June Events Taking Place in the Arkansas Ozarks

Jill M. Rohrbach and Kimberly J. Williams, travel writers
Arkansas Tourism

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In order to better serve your needs and to keep you from getting extremely long documents from the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, we have decided to break down our Travelin’ Arkansas release into regions organized by date. This way you will be able to look only at the areas you are interested in covering. The territories covered in Travelin' Arkansas adhere to the six geographical regions found in the Arkansas Tour Guide. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: [email protected] or 501-682-7606.

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Celebrity chef, restaurateur, best-selling author and TV personality Guy Fieri is bringing his zest for life and unique culinary style to Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville on June 1. The Guy Fieri Food Show mixes the best elements of a live cooking show, the fun of a variety revue, and the non-stop adrenaline rush of a rock concert. Fieri will take center stage with an unscripted and wildly entertaining performance – complete with interactive cooking stations, secret tips and dishes from his forthcoming cookbook “Guy Fieri Food,” as well as behind-the-scenes stories from the road, and much more. The cost is $35 to $150 depending on seating choice. Call 479-443-5600 or visit www.waltonartscenter.org to order tickets.

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First Thursday is an evening of art and culture in downtown Fayetteville. This month’s event is June 2. On the first Thursday of each month, participating galleries and art-related venues offer free access to visual and performing art in a fun and social environment. Venues feature attractions such as art openings, live music, artists’ receptions, lectures, wine tastings, and hands-on activities. In addition, the downtown square comes alive with performances and interactive exhibits. Artists also set up space to display and sell their creations. Items range from jewelry to large painted canvasses. Call 479-521-5776 or visit www.firstthursdayfayetteville.com for more information.

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Eureka Springs Blues Weekend is June 2-5. Blues Weekend features international, national, regional and local blues acts in The Auditorium, Basin Park, The Barefoot Ballroom and numerous other venues around this Victorian village. Set to take the stageare Coco Montoya, Elvin Bishop, Lionel Young, Tinsley Ellis, Rosie Ledet, Little Joe McLerran, Marquise Knox, The Ariels, Buddy Shute, Crosseyed Cat, Doghouse Daddies, Honeyshine, Jug Band, Knock Kneed Sally and many more. Visit www.EurekaSpringsBlues.com for a full list of performers or to purchase tickets. Call 479-253-7377 for more information. The event is a fundraiser for The HART Fund and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

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Enjoy a tribute to one of Arkansas’s native sons, Johnny Cash, on June 3 at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. Cash lived a life of a modern troubadour. His style reflected his personal tragedies and deep influences from some of the greats in early country, rockabilly, and gospel traditions. This evening's performance will be centered around his influence on our music. Call 870-269-3851 or visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com for tickets or more information.

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Start summer off with a bang at the 30th annual Portfest Rollin’ on the River Festival in Newport on June 3-4. Portfest’s Friday musical headliner is the legendary Charlie Daniels Band. Saturday’s events include a large carnival, activities for children, a bass tournament and arts and crafts. Confederate Railroad and Georgia Satellites provide the evening’s live music. Saturday evening concludes with a fireworks extravaganza. The location for this year's event has been moved to north of Newport off Ark. 367. Visit www.Portfest.org or phone 870-523-3618 for directions and more information.

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The 22nd annual North Arkansas Ancestor Fair on June 3-4 at the Searcy County Civic Center in Marshall will focus on Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial 2011. Friday’s speakers will include Russell Baker, discussing Confederate and Union ancestors, and James Johnston on the topic of Searcy County 1861/Peace Society. There is a fee for Friday events. Saturday’s genealogy swap met is free. Visit www.ancestorfair.us or call 479-448-3308 for details.

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Check out the Kustom Kemps of America Car Show on June 3-5 in Eureka Springs. Hot rods and custom cars come to Eureka Springs to compete for awards and share the nostalgia. The event includes a car show, competition, and parade through downtown. The show is based at the Inn of the Ozarks and Pine Mountain Village. Admission is free. Visit www.kustomkempsofamerica.com or call 417-847-2940 for more information.

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The 138th annual Southern Memorial Day is June 4 in Fayetteville. Since 1873 the Southern Memorial Association of Washington County has conducted an annual memorial service for the over 600 Confederate soldiers who rest in the historic Confederate Cemetery on 514 E. Rock St. The service includes a guest speaker, music, gun salute and placement of flowers at the monument. Admission is free. Visitwww.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~arsma/index.html or call 479-824-3910 for details.

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Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas offers an Eleven Point River Canoe Float on June 4. Beginners and experts alike will enjoy the daylong float through the beautiful Ozark foothills. Canoeing essentials and shuttling are provided. Space is limited and reservations are required. The fee is $35 per canoe. To call and book a canoe or for more information phone 870-892-4708.

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A festival of art in all its forms, the 7th annual Arts Fest is set for June 10 in Bentonville. This event brings together visual arts, theater, live music, culinary arts, and film for a great weekend of talent from around the region. Admission is free. The festival takes place on the downtown square. Visit www.downtownbentonville.org or call 479-254-0254 for more information.

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Celebrate the Art of Wine with 400-plus wines during Uncorked! Friday Night Wine Tasting set for June 10 at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. Vintners guide guests through tasting adventures. Admission is $65.
The Premier Tasting for the Art of Wine event is June 11 at the arts center. It caters to more discerning wine connoisseurs. The exclusive evening features a variety of reserve quality wines from around the globe. The cost is $150.

Both events include food sampling from some of the finest restaurants in Northwest Arkansas, as well as a silent auction featuring a variety of fabulous items, including vacations, exclusive wine dinners, Razorback skybox tickets, and Walton Arts Center memorabilia.

The events are for patrons 21 and older. Call 479-443-5600 or visit www.waltonartscenter.org for tickets or more information.

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A festival for all ages, the 26th annual Ice Cream Social & Craft Show takes place June 10-11 on historic Berryville square. In addition to lots of ice cream, the event includes a 5K race, music, games for kids, food contests, orchestra performance, food vendors, crafts booths, and free tram rides around the area. Call 870-423-3704 for details.

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Calico Rock’s 54th annual Lions Club Rodeo and Parade is June 10-11 at the Tip Wiseman Rodeo Arena. All rodeo events start at 8 p.m. with gates open at 7 p.m. Concessions are available. The parade starts Saturday at 4 p.m. at the rodeo arena, travels down Ark. 56 west, and continues down Main Street. It consists of floats, fire trucks, horseback riders, and local dignitaries. Visit www.calicorock.us or call 870-297-8837 for more information.

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A great day for kids and adults young at heart is the Art Adventures -- Enchanted Dwellings event on June 11 in Eureka Springs. Tour fairy houses, paint with the Plein Art Painters and other artists, and build an enchanted dwelling. There is also clay play for kids and fairy tales told by a princess. Admission is free and activities take place throughout town. Visit www.EurekaSpringsArtAdventures.com or call 479-253-9318 for details.

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Fishing has provided family fun in the outdoors at Withrow Springs State Park in Huntsville for many generations. Join park staff for the park’s 19th annual Kids' Fishing Derby on June 11 at Withrow Pond. The derby is a great way to kick off a summer full of outdoor fun. Prizes will be awarded for each age group. Bring your own bait and tackle. The event is free. For more information, or to pre-register, contact Withrow Springs State Park Visitor Center at 479-559-2593. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/withrowsprings/to check out the park.

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Grab your fishing pole, your “secret” bait and try to catch “the big one” when Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas hosts the annual Fishing Derby on June 11. Prizes will be awarded for all age groups. Remember, all participants over the age of 16 must have a valid Arkansas fishing license at registration. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 for details.

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See the smoke, hear the boom, smell black powder burning, and feel the Civil War experience come to life on June 11 at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove. The park offers cannon firing demonstrations every hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Dog Trot House in the Ozark Village. The demonstration is presented by volunteer re-enactors from the 1st Arkansas Light Artillery.
The event is part of the park’s Confederate History Weekend. Other activities include camp life and living history presentations. Visitors are encouraged to wander the grounds and talk with the re-enactors, which are volunteers from the Prairie Grove Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Thomas C. Hindman Camp #656.

Admission is free. Call 479-846-2990 for details.

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Take part in a Star Party on June 11 at Withrow Springs State Park in Huntsville. Join members of the Northwest Arkansas Astronomical Society around dusk at the Crossbow Pavilion for an in depth view of the different stars, planets, and constellations that make up the night sky. Telescopes will be available but feel free to bring your binoculars and lawn chairs. All levels of stargazers are welcome, from beginner to expert. Admission is free. Call 479-559-2593 for details.

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The Old Independence Regional Museum in Batesville offers its 4th annual Day Camps on June 13-17 and June 20-24. The theme for this year’s camps is Arkansas Homefront during the Civil War. Activities include demonstrations, games, and crafts centering on the Civil War theme. Contact the museum for information on fees and to make reservations at 870-793-2121.

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June 16 is full of fun for the whole family during the 37th annual Kid's Day in Fayetteville. Special activities are offered for children at the Fayetteville Farmers Market on the downtown square. Activities include face painting, fire engine tours, balloons, and more. The event is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., and admission is free. At the market, you can buy locally grown flowers and produce, and handmade art. Visit www.fayettevillefarmersmarket.org or call 479-236-2910 for details.

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Crafts and barbecue draw visitors to Mountain Home the weekend of June 17-18. The 31st annual CraftsFest takes place indoors at the fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Only handcrafted items are sold. Visit www.theartsandcraftsgiftshop.com or call 870-425-0777 for details.

Take in the sights and smells of the 3rd annual KCBS Smokin’ on the Square barbecue event on the courthouse square. On Friday, sample meats and vote for your favorite in the People’s Choice contest. Enjoy a plate lunch of barbecue on Saturday. Visit www.yourplaceinthemountains.com or call 888-679-2859 for more information.

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Troutfest on June 17-19 at Bull Shoals-White River State Park in Bull Shoals celebrates the White River, one of the nation’s finest trout streams. This weekend's activities include trout cooking demonstrations, fly tying demonstrations, river cruises, lake cruises and children’s programs. Contact the park at 870-445-3629 for a detailed schedule. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/bullshoalswhiteriver for more information about the park.

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The 13th annual Turpentine Creek Pow Wow is June 17-19 on the grounds of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs. The event includes dance contests, drumming, singers, story tellers, arts and crafts, native American cuisine, and traditional festival concessions. Admission is $5 each day or $10 for a weekend pass. Ages 3 and under enter for free. The refuge for big cats is located seven miles south of Eureka Springs on scenic Ark. 23. Visit www.turpentinecreek.org or call 479-253-3790 for more information.

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Join the fun by competing or watching the 10th annual Spearfishing Contest and Fish Fry on June 18 at Jordan Marina on Norfork Lake in Jordan. The contest offers $100 for first place in the catfish, walleye, and big crappie division. A prize of $25 is given for second place for catfish, walleye and big crappie. The spearfishing event is followed by a fish fry with what organizers call the “best darn potato salad ever.” The cost is $20 to compete for cash prizes, but free to watch the competition and attend the fish fry. Visit www.JordanMarina.com or call 870-499-7348 for details.

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Surprise Dad on his special day with a Dutch oven breakfast! Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan presents a Father’s Day Dutch Oven Breakfast Workshop on June 18. Participants will learn to make breakfast in the cookware just like the pioneers did, and learn some special breakfast recipes guaranteed to please Dad. Contact the park at 870-878-6595 for details.

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Tatting was a very popular style of making lace during the Victorian era. Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan hosts Lace, Loops and Laughter: A Beginner’s Tatting Workshop on June 18. Participants learn how to make bookmarks, lace collars, and doilies using the Victorian method with a tatting shuttle, in addition to learning the history of lace making, where to find supplies, and how to read patterns. To learn more or to register for the workshop contact Powhatan Historic State Park at 870-878-6765.

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Ozark Valley Triathlon, an international distance triathlon, is June 19 in Fayetteville. The event is held at Lake Wedington Park, offering both spectators and participants enjoyment of the natural beauty of the area. There will be post-race food, awards and prizes. Visit www.ozarkvalleytriathlon.com or call 479-521-7766 for details.

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Give your dad a different gift this year by attending the Father’s Day Fishing Tournament on June 19 in Bull Shoals. This just-for-fun trout fishing tournament is designed for children and their fathers, grandfathers, or guardians. There is no cost to participate. Meet at the trout dock of Bull Shoals-White River State Park, and bring your own bait and tackle. Prizes and certificates for a variety of categories, some wacky, will be awarded. Many door prizes will also be given. Come dressed alike or in your goofiest outfits. Contact the park at 870-445-3629 for details. Visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/bullshoalswhiteriver for more information about the park.

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Discovering Davidsonville Day Camp is geared toward budding archeologists ages 8-12. The camp, offered by Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas on June 22-24, gives youngsters the opportunity to learn about the science of archeology, play games and enjoy crafts from the time period, and discover the past of the historic Arkansas town. The fee is $30 per camper. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 for details.

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Get your bugle call ready for the 14th annual Buffalo River Elk Festival on June 24-25 in Jasper. This major event celebrates Newton County’s title of Elk Capital of Arkansas with nature seminars, arts and crafts booths, demonstrations, Dutch oven cook-off, Elk Calling Contest, talent show, other contests, entertainment, fishing derby, and kids’ activities. Admission is free and it takes place on the town square. Visit www.theozarkmountains.com or call 870-446-2455 for more information.

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After a successful and well-received first year, Brostock Wakeboarding Tournament by LiquidForce is returning toBull Shoals Lake. This year’s tournament is June 24-26 in Bull Shoals. This is a world-famous wakeboarding contest. Visitwww.bullshoals.org/brostock-2011 or call 870-445-4443 for more information.

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Try your hand at a new relaxing hobby when Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan offers the Double Pie/Magazine Basket Weaving Workshop on June 25. The class participants learn how to weave a large basket big enough to hold two pies or your magazine collection. The fee is $25 and includes all supplies. Contact Powhatan Historic State Park at 870-878-6765 for more information.

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Plant your lawn chair on historic Emma Avenue in Springdale for the Rodeo of the Ozarks Parade on June 29. Floats, marching bands, clowns, queens and hundreds of horses will take part in this 67th annual event. Visit www.rodeooftheozarks.com for information on the multi-day rodeo that takes place in conjunction with the parade, or call 479-756-0464.