July is a perfect festival month! From Independence Day celebrations to festivities that recognize the delicious peaches and watermelons of The Natural State…here are some of the fantastic fun festivals in Arkansas in July!
Festivals in Arkansas in July
Don’t forget that July in Arkansas can be very hot. Be sure and be prepared with plenty of water and bug spray!
Barling’s July 3 Blowout (Barling, Arkansas)
This is the 8th annual July 3rd event in Barling, Arkansas. It will include watermelon, food trucks, water slides for the kids, a DJ, face painting, and, of course, fireworks!
- Dates: July 3
- More Information: Barlings July 3 blowout
Freedom Fest (Conway)
Conway knows how to throw a party and Freedom Fest is no exception. There will be amazing food truck vendors, family-friendly activities, great music, and a spectacular fireworks show!
The festival is held at Beaverfork Lake Park.
- Dates: July 3
- More Information: Freedom Fest
Pops on the River (Little Rock)
Pops on the River, located in downtown Little Rock and presented by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette features fireworks, music and fun!
This happens to be the largest fireworks display in Arkansas and you will listen to music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra while watching the skies light up over the Arkansas River. .
The event is free unless you want to have reserved seating. Tickets are available for that.
- Dates: July 4
- More Information: Pops on the River
Here is a list of more great things to do in the capital city of Little Rock!
Mayor’s 4th of July Celebration (Fort Smith)
The Mayor’s 4th of July Celebration returns to Harry E. Kelley River Park with food trucks, free public transportation, LIVE entertainment, and the largest Independence Day Fireworks Display in the region!
- Dates: July 4
- More Information: Fort Smith 4th of July
Freedom Fest (Gentry)
This is the 130th annual Gentry 4th of July event. It includes a car show, raffles, bands, a splash pad, food and event vendors, kids activities and fireworks!
- Dates: July 4
- More Information: Gentry Freedom Fest
Here are some more fun things that you might want to do in Arkansas in the summer!
Cabot’s Fourth of July Celebration (Cabot)
Have an unforgettable evening at the Cabot Sportsplex! There will be live music, balloon animals, face painting, a foam party, inflatables, food trucks and fireworks.
- Dates: July 4
- More Information: Cabot’s Fourth of July Celebration
Evening at Orchard’s Park (Bentonville)
Live music, food trucks and fireworks at Orchard’s Park in Bentonville. Parking is located throughout Memorial Park and shuttles will be available to transport those who need assistance to Orchard’s Park.
- Dates: July 4
- More Information: Orchards Park-Bentonville’s 4th of July Fireworks Celebration
Lost Bridge Village Independence Day Celebration (Garfield)
An old fashioned independence celebration with a patriotic spirit parade, a cook-out with hamburgers, hot dogs, and ice cream, live music and fireworks!
- Dates: July 5
- More Information: Lost Bridge Village Independence Day Celebration
Grill Wars: Triple Steak Cook-Off (El Dorado)
This is an epic showdown featuring intense steak cook-offs where the best grill masters battle it out for the title. If you are not competing you can buy tickets to try some of these delicious steaks.
- Dates: July 12-13
- More Information: Grill Wars: Triple Steak Cook-Off
Art of Wine (Fayetteville)
You don’t have to go all the way to Napa Valley! One of the south’s premiere wine-tasting events happens right here in Arkansas.
This is a fund-raiser for arts education held at the Walton Arts Center. Indulge in hundreds of wines, sample the flavors of area restaurants, and enjoy local entertainment!
- Dates: July 12
- More Information: Art of Wine
Johnson County Peach Festival (Clarksville)
Did you know that the Johnson County Peach Festival is the longest running festival in the state of Arkansas?
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This wonderful festival is located in beautiful downtown Clarksville on the Courthouse Square. It features live music, a talent show, craft booths, concessions, a parade, a peach pit spitting contest, a peach pie eating contest…and all things peaches!
- Dates: July 18-20
- More Information: Johnson County Peach Festival
You might be interested in learning about some of the best peach orchards in Arkansas!
Beer and Margarita Festival (Little Rock)
This year the Rock City Margarita Festival has teamed up with the Great Arkansas Beer Festival to bring you double the fun at the Statehouse Convention Center.
In addition to sampling beers, seltzers, and margaritas there will be food concessions, dancing, music, games, and giveaways.
- Dates: July 20
- More Information: The Rock City Margarita Festival and The Great Arkansas Beer Festival
Metal Mayhem Fest (Jonesboro)
Love metal music? This is the festival for you! Live music!
- Dates: July 20
- More Information: Metal Mayhem Fest
Cave City Watermelon Festival (Cave City)
There is nothing better than an Arkansas watermelon and some of the best in the state are grown in the soil around Cave City! They are known as having the “world’s sweetest watermelons!”
This festival offers fun and entertainment for the entire family!
There will be live music featuring nationally acclaimed musicians and regional favorites.
Activities will also include a children’s fishing derby, food truck war, 5K run, car show, a parade, speed eating contest, seed spitting contest, free watermelon feast, prize melon auction, incredible food, and all things watermelon!
- Dates: July 25-27
- More Information: Cave City Watermelon Festival
Here are some other great Arkansas foods that you might want to try!
Altus Grape Fest (Altus)
This is the 41st Altus Grape Fest and will be held at Altus City Park.
Altus happens to be the wine capital of Arkansas so you know this festival will feature all things grapes and wine as well as various vendors and activities.
- Dates: July 26-27
- More Information: Altus Grape Fest
I hope that you have enjoyed this list of great Arkansas festivals in July and that it helps you plan your month!
Let us know if we have missed any July festivals and we will add them to the list.
Thanks for stopping by!