The Great Passion Play is just one of Eureka Springs must-see attractions when visiting the town. It was named as America’s #1 Attended Outdoor Drama by The Institute of Outdoor Theatre and Drama of East Carolina University at Greenville, and it is no surprise why. The cast is impressive as it boasts over 170 costumed performers and a variety of live animals. The multi-level outdoor amphitheater holds 4,100 seats. This 2015 season, The Great Passion Play will put on 85 performances from May through October.
The Great Passion Play has been performed in Eureka Springs since 1968. The Passion performance takes guests on a journey of Christ’s life with events leading up to his crucifixion and then resurrection. When purchasing tickets to this event, there are plenty of options to choose from. The Anytime Ticket can be used one time at any of the 85 performances throughout the season. It is $26.50 for adults, $16.50 for youth, and $12.50 for children ages 4 through 11 and kids under 4 are free. The Bible Experience Pass includes a ticket to the play and entrance into the Holy Land Tour. This ticket for adults is $43.00. Add-ons to tickets can include a backstage tour, buffet and a tabernacle teaching.
The grounds of The Great Passion Play are home to many other attractions to check out on the day of the show. There is the Christ of the Ozarks statue that stands 65.5 feet tall, perfect for a photo op and is free of charge. The Bible Museum is home to more than 6,000 bibles in 625 languages and 3,000 artifacts. For Christian works of art including those of Christ and Christian life, the Sacred Arts Museum is home to 64 different art forms with over 1,000 works of art. The Holy Land Tour takes visitors on a walk to explore the Middle Eastern culture. Talk with biblical figures, watch Jesus walk on water and see a life-sized replica of the Eastern Gate in Jerusalem on this 3 hour interactive tour. The tours are from 12:00pm to 4:00pm and only offered on days of the play. Other must see attractions on the grounds include an original section of the Berlin Wall, the Church in the Grove and a life sized replica of Moses’ Tabernacle in the Wilderness which can be seen on the Holy Land Tour.
There are a few events happening this season at The Great Passion Play starting with Easter on April 5th. A sunrise service at the foot of the Christ of the Ozarks Statue will be held at 7:00am. May 15th and 16th there will be a Trail Ride which will include 2 buffet dinners, the Total Experience Pass and rides throughout the day. Cost of this event is $100.00. A Gospel Celebration will be held on October 8th with event information to be released soon. And set your calendars for the Bikes, Bibles and BBQ event to be held September 25th and 26th. There will be guided rides, BBQ buffets and of course The Great Passion Play in the evening.
Eureka Springs is known for the many mansions turned bed and breakfasts that line the streets of the town. When making arrangements to visit this spring, be sure to check out Arsenic and Old Lace. This Queen Anne Victorian style mansion is home to five beautiful and spacious guest suites each complete with private bathroom. A gourmet breakfast is served each morning to ensure a great start to your day exploring the town. We would love for you to come and stay with us. For room availability or reservations, click here.
Photo courtesy of Doug Wertman