Summer Sounds in Eureka Springs: Opera, Concerts & More
Eureka Springs is gearing up for a summer filled with melody, community, and celebration. Whether you’re a fan of grand opera, local live music, or spontaneous rhythm, the Ozark town has an inviting lineup. Let’s dive into three must-see highlights:
1. Opera in the Ozarks – 75th Anniversary Season
This summer marks a milestone for Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point—its 75th consecutive season of nurturing young talent and delighting audiences. For this celebration, the company has inaugurated a stunning new 300-seat theater, backed by a substantial $34 million grant from the Walton Family Foundation. This cutting-edge venue elevates comfort, acoustics, and intimacy—ideal for the immersive experience OIO is known for.
Season schedule (June 27 – July 25, 2025):
- Carmen by Georges Bizet – June 27, July 2, 6, 11, 14, 19 & 25
- Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim – June 28, July 3, 7, 9, 13, 18 & 23
- The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár – July 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 20 & 24
Opera in the Ozarks thoughtfully balances professional training and community engagement. These young artists deliver seven performances of each opera, plus outreach shows like The Bremen Town Musicians for children across Northwest Arkansas.
Why it matters: This season is a once-in-a-generation celebration—combining top-tier performance, educational mission, and state-of-the-art facilities. If you’ve been longing for a summer escape with cultural depth and breathtaking Ozark views, this is it.
2. Basin Park Concert Series
Set in the charming Basin Spring Park at the heart of town, the Basin Park Concert Series returns with a vibrant roster of free, family-friendly outdoor concerts throughout June, July, and August. Bring a folding chair, a picnic, and enjoy local and regional talent against the backdrop of historic Eureka Springs.
June Lineup:
- June 20 (4–6 PM): Tim Hillwood
- June 21 (7–9 PM): The Cate Brothers (Part of “Party in the Park”)
- June 27 (4–6 PM): Avery Waltz
- June 28 (4–6 PM): Mountain Alice
July Highlights:
- July 4 (2–4 PM): Arkansas Highlands Brass Band
- July 5 (4–6 PM): Front Porch
- July 11 (4–6 PM): Date Night
- July 19 (7–9 PM): The 1 oz. Jig (Party in the Park)
More acts are scheduled through August, including March to August (August 9), Casey and the Atta Boys (August 30), and Treja Vu (August 22). It’s live music that turns downtown into a lively community stage all summer long.
3. Drumming in the Park
For something spontaneous and spirited, Drumming in the Park brings together locals and visitors for communal rhythm nights led by Angelo and his troupe of dancers and drummers.
Upcoming “Drumming in the Park” Dates:
- June 7 (6–8 PM): Kickoff night—bring your drum or anything noisy
- July 5 (6–8 PM): Evening of beats led by Angelo
- August 2 (6–8 PM): Community drum circle in Basin Spring Park
These informal gatherings are perfect for all ages and levels, offering a chance to dance, join the beat, or simply soak in the communal spirit. It’s been a tradition for years, and TripAdvisor even recommends it as a monthly highlight, often extending into the evening with lively dancing.