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 2018 festival events:
The ArtRageous Parade
Saturday, May 5th
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 11 – 13th
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).
Second Saturday Gallery Stroll
Saturday, May 12th
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.
Chalk Art Street Festival
May 16-20
Nationally-known chalk street artist Craig Thomas will lead the chalk art fest and conduct workshops. Craig will be joined by several local and regional artists with final reveals and event planned for 5/20.
3rd Annual Eureka Springs Plein Air Festival
May 22-24
Mark your calendars for the 3rd Annual Plein Air Festival “ESPAfest”! This event is May 22-24 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.