10 Events for Weekend Fun: "Peanuts," Monster Trucks and Ballroom Dancing
Have you checked the weather forecast for this weekend? We're looking forward to 59 degrees and sunny skies! The family event forecast is looking just as good--central Arkansas offers fun events like Monster Jam, eagle watching cruises, a ballroom dancing performance, and a chance to meet Snoopy at the Clinton Presidential Center! Here are our top 10 events for family fun this weekend, Jan. 16-18.
1. Monster Jam: As Big As it Gets at Verizon Arena: Monster Jam stars the biggest performers on four wheels: The 12-feet-tall, 10,000-pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through. 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16 & 17. $22-$37, kids $7. For info: (501) 975-9000, VerizonArena.com.
2. Youth Entrepreneur Showcase at Park Plaza Mall: Stop by for the final round of competition for "Y.E.S. for Arkansas," a statewide business plan competition for students in grades 5-8. The top 26 teams were tasked with creating a comprehensive marketing piece and display booth that showcases their product or service. Shoppers can see the kids' booths on display, as well as purchase the products that they have developed as part of their business plan. The awards presentation is immediately following the event. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 16. For info: (501) 664-4956, ParkPlazaMall.com. FREE!
3. Opening Event for "Pigskin in Peanuts" and "Heartbreak in Peanuts" at Clinton Presidential Center: Be one of the first to see two new "Peanuts" exhibits at the Clinton Presidential Center at this family-friendly opening event! A special reception will be held Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. and guests of all ages are invited. Snoopy will be serving some of his favorite foods: pizza, chocolate chip cookies, hot chocolate, and root beer! Plus, Karen Johnson, Executive Director at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, will lead an interactive discussion about the artist, the exhibits, and the characters. The event is free, but reservations are required. 6 p.m. Jan. 16. For reservations: (501) 748-0425, LREvent@ClintonFoundation.org. FREE!
4. "Pigskin Peanuts" & "Heartbreak in Peanuts" Family Friendly Program & Activities at Clinton Presidential Center: If you can't make it to Friday evening's opening reception, visit on Sat., Jan. 17, for more fun activities. There will be themed activities throughout the center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Plus, guests will have the opportunity to take a photo with Snoopy. Corry Kanzenberg, of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, will also present an educational program about the artist and his life and legacy from 10–11 a.m. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 17. For info: (501) 374-4242, ClintonPresidentialCenter.org.
5. AAC Children's Theatre at Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library & Learning Center: To celebrate next week's opening of the musical, "Rumpelstiltskin," members of the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre visit the Children's Library. They'll read "Rumpelstiltskin" and help children with a themed craft! 10 a.m. Jan. 17. For info: (501) 978-3870, CALS.org. FREE!
6. "Ballroom with a Twist" at Maumelle Performing Arts Center: Ballroom with a Twist features Cheryl Burke, of Dancing with the Stars fame, in a dancing and singing spectacular. Professional dancers bring a frenzy of sizzling dance moves, including the Samba, Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Jive. As if the dancers aren’t enough to keep you entertained, several of your favorite American Idol finalists will also be joining the bill with their hit songs. Audience Recommendation: Celebrity Attractions recommends Ballroom with a Twist for audiences of all ages. This is only to be used as a suggestion for you and your child. Showtimes are: 8 p.m. Jan. 16, 2 & 8 p.m. Jan. 17, 2 p.m. Jan. 18. $42-$63. For info: (501) 244-8800, CelebrityAttractions.com.
7. Eagle Lake Cruises at Jolly Rogers Marina: Join Pinnacle Mountain State Park interpreters for a cruise on Lake Maumelle to seek wintering bald eagles. Guests may see several eagles and migratory waterfowl. Dress in layers for extreme cold and windy lake weather. Advance payment and registration is required. Cruises are scheduled for 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Jan. 17. $15; children 6-12 $8. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain.
8. "Frost Bite Me!" at The Joint in Argenta: Beat the winter blues with this hilarious new comedy revue by The Main Thing. It’s loaded with sketches, funny songs, and commercial parodies targeting cold weather, driving on snow and ice, the flu, and everything else that makes winter dreary. Suitable for all ages. Performances are Jan. 16-Feb. 28: 8 p.m. Fri. & Sat. $22. For info: (501) 372-0205, TheJointArgenta.com.
9. 50th Annual Coin, Stamp & Sports Card Show at Hot Springs Convention Center: Collectors, we know you're out there! Take your mini-me to this free show, where dealers from all over the country will come to buy, sell and trade coins, stamps and sports cards. The show is presented by the Tri-Lakes Coin Club, Inc. Show hours: 1-6 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat.; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun. For info: (501) 624-0074, HotSpringsCoinShow.com. FREE!
10. To the Hill and Back at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Experience the adventure of an interpreter-guided hike to a nearby peak without a trail to mark the way. Please wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. This hike will be a moderately strenuous activity. 2-4 p.m. Jan. 4 & 18. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain. FREE!
For more weekend events, browse our full online calendar here.