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From antique cars to antique tractors, to fairs and festivals that have been around 26, 49, 75 and even 80 years, this weekend seems to be all about the past. Whether you are looking at a piece of automobile history, reading to commemorate the centennial of World War I or taking part in a long-standing tradition, there are many things to do in Arkansas this weekend.
23rd Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival (Harrison)
This unique outdoor event began in 1995 and is held in beautiful downtown Harrison, Arkansas. The Festival starts on Friday evening with the Hare and Hound Balloon Race as well as a free concert. The event will continue on Saturday morning, with more balloon race competitions. Saturday evening, events begin with balloons tethered to the ground for the exciting balloon glow and with tethered rides offered to the public. In conjunction with the tethered rides, there will be a CASA Kids Fest with inflatables, pony rides, music, face painting, food and fun for the family. The event will continue through Sunday with several balloon race competitions for all to enjoy. Head to Harrison this weekend to experience a “Hot Air Balloon Adventure!”
Venue: Boone County Regional Airport
Date: September 7- September 9
Time: Varies- Click Here for details
Admission: Free
Contact: Click Here
48th Annual Eureka Springs Antique Automobile Festival (Eureka Springs)
Eureka Springs is proud to host the longest running car show in Northwest Arkansas. The event includes a pre-event sunset cruise, a panel of professional judges, over 25 awards, music, food and a parade of show cars through downtown Eureka Springs. There will be hundreds of restored classics, hot rods, street machines, customs, rat rods, muscle cars and rare trucks, all competing for more than 25 judged awards.
Venue: 935 Passion Play Road
Date: September 7- September 8
Time: Click Here for Event Schedule
Admission: Free
Contact: Click Here
75th Annual White River Carnival (Batesville)
The White River Water Carnival is a free, family event that features entertainment, food vendors, craft and commercial vendors, a parade and kids’ activities. This carnival has the claim on hosting the largest car show in the region. There will also be an Arkansas State BBQ Championship and water sports demonstrations on the White River.
Venue: Riverside Park
Date: September 7- September 8
Time: Click Here for Event Schedule
Admission: Free
Contact: Click Here
Rods & Ribs Car Show (Ozark)
Head to Ozark for a car show, contests, food, games, and prizes, as well as a live DJ.
Venue: 116 S. 2nd Street
Date: September 8
Time: 12 p.m. — 10 p.m.
Admission: Free
Contact: Click Here
Main Street Food Truck Festival (Little Rock)
Food truck lovers should make plans to be in Little Rock this weekend. There will be over 60 food trucks, dozens of craft vendors, a variety of entertainment buskers, and much more.
Venue: 600 Main St. Little Rock
Date: Sunday, September 9
Time: 11 a.m. — 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Contact: Click Here
26th Annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show (Scott)
Are you ready for some sputtering, rickety fun at the Plantation Agriculture Museum? This year the museum at Scott is celebrating the history of tractors at the 26th annual Antique Tractor and Engine Show. This event is a treat for all ages and draws a large community of farmers, tractor owners and spectators alike.
Venue: Plantation Agriculture Museum State Park
Date: September 8
Time: 9 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Contact: Click Here
Boomtown Opry (El Dorado)
The Boomtown Opry is a monthly Branson-style show held every second Saturday of the month at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium. Featured performers for this show are Lynn Landry, April Sanders, Jess Wade, Gina and Todd Mitchell and comedian Sister Lucille.
Venue: El Dorado Municipal Auditorium
Date: September 8
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: $10 (children 12 and under free)
Contact: Click Here
White County Fair (Searcy)
The White County Fair has been a staple in the area for 80+ years. Everyone in the area knows that the beginning of September marks “Fair Week.” Pageant contestants get their dresses ready, Grandma’s apple pie recipe is dusted off, 4H kids prep their animals, and courage is mustered up to ride the biggest, fastest rides or participate in the talent show. The White County Fair is the largest county fair in Arkansas and has been voted one of the TOP 10 county fairs in the nation. There is something for everyone and every night is packed with entertainment and activities for all ages to enjoy.
Venue: White County Fairgrounds
Date: September 10- 15th
Time: Varies Daily
Admission: Varies
Contact: Click Here
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Parks and Tourism
49th Annual Ham Fest (Mena)
The annual Ham Fest at Queen Wilhelmina State Park is hog heaven for amateur radio enthusiasts. Do you need an antenna or parts for your radio? How about becoming a ham radio operator? The tests to become an operator will be available during this event. Whether you are a novice or an expert you can find what you’re looking for at the Ham Fest.
Venue: Queen Wilhelmina State Park
Date: September 7- September 8
Time: Click Here for Schedule
Admission: Free
Contact: Click Here
Photo courtesy of Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum
World War I Reading Retreat (Piggot)
This weekend retreat offers participants a chance to explore Hemingway and his contemporaries in World War I. At this event, you can join together in Piggott for a weekend of book discussions and fun activities. Steve Paul, author of Hemingway at Eighteen, will join the retreat to discuss his book. There will also be a showing of A Farewell to Arms in the building that used to be the Franklin Theater (where the film premiered in 1932). This event is part of the museum’s commemoration of the Centennial of World War I.
Venue: Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum and Educational Center
Date: September 7- September 8
Time: Varies
Admission: Free
Contact: Click Here
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