Saline County residents and visitors can look forward to a packed schedule of community festivals, live entertainment, and family activities over the next few months. Read the list below.
1. Amplify Christian Music Festival
The annual Amplify Festival returns on June 12-13 at its 15523 Interstate 30 location in Benton. The free two-day event features prominent Christian music artists, including Phil Wickham, Matthew West, Hulvey, and Ben Fuller. Gates open early each afternoon for music, breakout sessions, and artist meet-and-greets.
2. Royal Players Present “Anastasia the Musical”
The Royal Players will perform “Anastasia the Musical” at the historic Royal Theatre in downtown Benton from June 11-21. Evening performances run Thursday through Saturday at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees starting at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available online ahead of the performances.
3. Benton Juneteenth Celebration
The city will host its annual Benton Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 13 at Ralph Bunche Park. This community event honors the historical holiday with food, local vendors, and educational programming designed for families and residents of all ages.
4. Downtown Benton’s Third Thursday & BBQ Cookoff
Benton’s monthly Third Thursday street festival continues on June 18 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. This month’s edition features the popular “Butts N Bones” BBQ Cookoff at the Benton Farmers Market Pavilion. Attendees can explore a newly expanded secure outdoor shopping and dining area along Market Street, alongside food trucks, live music, and a kids zone.
5. Attend a Street Festival
Downtown Benton’s Third Thursday shuts down streets around the Saline County Courthouse 6-8:30 p.m., to welcome vendors, kid zone, food and drink. On this June 18th event, Zach Glover & Vintage will perform Rick n roll on the Sevier St stage, the “Butts n Bones” BBQ cook-off will be at the Farmers Market, and the Market St merchants will bring their business outside their storefronts to the parking spots. Other dates are July 16, August 20, and September 17.
The Bryant Chamber of Commerce will kick off “Bryant Summer Nights,” on Thursday, June 25. Held from 5-8 p.m. at the Marketplace Shopping Center on 106 Progress Way, the event local vendors, food trucks, inflatables for children, adult beverages, and live music from singer/songwriter Christine DeMeo. Future dates include July 23, August 27, and September 24.
6. See a Fireworks Show
The Friends of AHC will sponsor a free community celebration in Haskell on June 30. Located at 6701 Highway 67, the event includes a professional fireworks display, live musical entertainment, and a free carnival.
Locals can also celebrate Independence Day at the “Red, White and Boom” festival on Friday, July 3. Hosted at The River Center in Benton, this popular event offers patriotic activities, entertainment, and a large fireworks show at dark.
7. Youth Kayaking and Outdoor Recreation
Benton Parks and Recreation will host a series of youth kayaking sessions at Lyle Park, with the next session scheduled for Tuesday, June 16. The city’s parks department is also running various summer sports camps, adult jiu-jitsu classes, and the Benton Sharks summer swim team through early August.
8. Arkansas Retro Expo 2026
Vintage collectors and enthusiasts can visit the Benton Event Center on Saturday, July 25, for the Arkansas Retro Expo. The convention brings together regional vendors selling vintage clothing, antique toys, retro gaming gear, and classic collectibles.
9. The Downtown Benton Farmers Market
The Benton Farmers Market continues its 2026 season every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. through October 24. Located at the downtown pavilion, the market provides a weekly destination for fresh local produce, baked goods, and handmade items from area agricultural producers and artisans.
10. Swim and play in the Saline River
Grab friends and family and head to the end of Peeler Bend, Lyledale Park, or bringing Riverside Grocery. The water is usually shallow in the summer and trees line the riverbanks. All locations have parking and public swimming. Just be sure to leave it clean and don’t bring glass.
Got any other ideas for summertime fun in Saline County? Let us know at [email protected].
Browse MySaline’s list of all the events in Saline County at www.mysaline.com/events.
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