August 2022: Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events
Welcome to August, mamas! We’ve pulled together some of the most fun and family-friendly events in
Tontitown Grape Festival
This annual event includes carnival rides, grape ice cream, a grape stomp, arts and crafts and spaghetti dinners. Free nightly entertainment, free parking, free admission.
Date: Aug. 2-6
Time: Varies
Location: Henri De Tonti Boulevard, Tontitown
Northwest Arkansas just for you. (And don’t miss our Summer 2022 bucket list for even more ideas for things to do in Northwest Arkansas!)
First Thursday Fayetteville: Dog Daze
The event celebrates Fayetteville’s local arts culture, music, food, and beer. Guests can also take advantage of the Outdoor Refreshment Area — those that are 21 and older can sip and stroll their way through the event. As always, this event is free and open to the public.
Date: Aug. 4
Time: 5:30-9 p.m.
Location: Downtown Fayetteville Square
First Friday, Bentonville: Back to School Bash
First Friday is a monthly festival series featuring live music, food trucks, multiple family-friendly activities, and local vendors. The August First Friday’s theme is back to school. Expect over 75 vendors bringing some fun back-to-school giveaways, games, and activities. Bentonville Schools will present over 15 booths this month. THere will be a Twinkie Eating Contest live on-stage at 5:45pm. Test your knowledge with a Back to School trivia contest in the beer garden. There will be a local artist “Jam Session” from 11 a.m.to 1 pm.
Date: Friday, Aug. 5
Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Downtown Bentonville Square
Art Trail at Night, Crystal Bridges
Come experience an evening of drop-in, creative fun under the stars with music, food, artmaking, and more. The museum transforms the South Lawn and Art Trail into a glowing garden of light and imagination that’s fun for all ages. Kick off the night with a one-of-a-kind sunset view at Skyspace, with live cello music performed by Molly Healey. Then visit the themed artmaking stations to flex your creative muscles. Live music will be provided on the Frank Lloyd Wright Lawn, hosted by Trillium Salon Series at one of several performance areas throughout the grounds. There will also be a pop-up concession and bar area serving late-night snacks, sips, and brews. Free, no tickets required. Drop in anytime from 8 to 11 p.m.
Date: Aug. 5
Time: 8-11 p.m. (drop-in)
Location: Cyrstal Bridges Museum, Bentonville
National S’mores Day at the Amazeum
The Amazeum is celebrating the toasty, melty, ooey gooey treat on National S’mores Day. Experience the wonders of camping at the Amazeum’s Hershey’s S’mores pit from 3:30 – 7:30 PM on August 10, 2022. Reserve your spot today!. Also build with Sticklets, construct a protective shelter with Wild Weather, and experiment with Expanding Marshmallows.
Date: Aug. 10
Time: 30:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Amazeum’s Hershey’s S’mores
Free Movie Night at Arvest Ballpark
Springdale Parks and Recreation presents a free Movie Night at Arvest Ballpark, featuring the timeless favorite, “Field of Dreams.” Free popcorn, snow cones and water will be provided by NWA City Church. Seating will be available in main concourse bowl of Arvest Ballpark (suite seating will be closed and on-field seating will not be permitted).
Date: Aug. 12
Time: Gates open at 7 p.m. Movie will start at 7:30 p.m.
Location: Arvest Ballpark, Springdale
2nd Annual Elkfest
Elkfest celebrates Elkins, Arkansas, and offers fun for various ages and interests throughout the day, including a Kid Zone from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bunch Park. While most the activities are happening at Bunch Park and the Elkins Community Center, fun is also planned at other spots throughout the community. Events include a car show, silent auction, vendor show, breakfast with Nellie B’s, a dog show, food trucks, a cybersecurity seminar, and a Sloppy Joe Lunch and live music at Elkins Senior Center. The event is a fundraiser for several community services.
Date: Aug. 13
Time: Varies
Location: Varies
Terrific Tuesday Nights, Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Every Tuesday from June through August, the Botanical Garden is open and free to the public from 5-8 p.m. On several Tuesdays throughout the summer, BGO hosts special events in addition to free admission to the garden. This family-friendly series allows the Northwest Arkansas community and beyond to experience the garden on beautiful summer evenings. Guests are invited to make a donation to support garden programs. Picnics, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. No pets. Glass, smoking, e-cigarettes, tents, weapons and firearms are prohibited.
Date: Aug. 16 and 30
August 16 – Free Camp Gladiator outdoor workout in the Garden with Shannon Wright from 6:30-7:30. (Drop-ins welcome)
August 30 – Sprinklerfest on the Great Lawn (wear your swimsuit)
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
Toddler Skate Time
Geared for families with younger kids. Learn to skate, or ride around the rink floor on our gliders and scooters. You can even bring your own ride-on toy.
Date: Aug. 18
Time:
Location: Starlight Skatium, Fayetteville
The Washington County Historical Society’s Annual Ice Cream Social
The ice cream social will return for the first time in three years and mark the 50th anniversary of the event. Refreshments will include ice cream provided by Hiland Dairy, assorted cookies, lemonade and water. Visitors may enjoy a stroll through the historic gardens or take a tour of Headquarters House Museum. Musical entertainment will be Bill Dollar and Loose Change. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2.50 per child or $15 per family. Tickets will be on sale at the gate and can also be purchased in advance online at https://bit.ly/3SeAd6G
Date: Saturday, Aug. 20
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Headquarters House Museum, 118 E. Dickson St., Fayetteville
Bark in the Park, NWA Naturals
Fans may bring their dogs out for the final Bark in the Ballpark. Your best friend(s) will receive FREE admission to the 2:05pm game as long as they are accompanied by a paid owner.
Date: Aug. 21
Time: 2:05 p.m.
Location: Arvest Ballpark, Springdale
Washington County Fair
The largest county fair in Arkansas returns to Fayetteville in late August. Food, rides, carnival games, crafts, animals and more.
Date: Aug. 23-27
Time: Event times vary
Location: Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville