The summer season is upon us. With that, come the annual events that we come to look forward to each year in Eureka Springs. If you’re wondering what to do in Eureka Springs this summer, look no further than this quick guide hitting the highlights. Bring your family and friends and make some wonderful summertime memories this year in Eureka Springs.
Eureka Springs Blues Weekend is back this June. This year the weekend is extended to a whole week worth of fun. From June 13th to June 21st, blues music will fill the streets of the Historic District. Jimmy D. Lane kicks things off on Saturday with music in Basin Spring Park. Other acts lined up for this event include Earl and Them, Chris Thomas King, The Nace Brothers, and The Bel-Airs just to name a few. The week of fun ends with a Father’s Day picnic at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge on June 21st. All tickets purchased in advance range from $10.00 to $30.00. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $5.00 more so be sure to buy in advance.
Celebrating their 65th season this year is Opera in the Ozarks. 22 performances will be put on at the air-conditioned outdoor venue at Inspiration Point. Opera in the Ozarks is an 8-week summer program for young singers looking to pursue a career in opera. The talented performers will present La Traviata, The Tales of Hoffman and Cinderella from June 19th through July 17th.
For good food and fun in a street fair type of atmosphere, check out the 5th annual Fleur Delicious weekend happening July 7th through the 12th. Many local businesses participate including galleries, bars and restaurants and shops. Kids will love the waiter races and free music on Saturday.
Get your body moving this summer with 3 athletic events that are back for another year. The Fat Tire Festival is July 17th through the 19th and will feature mountain biking events like the Short Track, Super D, Downhill and Cross Country racing. The XTERRA Festival is celebrating its 10th year and will be the weekend of July 25th and 26th at Lake Leatherwood. Events will include trail runs, swimming, and biking. The 5th annual Eurekan Multi-Sport event will take place on August 14th through the 16th. Participants can enter individual events or take part in The Eurekan Challenge which is all 4 events. There will be a sprint-distance triathlon on Friday, bike tours on Saturday and running on Sunday.
The Annual Bluegrass Festival makes its way to Basin Spring Park August 13th through the 15th. The event kicks off with a watermelon social on Thursday and then free music in the park from noon to 5:00pm on Friday and Saturday. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the Eureka Springs VW Weekend at the Inn of the Ozarks on the weekend of August 28th. Events throughout the weekend will include a cocktail party, parade, live music, awards show and a tourcade to end events on Sunday.
Whether you are traveling with the whole family or just your pet, check out a stay at Arsenic and Old Lace bed and breakfast on Hillside Avenue this summer. This Queen Anne Victorian style mansion is home to five guest rooms each complete with private bathroom, a seasonal fireplace, and beautiful views. We are just 2 short blocks from the Historic District so you can walk to all the fun events that occur downtown. To top it all off, a gourmet breakfast is served each morning in the dining room.
Photo courtesy of Doug Wertman
