Events

Artosphere Festival Celebrates the Intersection of Art and Nature

Today is all about celebrating the Earth and protecting the natural environment, but it doesn’t have to stop with just one day. May 1-18  Walton Arts Center will celebrate Artosphere: Arkansas’ Arts + Nature Festival. 

Artosphere celebrates art, music and nature by spotlighting artists and performers from around the world who are inspired by nature. The festival also provides a creative framework for the community to discuss issues of sustainability and environmental awareness.

The multi-week festival features a variety of events, including some special performances as well as concerts in sacred spaces and special places throughout the region. Several Artosphere favorites are back this year along with some new opportunities to explore nature and art.

Returning this year is Tunes on the Trail. Experience music, nature and movement in this free interactive listening experience. Throughout May, you can enjoy a curated playlist featuring some of the Artosphere Festival Orchestra’s most beloved performances from the past 11 seasons as you use one of Northwest Arkansas’s trail systems listed below. Experience art in nature when you scan the QR code on the signage placed at each trailhead.

Trout Fishing in America is back at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks on Tuesday, May 6. This nationally touring duo has traveled over a million miles and performed in all 50 states, parts of Canada and Europe. They write music for people who take their fun seriously, and their dynamic sound, relatable lyrics and unique stage presence offer something for everyone. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and join us for a free family-friendly concert on BGO’s Great Lawn.

Artosphere’s signature event features live art, music and activities for kids and families. The Upper and Lower Ramble are the home of Trail Mix this year, exploring the convergence of art and nature in the forest canopy and pathways through Tanglewood Creek, Fay Jones Woods and the newly constructed public space, Upper Ramble. Trail Mix is a free event that features Backyard Bugs, Sarah Reed and Michael Hannah woodwind duo, Fayetteville High School Steel Pan Band, Dandelion Heart, University of Arkansas World Music Ensemble, energetic musical group Squonk and entertainers from Inspyral Circus.

New this year you can explore a buzzing, humming hive of activity as human-sized bees at Polyglot Theatre’s Bees at the Fayetteville Public Library May 14 –16 and at Luther George Park on Saturday, May 17 for Family Arts in the Park. Watch as these bees busy themselves in the community creation alongside children who can transform into bees as they play. Inspired by the mysterious life and work of bees, this re-imagining of public space involves the slow uncovering of an intricate unseen world.

To see a full lineup of Artosphere events, including live music and shows for kids, please visit waltonartscenter.org/artosphere. Additional information, tickets or reservations for these events are available now at artospherefestival.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am-5 pm or in person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am-2 pm.

Low-Cost Events

• May 8: Chapel Concert: SoNA Beyond
• May 9: Nimbus Dance
• May 12: Havana Hop
• May 17: Dover Quartet with Edgar Meyer
• March to August: Chapel Concert

Free Events and Performances

• April 27: Sundays on the Square
• May 1-31: Tunes on the Trail
• May 2-4: Community Creative Center Pottery Festival
• May 3: Square 2 Square Bicycle Ride Finish Line
• May 3: Railyard Live: Cate Brothers and Nace Brothers
• May 5: Yoga on the Glade Sponsored by Artosphere
• May 6: Trout Fishing in America
• May 9: Trail Mix
• May 10: Recycled Workshop with Shannon Green
• May 11: Music on the Glade with Candy Lee
• May 14-16: Polyglot Theatre’s Bees at Fayetteville Public Library
• May 15: Jazz on the Mountain with Eli Dranow Trio
• May 15: Yoga on the Mountain
• May 16: Taking Flight: Woodwind Quartet and Bird Watching
• May 17: Family Arts at the Park
• May 17: Railyard Live: NWA Youth Artist Showcase
• May 18: Strawberry Festival
• May 17-18: Folk School of Fayetteville: Music on the Lawn