7 Riverfront Festivals In Arkansas That Will Rock Your World In 2016

The third annual River Cities Dragon Boat Festival takes place on May 21st. The races take place in the form of heats, and the teams dress up in crazy costumes to compete. Back on the shore, there are food trucks, arts and crafts, and an area for the kids to play. This one actually takes place on Lake Willastein.

Little Rock’s Riverfest, held on the banks of the Arkansas River, is the largest single event in the state of Arkansas. In addition to musical acts, there is a carnival, a fireworks show, and many vendors. You can catch the festival June 4 & June 5.

This year the lineup includes: The Flaming Lips, Goo Goo Dolls, Grace Potter, and Chris Stapleton.

The Riverfront Blues Society doesn’t only hold the Riverfront Blues Festival every year, they also run a program that brings the blues to school children and offers a scholarship for students planning to major in music. The festival takes place on the Arkansas River in Fort Smith. You can catch this festival on June 24th and 25th.

This year the lineup includes: Fat Head, Curtis Salgado, Toronzo Cannon, and Selwyn Birchwood.

This festival celebrates the reintroduction of elk into the Arkansas wilds. It’s a craft fair and sporting event, and has many contests, including a pie competition and a Dutch Oven cook-off. There is a pancake breakfast on both days. You can visit this festival on June 24th & 25th.

The Peacemaker Festival is a diverse multi-genre festival on the banks of the Arkansas River in Fort Smith. Their focus is on promoting regional musicians alongside bigger national acts. There will be art exhibits, demonstrations, and vendors. This one happens July 29th & 30th.

This year’s lineup includes: Ben Miller Band, Truckstop Troubadours, Old 97s, Leon Russell, and Cold War Kids.

This year marks the 73rd annual White River Water Carnival. That makes it one of the oldest festivals in Arkansas. It’s got vendors, a kid zone, a youth fishing derby, and a bass classic tournament. Go to Batesville on August 27th.

Located in Helena, King Biscuit Blues Festival in on the banks of the Mississippi. It has been running for more than thirty years. This festival also includes a blues symposium, a barbecue competition, and a 5k. You’ll have to wait until October 6th-8th for this one, though.

The lineup includes: Heavy Suga & the SweeTones, Sterling Billingsly, Linsey Alexander Band, Beverly "Guitar" Watkins, and Charles Wilson Band.