Discover mountain music in the Ozarks

Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Arkansas opens April 15, in conjunction with the city’s Arkansas Folk Festival.

Held in the self-proclaimed ‘Folk Music Capital of the World,’ the 2022 season runs from mid-April through October 22, ending during Mountain View’s annual Beanfest and Championship Outhouse Races.

Music festivals all summer

The state park is hosting five family-friendly music festivals this year featuring top talent from the Mountain View music scene and performances by Grammy award-winning musicians at the park’s 1,000-seat music venue, the Ozark Highlands Theater.

Music events this season include the Dulcimer Jamboree on April 29 and 30, Cowboy Music & Arts Festival on May 20 and 21, Country Blues & BBQ on June 17 and 18, Bluegrass & Fried Chicken on Aug. 26 and 27, and the Stringband Music & Arts Festival on Oct. 17 and 18.

Tickets are on sale now for the Dulcimer Jamboree, Country Blues & BBQ and Cowboy Festival at OzarkFolkCenter.Ticketleap.com.

“Whether you like folk, blues, or country music, or if you’re just a fan of American music in general, we’re glad to say there will be something for everyone to enjoy this year at the Folk Center,” said Music Director and Executive Radio Producer Daren Dortin.

Crafty creators

The Craft Village at the Ozark Folk Center State Park is home to dozens of master craftsmen and women who make, sell and demonstrate a variety of modern and traditional crafts during special events. Visitors can explore 20 different artisan shops in the Craft Village and enjoy traditional American music during daytime music sets at the Blacksmith Stage, located on the park’s upper level.

For visitors who delight in the natural beauty of the Ozarks, be sure to set aside time during music festivals to discover the Heritage Herb Garden, where pass-along plants, flowers and herbs for healing are on full display. Many plants are available for sale in the park’s Herb Arbor.

Kid-friendly

The young-at-heart and families with children will enjoy riding on the animal-powered picnic swing with Whiskey or Tango the Donkey. The state park also offers a variety of educational opportunities including living history at the historic Shannon Cabin and one-room schoolhouse, which are sure to spark the imagination about pioneer life in the Ozarks.

The Craft Village, Heritage Herb Garden, daytime music performances and attractions at the Ozark Folk Center are open every Tuesday through Saturday during the season (April 15-Oct. 22). Loco Ropes Treetop Adventures, also located at Ozark Folk Center State Park, is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Stay

Ozark Folk Center’s Cabins at Dry Creek offer 53 modern duplex cabin rooms with a variety of pet-friendly, ADA and family suites to visitors year-round. The lodge at the Cabins at Dry Creek contains a recreation room and swimming pool for guests to enjoy between Memorial Day and Labor Day. To make a cabin reservation, visit OzarkFolkCenter.com.