It's hot. Really, really hot. If you can't beat the heat, join it. Build your own cardboard boat and float it at the World Championships Cardboard Boat Races in Heber Springs. Or, wait until the sun goes down and go stargazing at Lake Maumelle. 

World Championship Cardboard Boat Races at Sandy Beach on Greers Ferry Lake: In celebration of the World Championship Cardboard Boat Race’s 30th anniversary, Heber Springs has planned a spectacular, day-long event. This year's theme invites participants to decorate their boats in honor of their favorite Pixar movies and characters. Race participants will design boats made entirely of corrugated cardboard. The Pride of the Fleet Prize will be awarded to the boat that best combines innovative engineering with artistic design, while the Captain's Award goes to the team with the greatest spirit and crowd involvement. And of course, the Titanic Award is reserved for the boat with the most dramatic sinking. There's plenty of additional fun planned for the day, too. Register your team and learn more about building a cardboard boat at www.heber-springs.com. July 30, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For info, call (501) 362-2444.

"Drumming Through the Fables" Play at the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas: The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff presents "Drumming Through the Fables" directed by Stephanie Ong with Drum Ballet by Zinse Aggine in collaboration with the Merrill Community Center. The fables come alive with a mixture of several artistic avenues including stunning animal headdresses, puppetry, dance  and dynamic drumming. $18-22 and $5 student tickets. July 27-30 beginning at 7 p.m. For info: (870) 536-3375, asc701.org

Fourth Annual Military Vehicle Show at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History: Join the Museum of Arkansas Military History for the annual vintage military vehicle show on the museum's front lawn, featuring Jeeps and other vehicles from members of the Arkansas Military Vehicle Preservation Association and the West Tennessee Military Vehicle Collector Club. Local vendors include Bennett's Military Supplies, as well as representatives from the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs. Food trucks will be on site! July 30, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For info: (501) 376-4602, littlerock.org FREE!

Star-Gazing Cruise on Lake Maumelle: Gaze at the stars from a pontoon boat on Lake Maumelle. Learn about constellations, planets, and galaxies while cruising peacefully across the lake. Advance payment required. $15; children 6-12 are $8; 5 and under are free. July 30, 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. For info: (501) 868-5806, arkansasstateparks.com.

Down on the Farm and Dwight Yoakam Concert at Magic Springs & Crystal Falls: Head to Magic Springs for a family-fun day filled with agricultural activities. Families can enjoy square dancers, observe large farm equipment in action and participate in the annual Little Mr. and Mrs. Farmers Contest. Plus, Dwight Yoakam will be on site to perform. Season pass, $75, or general admission ticket, $54. July 30, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. For info: (501) 624-0100.

For many more events this weekend, browse our full online calendar here.