If you love Riverfest and you have a family, chances are good that you've spent some time enjoying many of the annual festival's free family activities—short-legged dog races, performances from local dance schools and bounce houses, of course. This year, you'll be able to enjoy those annual activities a little earlier than usual at a brand-new event hosted by Riverfest!

While the concerts and adult fun of Riverfest take place June 3-5 (see the rockin' lineup here), the inaugural Springfest presents the free, family-friendly events of Riverfest this Saturday, April 2! Families will find all of their favorite activities, food and performances in Riverfront Park in downtown Little Rock, and the best part—the event is FREE!

Here are six of the activities your family will enjoy!

1. Family-Friendly Performances

Trout Fishing in America headlines the kid-friendly lineup on the Amphitheater Stage! The popular musical duo will perform at 4:30 p.m. Here's the full schedule:

• 10:30 a.m., Ms. Karen’s Dance Studio
• 11:15 a.m., Dollarway High School Diamond Dynasty Dance Team
• Noon, Out Loud Artistry “Young Stars”
• 12:45 p.m., O’Donovan School of Irish Dance
• 1:30 p.m., Stage Door Dance Arts
• 2:15 p.m., Little Rock School of Dance
• 3 p.m., Mexican Folklore Ballet
• 3:45 p.m., Arkansas ALLSTAR Cloggers
• 4:30 p.m., Trout Fishing in America

2. Crafts and Hands-On Activities

Two words: Bounce Houses. Kids can also hop on the Loco Motion trackless train for a choo-choo ride. You'll also find arts and crafts galore, with programming and activities from the Arkansas Children's Hospital Nutrition Center, Central Arkansas Library, Heifer International, Central Arkansas Nature Center and Museum of Discovery.

3. Ruff on the River Pooch Parade

This popular parade features a promenade of pups! This year's theme is "Woofstock," so expect to see lots of canines in their grooviest hippie gear. Families can bring their furry family members to join the parade—registration starts at 9:15 a.m. on President Clinton Ave., east of I-30 & Ferry. It's just $5 per dog to be a part of the parade, but free to watch from the sidelines!

Pet lovers won't want to leave before the Weenie Dog Derby. There are three categories for the short-legged dog races:

1. Beenie Weenies: Measures no more than 8" in height.
2. Hot Dogs: Measures 9-12" in height.
3. Summer Sausage: Measures over 12" in height.

Celebrity judges will give away top prizes at the Winners Circle and award the winners of the "Ruff on the River Pooch Parade" for the best costume!

4. Super Retriever Series Rock the Dock

This track and field-type event for dogs will make a splash in the River Market Pavilions. The SRS consists of many events, including Super Fly, a long jump into the pool, and Super V, a high jump into a pool. The Mini Fly is for smaller dogs! All Amateur pups who like to swim and retrieve are welcome to enter the Amateur Super Fly Event.

5. Foodie Fun

Bring your appetite for this festival fare! The lineup includes some of Little Rock's favorite food trucks, as well as a few vendors that are well-known on the festival circuit:

• Ozark Candies & Nuts
• Flossie's Funnel Cakes
• El Cubano Loco
• Sweet Tea Kitchen and Coffee Shop
• The Southern Gourmasian
• Hot Rod Wieners
• Haygood BBQ Concession & Catering
• Wok 'N Roll
• Kona Ice
• Katmandu MoMo
• Bryant's BBQ and Catering
• The Food Commander
• Southern Salt Food Company
• Loblolly Creamery

6: Springfest 5K Fun Run & Walk

Though it isn't free, this year's Woodstock-themed race is sure to be far out! Participants are encouraged to dress up for the groovy theme, and prizes will be given to top male, top female and the best dressed team. Race kicks off at 9 a.m. April 2; advance registration is $35 and includes admission to Riverfest or $25 without admission to Riverfest; children 10 years and under $10.

For more info, visit RiverfestArkansas.com/Springfest.