The May Festival of the Arts is underway in Eureka Springs. The following events are free to the public:
PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL
Through Saturday, May 6
More than 30 artists participate in various paint-outs in scenic locations around Eureka Springs and surrounding areas. This festival includes nightly art exhibits of work done that day. It also includes student plein air instruction opportunities.
POP-UP SHAKESPEARE
Each Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
You never know when or where Shakespeare will pop up in downtown Eureka Springs! Two performances each Saturday with four actors presenting the highly entertaining Lover’s Scene from Midsummer Night.
ARTRAGEOUS PARADE
2 p.m. Saturday, May 6 Downtown
Eureka Springs is THE place to express your inner creator and truly be yourself, and the Artrageous Parade is the perfect example! A 35-year tradition of celebrating art, music, performances, costumes and Artrageous surprise.
GALLERY STROLL
5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 6 Downtown Saturday evening strolls provide meet and greets with some of Eureka’s most notable artists. The strolls are a great way to find out firsthand why Eureka Springs is the premier art colony of Arkansas.
BRIDGE OF LOVE
Thursday, May 12, through Sunday, May 14
The Bridge of Love returns to Eureka Springs this year as families (local and tourists) come to downtown Eureka Springs to celebrate Mother’s Day weekend. It is a heartwarming time on the Bridge, often mixed with tearful moments, as children, parents, grandparents, and friends tie flowers to the Bridge. Many place flowers in memory of loved ones, while others celebrate life and love, near and far.
This year the Bridge of Love is sponsored by the Eureka Springs Preservation Society, Eureka Springs Arts Council and Eureka & Company Floral Designs. At 10 a.m. Thursday, May 11, flower decorating will begin. All are invited to “Come Tie One On.” The Bridge of Love is the pedestrian/ air bridge crossing over Spring and Main streets in downtown Eureka Springs.
PUBLIC ART SCULPTURE REVEAL
6 p.m.-8 p.m. Friday, May 12 The Auditorium Meet the artists who have two new 3D art installations in the newly renovated Auditorium Gem (aka the basement). Stephen Feilbach created a nod to Drumming in Basin Park and Suzanne Reed adorned a wall with her fabulous fused glass sculpture.
DRUMMING IN THE PARK
6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 13 Basin Spring Park Join Angelo and his drumming troupe and get your beat going for an evening of unforgettable music and friendship.
RECREATING THE EUREKA BABY OPENING RECEPTION
5 p.m to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17 Eureka Springs Historical Museum The opening reception for a meet and greet with the artists who are recreating “Baby Eureka” through May 31.
WHITE STREET WALK
4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, May 19 The White Street Walk is the premier art and street festival of the May Festival of the Arts. Visit the artists in their studios and homes, buy original art, enjoy some tasty treats and libations and – best of all – mingle with hundreds of artists.
JUST SO KIDS ART FEST 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, May 27-28 Family arts walks with interactive art installations, musicians, performers, and art activities – actually for kids of all ages. Locations: Carnegie Library, Harmon Park and Harmon Art Trail.
URBAN SKETCHERS EUREKA SPRINGS
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 28 Sketchers will be drawing Sweet Spring and its many perspectives including the spring, historic buildings and streetscapes. The public is invited; no experience is required.
