Memorial Day events in central Arkansas

Alex Kienlen
·5 min read

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The three-day Memorial Day weekend has a lot going on for central Arkansans who want to get out of the house.

Memorial Day began shortly after the end of the Civil War to honor those who died in that conflict. Over the years it has expanded to commemorate fallen American veterans of all armed conflicts.

Record travel expected this Memorial Day weekend

Check the list below to see what is happening and where.

Commemorative events

  • Memorial Day Rally, Arkansas State Capitol, 500 Woodlane St, Little Rock, 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. May 26. Legacy Vets MC will hold a 30-minute service at the VietNam Veterans Memorial. Parking is available at the Woodlane parking lot. Info 501-454-8165.

  • Memorial Day Ceremony, Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 10 a.m. on May 27.

  • Saline County Memorial Day Ceremony, Saline County Courthouse, 200 N Main St, Benton, 10 a.m. May 27. Local groups, including the American Legion, are organizing the event, which will include laying a wreath at the Veterans Memorial outside the courthouse.

  • Memorial Day Flag Placement, Carlisle Cemetery, Highway 13N, Carlisle, meet at the pavilion at 9 a.m. on May 25. Sponsored by the Rollie Crowder American Legion Post 133 in Carlisle, anyone may attend as veterans’ graves are marked with a flag in the Memorial Day tradition.

Multi-day events

  • Blues & BBQ, Ed Leamon Park, 130 Village Pl, Fairfield Bay, May 24 and 25. Two days of BBQ, baggo, live music and food vendors, prizes for BBQ contest winners.

  • Freedom Fest, Ohana Celebration Park, 45 Lester Flatt Drive, Vilonia, open from 3 p.m. May 24 until 11 p.m. May 26. A weekend-long music festival with 20 bands, food trucks, vendors, swimming, and camping.

  • Red, White and Zoo, and Dragons Too! Little Rock Zoo, 1 Zoo Drive, Little Rock, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24 to 27. Events throughout the weekend include the Dragon Kingdom, with discounted admission tickets for active military and veterans.

  • Homecoming Hootenany, Ozark Folk Center State Park, 1032 Park Avenue, Mountain View. Two nights of old-time mountain music and dance from 7 – 9 p.m., May 24 and 25.

Saturday, May 25

  • Weekend Canoe Float, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, 9600 Highway 300, Roland 72135. A guided float on the Little Maumelle River, shuttle provided.

  • Petit Jean Softball, Petit Jean State Park, 1285 Petit Jean Mountian Road, Morrilton 72110. What park interpreters call a “fun, family game of softball.” Some equipment is on hand, but you should bring what equipment you have.

  • The Ouachita Highland Games, Cedar Glades Park, 461 Wildcat Road, Hot Springs, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Clans, vendors, piping, free camping and a strong man/woman event for this Scottish-themed event. From 7 to 9 p.m. May 24 and 25.

  • Memorial Day Flag Placement, Carlisle Cemetery, Highway 13N, Carlisle, meet at the pavilion for a 9 a.m. start. Sponsored by the Rollie Crowder American Legion Post 133 in Carlisle, anyone may attend as veterans’ graves are marked with a flag in the Memorial Day tradition.

  • Persimmon Ridge Memorial Day Open, Persimmon Ridge Disc Golf Course, 1 Fairway Drive, Greenbrier. Disc golf tournament, 7:45 a.m. check-in, 9 a.m. shotgun start, info 501-765-1215.

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Sunday, May 26

  • Night Life of the Lake, Petit Jean State Park, 1285 Petit Jean Mountian Road, Morrilton 72110. Take an evening stroll along Lake Baily as an interpreter discusses what you see and hear. Bring a flashlight or headlamp and wear close-toed shoes.

  • Discovery Hike, Wooly Hollow State Park, 82 Wooly Hollow Road, Greenbrier 72058. A park interpreter will lead along the Gold Creek Loop Trail to enjoy nature’s sights and sounds.

  • Memorial Day Fireworks Display, Highway 7 South Bridge, Hot Springs. The event begins at dark, with fireworks shot from barges anchored on Lake Hamilton. For more information,call501-321-2277.

  • The 2nd Annual Mimosa Festival will be held at River Market Pavilions, 400 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock. It will start at 2 p.m. and feature live music, food trucks, and unlimited mimosas while supplies last. Nonrefundable tickets start at $50 and are available at the door.

  • Independent Music Night will be held at The Rev Room, 300 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, from 7 to 11:30 p.m. Several independent artists will perform. General admission tickets are $10.

  • Memorial Day Rally, Arkansas State Capitol, 500 Woodlane St, Little Rock, 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. May 26. Legacy Vets MC will hold a 30-minute service at the VietNam Veterans Memorial. Parking is available at the Woodlane parking lot. Info 501-454-8165.

Military family remembers fallen soldier on Memorial Day

Monday, May 27, Memorial Day

  • Habitat for Sale, Wooly Hollow State Park, 82 Wooly Hollow Road, Greenbrier 72058. A park interpreter will show which animals are looking for homes and which are “for sale.”

  • Corey Jackson Memorial Day Concert, Stone County Courthouse, 107 W Main Street, Mountain View, 7 p.m. The Voice competitor and his band will perform at the courthouse.

  • Memorial Day Ceremony, Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 10 a.m.

  • Saline County Memorial Day Ceremony, Saline County Courthouse, 200 N Main St, Benton, 10 a.m. Local groups, including the American Legion, are organizing the event, which will include laying a wreath at the Veterans Memorial outside the courthouse.

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Additional central Arkansas happenings are listed on our Events Page.

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