5 Events for Weekend Fun: Mystic Creatures, Music Fest and More
Kick off summer with a fantastic weekend of family fun. You won't want to miss these fun events, from a horseshoe tournament to a free music festival featuring Arkansas artists. Oh, and you'll definitely want to go hunting for Sasquatch at Garvan Woodland Gardens amazing new exhibit, which features massive sculptures made of living plants. Here are our top five events for the weekend:
1. Mystic Creatures at Garvan Woodland Gardens: Don't miss this summer extravaganza showcasing the newest trends in the ancient and celebrated art of topiary. Four major sculptures make up the awe-inspiring display, and stretch up to 13-feet tall. Special structural armatures are covered in a light metal form filled with soil and planted with colorful foliage and flowers to compose each topiary sculpture. Look for displays, including the Fairy Gourdmother, a Magical Sea Serpent, the ‘Shroom Family, a Fairy Village, and even Sasquatch, who’ll be hiding to see if you can find him. The exhibit opens June 1. Included with garden admission: $10, ages 6-12 $5, ages 0-5 free. For info: GarvanGardens.org.
2. Second Annual Legends of Arkansas Festival at First Security Ampitheater and Riverfront Park: Join the celebration of Arkansas artists, musicians and independent businesses during this all-day event on May 31. Four stages of entertainment will showcase musicians, skateboard demonstrations, skate trick competition, aerial silk artists, and a family zone, complete with bounce houses. For a list of performances, visit the website. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. May 31. For info: LegendsOfArkansas.com. FREE!
3. CALSCon Events at CALS Main Library: Comics, gaming, sci-fi fun, and hobby activities for all ages will take place all day on May 31. Fans are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite character and enter the cosplay contest at 4 p.m. Panels include discussions on Doctor Who, Harry Potter, My Little Pony, podcasting and more. Visitors can also participate in Adventure Quest activities, including a sword fighting workshop and a main quest of physical challenges. Throughout the day, check out board gaming, Heroclix and trading card game open play, and video game tournaments. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 31. For info: CALS.org. FREE!
4. Zendaya in Concert at Magic Springs Water and Theme Park: After a day of riding rollercoasters and splashing around the water park, head to the Timberwood Amphitheater to see a performance from Zendaya. Families will recognize the young singer as an actress on the Disney show, “Shake It Up.” 8 p.m. May 31. Free with park admission; reserved seating for the concert $5-10. For info: MagicSprings.com.
5. I Can! Arkansas Super Event in Central Arkansas: Four events in one day make this a super event to raise funds and support for the programs offered by I Can! Arkansas, including dance, music, art and more. Sign up for a golf tournament at North Little Rock's Stonelinks Golf Course, hoof it to the I Can! Walk N' Roll at the Hot Springs Transportation Depot, shop the garage sale at Conway's Blackbird Academy, or party at the Birthday Bash and Horshoe Tournament held at the I Can! Arts & Resource Center. The free birthday bash will include carnival games, bounce houses, live entertainment, arts and crafts, a pony show, free cake and drinks and music. The horseshoe tournament is $35 for a two-person team; children 12 and under or those with disabilities can participate in a bean bag toss for $5 per person or $10 for a two-person team. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. May 31. For info: ICanArkansas.com.
For more events, browse our full online calendar here.