Arkansas Festivals Kick Off in April
The entire state of Arkansas comes alive with festivals in April. Here are a few of our favorites in central Arkansas and beyond.
Saturday, April 6
Kidsfest Superhero Race at Faulkner County Courthouse in Conway -- Kidsfest starts at the Faulkner County Courthouse with a 5k fun run for all ages (chip timers available) and a 1k Superhero Race for kids 10 and under (parent can run too). Capes and tights are optional, but make everything more fun. Following the races, stop by Simon Park where the awards ceremony and costume parade take place on stage. Then catch the Children's Music Festival, which will feature youth choirs, dance teams, baton twirlers, gymnasts and cheerleaders. Simon Park will be filled with activities for kids of all ages, including a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, games superhero snacks and more. Proceeds benefit the Children's Advocacy Alliance to provide guidance, treatment and support for child victims of abuse. Race registration is $25 in advance and $35 after per-registration for the 5K race, and $10 in advance and $20 after per-registration for the 1K race. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. For info: (501) 328-3347, HopeAndJustice.org.
Sunday, April 7
Arkansas Arts Center's 52nd Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition Awards Reception and Family Festival -- Children can take part in mural painting, storytelling and other opportunities to create action art. In addition to the artistic activities, families can also attend an awards ceremony in the Children's Theatre at 2:30 p.m. to honor the winning artists featured in the 52nd Young Arkansas Artists Exhibition. Then, check out the students' amazing works of art in the galleries upstairs. $20 per family, free for members and the young artists featured in the exhibit. Noon-3 p.m. For info: ArkArts.com.
Saturday, April 13
8th Annual Pedal Car Races & Family Fest at River Market Pavilions -- Kids are invited to race pedal cars, play games and listen to live music at this fun-filled benefit for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Children $5. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For info: PulaskiCountyCASA.org.
Friday, April 19-Sunday, April 21
51st Annual Arkansas Folk Festival in Mountain View -- Take a weekend trip to experience this long-running festival in the Ozarks. Enjoy handmade crafts, frontier life demonstrations, bluegrass, folk and mountain music and dancing on the courthouse square. Then, visit the Ozark Folk Center to learn more about the history and traditions of the area. For info: YourPlaceInTheMountains.com. FREE!
Saturday, April 20
10th Annual Arkansas Literary Festival in Little Rock -- Book worms of every age gather for this fest, held April 18-21 at various locations around the city. Children's activities will take place on April 20 at the Central Arkansas Library System's Main Library and brand-new Children's Library and Learning Center. Little ones can meet authors Rita Williams-Garcia, Duncan Tonatiuh and others at the Book Fiesta. Or party like Fancy Nancy at a special bash celebrating the character. Plus, you won't want to miss performances by The Arkansas Arts Center's Tell a Tale Troupe and the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. For more fun activities (like superhero crafts and zombie survival training), read our full article on the festival here. FREE!
2013 Arkansas Earth Day Festival at Heifer International -- Families will find Earth Day merchandise, cell phone recycling, donation stations and much more at this family-friendly fest. Help set the Guinness World Record during the Natural Bambino Great Diaper Change at 11 a.m. Then, check out the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission's 1,500 gallon traveling aquarium and dye an old t-shirt at the Dye Booth (BYO tee). 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For info: ArkansasEarthDay.org. FREE!
Friday & Saturday, April 26-27
3rd Annual Caddo RiverFest in Glenwood -- This relatively new festival in Glenwood (in the Ouachita region past Hot Springs) stands out for its canoe parade on the Caddo River. Attendees can also enjoy a car show, food and craft vendors, live entertainment, an outdoor movie screening, games for kids, and a car, truck and motorcycle show. For info: GlenwoodArkansasChamber.com. Admission FREE!
11th Annual Strawberry Festival in Cabot -- Get your first taste of locally-grown strawberries at this annual festival featuring Cabot’s favorite fruit. Families can also enjoy a carnival, pageant, food concession stands and lots of entertainment. For hours and info: JuniorAuxiliaryOfCabot.com/StrawberryFest. Admission FREE!
Saturday, April 27
Etsy Little Rock's 3rd Annual Indie Arts & Music Festival at Shoppes at Woodlawn -- Enjoy live music, shop handmade crafts at Etsy vendor booths, snack on delicious food truck bites and sip free drinks at this quirky street festival in Little Rock. For info: Facebook.com/EtsyLittleRock. FREE!
Thea Arts Festival in downtown North Little Rock -- At this second annual Main Street festival in North Little Rock's Argenta Arts District, families can expect tons of hands-on activities, opportunities to speak with local artists and chances to buy art made by local artists. For info: TheaFoundation.org. FREE!
Sunday, April 28
Jewish Food Festival at River Market Pavilions in Little Rock -- Nosh on traditional Jewish cuisine (Think: bagels with lox and cream cheese, rugelach and corned beef sandwiches), as you learn about the history and culture of Judaism, from ancient Israelis to modern Arkansans. Then, listen to live tunes from the B Flats and the Klezmer Band. Children have their own Admission FREE!
Find even more information on April festivals in the Natural State at Arkansas.com, including:
39th Annual Dogwood Festival in Siloam Springs
10th Annual StarDaze Festival in Star City
26th Annual Alma Spinach Festival in Alma