville.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: 7-10:15 p.m.
Location: Orchards Park, Bentonville
City of Farmington Fireworks
The annual Farmington Fireworks display will be held on Thursday, July 4. Fireworks will be visible from Randall G. Lynch Middle School in Farmington.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: Dusk
Location: Fireworks will be visible from Randall G. Lynch Middle School, Farmington
Gentry Freedom Fest
Music, food, fireworks, car show, activities for kids.
Date: Thursday, July 4
Time: Noon to 10 p.m.
Location: Gentry City Park
Friday Friday: A Salute to Service
Honor those who have served and those who are serving this country.
Date: Friday, July 5
Time: 3-9 p.m.
Location: Downtown Bentonville Square
Reading Rocker: Caterpillars
Learn more about these amazing little creatures with Hobbs State Park. Listen to a caterpillar story, go on a caterpillar safari in the front gardens and learn a caterpillar song from Mrs. Butterfly. You can even make your own caterpillar stuffy to take home. Recommended age 4+
Most programs are free and will meet at the Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. Call the park office at 479.789.5000 or visit the Friends of Hobbs Facebook page or web site to check on the latest status of programs.
Date: Wednesday, July 10
Time: 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Location: Hobbs State Park
Sensory Swim Night
Springdale Parks and Recreation presents Sensory Swim Night for all special needs children and their families. Lifeguards will be on duty. Facility is enclosed. $2 per individual.
Date: Wednesday, July 10
Time: 7:15-9 p.m.
Location: Springdale Aquatic Center
Gulley Park Concert Series: 1 oz. Jig
Family friendly music brings all walks of life together, and spectators are encouraged to bring their “furry” friends as well to this annual summer series. This date will feature 1 oz Jig. If you are in the crowd at a jig show don’t be surprised to hear the audience singing along, for crowd participation is one of the key elements of the bands live show. The 1 oz. Jig puts the “fun” back in “funk”. But what else would you expect from a band named after a fishing lure?
Date: July 11
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Gulley Park Gazebo, Fayetteville
Butterfly & Bee Watering Station Workshop
Help support these important little animals through the hot dry days of summer. Join Park Interpreter Trish to learn about the importance of these pollinating insects while you create a beautiful clay-pot and glass watering station to add to your garden. Cost: $30. Space is limited and pre-registration and payment is required. Call 479-789-5000 to register. Recommended age 10+.
Date: July 12
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Location: Hobbs State Park
Splash Bash at the Jones Center
The Jones Center will transform its campus into a pop-up water park with inflatable pools and slides, music, activities, an epic water balloon battle, a giant slip-n-slide, a toddler’s zone and more. Splash Bash is free, and everyone is invited. Registration is required. Visit thejonescenter.net/summer-city.
Date: Saturday, July 13
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: The Jones Center, Springdale
Second Saturdays: Exquisite Creatures
Join Crystal Bridges for ArtCart, a fun family program, taking a closer look at the exhibition Exquisite Creatures. Drop into the Studio to engage with a hands-on ArtCart activity. Also, don’t miss your chance to learn from a local nature expert and entomologist, Austin Jones. Then, head to the classrooms to participate in artmaking inspired by the exhibition. Free, no registration required.
Date: Saturday, July 13
Time: Drop into the Studio between 1 and 4 p.m.
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville
Insect Olympics/Drop-in Insect Crafts
Do you know that there are some AMAZING abilities in the insect world? Join Park interpreter Trish and learn about some of our area’s insect athletes. Can your long jump match up to a grasshopper? Will you be able to break the sound record of the cicada? This informative and active program is designed to get you thinking and moving like an insect. Meet at the education pavilion near the Visitor Center. Just after the “olympics” event, Hobbs will host a fun drop-in insect craft opportunity. This self-guided activity will be available for you to come and create for a few moments or the entire time. A variety of art supplies will be available to let your imagination run wild. Periodical cicada, firefly, and butterfly crafts will be available to make.
Date: July 13
Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m. insect olympics/11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. drop-in crafts
Location: Hobbs State Park, Rogers
Gulley Park Concert Series: Marybeth Byrd
Family friendly music brings all walks of life together, and spectators are encouraged to bring their “furry” friends as well to this annual summer series. This date will feature Marybeth Byrd, whose music is rooted in her childhood where the stage gave her a voice and helped her overcome stuttering. In 2019, she made the top 8 semifinals on season 17 of NBC’s The Voice with the help of coach, John Legend – and mentors – Usher and Taylor Swift. In 2023, Marybeth Byrd made the top 10 on season 21 of American Idol with the help of many stars like Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, Noah Cyrus, Lainey Wilson and more.
Date: July 18
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Gulley Park Gazebo, Fayetteville
Dive-In Movie
Wilson Park Pool will play Kung Fu Panda 4 at dusk (around 8:45 p.m.). Gates open at 8:05, and concessions are available at the pool. Admission is $1 advance, $2 at the door. Free for kids under age 5.
Date: July 19
Time: Dusk (around 8:45 p.m.)
Location: Wilson Park Pool, Fayetteville
Firefly Fling
Drawing thousands of families from the area each year, the Firefly Fling invites guests to embrace the spirit of the event by dressing up as a fairy, pirate, superhero, or any other magical being. The Garden will transform into a whimsical realm, inspiring its guests to embrace the magic of the outdoors. Before the sun sets, stop at community booths offering engaging activities and interactive stations. Grab dinner and a sweet treat from various food trucks and stands. Express yourself with face painting and henna tattoos. Take pictures with real-life mermaids, fairies, and pirates. Explore the art of fairy house building, marvel at giant bubbles floating through the air, and be enthralled by captivating roaming performers. Dance and sing along with an exciting lineup of performers, and be amazed by fire dancers and a laser light show to close the event. Tickets are available to purchase at bgozarks.org/events.
Date: Saturday, July 20
Time: 5-10 p.m.
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
Live! at Turnbow
Enjoy a new season of live music in downtown Springdale at Turnbow Park on the last Thursday of the month from April to September. Concerts are free and begin at 6:30PM. Brick Fields is up for July. The group is a captivating blues and roots ensemble based in Northwest Arkansas. Comprised of the husband-and-wife team of Rachel Fields and Larry Brick, the band is known for their soulful and heartfelt performances that seamlessly blend traditional blues with elements of gospel, folk, and R&B.
Date: July 25
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
Location: Walter Turnbow Park, downtown Springdale
Gulley Park Concert Series: Arkansauce
The last concert of the season will happen in July when Arkansauce takes the stage. Arkansauce is an energetic Americana string band that skillfully blends elements of bluegrass, folk, and country music to craft a truly distinctive sound. Their lively performances serve as a powerful testament to their profound love for the music they bring to life on stage. Family friendly music brings all walks of life together, and spectators are encouraged to bring their “furry” friends as well.
Date: July 25
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Gulley Park, Fayetteville
Dickson Street Mile
Fayetteville Parks and Recreation is introducing a brand new running event to Fayetteville’s downtown area, the Dickson Street Mile. Starting and finishing on Dickson Street, they hope this 1-mile race will soon become as iconic as its namesake. Several different race heats will provide a race option for everyone: speedsters, strollers, walkers, and even dogs. The race should feel like a parade, having engagement and excitement along the course for both participants and spectators.
Date: July 27
Time: 7-9 a.m.
Location: Dickson Street, Fayetteville
