NONPROFIT
Staff Report
Spend Your Summer Days Under the Sun at Local Festivals
With summer in full swing, refresh and connect with others at local festivals this month. Enjoy these annual community celebrations and traditions prioritizing connection throughout the region.
Freedom Festival
Freedom Festival is one of Arkansas’ largest celebrations recognizing Juneteenth, the federal holiday that marks the ending of slavery in the United States. This celebration is a day for Northwest Arkansas and surrounding areas to gather, reflect and celebrate. On June 20, all are invited to Luther George Park in Springdale to experience African American/Black traditions through food, music and community involvement in the heart of Northwest Arkansas.
This year, Music Moves Arkansas aims to continue sharing Black traditions with all people and communities while fostering economic support to local businesses. “Our focus is to foster a unified community, celebrating the richness of Black musical traditions,” said Anthony Ball, Music Moves Arkansas vice president and program director.
Reginald James, Music Moves Arkansas president, added, “We want the spirit of Juneteenth to resonate beyond the park and throughout Northwest Arkansas.”
Freedom Festival will include activities such as a kids zone, vendor market featuring local entrepreneurs and businesses, horse rides, and local musical talent. Headliners include Hurricane Chris, Rose Royce and OhBoyPrince. Music Moves Arkansas will also host opportunities for attendees to support its mission through on-site fundraising efforts during the event, helping sustain its educational programming and cultural initiatives. Those interested in vendor applications, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can visit the Music Moves Arkansas website.
Freedom Festival is presented by Music Moves Arkansas in partnership with Walmart, city of Springdale, Walton Family Foundation and Tyson Family Foundation. (Photo by VERSatile Optics Media)
For more information, visit www.musicmovesar.com/freedom-festival.
Northwest Arkansas Pride
Join Northwest Arkansas Pride in celebrating 22 vibrant years of the state’s largest LGBTQ+ Pride celebration. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Northwest Arkansas Equality and honors the founders whose vision sparked two decades of advocacy and service.
What began as a grassroots effort has grown to serve more than 45,000 people annually, advancing LGBTQ+ dignity, visibility and belonging across Northwest Arkansas, the state of Arkansas and the Mid-South region.
Glitterville will be headlined by Canada’s Drag Race host and RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar Brooke Lynn Hytes and NYC-based DJ Sam Gee, along with everyone’s favorite Dickson Street Divas.
Hi Tea Dance & Pool Party will feature DJ Sam Gee and DJ Dave Maxwell for poolside beats and delicious bites provided by South by Northwest Hospitality, the folks behind Theo’s, East Side Grill, Southern Food Co. and Tuskers Tavern.
Trans March, Rally and Northwest Arkansas Pride Festival
June 26 | 6 to 10:30 p.m. | Upper Ramble, Dickson Street, Fayetteville
Northwest Arkansas Pride Festival
June 27 | Noon to 6 p.m. | Upper Ramble, Dickson Street, Fayetteville
22nd Annual Northwest Arkansas Pride Parade, honoring the founders of Northwest Arkansas Equality
June 27 | 6 p.m. | Dickson Street, Fayetteville
Glitterville
June 27 | 9 p.m. | George’s Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville
Hi Tea Dance & Pool Party
June 28 | Noon to 6 p.m. | Mount Sequoyah Center, Fayetteville
Stay tuned for additional event schedules, Friday and Saturday headliners and other events produced in partnership with Northwest Arkansas Pride Weekend. (Photos by Meredith Mashburn)
For more information, visit www.nwapride.org.
Firefly Fling
Botanical Garden of the Ozarks invites the community to experience one of Northwest Arkansas’ most anticipated summer traditions as Firefly Fling returns June 27.
This family-friendly festival transforms the garden into a whimsical, after-hours wonderland filled with music, light and imagination. Guests of all ages are encouraged to come dressed as fairies, pirates, superheroes or woodland creatures and explore an evening designed to celebrate nature, creativity and community.
Throughout the evening, guests can enjoy a wide range of immersive experiences including interactive educational booths hosted by local community partners, live music and roaming performers, face painting and henna tattoos, hands-on activities such as fairy house building, fire dancing performances, and a large-scale laser light show to close out the night.
Marketplace vendors and food trucks will offer items available for purchase.
“Firefly Fling is one of the most magical nights of the year at the garden,” said Executive Director Ashley Wardlow. “It’s an opportunity for families and friends to step into something imaginative and joyful — to experience the outdoors in a way that feels playful, creative and shared.”
Drawing thousands of attendees each year, Firefly Fling has become a signature event in Northwest Arkansas, known for its vibrant atmosphere and memorable experiences for all ages.
Join Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in celebrating the magic of nature. (Photos courtesy of Botanical Garden of the Ozarks)
For more information, visit www.bgozarks.org.
