Community Calendar

Come honor artists, arts educators, patrons and arts supporters during the Governor’s Arts Awards at noon March 13 at the Robinson Center in Little Rock.

Tickets to attend the luncheon are $40 each. The deadline to purchase tickets is February 24. Doors open at 11 a.m.

Governor’s Arts Awards recipients are nominated by the public, then selected by an independent panel of arts professionals from around the state. Nominees are judged, in part, on the significance of their contributions and achievements in the arts.

The 2026 awardees are:

Michael Fothergill of Little Rock | Arts Community Development Award
Corey Alderdice of Hot Springs | Arts in Education Award
The Northwest Arkansas Mall | Corporate Sponsorship Award
Kay Thomas of Mountain View | Folklife Award
Sheila Holland Cotton of Little Rock | Individual Artist Award
Al "Papa Rap" Lopez of Rogers | Judges Recognition Award
The Charles A. Frueauff Foundation| The Patron Award
For more information, email Jazmyn.Shambley@arkansas.gov.

Celebrate spring and experience the beauty of Japanese culture at the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival in Hot Springs. This free, family-friendly event brings together live performances, cultural demonstrations, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn more about the traditions that connect Hot Springs with our sister city, Hanamaki, Japan.

From dynamic stage performances to interactive cultural experiences throughout the day, the festival is designed for all ages—whether you’re attending for the first time or returning as a long-time supporter.

Celebrate spring and experience the beauty of Japanese culture at the Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival in Hot Springs. This free, family-friendly event brings together live performances, cultural demonstrations, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn more about the traditions that connect Hot Springs with our sister city, Hanamaki, Japan.

From dynamic stage performances to interactive cultural experiences throughout the day, the festival is designed for all ages—whether you’re attending for the first time or returning as a long-time supporter.