Van Buren Buzz

06/24/2026

Looking for something to do this weekend? 🎆

We've rounded up 20+ events happening around the River Valley, including:

🎇 Early Fourth of July celebrations
🎸 Live music
🛍️ Craft & vendor fairs
🍰 Hands-on culinary classes
🎨 Art workshops
🦎 Family-friendly activities
🎲 Trivia, games, and more

Whether you're planning a family outing, a date night, or just looking for something different to do, we've got you covered.

Browse this weekend's events here 👇

https://rivervalleylocal.com/weekend

Know about an event we should add? Let us know! We're updating the calendar throughout the week.

06/21/2026

Looking for a way to beat the Arkansas heat? ☀️💦

We've rounded up 11 splash pads, pools, and water parks around the River Valley that are perfect for cooling off this summer.

Whether you're looking for:
💦 A free splash pad
🏊 An affordable community pool
🌊 A full day at a water park
..there are plenty of great options close to home.

We also included a few upcoming community events happening around the River Valley.

Check out this week's Sunday edition here 👇

Looking for a place to cool off this summer? Discover splash pads, public pools, and water parks around the River Valley, including free options for families in Fort Smith, Greenwood, Barling, Alma, and beyond.

06/17/2026

Still making Father's Day weekend plans? 👀

There are 20+ events happening around the River Valley this weekend, including:

🚛 Crush Zone Monster Trucks
🎉 Street Fest at The Bakery District
🦞 Greenwood Crawfish Roundup
🛍️ Chaffee Crossing Food & Artisan Market
🚲 Community Bike Ride
🎶 Live music, trivia, workshops, and more

Whether you're celebrating Father's Day, planning a family outing, or just looking for something fun to do, we've rounded up some of the best events happening around the area.

See what's happening this weekend 👇
https://rivervalleylocal.com/weekend

06/14/2026

Looking for something a little different to do this summer? 👀

Arkansas has some surprisingly quirky roadside attractions hiding in plain sight — from a giant Christmas pickle in Fort Smith to a dancing hog in Fayetteville and a few other weird little stops worth the drive.

🚗 Perfect for a weekend day trip
📸 Fun photo ops
👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly detours
😄 Just weird enough to make the trip memorable

We rounded up 7 quirky Arkansas roadside attractions worth checking out, plus a few things happening around the River Valley this week.

Check it out 👇

Looking for something different to do this summer? Discover quirky Arkansas roadside attractions worth the drive from the River Valley, from giant statues and odd landmarks to fun little day-trip stops.

06/11/2026

Still figuring out your weekend plans? 👀

Arkansas **Free Fishing Weekend** starts Friday, plus there are **20+ things happening around the River Valley** this weekend.

🎣 Free Fishing Weekend
🍔 Summer Street Eats Food Truck Festival
❤️ Heart of the Fort – Family Fun Day
🎶 Live music around Fort Smith
😂 Comedy night at Fort Smith Brewing
🛍️ Markets, makers, family events & more

Whether you want something outdoors, family-friendly, or just an excuse to get out of the house, we’ve got your weekend covered.

See what’s happening this weekend 👇
https://rivervalleylocal.com/weekend

06/07/2026

🎣 Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend is coming up (June 12–14)!

No fishing license needed — which makes it a great excuse to get outside for a bit, whether you fish every weekend or haven’t picked up a rod in years.

We just shared a quick River Valley guide with easy fishing spots, bait shop ideas, and what to know before next weekend.

👇 But we want to hear from YOU:

Where are you planning to fish for Free Fishing Weekend?

Got a favorite local fishing spot around the River Valley? Share it in the comments (family-friendly spots welcome too) — we may feature local recommendations in next week’s Weekend Look Ahead newsletter.

🎣 Read the guide here:

Arkansas Free Fishing Weekend runs June 12–14, 2026. Find easy fishing spots around Fort Smith and Van Buren, local bait shops, fishing derbies, and things to do across the River Valley.

06/04/2026

☀️ June is here, and there’s plenty happening around the River Valley this weekend!

From the LavacaBerry Festival and Summer Starts Here in Greenwood to Comic Con, farmers markets, free family events, fishing, pet adoptions, and more — there’s something for just about everyone.

🌦️ Forecasts are showing a chance of storms (subject to change — because Arkansas 😅), so be sure to double-check event pages before heading out.

📍 See this weekend’s highlights and more local events here:
RiverValleyLocal.com/weekend

What’s on your weekend calendar?

05/31/2026

☀️ Looking for things to do with the kids this summer?

From FREE movies in the park and fishing weekends to museum programs, art camps, train rides, splash fun, and family events, we rounded up summer activities happening across the River Valley.

🎣🚂🎨

Whether you're in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Greenwood, Lavaca, or nearby, there are more family-friendly options this summer than you might think.

We pulled together ideas to help make summer a little easier (and maybe cut down on the “I’m bored” complaints 😄).

👇 Check out this week’s River Valley Local:
https://news.rivervalleylocal.com/p/summer-fun-for-kids-river-valley

Know of a great summer camp, activity, or event we missed? Drop it in the comments or send us a message — we may include it in a future update!

Save this post for later 👇

Looking for summer activities for kids in the River Valley? Explore camps, free events, museums, outdoor fun, and family-friendly activities in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Greenwood, and beyond.

05/28/2026

🎉 Looking for something to do this weekend in the River Valley?

From the Old Fort Days Rodeo and Duck Day Festival to the Fort Smith Farmers Market, car shows, family events, and even dinosaurs 🦖 — there’s plenty happening around the region this weekend.

We rounded up a quick look at what’s happening May 29–31 👇

Check out the full weekend lineup here:
RiverValleyLocal.com/weekend

Got an event we should know about? Send it our way!

05/20/2026

🌧️ Rain in the forecast? That doesn’t mean the weekend is canceled.

There’s still plenty happening around the River Valley this weekend — from markets and community events to family fun, entertainment, and indoor options if the weather gets messy.

🎬 Indoor picks
🛍️ Markets & shopping
🎉 Community events
🏃 Outdoor fun (weather permitting)

Forecasts are shifting (because Arkansas 😅), so we’ll keep the weekend page updated.

👉 See what’s happening this weekend:
https://rivervalleylocal.com/weekend

🌦️ Pro tip: Double-check event pages before heading out, especially for outdoor events.