By Aaron Eley
Every year on July 4th, Americans celebrate their Independence Day in style.
With good food, waving flags, and grand fireworks, the holiday can be a real blast (pun intended). However, it can be a challenge to find the best shows and celebrations before they are gone, especially if you are not from the area.
Worry not – this article has you covered. Here are five great ways to spend the 4th of July in Northwest Arkansas.
“Red, White and Bloom” Concert: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
Even though its not on the 4th, this event is a perfect way to celebrate for those who are busy on Independence Day.
Bring your lawn chair and enjoy this completely free evening filled with fresh air, beautiful scenery, local food trucks, and the NWA Jazz & More Orchestra. While you are there, take a stroll around to see the Butterfly House or Tyson Terrace. Remember to wear your red, white, and blue!
- Day: July 2nd
- Time: Gates open at 5pm, concert from 7-9pm
- Price: Free
Visit https://www.bgozarks.org/free-summer-concert-series/ for more information.
“IndepenDANCE”: Downtown Square, Fayetteville
First Thursday Fayetteville is a local event that takes place on the first Thursday of every month, and provides the area with music, food, and art in the historic Downtown Square. This month, there is double the celebration, as Independence Day falls on the first Thursday of the month. You will want to check out this patriotic block party, an awesome and convenient place to connect with the community.
- Day: July 4th
- Time: 5-8:30pm
- Price: Free
Visit https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/first-thursday to learn more.
“An Evening at Orchards Park”: Orchards Park, Bentonville
If you are looking for all day activities for the 4th, then Bentonville is the place to be.
Starting at noon, you can relax in the pool for free at the Melvin Ford Aquatic Center. After that, head over to Orchards Park to check out the band Dial Up! and a patriotic performance from the Arkansas Winds Orchestra. There will be concessions at the park, but you are also welcomed to bring your own picnic and cooler.
Then, when the sun sets, you will be treated to one the largest firework shows in NWA!
- Day: July 4th
- Time: Music starts at 7pm, fireworks start around 9:30pm
- Price: Free
Visit http://www.bentonvillear.com/civicalerts.aspx?AID=286 for more information.
“Fireworks Spectacular”: Walmart AMP Music Pavilion, Rogers
The Walmart AMP is home to some fantastic shows all year round, but none as patriotic as this.
The evening starts with a free Family Fun Festival in the adjacent parking lot, complete with lawn games, face painters, picture stations, and s’mores. Next, Paul Haas leads the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas in a pop concert that pays tribute to the United States. Finally, the night ends with a dazzling display of fireworks filling the night sky.
- Day: July 4th
- Time: Family Fun Festival from 5-8pm; Walmart AMP opens at 6pm, show starts at 7:30
- Price: $3 to $35
Visit https://waltonartscenter.org/AMP/upcoming-concerts/fireworks-spectacular/ to learn more.
“4th at the Field”: Arvest Ballpark, Springdale
What could be more American than a fireworks show at a baseball game?
Enjoy an exhibition game at Arvest Ballpark, home of the Naturals, with all the classic sights, sounds, and tastes of America’s sport. Afterwards, get ready for a show, as the stadium presents one the largest fireworks spectaculars NWA has to offer! Remember to get there early to grab seats, or bring a lawn chair/blanket for the grass.
- Day: July 4th
- Time: Gates open at 5pm, game starts at 6:30pm
- Price: $12.25 for adults, $10.25 for children
Visit https://www.milb.com/northwest-arkansas/events/4th-at-the-field to buy tickets.
Of course, NWA is filled with dozens of events during the week of July 4th, so you can always find more if these suggestions don’t fit your schedule. If big events aren’t your thing, you can always stream a good seasonal movie, like National Treasure on Netflix or Independence Day on Hulu.
Whatever you do, be safe and have fun this 4th of July!
