Arkansas
Independence Day fireworks shows and events in and around central Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – It is time for fun, friends and fireworks as groups across Arkansas are making ready for Independence Day celebrations.
Events are taking place both on July 3rd and 4th, often in lake-adjacent parks.
Here is a list of some of the Independence Day events and displays taking place around central Arkansas.
JULY 3
LITTLE ROCK AIR FORCE BASE: The ‘base is hosting its Liberty Fest on July 3rd with gates opening at 5 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m., live music begins at 6 p.m. Includes a BBQ contest, inflatables, DJ, food, bourbon tasting, corn hole tourney, games, prizes, more.
BENTON: The July 3rd Red, White and Boom Independence Day fireworks celebration from 7 to 9 p.m. at the River Center parking lot behind Holland Chapel Church. Free hot dogs with lemonade, cold drinks, snow cones and ice cream from food trucks. Inflatables for children and a Baggo tournament. Fireworks after dark.
CONWAY: The July 3rd Freedom Fest takes place from 4 to 10 p.m. at Beaverfork Lake Park in the city. Free admission for food trucks, live music, and fireworks after dark.
SHERWOOD: Independence Day celebration on July 3rd with Fireworks and Food Trucks; gates open at 6 p.m. at the Greens at North Hills. Family-friendly activities include a bounce house, face painting, music and food trucks.
LAKE NORFORK / MOUNTAIN HOME: A July 3rd fireworks show at Lake Norfork can be seen from the Highway 101 and 62 bridges crossing the lake. The show starts at dark, with music simulcast on FM 99.7, The Boot.
JULY 4
LITTLE ROCK: Pops on the River for July 4th, gates at Rivermarket open at 5 p.m. with the Kids Pavilions through 9:15 p.m. when the fireworks begin. Food trucks are on hand, and live music begins at 6:30 p.m. with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 p.m. Free with reserved seating available for $15; chairs and blankets are encouraged. Fireworks over the downtown Main Street Bridge visible throughout Little Rock. Schedule is rain or shine.
HOT SPRINGS: July 4th Fireworks at Lake Hamilton, a free event with fireworks fired from a barge on the lake, best seen from the east side of Highway 7 at the first highway bridge opposite the DoubleTree Hot Springs hotel. Begins at dark. The display will synch with 97.5 FM US97 Country. The rain date is July 5th.
JACKSONVILLE: July 4th Big Bang Fireworks Show downtown, 5 to 9 p.m. free event at Five Points on Main Street, featuring food trucks, live music, games and inflatables. Bringing a blanket or chair is recommended.
CABOT: July 4th at the Cabot Sportsplex is the July Annual Celebration, beginning at 6 p.m. with balloon animals, face painting, food trucks, live music, and more; fireworks will be at 9:15 p.m.
BATESVILLE: Cory Jackson is in concert for the Celebrate America celebration on July 4th in the city park; the gates open at 4 p.m. with kid-friendly events promised. Rep. Rick Crawford and the Triple Nickel band are also appearing. This is a free concert.
BULL SHOALS: Bull Shoals Lake is the site of the July 4th Independence Day Fireworks Show, VFW Parade, and All-American Independence Day Celebration. The best places to see the show are Gaston’s Visitor Center Overlook at the dam, the lakeview side of the dam at the park, or the bottom of the dam. Water, lawn chairs, bug spray, and blankets are recommended. The Show begins after dark.
BEEBE: Opening at 5 p.m. on July 4, the Beebe Diamonds in the Park event is at the city ball park and includes a free concert by Collin Raye alongside fireworks later in the evening.
BISMARK: July 4th Freedom 5K/10K fun run at DeGray Lake Resort State Park from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Patriotic outfits are encouraged to run, walk or march the course while enjoying scenic lake views.
CAMDEN: On July 4th the city is holding its Star Spangled Spectacular at the municipal airport beginning at 6 p.m. with live music, food trucks, inflatables, live music and more. Fireworks at dark, fee admission.
FORT SMITH: The July 4th Celebration will be from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring food trucks, free public transportation, live entertainment, and what organizers promise is the largest fireworks display in the region at 9:30 p.m.
LAKE CATHERINE STATE PARK: July 4th family-friendly events are from 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. with canoe races, beach volleyball, bike races, scavenger hunts, three-legged races, hula hoop contests and a water balloon toss wrapping things up.
What you don’t know about July 4th
MORRILTON: July 4th Fun & Games Day at Petit Jean State Park from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for family-friendly events such as a watermelon eating contest, water balloon volleyball and water balloon toss.
MOUNTIAN HARBOR / MOUNT IDA: The July 4th Fireworks Over Harbor promises to be the lake’s largest fireworks show with accompanying patriotic music at 9:30 p.m.
It’s always a good idea to have a chair or blanket, and maybe some water, handy for comfort’s sake while you watch the show. Don’t forget the sunscreen for before-dark events.
Several events are simulcasting a music synch with the fireworks display on FM radio, so if you’re going out into a field to watch, bring along a portable radio for the best experience.
Know of an Independence Day event not on our list? Shoot us an email to let us know.
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) – Ticks are out as people head outdoors this spring, and a doctor is warning about a little-known illness on the rise.
Dog ticks, deer ticks, Gulf Coast ticks and Lone Star ticks are among the most common in Arkansas. New York Institute of Technology at Arkansas State Dean Dr. Shane Speights said they can be found nearly anywhere in the state.
“So, when you think about certainly the deep woods in northeast Arkansas, along like the Spring River and things like that, anything along the rivers or large bodies of water, you’re going to be at a higher risk,” Speights said.
Those ticks can carry diseases like Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme Disease. Speights said there is a growing concern with another disease — Alpha-Gal Syndrome.
The Lone Star Tick carries a molecule that can transfer to humans through a bite and can cause an allergic reaction to red meat.
“That’s a smaller percentage of the population. But it can last for a long, long time. And it can be a violent response in terms of eating, you know, just a little bit of steak or a hamburger. You can get violently ill,” Speights said.
Data from the Arkansas Department of Health showed a sharp increase in Alpha-Gal Syndrome confirmed or probable cases in the state, from 70 in 2023 to 344 in 2024 and 249 in 2025.
The most common symptoms after a tick bite are fever and chills, aches and pains and rash. Speights said a person should seek medical attention after 36 hours if the tick is still attached.
“If the tick has been attached for more than 36 hours, we recommend you start antibiotics, promptly,” Speights said. He said antibiotics can be prescribed by a physician.
Ticks should not prevent someone from enjoying the outdoors. Speights said there are things people can do to prevent a tick hopping on them, like wearing light-colored clothing, pants, high socks and boots.
If one does get on a person, Speights said to remove it as quickly as possible to reduce the possibility of infection.
“You should remove the tick by carefully lifting up on the back of it with some tweezers and just kind of gently pulling until the teeth, um, let go of your skin. Uh, cause you do worry about, you know, parts of the tick being left there can cause infection,” Speights said.
Doctors say the best defense is to avoid tall grass, wear light-colored clothing and shower within two hours of being outdoors.
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Arkansas State Police has announced that they are now accepting applications for Troop Class 2027-A as part of a two-month recruitment program.
The training program is a 21-week law enforcement training program scheduled to start in January that is open to both certified and non-certified applicants.
“With the return of The Big Hat Law has come a renewed investment in our Troopers,” said Colonel Mike Hagar, Director of the Arkansas State Police (ASP). “This is more than a job – it’s a calling. We’re looking for the best of the best who are ready to step up, serve with honor, and wear the hat with pride.
New Troopers will receive the following compensation package:
- Starting salary of $67,675
- Family health insurance coverage
- Non-contributory retirement plan
- Total compensation valued at $108,684
- Overtime Opportunities
In addition to the compensation package, ASP says that their new Troopers will also earn the privilege of serving the public on the front lines, protecting communities, enforcing the law, and being a part of the 91-year-old nationally recognized tradition.
“Arkansas is investing in the next generation of state Troopers because we know that more law enforcement equals safer streets, safer communities, and a safer state,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “There is no better state to serve in law enforcement than Arkansas, and I encourage anyone who shares the Arkansas State Police’s values of bravery, integrity, and public service to apply.”
Applications for Troop School 2027-A will be open from 5 p.m. on May 1 to July 1, 2026. ASP encourages those interested to get ahead of the process and start their application now.
For more information about Troop School or application requirements, click here or email the ASP Recruiting Office at recruiting@asp.arkansas.gov.
There are only three weekends remaining in the season as Arkansas baseball welcomes one of its permanent rivals to Baum-Walker Stadium.
The No. 24 Razorbacks (30-16, 11-10 SEC) host No. 18 Ole Miss (31-15, 11-10) for a three-game set beginning Friday, May 1. The Rebels are one of two teams, along with Missouri, who the Hogs will face ever season under the new SEC scheduling format that was adopted in 2025 when Texas and Oklahoma joined the league.
This weekend represents a chance for both teams to boost their resumes with the NCAA Tournament on the horizon. Arkansas won two-of-three games against Missouri in its last series, while Ole Miss went on the road and won the opener before losing the final two games against Georgia.
Here’s how to watch Arkansas vs. Ole Miss this weekend.
Watch Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss
Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss schedule
- Game 1: Friday, May 1, 6 p.m. CT, N/A, SECN+
- Game 2: Saturday, May 2, 2 p.m. CT, N/A, SECN+
- Game 3: Sunday, May 3, 2 p.m. CT, SEC Network, Fubo
The Razorbacks and Rebels will be on SEC Network for the final games of the series. The weekend’s other two games will be available to stream on SECN+.
Arkansas baseball vs Ole Miss probable pitchers
Arkansas pitchers listed first.
- Thursday: LHP Hunter Dietz (5-2, 3.62 ERA) vs. LHP Hunter Elliott (4-1, 4.82 ERA)
- Friday: LHP Cole Gibler (4-1, 2.91 ERA) vs. RHP Cade Townsend (4-1, 2.33 ERA)
- Saturday: TBA vs. RHP Taylor Rabe (3-3, 4.24 ERA)
Arkansas baseball 2026 schedule
| Date | Opponent |
| Feb. 13 | Arkansas 12, Oklahoma State 2 |
| Feb. 14 | TCU 5, Arkansas 4 |
| Feb. 15 | Arkansas 6, Texas Tech 5 (11 innings) |
| Feb. 16 | Arkansas 3, Tarleton State 1 |
| Feb. 20 | Arkansas 5, Xavier 2 |
| Feb. 21 | Arkansas 7, Xavier 6 |
| Feb. 22 | Arkansas 11, Xavier 0 (8 innings) |
| Feb. 24 | Arkansas State 12, Arkansas 4 |
| Feb. 25 | Arkansas 1, Arkansas State 0 |
| Feb. 27 | UT Arlington 4, Arkansas 3 |
| Feb. 28 | Arkansas 9, UT Arlington 0 |
| March 1 | Arkansas 11, UT Arlington 1 (7 innings) |
| March 3 | Arkansas 10, Oral Roberts 2 |
| March 6 | Arkansas 7, Stetson 1 |
| March 7 | Arkansas 13, Stetson 1 |
| March 8 | Stetson 4, Arkansas 1 |
| March 9 | Stetson 6, Arkansas 4 |
| March 13 | Arkansas 5, Mississippi State 4* |
| March 14 | Mississippi State 7, Arkansas 2* |
| March 15 | Arkansas 7, Mississippi State 3* |
| March 17 | Arkansas 13, Northern Colorado 2 |
| March 18 | Arkansas 9, Northern Colorado 4 |
| March 20 | Arkansas 22, South Carolina 6* (7 innings) |
| March 21 | Arkansas 3, South Carolina 2* (10 innings) |
| March 22 | South Carolina 9, Arkansas 4* |
| March 24 | Central Arkansas 15, Arkansas 2 |
| March 27 | Florida 9, Arkansas 4* |
| March 28 | Florida 7, Arkansas 4* |
| March 29 | Florida 7, Arkansas 6* |
| March 31 | Missouri State 15, Arkansas 14 |
| April 2 | Auburn 10, Arkansas 2* |
| April 3 | Arkansas 3, Auburn 2* |
| April 4 | Auburn 8, Arkansas 3* |
| April 7 | Arkansas 7, Little Rock 0 |
| April 10 | Arkansas 7, Alabama 5* |
| April 11 | Arkansas 15, Alabama 6* |
| April 12 | Arkansas 3, Alabama 2* |
| April 14 | Arkansas 12, UAPB 2 |
| April 16 | Arkansas 6, Georgia 3* |
| April 17 | Georgia 5, Arkansas 3* |
| April 18 | Georgia 26, Arkansas 14* |
| April 21 | Arkansas 12, Missouri State 4 |
| April 23 | Arkansas 5, Missouri 4* |
| April 24 | Arkansas 6, Missouri 0* |
| April 25 | Missouri 6, Arkansas 1* |
| April 29 | Northwestern State |
| May 1 | Ole Miss* |
| May 2 | Ole Miss* |
| May 3 | Ole Miss* |
| May 8 | Oklahoma* |
| May 9 | Oklahoma* |
| May 10 | Oklahoma* |
| May 14 | at Kentucky* |
| May 15 | at Kentucky* |
| May 16 | at Kentucky* |
Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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