5 Events for Weekend Fun: Springfest, CALS Con & Zoo's New Farm Exhibit
We hope you've rested up this week, because the first weekend of April is going to be non-stop fun for families! The first-ever Springfest—an off-shoot of the massive Riverfest event—will take over Riverfront Park in downtown Little Rock to provide free activities and music for families. Plus, it's a big day at the Little Rock Zoo—they'll unveil a brand-new farm exhibit where children can pet, feed and groom the animals. Keep reading for more info, as well as details on CALS Con, the season opening of the Argenta Farmers Market and more.
Springfest 2016 at Riverfront Park in Downtown Little Rock: Springfest brings the free, family-friendly events of Riverfest to downtown Little Rock! The concerts and adult fun of Riverfest will take place in June (see the rockin' lineup here); but this weekend, families are invited to take part in all of their favorite events from the festival. Catch the Ruff on the River Pooch Parade—this year's theme of "Woofstock." Bring your pups dressed in groovy fashion to strut their flower power, but don't leave before the short-legged dog races commence! Spend the rest of the day enjoying arts and crafts for the little ones, Arkansas' finest food truck treats, Etsy vendors, the Super Retriever Series and activities from the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center. Trout Fishing in America headlines the Amphitheater Stage, and community performers will showcase their talent throughout the event. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. April 2. Info: (501) 255-3378, RiverfestArkansas.com/Springfest. FREE!
Arkansas Heritage Farm Grand Opening at Little Rock Zoo: At this new exhibit, kids of all ages can pet, feed and groom animals. The exhibit also features common farm animals and interesting heritage breeds, such as dwarf miniature horses, pygmy goats and more. The Zoo has partnered with Heifer on educational graphics and other interactive tools to teach the public about sustainable farming and their work in Arkansas and beyond. 10 a.m. April 2. Free with regular admission; $12.95, children 12 and under $9.95; children under 12 months free. Info: (501) 661-7208, LittleRockZoo.com.
Curious about the brand-new exhibit at the zoo? Click HERE to read our full article!
CALS Con 2016 at Central Arkansas Library System Main Library: This third annual event is a free family-friendly celebration of all things fandom. Activities offered this year will include a Maker Space Station for Techsploration, LEGO Display & Open Build, open Tabletop Gaming, panels, Cosplay Contest, and Fandom Quest: a Live-Action Trivia Game Show. Panels will include discussions on Star Trek, the Marvel cinematic universe, Star Wars, Disney and more. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. April 2. Info: CALS.org. FREE!
Argenta Farmers Market in North Little Rock: This Saturday morning market, located on Main Street in downtown North Little Rock, requires vendors to grow 100 percent of the products sold at the market. In addition to the market staples, shoppers can also enjoy an artisan market and live music. 7 a.m.-noon April 2. Located at 610 Main St. in downtown North Little Rock. Info: (870) 283-9065, CertifiedArkansasFarmersMarket.com.
We love farm fresh foods! Here are 6 farmers markets to visit in central Arkansas!
Dad's Day at The Wonder Place: Dads share the learning and fun experiences of The Wonder Place with their kids! Splash in the water table, dress up in the theater and pretend to shop at the mini River Market! Each dad receives free admission with a regular-priced or punch card admission. Discounts cannot be combined. 9 a.m. April 2. Free for one dad with one regular-price or punch card admission; regular admission is $7.75. Info: (501) 225-4050, TheWonderPlace.com.