Fun In The Sun

Kicking off your summer schedule.

July 19: Firefly Fling

The Firefly Fling returns to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville. This highly anticipated summer outing invites you to transform into your favorite fairy, superhero, fantasy or woodland creature for a night of whimsical fun. The Botanical Garden transforms into an enchanting wonderland, offering engaging activities and captivating experiences for all ages. Before dusk settles, the garden buzzes with excitement, featuring fairy house building, interactive nature stations, colossal bubbles and captivating roaming performers. All the while, live music fills the air, creating the perfect ambiance for singing, dancing and twirling on the Great Lawn. As the sun dips, gather your blankets and lawn chairs for an incredible laser light show that is truly unlike anything else in Northwest Arkansas. And don’t worry: This event is held rain or shine, so come prepared for an unforgettable, illuminated adventure!

July 25-26: 42nd Annual Altus Grape Fest

Get ready to raise a glass and celebrate at the 42nd Annual Altus Grape Festival, taking place on Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26, at Altus City Park! This beloved community event, held in the heart of Arkansas’s wine country, draws tourists from all over the nation, making it a significant contributor to Arkansas’s vibrant tourism. Come out and enjoy a quality, family-oriented festival that truly embodies the spirit of Altus. Prepare for a weekend packed with unique activities like the Grape in the Glass Relay or the Amateur Winemaker’s Competition. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, enjoy delicious food and perhaps even discover a new favorite Arkansas wine. The festival runs 5 – 11 p.m. Friday and 9am – 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

August 22-23: Bluegrass & Fried Chicken Festival

Head to the scenic Ozarks for a toe-tapping good time at the Bluegrass & Fried Chicken Festival, held at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. This two-day festival promises timeless music and old-fashioned fun for everyone. You’ll be treated to the sounds of IMBA award-winners East Nash Grass, the Arkansas CMA’s “Bluegrass Band of the Year” Spillwater Drive, Casey & the Atta Boys and more. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Your ticket also includes admission to the delightful Craft Village & Gardens, where you can enjoy more live music, marvel at demonstrations from 19 talented artisan shops and partake in family-friendly activities.

Aug. 23 – 31: National Championship Chuckwagon Race

Prepare for nine unforgettable days of excitement as the National Championship Chuckwagon Race gallops into the Bar O F Ranch in Clinton. This annual tradition, which began as a Labor Day party for founders Dan and Peggy Eoff, has blossomed into the world’s largest chuckwagon event, drawing an estimated 20,000 people each year. Witness the thrilling chuckwagon races, heart-pounding bronc fanning and the exhilarating Snowy River Race. Beyond the four main performances, the festivities continue with live bands and dances held each weekend, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all. Explore the Western Trade Show, where vendors offer an incredible array of Western collectibles, crafts, art, saddles and tack. Don’t forget to visit the Western Store in town, featuring three huge warehouses brimming with Western decor, hand-crafted furniture, clothing and more. With approximately 150 teams competing in five divisions and a history dating back to 1986, the National Championship Chuckwagon Race is more than just an event; it’s a true celebration of ranching culture and a thrilling spectacle for the whole family!

DID YOU KNOW?

Chuckwagon racing originated from the practical skills of chuckwagon drivers during the late 19th-century, North American cattle drives. Responsible for feeding cowboys on the trail, drivers would race back to camp after a long day’s work. The first professional race was held at the Calgary Stampede in 1923.