RISE AND SHINE!

The chill of winter is disappearing fast, and that means it’s time to get out and experience events all over Arkansas! From road racing and mountain biking to hot-air balloons, motorcycle rallies and rodeos, springtime is the best time to get out and enjoy unique community events all over The Natural State!

DON’T MISS THESE EVENTS!

APRIL 22

DELTA ROOTS MUSIC FESTIVAL

Helena

Come experience the hospitality and fun of the Delta Roots Music Festival, featuring the music that made the Delta famous. Bring your bike and ride the Delta Roots, a three-hour excursion that includes a stopover at Storm Creek where you can hop in a kayak for a quick paddle. While you’re there, don’t miss the heralded Greens, Beans & Cornbread Contest and Delta Roots Back Yard Grillin’ Contest. facebook.com/deltarootsmusicfest

APRIL 22

IRON PIG FESTIVAL

Fayetteville

Take on the challenge of a bike time trial, a 5K road race or a little of both in the duathlon. Or, just come out and enjoy the fun run. Whatever you choose, the Iron Pig offers a safe, well-staffed venue, ensuring a fun, fast time is had by all. Produced by All Sports Productions of Fayetteville. allsportsproductionsinc.com

APRIL 29

SALINE RIVER CANOE RACE

Benton

Back after a five-year hiatus, the Saline River Canoe Race and Family Festival is back on the water! From the launch at Peeler Bend, canoeists in competitive and recreational divisions race four miles to Lyle Park where they are met by food, music and family-friendly activities. Medals for all entrants, trophies for first through third place and even a Best Name competition add to the day’s fun. facebook.com/canoearkansas

MAY 5-6

STEEL HORSE RALLY

Fort Smith

Get your motor runnin’ and head to Fort Smith for one of the largest and loudest weekends of the year. The Steel Horse Rally honoring all who serve will feature a poker run, motorcycle grand parade and lots of musical entertainment. More than a good time, the rally is a good cause, supporting local charities, honoring veterans, military, law enforcement, first responders and helping the local community. thesteelhorserally.com

MAY 5-7

11th ANNUAL BALLOONS OVER RUSSELLVILLE

Russellville

Check out one of the most colorful festivals in The Natural State. Reserve one of a limited number of hot-air balloon rides or float tethered above the ground. Thrillseekers can also take a powered parachute ride or, for the ultimate adventure, sign up for tandem skydiving. Music, food, chainsaw carving and Cinco de Mayo Fest with salsa competition round out the terrestrial activities. balloonsoverrussellville.com

MAY 5-7

TOAD SUCK DAZE

Conway

There’s so much to see and do at Toad Suck Daze, you’re sure to find your inner amphibian. If running’s your thing, find your stride in the Toad Suck Daze 10K/5K and Tadpole Trot. If you’re more into cycling, the Tour de Toad is sure to please. Or, do ‘em both as part of the Iron Toad challenge. Food, free concerts, a carnival and the World Championship Toad Races round out the fun. toadsuck.org

MAY 26-27

OZARK

FOLK CENTER 50th JUBILEE

Mountain View

The OFC is turning 50 and all are invited to a foot-stomping birthday bash. Enjoy two nights of music and dance performed by veteran musicians, dancers, storytellers and accomplished youth stringbands from around the area. Performances are in the Ozark Highlands Theater. In between performances, check out Loco Ropes ropes course and zipline or take the area’s stunning trails. arkansasstateparks.com

MAY 29-JUNE 3

OLD FORT DAYS oldfortdaysrodeo.com

Fort Smith Cowboy up! Old Fort Days Futurity and Rodeo offers the rankest bulls, wildest broncs and toughest cowboys and cowgirls in Arkansas. Enjoy family-friendly rodeo competition and pageantry, along with musical entertainment and great bars and restaurants downtown.

JUNE 2-3

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP RUNNING OF THE TUBS

Hot Springs hotsprings.org/events

The annual World Championship Running of the Tubs provides one of the wildest spectacles in The Natural State. Costumed teams race their full bathtubs of water on wheels down famous Bathhouse Row, enduring a gauntlet of water thrown at them from the crowd in an attempt to throw them off their time. Afterward, take to nearby Northwoods for primo mountain biking.