5 Events for Weekend Fun: Arkansas' 180th Birthday, Tommy Terrific & More
Summer is heating up! We see ourselves lounging poolside this weekend (or maybe floating a river!), but we're also saving some room in our schedule to visit some of these free and cheap events, including a performance by Tommy Terrific at the Historic Arkansas Museum, a historic event that steps back into bustling 1836 Arkansas at Old State House Museum, and a patriotic concert at MacArthur Park.
Arkansas Statehood Commemoration Living History Event at Old State House Museum: This event will celebrate the 180th anniversary of Arkansas statehood by stepping back in time to 1836 Arkansas. This year's theme is “The People Rule,” and visitors will participate in a live-action, role-playing game. Each visitor will receive a packet containing a description of their family unit, information about their job, “money,” and vouchers for professional services. Visitors will be encouraged to take active roles in the political process during the event and accomplish certain goals. Popular 1830s-era activities like gambling, shopping, military drill, skilled and unskilled labor, music, period games, and sports will be ongoing during the event. Special activities include political speeches and toasts, a caucus, a puppet show/play, and a period dance. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 11. Info: (501) 324-9685, OldStateHouse.com. FREE!
The Magic of Small Town Arkansas at the Historic Arkansas Museum: Celebrate the museum’s 75th anniversary at a historic Tommy Terrific magic show. In the interactive show, Tommy Terrific discovers a mysterious trunk belonging to his Great Uncle Fumpernutter, an Arkansas peddler. Each item in the trunk, ranging from brooms, to newspapers, to pots and pans and even a bulb of cotton, has a historic meaning as well as being magical. Children learn what life was like for families in small towns throughout Arkansas during the 1800s and learn historical origins of products that are still in use today. 2 p.m. June 11. Info: (501) 324-9351, HistoricArkansas.org. FREE!
The Travs are in town this weekend, too! Click here to read about 6 activities for families at Dickey-Stephens Park!
Super Sunday Free Family Funday at Arkansas Arts Center: Take part in this free art-making experience for the whole family! Families explore pointillism by using small dots of color to create a larger composition. Noon-3 p.m. June 12. Info: (501) 372-4000, ArkansasArtsCenter.org. FREE!
Little Rock Wind Symphony Presents "A Stars & Stripes Celebration" at MacArthur Park: Don't miss this Flag Day salute to the red, white, and blue with hand-clapping marches, flag-waving patriotic songs, and toe-tapping Broadway show tunes. Israel Getzov conducts the Little Rock Sind Symphony. In case of rain, the event moves to Arkansas Arts Center auditorium. 7 p.m. June 12. Info: (501) 666-0777, LRWindSymphony.org. FREE!
Dogtown Film Series at Argenta Community Theater: The Argenta Arts Foundation and the William F. Laman Public Library present the Dogtown Film Series. The monthly series screens the classics and this weekend is no exception. Families can watch the first-ever Disney princess on the big screen—“Snow White.” And, before the screening, Snow White will be on hand to visit with young fans and take photos. Attendees can also enjoy giveaways and concessions. 11 a.m. June 11. $5. Info: (501) 353-1443, ArgentaCommunityTheater.org.