8 Events for Weekend Fun: Greek Food Fest, Wild River Country and Arkansas Festival Ballet
Our fingers are crossed for sunny skies this weekend--or at the very least, no torrential downpours! It's a great weekend for family fun, from the season opening of Wild River Country to the Greek Food Festival.
Even if central Arkansas does experience another rainy day, there are plenty of indoor activities to keep the kids smiling, such as the annual Storybook Ballet from Arkansas Festival Ballet. Keep those fingers crossed for good weather and read on for 8 fantastic events!
National Kids to Parks Day at Arkansas State Parks: Be a part of this national movement that strives to get children out from in front of a screen and into nature! Check out your favorite park-- or explore a new one--for family events. Pinnacle Mountain will host lots of nature programs, games and hikes all day long at the playground area. All day May 16. Info: ArkansasStateParks.com. FREE!
Storybook Ballet: Hansel & Gretel at Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre: This year’s storybook ballet from Arkansas Festival Ballet’s is a lovely performance of the fairy tale, Hansel & Gretel. The production is based on the tale originally recorded by Brothers Grimm, in which a brother and sister must outwit a witch to save their lives. Expect a visual feast—kids are sure to enjoy a scene of dancers outfitted in enticing candy costumes, such as peppermints, lollipops and bonbons. Peformances are: 7:30 p.m. May 15 & 16; 2 p.m. May 16 & 17. Price: $25; students are $20 at door. Info: (501) 227-5320, ArkansasDance.org.
Electrify Your Strings Youth Rock Camp & Performance at Connor Performing Arts Center at Pulaski Academy: The Point 94.1 and the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra host a unique camp featuring rock violinist Mark Wood (of the Trans Siberian Orchestra and the Mark Wood Experience), along with vocalist Laura Kaye. The two-day camp includes master classes, improvisation workshops, and rehearsals, and culminates in a public concert at 7 p.m. May 17. Tickets for the concert are $15, students free. Info: (501) 666-1761, ArkansasSymphony.org.
Wild River Country Season Opening: Feel the thrill of speeding down the thrilling water slides, including three brand-new slides for 2015. You can also splash in the waves, ride the River Rapids or simply relax as you float around the lazy river. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. May 16 & noon-6 p.m. May 17. Prices vary; season passes are available. Info: (501) 753-8600, WildRiverCountry.com.
International Greek Food Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church: The family-friendly festival features the Old World Market, stocked with imported gift items and specialty foods and Pete’s Famous Salad Dressing, which is handmade and bottled at the church. Families can also enjoy the Kid’s Area, complete with rides and games. Or, enjoy the dance performances on the entertainment stage while you nosh on hummus, gyros and calamari and several new foods for this year’s festival, including a Greek-style doughnut that is covered in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon. The church will also be open for tours guided in which visitors can learn about the history and tradition of the Orthodox Christian faith. Free admission, parking and shuttle service. Festival hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. May 15 & 16; 11 am.-3 p.m. May 17. For info: GreekFoodFest.com. Admission FREE!
Second Annual Girls on the Run of Central Arkansas 5k Run at Two Rivers Park: This event is more than a run; it's a celebration! Any runners or walkers in the community can participate in the timed GOTR 5k. Unique awards will be given to the top male and female finishers. The certified course is flat and fast, and the energy is unparalleled. For more info about the Girls on the Run program, read our full article. Run begins at 9 a.m. May 16. For info: GOTRCentralArk.org.
Arkansas Heritage Day at Petit Jean State Park: Spend a Saturday celebrating the state’s rich heritage in Arkansas’s first state park. History-oriented programming will include a look back at Civil War times in Arkansas. Contact the park for a schedule. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 16. For info: (501) 727-5441, PetitJeanStatePark.com. FREE!
Hollerin' at Hoot Owls at Garvan Woodland Gardens: Former education coordinator and state park interpreter Megan Bradshaw returns for another excellent children’s night hikes. On this evening adventure, kids learn about the many special adaptations that nocturnal animals have to live in the dark, while they learn the woods at night are an exciting and intriguing, not a frightening, place. Reservations required. 6-8 p.m. May 16. Price: $20; member children are $15. For info: (501) 262-9300, GarvanGardens.org.
For more central Arkansas events, browse our full online calendar here.