June 2023: Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events
It’s June, and we’re ready to summer in Northwest Arkansas! Here’s a list of fun things to do with the kids this month, mamas:
New exhibit at the Amazeum! A construction site and interactive town called Building Buddies welcomes families to play, explore, and better a community. This colorful, interactive village was created with young children in mind. It offers a variety of activities to assist the various characters, or “buddies,” in improving their homes. Children are encouraged to construct, build, paint with light, decorate, tile, and more at the interactive building site. Visitors are immersed in a multisensory environment full of STEAM learning activities that are intended to encourage social behaviors such as sharing, cooperating, taking turns, and teamwork.
“Weekend Starts” series at the Lower Ramble
An art-infused series of Friday evening “compact creativity festivals” that will take place in the Lower Ramble. Kick off the weekend with a burst of creativity and fun. The WEST series is being held in conjunction with the University of Arkansas Department of Music. Every Friday through June 30 from 5 to 7 p.m., weather permitting. FREE, open to the public and all ages are welcome. Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere where they can unwind after a busy work week, enjoy strolling through the beautiful natural area and engage with their local arts community. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the performances and stay awhile. Arriving via the Razorback Greenway is encouraged, but parking is available at the Fayetteville Public Library’s south surface parking lot, as well as on-street parking along West Ave. Music performers will celebrate the musical diversity found at the university. Concerts will feature jazz trios, Brazilian and Afro-Cuban music, Ozark ballads, classical ensembles, rock songs, medieval music and more.
Dates: Fridays in June
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: The Lower Ramble, Fayetteville (255 S. West Ave.)
Kick-off the summer with Fayetteville Public Library’s biggest event of the year. From bounce houses to face painting and food – bring the family and join the fun. Expect bounce houses, face painting, stilt walkers, bubbles, games and food at the Gathering Glade. Mr. Troy will perform in the Art and Movement Room at 10, 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. Fayetteville’s Fire Department will be on hand with a firetruck. Face painting, airbrush tattoos, and a photo booth will be on hand, too. The Story Time Room will be set up as a play area for young children. Explore and enjoy from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Magician Scott Davis will close out the fun day with a magic show beginning at 12:30 p.m. in the Event Center. The FPL Summer Reading Club encourages children, teens and adults to keep reading during the summer months. Sign up for the program to be eligible for prizes.
Date: Saturday, June 3
Times: Starts at 9:30 a.m. See the schedule above for more details.
Location: Fayetteville Public Library
Kick back under the North Forest trees Saturday evenings this summer, and enjoy the sounds of local and national musicians, artmaking activities, and a food truck nearby. Grab your crew + a lawn chair, and visit Crystal Bridges on June 3rd for the first Forest Concert of the season, featuring The Ozark Mountain Daredevils with The Creek Rocks. Grab your ticket (FREE for youth 18 and under)
Date: June 3
Time: 9:30 p.m.
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville
Family Day at Rogers Historical Museum
The Rogers Historical Museum invites you to visit them for Family Day 10:00 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, June 3rd. Family Day will feature numerous hands-on activities and demonstrations including meeting farm animals, face painting, blacksmith demonstrations and Butterfly Park tours. You will also see beautiful crafts, including Patchwork ‘n Patterns: A Quilt and Coverlet Show on display Friday June 2 and Saturday June 3. Free admission.
Date: Saturday, June 3
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Rogers Historical Museum
Terrific Tuesday Nights (Botanical Garden of the Ozarks)
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is hosting its family-friendly, free, summer series, “Terrific Tuesday Nights” every Tuesday from June through August, 5 to 8:30 pm. This series allows the Northwest Arkansas community to experience the Garden on summer evenings free of charge, thanks to the Pat & Willard Walker Foundation, Inc. The Garden’s first Tuesday night will kick off Pride Month. LGBTQIA+ families, individuals, and their allies are invited to join in the festivities. Picnics, blankets and lawn chairs are welcome. No pets. The event is free, but registration is required.
Date: June 6 is the first event (every Tuesday through August)
Time: 5-8:30 p.m.
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
Gulley Park Summer Concert Series
Enjoy a long-standing tradition of outdoor live music with a food truck rally on six different occasions this summer. Family-friendly music brings all walks of life together, and spectators are encouraged to bring their “furry” friends as well. The 27th Annual Gulley Park Summer Concert Series includes six concerts in all. Concerts are on Thursday evenings 7-9 p.m., taking place at the Gulley Park Gazebo.
Concert Dates:
- June 8
- June 15
- June 22
- June 29
- July 6
- July 13
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Location: Gulley Park gazebo, Fayetteville
Springdale Parks and Recreation Splashpad Summer Movies returns. Free admission. The full list of summer movies:
- June 9: Minions, The Rise of Gru
- June 30: DC League of Super Pets
- July 21: Puss in Boots, The Last Wish
Dates: See above
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: C.L. “Charlie” and Willie George Park, Springdale
Enjoy free Kona Ice, a bounce obstacle course, live music by Mariachi Amistad, and more. Participants who sign up for summer reading will receive a welcome gift.
June 10
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Springdale Public Library
“Hive” you heard about the sweet bee-themed adventure? Giggle as you read a book and learn all about bees with Edgar and his best friend. Then go on a wildflower hike and see bees in action. You will learn the secret of “bee vision” and make a recycled solitary bee house you can take home for your yard! Recommended ages 4+.
Date: Saturday, June 10
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Hobbs State Park, Rogers
Making Together with the Amazeum (at Rogers Public Library)
Teens can explore their curiosity for making at this event. Get hands-on with different tools, materials and techniques to create unique bookmarks. Ages: 13-18
Date: Tuesday, June 13
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: Rogers Public Library
From June 13-18, attendees from all over the globe will travel to Northwest Arkansas where a culturally rich community, world-class outdoor adventure, fine art, music, tech innovation, and a vibrant dining scene converge. Bentonville has become a hub where people come to listen in on intimate conversations between celebrities, filmmakers, industry executives, and thought leaders. In partnership with the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, panel discussion topics will encompass crucial themes such as maternal health, women’s entrepreneurship, and body representation in media.
Dates: June 13-18
Times: Vary
Bentonville Farmers Market “Monthly Move”
Monthly Move is an initiative to get outside and get moving. Every 3rd Saturday of the month, the Bentonville Farmers Market will feature “free, fun, and active” activities. You can expect things like yoga, dance sessions, music with DJs and more. Classes and demos will be in 30-minute sessions. The first will be from 10:30 – 11:00 AM. The second will be from 11:30 AM – noon.
Date: June 17
Times: See above schedule
Location: Bentonville Farmers Market, Bentonville Square
Build Together with the Amazeum (at Rogers Public Library)
Calling all builders on Wednesday, June 21 at 10 a.m. This STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) challenge showcases all different kinds of making from cardboard to recyclables and more. Collaborate with fellow builders to design and create a new world. Best for ages 3-5 years
Date: June 21
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Rogers Public Library
This is an athletic fundraising event hosted by Rampy MS Research Foundation, which works with UAMS and other national research hospitals to fund research to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. Kids 4 and under can participate in the STRIDER Bike/Run event. Kids aged 5-17 will participate in the Swim/Run event. Age is based on a child’s Race Day age. This event will be a fun evening full of swimming, biking, running, snow cones, music, and medals!
Date: June 23, 2023
Time: See the event schedule here
Location: Melvin Ford Aquatic Park, Bentonville, Arkansas
Registration: Register online by clicking here.
Each performance of the rodeo will feature all 7 PRCA events, talented acts, a funny clown, children’s events, western lifestyle vendors, and rodeo food.
Dates: June 21-24, 2023
Times: Vary
Location: Parsons Stadium, Springdale
Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket to relax and listen to live music from local artists, support local businesses by grabbing dinner from a food truck and shopping with local vendors, or pick a gallon of fresh organic blueberries!
Date: June 24
Time: 2-7 p.m.
Location:
12726 Huber Rd, Bentonville
Sneak Peek at a July event!
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.
