5 Events for Weekend Fun: Oktoberfest, Fossils and a Glow-in-the-Dark Race!
Get excited! This weekend, Oct. 10-12, is packed with amazing events for families. The Arkansas State Fair celebrates its 75th anniversary, and will even host a free parade in downtown Little Rock this Saturday, Oct. 11 (read more in our full article here).
Plus, Magic Screams stirs up frightening fun at Magic Springs Water & Theme Park, Columbus' ships sail into Little Rock on the Arkansas River, and pumpkin patches are in full swing! And, don't forget to check out our list of October festivals and fairs to see what else is going on this weekend.
In addition to all of those exciting extravaganzas, here are five more events for families:
1. Oktoberfest & StoryFest at Fairfield Bay Conference Center: Fairfield Bay offers two festivals in one weekend! OktoberFest includes German food, motorcycle rally, car show, arts and crafts, live music and dancing. StoryFest celebrates the rich and diverse art of professional storytelling. Join the festivities at 9:30 a.m. and dive into all-day storytelling sessions, featuring the talent of Bill Lepp and Tim Tingle. Free for Oktoberfest; $10-$15 for StoryFest. OktoberFest is: noon-10 p.m. Oct. 10-11; the motorcycle rally is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 11.; StoryFest begins at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 11. For info: (501) 884-4202, FairfieldBayConferenceCenter.com.
2. Fossil Day at Museum of Discovery: See fossils found across the world and in Arkansas, learn how fossils form, meet a paleontologist, enjoy a dinosaur tinkering activity and get a preview of the new dinosaur exhibit coming to the Museum of Discovery in November! Included with general admission: $10, kids 1-12 are $8, under 1 & members are free. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 11. For info: (501) 396-7050, Facebook.com/MuseumOfDiscovery.
3. Angel One 5K at Two Rivers Park: The Angel One 5K is a fun run/walk organized by the Angel One crew to help families of children transported to ACH. After the run, stay for the festivities, which include bounce houses, appearance by Scout, the ACH mascot, and an ambulance and helicopter. Many children are transported long distances to ACH for the special care they need. The proceeds from this event help the Angel One crew provide financial assistance when needed to families. $30. 8 a.m. Oct. 11. For info: (501) 364-1476, Giving.ARChildrens.org/AngelOne5k.
4. IllumiNight 1K/5K Race in Downtown Conway: Blackbird Academy hosts the second annual glow-in-the-dark 1K/5K race fundraiser. Art vignettes such as musicians, dancers, and glow-in-the-dark displays will be incorporated throughout the race. Everyone is encouraged to deck themselves out with their craziest neon colors and glowing accessories for a chance to win specials prizes at the end of the night. Registration prices: $30 for 5K & $20 for 1K. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10. For info: (501), 336-8200, Facebook.com/IllumiNightArkansas5K.
5. Fall Canoe Float at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Paddle your way through Pinnacle’s majestic lowland river to glimpse large cypress trees and a variety of wildlife. No paddling experience is necessary, but you should be comfortable around water and wear shoes that can get wet. Advance payment required. $40 per canoe. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 12. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain.
For more events, browse our full online calendar here.