7 Family Festivals in April: India Fest, Etsy Arts & Music Festival and More
It's officially festival season! In April, you can shop for unique art and gifts, sample cuisine from around the world, meet famous authors, listen to live music and much more. Here are 7 April festivals in Little Rock and central Arkansas where you can stroll, snack and shop.
5th Annual Etsy Indie Arts & Music Festival in Hillcrest: Enjoy live, local music, shop 100 Etsy artist and maker booths, and snack on delicious food truck nibbles. You can even stop by the Pulaski Heights Realty booth to snap a pic in the Little Rock Photo Booth. The festival takes over Kavanaugh Blvd. from Walnut to Palm Streets. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. April 25. Info: Facebook.com/EtsyLittleRock. FREE!
5th Annual Turkish Food Festival at Raindrop Turkish House: Learn about a rich culture and taste authentic and delicious samples of historical Turkish cuisine like shish kebabs, gyro wraps, baklava, and stuffed grape leaves. Handmade souvenirs, live music, folk dancing, and a bounce house for kids are just part of the day's festivities. 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. April 18. Info: (501) 223-2155, TurkishFoodFest.com. FREE!
12th Annual Arkansas Literary Festival at CALS and various locations: This premier gathering of readers, writers, filmmakers and journalists in Arkansas takes place at The Central Arkansas Library System's Main Library campus and other venues in Little Rock. The festival is a stimulating mix of sessions, panels, performances, workshops, presentations, author book signings and more. Most events are free and open to the public. Children’s special events take place at both the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library & Learning Center and CALS Main Library. Events for youngsters include a "Tiny Ninja" workshop, and a play based on "Chicken Little" and "The Little Red Hen." Special events for teens include a session with E. Lockhart, whose book, "We Were Liars," was the best reviewed book for young adults in 2014. See the website for a detailed list of even more events. April 23-26. Info: (501) 918-3000, CALS.org. Most events FREE!
Heroes for Hope Superhero Race and Children's Music Festival at Simon Park in Conway: Heroes for Hope is a 5K & 10K timed race open to runners, walkers, families and corporate teams. Starting and ending at Simon Park in downtown Conway, kids 10 and under (parents can run, too) will enjoy a 1K superhero race. Capes and tights are optional, but they make it more fun! After the races, see the awards ceremony and costume parade on stage--and enjoy the Children’s Music Festival featuring choirs, dance teams, baton twirlers, gymnasts and cheerleaders from across Faulkner county. Simon Park is filled with activities for kids of all ages, including a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, games, food, beverages, and more. All activities are free, however vendors may charge or request a donation for food, drinks and merchandise. Race registration is $25 in advance and $35 after pre-registration (March 31) for the 5K & 10K races, and $10 in advance and $20 after pre-registration for the 1K race. Proceeds benefit the Children's Advocacy Alliance to provide guidance, treatment and support for child victims of abuse. 8 a.m. April 18. Info: (501) 328-3347, HopeAndJustice.org.
India Fest at River Market Pavilion: Delve into the culture of India at this one-day festival with a wide variety of Indian cuisine, entertainment (dances, music, fashion shows) and Indian items for sale (clothes and handicrafts). Other activities include mehndi tattoos, saree draping and more. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. April 19. Info: (501) 404-8939, IndiaFestAR.com. Admission FREE!
Jewish Food and Cultural Festival at War Memorial Stadium: A fun and delicious day includes a wide variety of food from corned beef sandwiches and bagels with lox and cream cheese to Israeli favorites like kabobs, falafel and Israeli salad. Browse through the cultural and religious booths that showcase various aspects of Jewish life from Arkansas to ancient Israel. Learn about Jewish holidays and life cycle customs and enjoy an exciting kid's area with activities, face painting, and jumping activities. Entertainment throughout the day will include contemporary and traditional Jewish music. Activities free; tickets sold for food items. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 26. Info: (501) 663-3571, JewishArkansas.org. Admission FREE!
Mac ’N’ Cheez Mania at War Memorial Stadium: Brace yourselves, moms and dads. Of all the fantastic food festivals around the Natural State, we can't imagine one that your kids will love more than this one. The inaugural event celebrates all things macaroni and cheese--all to benefit local organizations that serve children, hunger, health and education. The event is organized as a community service by Trinity United Methodist Church and will feature play space and family-friendly activities, music, and mac and cheese tasting, of course. The cheesy bites are prepared by professional chefs competing for prizes, as well as non-professional and family teams. Even kids can participate in the cook-off. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. April 11. Price: $10; kids 12 and younger are free. Info: (501) 666-2813, LittleRockMacAndCheese.com.
For more central Arkansas events, browse our full online calendar here.