It is very much a tourism-based economy in Eureka Springs. The spring and summer seasons get rolling when schools let out for spring break, and town really starts hopping in May.
May and October are the biggest tourism months of the year. Sandy Martin, Chair of Eureka Springs Arts Council, said the lineup for the popular May Festival of the Arts looks good.
“The May Festival brings in a lot of people,” Martin said. “It should be a strong month. That’s the kickoff of the tourism season.”
One highlight is the 32nd White Street Studio Walk which happens this year from 4-10 p.m. on Friday, May 17. White Street on the upper Historic Loop is the home of talented local artists who welcome the public into homes and studios.
“They will be joined by more than forty guest artists from the area who will show weaving, watercolors, jewelry, oils, pottery, stained glass and more,” according to the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce. “The event draws visitors to White Street who delight in experiencing a ‘hidden’ Eureka Springs where they can visit with artists in their private spaces. One of Eureka Springs’ most popular events, the White Street Studio Walk is attended by those seeking art while enjoying the street fair atmosphere combined with refreshments and music.”
This year a celestial event is expected to bring visitors to town before the May Festival. Martin expects the solar eclipse April 8 to bring in an influx of people.
“We might benefit from not being in the direct line of the eclipse activity,” Martin said. “That event should expose us to a lot of people who hopefully will come back when it is not so crazy busy.”
City Advertising and Promotion Committee Interim Director Mike Maloney said the eclipse is highly anticipated.
“Everyone is getting excited about the eclipse,” Maloney said. “Advance bookings are good in Eureka Springs. The State of Arkansas has been gearing up for this for four years.”
There will be an event April 7 at 7 p.m. in the Aud called Moonlight Sonata Eclipse by classical musician Aviva Tu, who also plays piano and violin. There are a large number of other events in town the week of the eclipse. The Ozark Mountain Soul Festival and Viewing Party will be held April 4-8 at The Farm off Hwy 187, between Busch and Beaver.
There are also music events in conjunction with the May Festival of the Arts. The Eureka Springs Blues Party at the end of May will feature blues stages around town.
“This is bringing back what was a great festival, and making it a greater festival,” Maloney said. “Basin Park Hotel is putting it together. There will be eight different blues venues around town including at the Basin Park Hotel.”
Events for July 4, the 145th anniversary of the founding of Eureka Springs, also promise to attract visitors. There will be fireworks at Lake Leatherwood Thursday from 5-9 p.m. along with live music from the Cate Brothers.
Overall, the CAPC is promoting an abundance of outdoor activities.
“Our bicycle trails are some of the best in the country,” Maloney said. “With our national public relations, we are pushing the trail system very hard because it is a good fit for attracting people to Eureka Springs. We are advertising other outdoor recreational attractions like our lakes, rivers, hiking trails and camping areas. We are encouraging people to take advantage of the opportunity to see the town including activities like the Underground Eureka Walking Tour.”
The CAPC is also ramping up marketing in the wedding world. Maloney said weddings are huge in Eureka Springs, a 365-day-a-year formality.
“People get married here all the time,” Maloney said. “We are working with the wedding committee to ramp up visions for enjoying the perfect wedding in Eureka Springs.”
Around the first of September, there will be the 77th Annual Original Ozark Folk Festival, the longest running folk festival in the country. There will be music all over town, and the traditional Barefoot Ball is scheduled Thursday, Sept. 5, at the Basin Park Hotel. The Ozark Mountain Daredevils will be headliners Friday night, Sept. 6. There will also be a singer/song writing workshops and competitions. A big draw for families will be dances from local schools including the Third Grade Hedgehoppers dance group performing at the Aud.
The War Eagle Fair the third weekend of October along the banks of the War Eagle River in Hindsville is expected to include about 250 booths, making it one of the larger craft fairs in the region. Many vendors stay in Eureka Springs and the town piggybacks on the War Eagle Fair by having a number of art, antiques and crafts booths open that weekend.
The CAPC also promotes Eureka Springs as a dining haven.
“There is world-class dining in Eureka Springs, some of the best restaurants and very eclectic menu selections,” Maloney said. “Within a square mile we have 75 restaurants that are all outstanding. It is interesting that there are only three chain restaurants in Eureka Springs. All the rest are family owned. This is one of the best food venues probably in Arkansas. People get excited about the food experience here. And you don’t have to walk far to go from one great restaurant to another great restaurant. There are fabulous opportunities for foodies or just people who are hungry.”