10 Events for Weekend Fun: Toad Suck Daze, Bridge to the Future Festival, Mini Maker Faire and More
Little Rock welcomes the month of May with flurry of festivals and activities this weekend! Attend a family-friendly festival, from the Bridge to the Future Festival at Clinton Presidential Center to Conway's annual Toad Suck Daze. Or, support a cause you care about at one of the many fun runs and walks!
Don't forget about the bountiful produce available at central Arkansas' bevvy of farmers markets. It's also going to be a great weekend to take the family out to a play at the Children's Theatre or a ballgame at Dickey-Stephens Park. So, clear your calendar and get ready for a fantastic weekend full of family fun! Here are our top 10 events!
1. Little Rock Farmer's Market Opening Day at River Market Pavilion: This mainstay has been serving up fruits and veggies in Little Rock's River Market for over 40 years. Find bargains on fresh Arkansas crops, as well as a bountiful array of handmade arts and crafts. The market opens at 7 a.m. and opening day celebrations start at 8 a.m. with a free yoga class. Families can also enjoy an appearance by Dean the Bean, magician Derrick Rose, face painting and a dog adoption booth. The market opens for the season at 7 a.m. May 2. For info: RiverMarket.info. FREE!
2. Bridge to the Future Festival at Clinton Presidential Center & Park: In partnership with several community organizations, the Center hosts a free community festival highlighting the importance of early childhood education, health and nutrition. The festival will kick off with a walk from the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge by HIPPY Arkansas participants. From there, visitors can venture into themed learning zone “Villages.” Each will feature educational activities, as well as healthy snacks. Each child will receive a passport to get stamped at each “Village” for the chance to win the grand prize drawing at the end of the festival. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 2. For info: (501) 374-4242, ClintonPresidentialCenter.org. FREE!
3. North Little Rock Mini Maker Faire at The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub: Maker Faire is a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. Expect exhibitors, workshops, teachers, and performers of all ages who will be showing off what they are making in technology, crafts, robots, building, outer space, aviation and more. Bonus: There will be a catapult competition and a power tool drag race! 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 2. Price: $10, children 6 and under free. For info: (501) 907-6571, MakerFaireNLR.com.
4. Argenta Arts Festival in Downtown North Little Rock: While you're in the neighborhood, visit Main Street in North Little Rock's Argenta Arts District, which will be filled with over 30 artists showing off their pottery, fiber, glass, jewelry, print making, metal, wood and sculpture artworks. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 2. For info: ArgentaArtsDistrict.org. FREE!
5. Safe Kids Day at Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library & Learning Center: Summer is almost here, so brush up on family safety skills with help from the Arkansas Children's Hospital, including information, demonstrations, and free bike helmets and life jackets while supplies last. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 2. For info: (501) 978-3870, CALS.org. FREE!
6. Toad Suck Daze in Downtown Conway: Grab your toads, kids and family for this festival of food, family and fun held on the streets of downtown Conway. Pick up a fried snack on a stick at one of the food vendors, browse the wares of the Toad Market, and encourage the kids to race an amphibian in the "World Championship Toad Races." Listen to live acts, including Corey Smith, Zac Dunlap Band, and Barrett Baber, hop on a carnival ride or head to the Toadal Kids Zone -- a favorite stop for families. 5-10 p.m. May 1; 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m. May 2; and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. May 3. Info: (501) 327-7788, ToadSuck.org. Admission FREE!
7. Walk for the Waiting at War Memorial Stadium: Bring your walking shoes to this one-mile family walk to raise money to help children in foster care and children waiting for adoptive families. The walk is organized by the CALL, Immerse Arkansas, and Project Zero, and all funds raised will go to support their work. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m.; opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m. May 2. For info: WalkForTheWaiting.org.
8. The Butterfly Swamp 5K Fun Run at UALR Lot 2: Have fun and raise money for Loeys-Dietz syndrome. Participants will see a Little Rock fire truck at the event and participate in many activities for children. Funds go to the Katherine and Ryan Palludan Fund, which honors two young adults who passed away from the disease. 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. May 2. For info: (501) 766-1315, Facebook.com/ButterflySwamp5K.
9. ACS Relay For Life-Greater Little Rock on Clinton Presidential Center Lawn: Participants walk the relay track to raise money and support cancer research and programs for cancer patients and their families. Other activities include the Survivor Caregiver walk, Luminaria Cemermony, family games & entertainment throughout the night. 6 p.m. May 1-May 2. For info: (501) 664-3480, click here.
10. Spring Kayak Float at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Take off from the Little Maumelle boat launch and explore the Little Maumelle River on this guided 4.5-mile float. No experience is required, but participants should be comfortable around water. Advance payment required. Participants must be 12 years and older. $40 per kayak. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. May 2. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain.
For more central Arkansas events, browse our full online calendar here.