The arts come alive at the annual May Festival of the Arts! This unique, month-long festival celebrates art that makes Eureka Springs the creative capital of Arkansas. This years festivities will feature dozens of exhibits, demonstrations, artist’s receptions,
gallery walks (such as the annual White Street Studio Walk), free concerts, parade and much more! This event is perfect for a weekend getaway or a family vacation! Here are some highlights of the 2016 festival events:
The ArtRageous Parade
This annual favorite is colorful, quirky, energetic and sometimes surprising! The ArtRageous Parade is the traditional kick-off of the May Festival of the Arts. This year’s parade will feature floats, art cars, walkers, dancers, musicians, jugglers and the super popular, Africa in the Ozarks drum and dance group.
Featured Artists all Month Long at Fleece ‘N Flax
Fiber artists come together to form an eclectic mix at Fleece ‘N Flax at 51 Spring St. Eureka Springs, AR. All month long, Fleece ‘N Flax will be featuring local fiber artists. On May 7th, “Art in Sheep’s Clothing” features artist Vicki Hardcastle of Hardcastle Folk Art. May 14th features Fiber Artist and Doll Maker, Paula McGee (artwork pictured right). On May 21st, its all about weaving with featured artist is Debbie Davis of Red Scottie Fibers Studio.
Books in Bloom
The Books in Bloom Literary Festival is a Celebration for both Writers and Readers! For a decade, this amazing festival, started by the Carroll and Madison Public Library Foundation, has promoted the value of books and reading. The Festival provides an opportunity for the public to meet authors and to hear them speak about their work and various aspects of writing and publishing. Located on the grounds of the Crescent Hotel, this FREE event is from noon to 5 pm, Sunday, May 15th. Click Here for more information.
Food-A Taste of Art
All month long, visual artists from Eureka Springs will be paired with several of the city’s finest restaurants to display works by the featured artists. The month long exhibits will include receptions in the restaurants honoring the artists on various weekends during May.
Various restaurants around town, including DeVito’s of Eureka Springs and The Grand Taverne at the Grand Central Hotel. Click Here for more information.
Gallery Stroll Saturdays
Eureka’s galleries will open their doors from 6 – 9 p.m. on Saturdays with special shows and artist receptions.
- The Jewel Box, 40 Spring St
- Eureka Fine Art Gallery, 2 Pine St.
- Iris at the Basin, 8 Spring St.
- JA Nelson Gallery, 37 Spring St.
- Keels Creek Winery & Art Gallery, 3185 E Van Buren
- The Emporium by Deja Vu, 179 N Main St.
- Quicksilver, 73 Spring St.
- Studio 62, 335 W. Van Buren
- Zarks, 67 Spring St.
These and other great events are happening in Eureka Springs for the month of May! For a complete Eureka Springs calendar, click here.
Visit the Eureka Springs Festival of the Arts website for a complete itinerary of May Festival of the Arts Events.