Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events for March 2024
Happy March, mamas! We hope you enjoy a month filled with shamrocks, leprechauns, and Spring Break fun! Here’s a roundup of some of the best family events and activities happening around Northwest Arkansas this month.
Exquisite Creatures Craft Kits
In celebration of its upcoming Exquisite Creatures exhibition, Crystal Bridges Museum is inviting community members to visit Northwest Arkansas libraries where they can pick up kits to craft their own “exquisite creature,” using art kits provided by the museum, viewing special artworks created by local artists, snapping selfies for a chance to be featured on the museum’s social channels, and more. Each art kit includes free tickets to the exhibition, which is on view at Crystal Bridges from March 16 through July 29, 2024. The show features more than 400 individual objects of preserved plant, animal, and mineral specimens – including crystals, lizards, beetles, parrots, butterflies, crabs, and much more – all arranged in stunning geometric patterns. To learn more about the exhibition and related events, click here.
Date: Now through March 10, the museum will collect all creatures designed using the art kits at partner libraries. The creatures will be displayed at Crystal Bridges later this spring. Library visitors can continue to pick up art kits and create creatures after March 10, but will need to deliver them to Crystal Bridges to be included in the display.
Time: Library hours
Location: Pick up Crystal Bridges’ kits at public libraries in Bentonville, Elkins, Farmington, Fayetteville, Rogers, Siloam Springs and Springdale.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf
Watch the legendary story of “A Boy Who Cried Wolf” come to life on stage at the Walton Arts Center on Tuesday, March 5th. Watch talented performers turn into hilarious sheep, wolves, and a village of knitters in this entertaining story that will keep your kids laughing while they watch the boy learn an important lesson about truth. Tickets are only $10.
Date: March 5
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
FamJam: Spring Sing with Candy Songs & Her Backyard Bugs
Get your little ones in the spring spirit on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the next FamJam event at The Jones Center. The next special event is called “Spring Sing with Candy Songs & Her Backyard Bugs.” The concert is a sing-along party for the whole family. Candy and her band perform catchy songs with playful lyrics that are educational and fun. She uses music to teach about nature, social skills, positive outcomes and more. Your kids will get to dance, sing and welcome the season of new beginnings. Tickets are only $5 per person and include all the day’s FamJam events.
Date: Saturday, March 9
Time: The concert begins at 2 p.m., but you can make this an all-day family outing because FamJam events include a public ice skating session (two time periods available), a public session of swimming, family craft time, plus the spring concert.
Location: The Jones Center for Families, Springdale
Solar Scientists (Grades 5–12)
Explore solar science and learn about the upcoming solar eclipse. Join FPL in welcoming NWA Space and Science Center who will teach participants how to use cool equipment to view the sun safely and go over information on the upcoming Solar Eclipse. Part of this program takes place outside on the Gathering Glade, weather permitting, and part of the program will finish in the Walmart Storytime Room.
Date: Wednesday, March 13
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Location: Fayetteville Public Library
Little Sprouts
If you are feeling lucky, come celebrate St. Patrick’s day at BGO and learn a jig with Rince-Arkansas Academy of Irish Dance. Kids will enjoy a story, a nature activity, and sing and dance with Rince. Little Sprouts is a botanically-themed interactive story and activity time for preschoolers and their parents/caregivers. Cost free-$10.
Date: March 13
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
Garden Party, Main Street Siloam Springs
Get the girls together, grab your most outrageously fabulous tea party hat, and head to the Girls Night Out. Stop by the Brick Ballroom Lobby from 5-6:30pm to visit sponsors and use the floral photo booth. Shop and dine at participating businesses during this Garden Party-themed ladies night. Enjoy late night hours, specials, and fun.
Date: March 14
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: 102 S. Broadway St., Siloam Springs
Super Saturday: Irish Dance Performance
An exciting dance experience perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. Rince (“ring-kaw”) Arkansas Academy of Irish Dance is the premier Irish dance school in Northwest Arkansas. Their mission is to provide excellent instruction in traditional and contemporary Irish dance, create a space to promote Irish dance, music and culture, and enrich the community of Northwest Arkansas with performance, outreach and service.
Date: March 16
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Location: Fayetteville Public Library
Exquisite Creatures, Crystal Bridges Museum
In Crystal Bridges’ new exhibition, which starts on March 16 and runs through July 29, artist and naturalist Christopher Marley reflects on humanity’s intimate relationship with nature, revealing its intricate beauty and diversity through three-dimensional works comprised of animal, mineral, and plant specimens arranged in precise, geometric compositions. Shown together, the works create an immersive environment which inspires wonder and fosters a desire to preserve the natural world.
Date: March 16
Time: Museum hours
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville
Spring Break Specials at Crystal Bridges Museum
Make memories at the museum as it comes alive for Spring Break. Celebrate the turn in the weather, a week off from school, and the museum’s new exhibition, Exquisite Creatures, with activities for all ages. Create with local artists in the studios, explore the galleries, enjoy live performances as a family, learn from artist demos and community partners, and more. Free, no tickets required. Drop in anytime from 1 to 4 p.m.
Dates: March 16-24
Times: 1-4 p.m.
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville
Creature Fest
Let your imagination soar by dressing up as your favorite creature, whether real or mythical. Unleash your creativity with wings, hats, and more at the museum pop-up shop. Dive into a world of hands-on activities and engaging demonstrations presented by local nature and science-based organizations, including Hobbs State Park, Arkansas Game and Fish, and the Little Rock Zoo. Hear from writer and avid birdwatcher, Christian Cooper, for a captivating lecture on his acclaimed book Better Living Through Birding. Plus, dance and sing along with our rotating performers including Candy Lee and the “Backyard Bugs” and Shannon Wurst. With countless critters to encounter, don’t miss out on this day of family fun at the museum. Free, no tickets required.
Date: March 16
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville
St. Patrick’s Day Block Party with Pedal Kids
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Pedal Kids USA and Pedal it Forward with a block party at Wishing Springs in Bentonville. There will be community rides, a jump bag jam, bike skills track, bicycle playground, and more. The event is free and open to everyone!
Date: March 17
Time: 2-5 p.m.
Location: Wishing Springs Road in front of Pedal Kids USA HQ.
School’s Out Movies
During spring break week (March 18-22), the Fayetteville Public Library will show free movies every day. Seating is first come, first served. (No food or drink in the Story Time Room.) All abilities are welcome. For disability accommodations, call 479.856.7170 or email kidsquestions@faylib.org 2-3 weekdays before a program.
Schedule of movies:
- Monday – Trolls Band Together (PG)
- Tuesday – Ferdinand (PG)
- Wednesday – Wonka (PG)
- Thursday – Under the Boardwalk (PG)
- Friday – Wish (PG)
Dates: March 18-22
Times: 2-3:30 p.m. each day
Location: Fayetteville Public Library
Shiloh Museum Spring Break Camp
Calling young explorers ages 6-12. Embark on a full-day adventure during spring break at the Shiloh Museum on March 19 and 21. Immerse yourself in the captivating realm of historic toys and games, uncovering their links to seasonality and natural resources. Through hands-on activities, delve into the history of the Arkansas Ozarks, forging unforgettable connections with the past. Lunch and snacks included. Each day is limited to 25 participants. Free, but registration is required.
Dates: March 19 and 21
Times: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Springdale
