The arts come alive every spring during 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, free concerts, parades and much more! This event is perfect for a weekend getaway or a family vacation!
Here are some highlights of the 2017 festival events:
The ArtRageous Parade
Saturday, May 6th
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.
Bridge of Love
May 8 – 14th
Bring your own flowers and participate in the Bridge of Love! This event is a Mother’s Day Living Art Installation, to help you celebrate the women in your life. This art Installation lasts for 6 days underneath the Main Street Air Bridge
(Basin Bath House Bridge).
Grand Gallery Stroll
Saturday, May 13th
Eureka Springs is known for it’s many art galleries and monthly Gallery Strolls. This year, the May Festival of the Arts brings us the Grand Gallery Stroll. Galleries will be producing specialized exhibits specifically for this event. Dress is casual, drop in and drop out. Fun is mandatory, purchasing is not. Refreshments (21+) will be served.
Books in Bloom
May 21st
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 21st. Click Here for more information.
2nd Annual Eureka Springs Plein Air Festival
May 21-25
Mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Plein Air Festival “ESPAfest”! This event is May 21-25 at various beautiful and historic locations in Eureka Springs. Over 60 artists from across the country come together for four days of intense plein air painting in and around the beautiful town. Opening Reception to be held at the Eureka Springs School of the Arts Campus.
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.