Spring has sprung here in Eureka Springs and there are so many things to do in Northwest Arkansas this season. Upcoming events in the area include art and music festivals, the annual Mustang weekend and arts and crafts shows just to name a few. It’s the perfect season for getting out and about around town, mingling with friends and neighbors and just enjoying all the community has to offer.
Kicking off the festivities is the annual Carving in the Ozarks on April 17th. Events begin Friday and Saturday at 8:00am with auction on Saturday at 4:00pm. This event is free to the public and showcases the art of chainsaw carving. Another annual event that draws crowds each year is the Eureka Springs Indie Film Fest the weekend of April 23rd. This festival promotes and encourages independent filmmakers and celebrates the art of filmmaking in the community. Screenings begin at The Auditorium on Wednesday evening and continue Thursday and Friday. Awards will be given out on Saturday at 6:00pm.
The 41st annual Dogwood Festival comes to Siloam Springs, Arkansas April 24th through the 26th. Exhibitors from all over the United States have been coming to the historic downtown area of Siloam Springs for this special festival since 1974. Food vendors selling a variety of home-cooked foods will be on hand as well as a KidZone area for the children.
On May 1st, The Great Passion Play begins their season in Eureka Springs. Known as America’s #1 Attended Outdoor Drama, there will be over 85 performances this season through its ending on October 31st. A cast of 170 costumed performers tell the greatest story ever told at the beautiful outdoor amphitheater. Pine Mountain Village in Eureka Springs is home to the Spring Art and Craft Show on May 9th. This arts and crafts show will feature only hand-made crafts for purchase from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Continuing the fun in Eureka Springs, The Farm will host a 4 day funk festival and disco party known as the Phunkberry Music Festival. From May 7th through the 10th, fifteen bands and two late night DJ’s will be the entertainment for this fun event. Artists scheduled include Dumpstaphunk, Bernie Worrell Orchestra, and Flatland Funk Donors just to name a few.
For all things reading, the Crescent Hotel will host the Books in Bloom Literary Festival on May 17th. This celebration for writers and readers will feature a meeting with authors from 12:00pm to 5:00pm. A few of the authors that will be in attendance include William Bernhardt, Abby Burnett, Steve Yates, Tess Gerritsen and Suzanne McCray.
May is an exciting time to be in Eureka Springs as the whole month celebrates the May Festival of the Arts. The entire month there will be events going on around town including free music in the park, art exhibits, performances and the annual White Street Walk. The White Street Walk will be on May 15th this year. Artists will open up their homes and studios to all guests to see their latest works of art. To finish out the month of May, car enthusiasts come out in full force for the annual Mustang Weekend. This will be the events 21st year and will take place May 22nd and 23rd. Cars will be on exhibit at Pine Mountain Village on the 23rd from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Other fun events will include a parade and a car show complete with trophies and cash prizes.
No matter what season brings you to beautiful Eureka Springs, check out a stay at our Queen Anne Victorian style bed and breakfast, Arsenic & Old Lace. We are just two short blocks from the Historic District so we are close to all the action the town has to offer. For reservations and additional information, call us at 479-253-5454.
Photo courtesy of jacob.bolm
