Don’t you just love summer? Go Outside for a mountain bike festival, live music that will set your toes to tapping, or head indoors where the A/C is blasting for a chance to hear some of the greatest stories from the South.
St. Louis Cardinal Exhibit
Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock
When: Through September 16
Cost: See website
clintonpresidentialcenter.org
“Play Ball" features decades of memorabilia from the St. Louis Cardinals. Over 100 items, such as the World Series trophy from 2006 and 2011, championship rings, and much more.
Full Moon Kayak Tour
Lake Catherine, Hot Springs
When: July 7
Cost: $15
arkansas.com or 501.844.4176
Float Lake Catherine in flat-water kayaks under the full moon. No prior experience is required, but you should be comfortable around water. Fee includes use of a kayak, paddle, and life jacket. Pre-registration and payment is required.
Tales From the South
North Little Rock
When: July 10, 17, 24, 31
Cost: $5
talesfromthesouth.com 501.372.7976
"Tales From the South" is a radio show taped at the Starving Artist Cafe' in the Argenta Arts District, and airs on KUAR. Incredible food and great company. Reservations are highly recommended.
1st Annual 4X4th of July
Ozark
When: July 13 – 15
Cost: See website
byrdsadventurecenter.com
4x4 off-road competitions, exhibition hill climbs, outdoor expo, bounce houses and more. For camping reservations, contact Byrd's Adventure Center.
Fat Tire Festival
Eureka Springs
When: July 13 - 15
Cost: See website
fattirefestival.com
The Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival is a three-day bonanza of competitive and non-competitive mountain bike events, including a costume cruiser bike race, kids races on a ½ mile circuit, a kids rodeo, and so much more. Register online for this weekend of family fun!
Johnson County Peach Festival
Clarksville, Courthouse Square
When: July 19 – 22
Cost: Free Admission
arkansasstateparks.com
Good ol’ home cookin’, arts and crafts, a bull frog race, terrapin derby and greased pig chase. Peach eating contest, a 4-mile run, fishing derby, cardboard boat regatta. Trout Fishing in America shows up Saturday night for a FREE concert.
Bricktown Reggae Fest
Oklahoma City
When: July 27, 28
Cost: Admission is Free
bricktownokc.com
Make your way to Oklahoma City's Bricktown Entertainment District for the annual Reggae Fest. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Caribbean food, on-site beer and drink vendors.
26th Annual World Championship Boat Races
Heber Springs, Sandy Beach
When: July 28
Cost: See website
Heber-springs.com
Wild & Wacky and downright Crazy World Championship Cardboard Boat Races that will have you asking, “How’d they do that?” Plus, a treasure hunt, watermelon eating contest, and lots of food, including crawfish and shrimp.