The Friday 5: Fun things to do this weekend in Northwest Arkansas

*CLICK HERE FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF FIREWORKS DISPLAYS IN NWA!

1. The 72nd Annual Rodeo of the Ozarks continues tonight and Saturday/Saturday night (June 24-25) at Parsons Stadium in Springdale.

On Saturday, a parade kicks things off at 10 a.m. along historic Emma Avenue in Springdale. Horses, floats, marching bands and more. At 6 p.m., rodeo gates open and pre-rodeo events begin. The Rodeo of the Ozarks begins at 7:30 p.m. The 2016 Miss Rodeo of the Ozarks will be crowned after the rodeo and fireworks will follow.

Click here for more info on the parade, rodeo and fireworks display!

2. The Boxcar Children will be showing at Arts Live Theatre through Sunday.

Click here for more information about show times and to buy tickets.

3. Opera in the Ozarks will perform Pinnocchio on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at the Fayetteville Public Library’s Walker Community Room

The familiar story serves as an excellent introduction to operatic music for children who might be unfamiliar with this particular style. The performance is free and open to the public.

Opera in the Ozarks is a training program and festival designed for aspiring operatic performers. Attracting talented singers nationwide, the program is highly competitive, and its alumni have performed on some of the world’s biggest stages. For more information, visit the program’s website.

Click here for more info on the FPL event!

4. Freedom Fest is an event in Pea Ridge that features music, kid’s activities and food at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks at dark.

Freedom Fest is being held at the First Assembly of God Church, 577 Weston St., Pea Ridge.

*Click here for more info on the fireworks event.

5. NWA Dog Walk {entry fee}. This annual event is on Saturday (June 25) 9 a.m. to noon at Orchards Park in Bentonville.

The walk starts at 10 a.m., but you can go over early to enjoy food, browse the tents and support the cause. Registration is $30 for the first dog and $5 for additional dogs. Participants will receive a T-shirt and goody bag. T-shirts will also be for sale at the event and the proceeds go to local animal shelters.

The Dog Walk organizers have lots of fun planned for the day of the walk. Sugar Creek Animal Hospital is sponsoring NWA Caricatures to create a portrait of you and your pet. Come out early and get your place in line. These are one of a kind drawings done by an artist with amazing talent, provided to you free by one of the community’s longest-standing animal hospitals.

Click here for more info on the NWA Dog Walk and to register!

Bonus!

New park alert! The new C.L. “Charlie” & Willie George Park {which has a dog park, two playgrounds, a splash pad and more!} will open at 1 p.m. on Saturday. The park is located at 4023 Hylton Rd. in Springdale.

A ribbon cutting and celebration will start at 1 p.m. Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse and Gary George will be speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony, which will take place at the southwest pavilion, next to the playground.

There will be free food and water. The fire and police departments will be there with fun activities for the families, and Bike Springdale and the American Heart Association will have great information for those who are interested in getting active and staying healthy!

The newest park in Springdale has:

• Two playgrounds
• A splash pad
• Four large pavilions with tables
• A dog park with separate sections for large and small dogs, and a pavilion with a table
• A walking/jogging trail
• Sports fields
• Tennis courts
• Ample parking
• And more!

Click here for more details.