
Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Slip ’N Slide
Fort Smith Parks and Recreation is hosting Slip ’N Slide on Wednesday, July 1, from 10:00 to 12:00 at MLK Jr. Park. It’s free to attend, and kids can cool off, get outside, and enjoy a fun summer morning in the park.
Fort Smith Boots & Badges Blood Drive
Our Blood Institute is hosting the Fort Smith Boots & Badges Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 1st from 11:00 to 6:00 at the Fort Smith Convention Center Exhibit Hall. It’s free to donate, walk-ins are welcome, and you can give blood while showing support for Fort Smith Police, Fort Smith Fire Department, or the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office.
Fort Smith Public Library Movie Matinee
Fort Smith Public Library Main Library is showing The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants on Thursday, July 2nd from 2:00 to 4:00. This free afternoon movie gives you an easy way to catch a big-screen library showing in the Community Room.
Heros On The Water
Red, White, & Paddle is happening Friday, July 3rd from 3:00 to 7:00 at the Lake Fort Smith State Park Pavilion. This free outdoor event is for veterans, first responders, and their family members, with kayaking, kayak fishing, food, giveaways, and time outside. Bring lawn chairs, and complete the listed waivers before attending.
Barling’s July 3rd Blowout
Barling’s July 3rd Blowout is happening Friday, July 3, from 5:30 to 9:30 at Barling City Park. It’s free to attend, with family fun, food trucks, giveaways, outdoor activities, and fireworks to wrap up the night. Come out early, find a good spot, and enjoy a big community celebration in Barling.
Greenwood Freedom Fest
Greenwood Freedom Fest is happening Saturday, July 4, starting at 4:00 on the Old Town Square in Greenwood. It’s free to attend, with music, food trucks, craft and artisan vendors, kids’ activities, inflatables, and fireworks later in the evening.
Van Buren Fireworks
The Van Buren Fireworks celebration is happening Saturday, July 4th at Field of Dreams Sports Complex. The event opens at 5:00 with food vendors, activities, live music, and fireworks after dark, giving you an easy Independence Day evening in Van Buren.
Alma’s Mayor’s Fireworks Show
Alma’s Mayor’s Fireworks Show is happening Saturday, July 4, and Alma Aquatic Park is hosting a free swim watch party from 7:00 to 10:00. Families can swim, cool off, and watch the city fireworks from the waterpark once they begin after dark.
Mayor’s 4th of July Celebration
Fort Smith’s Mayor’s 4th of July Celebration is happening Saturday, July 4th at Harry E. Kelley River Park. You can bring a lawn chair and enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and a big fireworks show along the riverfront starting at 9:30.
Sallisaw Fireworks
Sallisaw’s annual Independence Day Fireworks Show is planned for Sunday, July 5, at the Sallisaw Sports Complex, 1300 Steve Davis Parkway. The show is moving from Sallisaw High School to the Sports Complex this year, giving the community a new spot to gather for fireworks as Sallisaw marks Independence Day weekend and the country’s 250th birthday.
U.S. Marshals Museum 250th Stars and Stripes
The U.S. Marshals Museum is hosting the Free 250th Stars and Stripes Family Series on Tuesday, July 7th, with sessions at 10:00 and 1:00. This free family program gives you a hands-on way to learn about the American flag, Independence Day, and national symbols through interactive activities and crafts.
Fort Smith Public Library Movie Matinee
Fort Smith Public Library Main Library is showing GOAT on Thursday, July 9th from 2:00 to 4:00. This free afternoon movie lets you catch a big-screen showing in the Community Room, and you can bring snacks and covered drinks or stop by Dewey’s Café before the show.
Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Free Movie
Fort Smith Parks and Recreation is showing The Goonies for Movies in the Park on Friday, July 10, at Tilles Park. It’s free to attend, with an 8:00 listed start time and the movie beginning around dusk, so grab a spot on the lawn and enjoy a classic adventure under the stars.
Van Buren Christmas in July
Old Town Van Buren is hosting Christmas in July on Saturday, July 11, from 10:00 to 2:00 in historic downtown Van Buren on Main Street. You can enjoy a little holiday fun in the middle of summer, with seasonal decorations, food, local shopping, and activities for all ages. Santa is also scheduled to stop by Blanche Moore Park from 10:00 to noon, so it’s a fun one to check out while you’re walking Main Street.
Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Ninja Course
Fort Smith Parks and Recreation is hosting a Ninja Course on Wednesday, July 15, from 10:00 to 12:00 at Creekmore Park. It’s free to attend, and kids can get outside, burn off some energy, and take on a fun ninja-style challenge as part of the city’s summer Pop-Up Play Days lineup.



