If you thought June had lots of family fun, check out July! NWA is never boring. We even added an adults-only event.* Want to check on the Fourth of July events going on? Then check out the 2018 Fireworks + Events Guide.
Our monthly calendar of events is sponsored by a Northwest Arkansas-based vacation planning company called Blue Sun Vacations. (They’re planning our upcoming vacation, and we are SO excited about it!) If you’d like to go on an amazing trip but don’t want the stress and hassle of making all the plans, check out Blue Sun. (Cost is the SAME as it would be if you planned it by yourself, and you’ll get the benefit of expert advice.)
Terrific Tuesday Nights
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is excited to invite guests back to the garden this summer. Guests are invited to make a suggested donation of $5 to the garden and will offer a variety of programs, including summer concerts and educational demonstrations.
Date: Tuesday, July 3
Time: 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
More info: Click here
Opera Company of the Ozarks at the Springdale Public Library
Opera Company of the Ozarks will be performing “Cinderella”. Children of all ages are welcome.
Date: Thursday, July 5
Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: Springdale Public Library
More info: Click here
Dive-In & Splash Pad Free Summer Movie 
Join Springdale Parks and Recreation at the free summer movie series. Gates will open at 7:30. Movies begin at dusk. Please bring chairs to the movies at the splash pad. JULY 6: DEEP Synopsis: A young octopus and his pals embark on a journey across the ocean to find a new home after their habitat is destroyed. Along the way, they make new friends and encounter dangerous predators.
Date: Friday, July 6
Time: 8 p.m.
Location:The Springdale Aquatic Center
More info: Click here
First Friday Flix
First Friday doesn’t get better than this- a free, family- friendly movie, Peter Rabbit, will be aired in Lawrence Plaza. Be sure to bring your popcorn and fold-able chair.
Date: Friday, July 6
Time: 8:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Location:Lawrence Plaza, Bentonville
More info: Click here
Monday Evening Concert: Music with Leonardo
Leonardo will hold an evening jam session in the children’s library filled with fun, high-energy songs.
Date: Monday, July 9
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Fayetteville Public Library
More info: Click here
Juggle Whatever
Kelsey and Jeremy Philo will perform in this show that includes a juggling performance and the opportunity for attendees to try juggling themselves.
Date: Wednesday, July 11
Time: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Fayetteville Public Library
More info: Click here
A Summer Jolly Holiday
Friends at Spotlight Characters are back with a high-energy Mary Poppins-themed program. As the kids jump through their chalk drawing, participate in a mini parade, and spread birdseed with Mary Poppins and Bert in this interactive program they will also get to learn singing etiquette while singing some of their favorite songs. This program is for all ages.
Date: Wednesday, July 11
Time: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Location: Rogers Public Library
More info: Click here
Gulley Park Concert Series 
Great outdoor music, The Mighty Pines, and food vendors, free and open to the public. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Food vendors are there or you could also bring your own picnic kit.
Date: Thursday, July 12
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Gulley Park
More info: Click here
Rock & Splash
Come enjoy dancing in the fountains at Lawrence Plaza while listening to feature live music…. July 12: Route 358
Date: Thursday, July 12
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: The Splash Park at Lawrence Plaza
More info: Click here
Dive-In Movie: Finding Nemo 
Now that they have their new pool video board, the Jones Center can show dive-in movies in the pool! The movie starts at 6:00 pm so they can be done with the movie before 8 when the pool closes. Finding Nemo| $3 (free for members)
Date: Friday, July 13
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Jones Center
More info: Click here
Family Fluid Art Event: Large Canvas
This unique class offers you the opportunity for you and your family to collaborate on a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork. Several experienced fluid artists will be on hand to ensure you have the support needed to produce a professional looking painting. The cost varies for the canvas sizes, total price includes all the supplies needed to make your piece, with the exception of the paint. This will allow you to select the perfect shades of acrylic paint for your desired color scheme. Once you have registered and paid for the session, you will receive additional information regarding how much paint will be needed based on the canvas size you choose. Beverages and light snacks will also be included for this event.
Date: Saturday, July 14
Time: 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Rogers Experimental House
More info: Click here to register email Marie at ditzysdoodles1@gmail.com
NWA History Resource Fair
Come visit with representatives from over fifteen museums, historical and genealogical societies, archives, and preservation groups representing the region’s history, family genealogy, archeology, Native Americans, cemeteries, historic buildings, and the like. Whether you’re searching for ancestors, are curious about the history of your house, are working on a film or book, or want to know about a place, business, or school, the fair will be a great place to learn what resources are available and connect with the folks who can help with your projects.
Date: Saturday, July 14
Time: 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
More info: Click here
The Geology of Ozark Caves
A program by John McFarland, retired geologist with the Arkansas Geological Survey.
Date: Wednesday, July 18
Time: 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
More info: Click here
Magic in the Park
Announcing a hit for kids of all ages: an evening of MAGIC! Bring your kids to a night of fun, laughter and magic- all for free at Lawrence Plaza! Magic Shows presented by: July 19: George Reader
Date: Thursday, July 19
Time: 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Lawrence Plaza
More info: Click here
2018 Dream Big Charity Gala* 
This year’s 1920’s carnival theme is sure to impress and kicks off promptly at 7:00pm! Guests will enjoy live music provided by NWA’s own Boom Kinetic and various circus acts both presented by Lifeworks Technology Group, hors d’oeuvres from area restaurants, adult beverages featuring signature cocktails from Koon’s Saloon and Heaven Hill Spirits, summer beer selection from MillerCoors and wine selection from Sassafras Springs Vineyard, carnival games featuring a cigar dart throw by One Eyed Jacks Fine Cigar Lounge and wine ring toss by Sassafras Springs Vineyard, and an informative program about the Children’s Safety Center. The Dream Big Charity Gala is THE signature fundraiser for the Children’s Safety Center of Washington County.
Date: Saturday, July 21
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Fayetteville Town Center
More info: Click here
Firefly Fling
Dust off your fairy wings – one of Northwest Arkansas’ most anticipated midsummer events is back. Come dressed as your favorite fairy or woodland creature. Before dark, community groups will offer engaging and fun activities like fairy house building, an obstacle course, giant bubbles, nature stations, crafts, and more. Garden fairies and other fun characters will be granting wishes to children throughout the garden. After dark, families may gather on the lawn for glow-in-the-dark performances, followed by fire dancing a special Community Wishes Finale. Guests may bring blankets and picnics, but food trucks will be selling food as well.
Date: Saturday, July 21
Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks
More info: Click here
Mermaids and Magic Pool Party
Come splash around at the Rogers Aquatics center with Mermaids, Princesses, and the guest of honor….Ariel! A private after hours party with all attractions open and in the shallow pools we will have our most magical mermaids swimming and splashing with the kids. Join a DJ as he hosts an awesome dance party complete with some of your favorite princesses in their themed swimwear. Tickets are 15.00 per person. Please note there is no food provided in the ticket cost however, the snack bar will be open.
Date: Sunday, July 22
Time: 6:16 p.m. – 8:15 p.m.
Location: Rogers Aquatics Center
More info: Click here
Kidz Bop Live 2018
KIDZ BOP records kid-friendly versions of today’s biggest pop music hits sung by kids, for kids. For millions of kids each year, KIDZ BOP is their first introduction to pop music, and for tens of thousands of kids, the KIDZ BOP Kids Live Tour is their first concert experience.
Date: Sunday, July 22
Time: 4 p.m.
Location: Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP)
More info: Click here
Gulley Park Concert Series
Great outdoor music, Barrett Baber, and food vendors, free and open to the public. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Food vendors are there or you could bring your own picnic kit.
Date: Thursday, July 26
Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Location: Gulley Park
More info: Click here
Dive-In & Splash Pad Free Summer Movie
Join Springdale Parks and Recreation at the free summer movie series. Gates will open at 7:30. Movies begin at dusk. Please bring chairs to the movies at the splash pad. JULY 27: COCO Synopsis: A boy journeys into the Land of the Dead to seek forgiveness from his ancestors and lift a curse.
Date: Friday, July 27
Time: 8 p.m.
Location:The splash pad C.L. “Charlie” & Willie George Park
More info: Click here
Madagascar: A Musical Adventure, Jr.
Arts Center of the Ozarks partners with Trike Theatre to present Madagascar: a Musical Adventure, Jr. Performances are presented by youth participating in Trike’s 3-week Production Camp directed by Julie Gabel at the ACO. In two evening and one afternoon performances, families will delight in the zany antics and exploits as Marty the Zebra, Alex the Lion, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and, of course, those uproariously plotting penguins escape to explore the world.
Date: Friday, July 27 – Sunday, July 29
Time: 7 p.m. Friday/Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday
Location: Arts Center of the Ozarks
More info: Click here
Dive-In Movie: Finding Dory
Join in the fun of another Dive-In Movie. Finding Dory, $3 (free for members)
Date: Friday, July 27
Time: 6 p.m. – 8p.m.
Location: Jones Center
More info: Click here
Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. Curtain time for Thursday thru Saturday performances is 8 p.m. with Sunday performances at 2 p.m. Doors and Concessions open at 7:00 pm.
Date: Friday, July 27 – Sunday, July 29
Time: 8 p.m. Friday/Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday
Location: Arkansas Public Theater
More info: Click here
BGO Free Summer Concert Series
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks’ popular Free Summer Concert Series returns. There’s nothing better than summer nights in the garden, enjoying these unique open-air performances. JULY 31 – Funk Factory, a high energy band covering everything from Motown soul, to rock ‘n roll and modern pop.
Date: Tuesday, July 31
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
More info: Click here
