Stuff to do in the Arkansas Ozarks in April

Ozark Folk Center State Park opens for the season on Tuesday, April 3 in Mountain View. Starting this year the park’s Craft Village will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from the first Tuesday in April through the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It contains more than 20 artisans creating, demonstrating and selling handmade items, including baskets, pottery, knives, black powder guns, fresh cooked traditional foods, and more. Admission is $10 for adults, and $6 for children ages 6-12. The park also offers numerous musical shows in its auditorium throughout the year. Visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call 870-269-3851 for more information.

First Thursday on the Downtown Square starts Thursday, April 5 in Fayetteville. Celebrating original works of art, the monthly First Thursday event features an outdoor art walk, live music, and a charity beer garden. Participating galleries and art-related venues offer free access to visual and performing art starting at 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.firstthursdayfayetteville.com or call 479-521-5776.

The First Friday International Festival set for Friday, April 6 in Bentonville brings food and music from around the globe and incorporates the multiple new restaurants in downtown for a taste of the world. The event highlights the diversity of the local community and includes live music and family activities. Visit www.downtownbentonville.org or call 479-254-0254 for details.

Climb aboard the Ozark Folk Center State Park bus for a field trip into the wilds of Arkansas on Friday, April 6 for the Herbal Field Trip & Medicinal Herb Workshop in Mountain View. On Saturday, April 7 regional herbalists present demonstrations and provide hands-on instruction to build your knowledge base about beneficial plants. An Herbal Luncheon and Spring Greens Cooking Class is covered by the workshop fee. The Spring Greens Cooking Class is a hands-on experience to learn how to make fun meals with early garden greens and can be taken separate from the field trip and workshop.For more information, visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call 870-269-3851.

The popular, annual Ozark Mountain Bike Festival takes place Friday, April 6-Sunday, April 8 at Devil’s Den State Park in West Fork. Riders of all skill levels are invited to join in on one of the many guided mountain bike rides offered during this free event. Rides range from the novice level to the grueling advanced level. There will be a fun obstacle course for the kids as well as opportunities to learn more about mountain bike maintenance. All riders must wear a helmet. Contact the park at 479-761-3325 for more details.

In Scotland, every April marks the celebration of Tartan Day, a remembrance of the country’s Independence. On April 7, the staff of Lake Charles State Park in Powhatan invites you to learn to make yummy highland fare during the Scottish Pie Dutch Oven Outdoor Cooking Demonstration. Try your hand at making a variety of Scottish dishes, including meat pies, all cooked in cast iron Dutch ovens. Admission is $5. Contact the park at 870-878-6595 for details.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, some of our favorite dishes, like meatloaf and mac and cheese, were cooked over fire. Learn how to cook some of your favorite dishes without electricity when Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan hosts Comfort Foods Dutch Oven Workshop on April 7. Participants will learn several recipes from the Victorian table and get to sample the creations. The $35 fee includes a Dutch oven accessory kit, a recipe booklet and tips on how to care for and cook with the iron cookware. To learn more about the workshop or to make reservations, contact the park at 870-878-6765.

The Iron Pig Festival on April 7 in Fayetteville is the only duathlon in the world that has a leg of the race on an airport runway. The event includes the duathlon, 5K run, 1-mile Fun Run/Walk and 16.5-mile Bike Time Trail at Drake Field Airport, located on Ark. 71 in south Fayetteville. Visit www.ironpigfestival.com or call 479-521-7766 for more information.

The Eureka Springs Easter Parade on Sunday, April 8 starts at Gavioli Chapel and ends at the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa. It is organized by the Eureka Springs EasterBelles, which continues the tradition of Easter parades started in the 1800s to honor women, springtime, fashion and culture of the times. Visit www.sites.google.com/site/eseasterbelles or call 703-400-6090 for more information.

The Arkansas Historical Association 71st annual Conference takes place Thursday, April 12-Saturday, April 14 in Fayetteville. "A Divided Arkansas" is this year's theme. This conference continues the Arkansas Historical Association's look at the Civil War in Arkansas. For details, visit www.arkansashistoricalassociation.org or call 479-575-5884.

Culinary Classes by Karen are offered Friday, April 13 and Saturday, April 14 in Eureka Springs. These classes are held in the Provençal-style home of Patrice and Karen Gros. Karen emphasizes seasonal menus featuring fresh, local, top-quality ingredients to prepare traditional French recipes. You’ll also learn to prepare healthy market-fresh food and classic French recipes. Two types of classes are offered each month (same menu per month): demonstration classes and hands-on classes. Karen prepares two seasonal dishes, a starter and main dish, or main dish and dessert. You sample a taste of each dish, along with salad and bread. Recipes are provided. Visit www.cuisinekaren.com or call 479-253-7461 for more information.

The 24th annual Ozark UFO Conference is Friday, April 13-Sunday, April 15 at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center in Eureka Springs. The conference is comprised of lectures by UFO researchers and those with UFO experiences. Vendors include booksellers and artists. Visit www.ozarkufo.com or call 479-253-0000 for more information.

The sound of bagpipes echoes through the Ozarks again this spring, as Lyon College in Batesville hosts the 33rd annual Arkansas Scottish Festival on April 13-15. The festival, honoring Scottish heritage and traditions, features a vast array of events and exhibits, pipe bands competition, food vendors offering traditional Scottish dishes, Celtic music, sheepdog demonstrations, and, of course, bagpipes. A traditional Feast and Ceilidh is celebrated on Saturday evening and an Iona Worship Service takes place on Sunday morning. For more information, visit www.lyon.edu/scotfest or phone 870-307-7242.

Confederate History Weekend takes place Saturday, April 14 at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park in Prairie Grove. Activities throughout the weekend include camp life and living history activities. Visitors are encouraged to wander the grounds, the dogtrot house, and Ozark Village area to talk with reenactors. The event is presented by volunteer reenactors from the Prairie Grove Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Thomas C. Hindman Camp #656. Admission is free. Call 479-846-2990 for details.

An old-fashioned reunion for residents and friends of Madison County, the annual Pettigrew Day is Saturday, April 14 at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale. The event begins at 1 p.m. with local history displays and music during the afternoon. A potluck supper at 5:30 p.m. and a local history program at 6:30 by Dr. Kevin Hatfield, mayor of Huntsville, round out the evening. Admission is free except for the potluck supper which is $5 for adults and $2 for kids younger than 12. Visit www.shilohmuseum.org or call 479-750-8165 for more information.

Without handheld GPS devices, cell phones and two-way radios, could you last in the great outdoors? Find out as Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas hosts a Survival Workshop on April 14. Participants will learn to build a shelter, build a fire without matches and other techniques to survive a natural disaster. Reservations are required and admission is $10. Contact the park at 870-892-4708 for more information.

The Northwest Arkansas Gem & Mineral Show has been ongoing since 1969. This year it takes place Saturday, April 14-Sunday, April 15 at the Siloam Springs Community Building located at 110 N. Mount Olive. The show is comprised of display cases with specimens and jewelry, dealers with unfinished and finished jewelry, mineral specimens, crystals, slabs, and lapidary items. There will also be demonstrations of rock saws, wire wrapping, flint knapping, and sphere making. The show includes a gem wash, grab bags, silent auction, and hourly door prizes. Admission is $3 for adults. Kids enter free with a paying adult. Visit www.nwarockhounds.org or call 479-524-3084 for details.

Seating is limited for the 4th annual Society Tea and Bonnet Contest on Sunday, April 15 at the conservatory of the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Spring. Twelve talented and creative designers decorate individual tables and prepare a dessert. Guests show off their creative millinery skills by designing a hat to wear and enter in the bonnet contest. Admission is $20 for adults with children 12 and younger free. For more information, visit www.eurekaspringspreservationsociety.org or call 479-253-6756.

Take a scenic tour through the Ozark-St.Francis Forest and the Buffalo National River with several stops along the way during the 51st annual Dogwood Tour on Friday, April 20. Buses leave from the Newton County Courthouse in Jasper at 9 a.m., returning at 2 p.m. Bring a sack lunch, jacket, comfortable shoes, and a camera. Call 479-284-3150 for reservations. Admission is $6.

Wood chips will fly at the 8th annual Carving in the Ozarks Festival on Friday, April 20-Saturday, April 21 in Eureka Springs. Competing chainsaw carvers turn logs into works of art while you watch, and carved items are offered for sale. The free event takes place at the intersection of Ark. 62E and Rockhouse Road. Visit www.carvingintheozarks.com or call 479-253-2080 for more information.

Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan presents the Historic Powhatan School of the Lady on April 20-22. The three-day workshop is targeted for women interested in living history and reenacting the mid-19th century. Instructors from historic sites throughout Arkansas will teach participants all aspects of a 19th century woman, including etiquette, cooking, history, music and sewing techniques. The school emphasizes the accurate portrayal of these aspects during a living history encampment. To learn more, contact Powhatan Historic State Park at 870-878-6765.

The Arkansas Folk Festival celebrates a monumental 50 years Friday, April 20-Sunday, April 22 on the downtown square in Mountain View. This annual spring celebration features handmade crafts, frontier life demonstrations, a parade, lots of "folk, mountain, and bluegrass" music, dancing on the courthouse square, and a window decorating contest. Free admission to the Ozark Folk Center State Park Craft Village is also offered this weekend with free shuttles from downtown to the park. Call 870-269-8068 for more information.

Enjoy the beauty of springtime during Ozark Wildflower Weekend Friday, April 20-Sunday, April 22 at Bull Shoals-White River State Park in Bull Shoals. Activities include guided wildflower walks, children’s programs, lake and river cruises, evening slide shows and more. The event is free except for lake and river cruises. Contact the park at 870-445-3629 for a schedule.

The 20th annual Tired Iron of the Ozarks Antique Tractor and Engine Spring Show is Friday, April 20-Sunday, April 22 at 13344 Taylor Orchard Road in Gentry. The event includes exhibitions of old-time sawmilling and blacksmithing, kiddie tractor pulls, plowing, home-related antiques and more. RV parking with electricity and water hookups is available. Reserve a spot by calling 479-524-0450. Club operated food concession are on-site. Admission is free. For more information, www.tiredironoftheozarks.org or call 479-736-5800 for details.

Withrow Springs State Park’s Wildflower Weekend is Friday, April 20-Sunday, April 22 in Huntsville. The park protects habitat for many beautiful spring wildflowers, including the rare Ozark white trillium. Join park interpreters and guest presenters for a weekend of wildflower themed programs including hikes, photography, wild edibles, and art. Admission is free. Contact the park at 479-559-2593 for a schedule.

If you’re a scout, don’t miss Davidsonville Historic State Park’s Discovering Davidsonville Scout Patch Day on April 21 in Pocahontas. Attendees participated in five activities that explore the town’s past. Living history characters, crafts, and tours of the area allow scouts to learn about the history of Davidsonville, home to several of Arkansas’s firsts. Space is limited and reservations are required. Contact Davidsonville Historic State Park at 870-892-4708 for questions.

Fairfield Bay Story Fest III is set for Saturday, April 21 at Lakewood Mall in Fairfield Bay. Professional storytellers Lyn Ford, Beth Horner, Dan Keding, and Kevin Cordi will entertain in the tents. The event also includes food and craft vendors. Admission is $15 for adults and free for ages 15 and younger. For details, visit www.fairfieldbaystoryfest.com or call 501-253-4656.

Fire Om Earth Retreat offers Herbs and Botanicals With Steven Foster on Saturday, April 21-Sunday, April 22 in Eureka Springs. Learn to identify backyard medicinal plants at this retreat. Foster is a renowned author and photographer of medicinal herbs and plants. Discover these plants and bring your camera to learn to photograph them. Call 479-363-9402 for registration and more information.

Looking for a getaway that can make a difference? Sign up for Devil’s Den State Park’s Getaway for Good program, which takes place Monday, April 23-Friday, April 27 in West Fork. The park is offering a working vacation to get you out in nature and help you establish a sense of ownership in your Arkansas State Parks. As part of your stay, explore what it takes to maintain the trails of Devil's Den State Park with two days of hands-on manual labor that would make the Civilian Conservation Corps boys proud. The park was built through the CCC program. During the week you will also take time to explore some of the other treasures that northwest Arkansas has to offer. Lodging and meals are provided as part of your getaway. Admission is $250 shared occupancy. Contact the park at 479-761-3325 for more information.

The Calico Rock Artisans Demonstration is set for Tuesday, April 24 in Calico Rock. Local artists and artisans will demonstrate their crafts at the Artisans Cooperative, located at 104 Main St. Admission is free. Visit www.calicoartist.com or call 870-297-4129 for more information.

Mountain View’s 34th annual Dulcimer Jamboree consists of three days of workshops, jams, and special concerts featuring some of the best instructors for both mountain and hammered dulcimers. It takes place Thursday, April 26-Saturday, April 28 at Ozark Folk Center State Park. Students are encouraged to “try out” the many different instructors, as each class session is designed to be a complete unit and participants can do several classes each day. Register early for this popular event. For more information or to register, visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or call 870-269-3851.

Celebrate Springfest on Friday, April 27-Sunday, April 29 in Heber Springs. Festivities begin Friday evening with an art/photography walk and the popular "Taste of Heber" food event. Saturday and Sunday, Spring Park fills up with crafters, kids activities, gardening information and great food. Visit www.heber-springs.com or call 501-362-2444 for more information.

A family festival, the 38th annual Dogwood Festival is Friday, April 27-Sunday, April 29 in Siloam Springs. The event includes food, rides, activities for kids, more than 100 vendors of handmade and resale items, and entertainment throughout the weekend. It is held in City Park and Bob Henry Park in the downtown area. Admission is free. Visit www.siloamchamber.info or call 479-524-6466 for details.

Spring's warmer temperatures offer a great opportunity to get out, explore The Natural State and geocache. If you aren't familiar with the outdoor scavenger hunt, Jacksonport State Park in Newport offers a GPS Workshop on April 28. Participants will learn how to operate a GPS, locate hidden caches and create their own caches. Contact the park at 870-523-2143 for more information.

Berryville holds its annual Farm, Flower & Garden Show & Sale on Saturday, April 28 on the downtown square. The show offers flower and bedding plants, trees, fountains, mulch, tools, mowers, yard art, lawn furniture and more. Locals bring perennials to sell and advice on how to grow them. Admission is free. Visit www.berryvillear.com or call 870-423-3704 for more information.

Our ancestors used old clothing to make beautiful rugs, placemats, seat covers, and handbags. Learn how to recycle your family’s hand-me-downs when Powhatan Historic State Park in Powhatan hosts a Hooked Rug Workshop. Participants will learn the art of locker hooking, an old craft that uses scrap fabric to make items for the home, and how to design their own one-of-a-kind pieces. Contact the park at 870-878-6765 for details.

Enjoy a free Post Familie Wine Tasting on Saturday, April 28 in Lakeview. The wine tasting takes place from noon until 4 p.m. at Gaston's White River Resort Conference Lodge. Visit www.gastons.com or call 870-431-5203 for details.