8 Can't-Miss Family Attractions at Riverfest
Get ready to rock. Riverfest sets up on the banks of the Arkansas River, plugs in a few amps and turns downtown Little Rock into Rock City, this Friday (May 22) through Sunday (May 24).
The adult lineup will please locals’ eclectic music tastes with three stages of acts ranging from Sheryl Crow to Bone Thugs'n'Harmony. There’s plenty to entertain young revelers, too. Here are eight things families won’t want to miss.
Mini mosh pits are sure to form at the Kidzone Stage, which features a packed lineup of kiddie performers. Little dancing machines can catch a set by DJ Dev, who will get the party jumping each night (8 p.m. Fri., 8:30 p.m. Sat., 9:30 p.m. Sun.) Feast on sweet stuff in the FreezeFest Ice Cream Eating competition, marvel at the Kenya Safari Acrobats or catch a performance of the Kazoobie Kazoo Show with Rick Hubbard. This is also a great spot to catch the fireworks at 9 p.m. on Sunday evening! See the full schedule for the Yarnell's Kidzone Stage here.
The Kidzone Area presented by Deltic Timber is located near the Peabody Playground & Water Park in Riverfront Park. Families will find tons of crafts, drums, chalk, bubbles, face-painting, hula hoops, activities from the Museum of Discovery and more. Adventurous kids can scale the 20-foot rock climbing wall, or soar, somersault and flip (while safely attached to bungee cords) on the Quad Jump. In between hands-on activities, tots can cool off and splash around in the area’s water feature.
3. Arkansas Democrat-Gazette International Village
In the International Village, festival-goers can visit six countries in minutes. The theme for this year's village is "Reading Around the World," and crafts will revolve around children's books set in different nations. Create a Harry Potter-inspired wand in England; craft a Babar crown in France; stop by Nigeria to make a wise owl based on "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears: A West African Tale." In China, kids will put together Tiki Tiki Timbo kites; they'll make Hansel and Gretel gingerbread men in Germany; and finally, create magic carpet bookmarks, a la Aladdin, in Saudi Arabia!
4. Carnival Rides and Other Attractions
In between concerts, you can stop by the Clinton Presidential Center to hop on a kiddie carnival ride. While you're there, check out a few other activities and entertainment, including Jonathan Offi's Ultimate Stunt & Trick Dog Show. His world-famous team of rescue dogs are bona fide athletes and travel the country performing and educating the public about Pit Bulls and rescue dogs. Performances are 11:30 a.m.; 1:30, 3:30 & 5:30 p.m. Saturday; 1:30, 3:30 & 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Dog fans can also visit the Super Retriever Series Super Dock near the Main Street Bridge in Riverfront Park. Canine competitors fly and fetch into a pool--there's even a mini fly event for smaller dogs and an amateur division for beginners.
Last, but not least, look for special event trucks, like the Arkansas Arts Center Artmobile, Arkansas Game & Fish Aquarium and Johnsonville Big Taste Grill at various locations around the festival.
6. Ruff on the River Pooch Parade
This parade of costumed pups is a must for little dog lovers. On Saturday (May 23) at 9:30 a.m., head to Heifer Village, which serves as the start of the parade. There, you can scope out the promenade of pooches dressed up in creative outfits that fit this year's theme, Red, White & Blue. Immediately following the parade, all short-legged dogs are invited to take part in the Weenie Dog Derby! All the four-legged fun will benefit several local canine-focused organizations, including All About Labs, Little Rock Animal Village and C.A.R.E. Click here for info on how to register.
7. Rock-N-Stroll 5K Fun Run & Walk
Still have some extra energy? Sign up for this family-friendly fitness event that takes you on a course through downtown Little Rock at 8 a.m. on Saturday (May 23). Participants are encouraged to dress up as rock stars, cartoon characters or another favorite idol; a prize is given for Best Costume. A three-day admission pass to the entire festival is included with the registration fee (advance registration $35, children under 10 $10). Click here for info on how to register.
8. First Security Bank Fireworks Display
And, of course, to top off the weekend of fun, families can't miss the spectacular fireworks show in Riverfront Park. Enjoy the bright display at 9 p.m. on Sunday (May 24), as music is simulcast through the entire park and broadcast on The Point 94.1.
Bonus: Foodie Fun
Save room for...everything! Flossie's Funnel Cakes, jumbo corn dogs, roasted corn, turkey legs. You'll event find boiled crawfish at the Riverside Coney Island food stand. And, of course, it wouldn't be a festival without fried food--ever tried fried Pop Tarts? How about Deep Fried Banana Pudding? You'll find them both in the Edwards Food Giant Food Court! Click here for a full list of food vendors.