- Updated with new information since originally published.
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- Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.
1. Admire five centuries of American art at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
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Category:
Museums & Culture for Couples
© Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
2. Enjoy the beautiful woodland setting of Thorncrown Chapel
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© Thorncrown Chapel
3. Stroll through Garvan Woodland Gardens
Category:
Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Mike - Fotolia.com
4. Visit the Museum of Native American History
Category:
Museums & Culture for Couples
© Museum of Native American History
5. Take a tour of the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Tours in the Area
© Courtesy of Pierre - Fotolia.com
6. Explore Fordyce Bathhouse
© Courtesy of Aleksandr Matveev - Fotolia.com
7. Take a guided tour of Little Rock Central High School
Tours in the Area
© Courtesy of m napoli 501 - Fotolia.com
8. See the historical artifacts at The Old Mill
Category:
Affordable Local Attractions
© The Old Mill
9. See the exhibits at Fort Smith National Historic Site
Category:
Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© NPS Photo
10. Watch a performance at TheatreSquared
Category:
Entertainment Near Me
© TheatreSquared
11. See a replica of the Oval Office at the William J Clinton Library and Museum
Category:
Kids & Family Fun
© William J Clinton Library and Museum
12. Enjoy the view from Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Category:
Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of Bram - Fotolia.com
13. Learn about the history of Walmart at The Walmart Museum
Category:
Affordable Local Attractions
© The Walmart Museum
14. Take a self-guided tour of the Old State House Museum
Tours in the Area
© Old State House Museum
15. See the exhibits at the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home
© NPS Photo
16. Tour the Clinton House Museum
Tours in the Area
© Clinton House Museum
17. Book a tour of the Arkansas Governor's Mansion
Tours in the Area
© Arkansas Governor's Mansion
18. Have fun at Magic Springs Water and Theme Park
Category:
Kids & Family Fun
© Courtesy of Jasmin Merdan - Fotolia.com
19. See rare flora and fauna at South Arkansas Arboretum
Category:
Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Courtesy of imagenavi - Fotolia.com
20. Walk along the trails at Compton Gardens
Category:
Weekend Activities & Fun Outdoors
© Compton Gardens
21. Step back in time at the Rush Historic District (Rush Ghost Town)
Category:
Affordable Local Attractions
© Courtesy of Craig Hanson - Fotolia.com
22. See a collection of military vehicles at the Arkansas Air Museum
Category:
Museums & Culture for Couples
© Arkansas Air Museum
23. Visit the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center
Category:
Affordable Local Attractions
© Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center
Summary and Frequenly Asked Questions:
Arkansas is replete with a moderate climate, lush terrain, mountains, and lakes and rivers required for a vacation in the Great Outdoors. Arkansas is also an affordable destination, with thousands of free events offered throughout the year, including festivals, art exhibitions, and craft fairs in Eureka Springs, Fayetteville and Hot Springs. From concerts in Little Rock, art walks and galleries in the evening to mouthwatering local cuisine and historic buildings, Arkansas has plenty of activities for culture, history, and nature lovers alike.
Arkansas Events and Festivals:
Little Rock events:
- Arkansas State Fair
- World Cheese Dip Championship - FECHA
- Pops on the River - Fourth of July
- Main Street Food Truck Festival - Every September
- Little RocktoberFest - End of September
- SoMardi Gras - March 4, 2025
- Jazz in the Park - Each Wednesday in April and September
- Wildwood Park Lanterns Festival - April 10-13, 2025
Fayetteville events:
- Lights of the Ozarks - November 22, 2025-January 1, 2025
- Bikes, Blues & BBQ - Late September
- Joe Martin Stage Race - Usually in Spring
Hot Springs events:
- Hot Springs Music Festival - Every June
- World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade - Each year on March 17
- Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Eureka Springs events:
- Ozark Mountain Music Festival - January 16-19, 2025
- Eureka Springs Mardi Gras - Feb-Mar
- Chocolate Lovers Festival - Valentine's Day weekend
Other annual AR Events:
- Hope Watermelon Festival - Hope, Every August
- Arkansas Apple Festival - Lincoln, First weekend in October
- Fordyce on the Cotton Belt Festival - Fordyce, Every 4th Saturday in April
- Arkansas Folk Festival - Mountain View, Third weekend in April
- Bentonville Running Festival - Bentonville, April 5, 2025
- Cleburne County Fair - Heber Springs, Every September
Plan Your Trip
