Fourth of July weekend is bringing a full lineup of events across Central Arkansas, from Friday night fireworks and lakefront celebrations to morning races, historic activities, downtown gatherings and community festivals.
Whether you are planning to celebrate on July 3, spend the full day out on July 4, or find a fireworks show close to home, here are several events to know about.
Friday, July 3: Weekend Kickoff Events
Conway: Lights Over the Lake
Conway’s Lights Over the Lake will take place at Beaverfork Lake Park from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event includes food trucks, games, prizes, live entertainment and fireworks.
This is a good option for those looking to celebrate before the Fourth with a lake setting and a full evening of activities.
Benton: Red, White & Boom
Benton will host Red, White & Boom at the River Center parking lot, with festivities beginning at 7 p.m.
The event includes a Kids Zone, water slides, a military display, live music, free hot dogs, food trucks and fireworks after dark. Organizers have described this year’s fireworks show as one of the largest in Saline County history.
Sherwood: Fireworks & Food Trucks
Sherwood’s Fireworks & Food Trucks celebration will take place at The Greens at North Hills beginning at 6 p.m.
The evening includes food trucks, live music and fireworks, making it another convenient Friday night option for those in Pulaski County.
Saturday, July 4: Morning Events in Little Rock
Firecracker Fast 5K
For those who want to start the holiday early, the Firecracker Fast 5K begins at 7:30 a.m. in Little Rock. The race starts at 6150 Kavanaugh Boulevard and finishes near War Memorial Stadium.
It has become a long-running Little Rock Independence Day tradition and offers an active start to the holiday before the evening fireworks begin.
Frontier Fourth of July at Historic Arkansas Museum
Historic Arkansas Museum will host Frontier Fourth of July on Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to noon. The event includes Independence Day activities in a historic setting in downtown Little Rock.
This is a good daytime option for anyone looking for something earlier in the day before the larger evening celebrations.
Downtown Little Rock: Pops on the River
Pops on the River remains one of the biggest Independence Day events in Central Arkansas. The celebration takes place at First Security Amphitheater in downtown Little Rock, with gates opening at 5 p.m.
The evening includes live music, food trucks, vendors and a performance by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:15 p.m. over the Main Street Bridge.
North Little Rock: July 4th at the Field
Dickey-Stephens Park will open for July 4th at the Field, giving guests a place to watch The Sandlot on the video board before the downtown fireworks show.
Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. Admission is free, with concessions available for purchase. After the movie, guests can watch the fireworks over the river from the ballpark.
Maumelle: 4th of July Parade & 4th Fest
Maumelle’s Fourth of July celebration will take place at Lake Willastein Park. The day begins with a parade at 4:30 p.m., followed by the festival at 5 p.m.
The celebration includes vendors, concessions, games, inflatables, music and community activities. Fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. over Lake Willastein.
Jacksonville: Big BANG Fireworks Show
Jacksonville will host its Big BANG Fireworks Show on Municipal Drive on Saturday, July 4. Activities begin at 5 p.m., with concessions available and fireworks scheduled for dark.
Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for the show.
Lake and Drive Options
Heber Springs: Freedom Fest on the Lake
Freedom Fest on the Lake in Heber Springs includes a full day of activities on Saturday, July 4, with the Fireworks Extravaganza planned for Sandy Beach. The event calendar lists activities from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hot Springs: Lake Hamilton Fireworks
Hot Springs will host its Independence Day fireworks display on Lake Hamilton at dark on Saturday, July 4. The display is expected to be visible around the Highway 7 South Bridge area, with a rain date set for July 5.
Before You Go
Event times, parking information and weather plans can change, so check the official event page before heading out. Bring water, lawn chairs or blankets where allowed, and give yourself extra time for parking and traffic near the larger fireworks shows.
No matter where you choose to celebrate, Central Arkansas has plenty of ways to enjoy Fourth of July weekend close to home.
