Batesville Area Attractions & Festivals
Location, size and recreational, culture and economic advantages come together beautifully in this cozy town. Batesville has everything it takes to make it a great place to call home. Nestled amid the eastern foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Batesville shows you a panorama of vacation opportunities. Whether it’s golf, racing, softball, water activities, fishing, hunting or tennis, we have complexes and facilities throughout the Batesville area that can accommodate you. Below you will find just a few of the recreational opportunities awaiting you in Batesville.
Ozark Hawg Barbecue Championship
The last weekend in March each year- March means the start of spring, windy days and the smell of some of the South’s best barbecue wafting though the air in Batesville. The Ozark Hawg BBQ will be held each March at Riverside Park, on the banks of the White River. The event, which has regularly been designated at the state championship barbecue event, brings to Batesville many of the best barbecue cooks in the region as they vie for a berth in the Memphis in May World Championship. The barbecue competition is the centerpiece of a festive weekend that’s also known for bringing well known country music acts to Batesville, including – Trace Adkins, Sons of the Desert and Jon Randall in recent years.
Ozark Foothills FilmFest/T Tauri Film Festival and Movie Camp
Batesville is also home to the Ozark Foothills FilmFest, held every March; the organization also presents the annual T Tauri Film Festival and Movie Camp every July, one of the country's most respected youth film competitions and a training ground for young filmmakers.
Arkansas Scottish Festival at Lyon College
Last Weekend in April Each Year – The Ozark Scottish Festival brings a Scottish “Flair” to the Batesville area each year highlighted by Scottish dancing and singing, concerts, bagpipe music, sheepherding demonstrations, ancient Scottish games and much, much more Scottish culture and festivities.
Batesville Speedway
March through early October – Speed, color and excitement fill the 3/8-mile dirt oval where stock car enthusiasts fill the grand stands each Saturday night. At
Batesville Speedway other special races and concerts are held on certain Saturdays. Races normally run on Saturday nights starting at 8:00 pm. Gates open at 5:30. Weekly ticket prices are kept reasonable with an adult ticket cost of $6 and a child’s ticket only $3. Five and under are admitted free.
Fireworks on the River
July 4th Holiday – One of the largest fireworks displays in the state. This event draws thousands of spectators each year. Also entertainment and other festivities highlight the celebration of our country’s birth.
Independence County Fair
Third Full Week In July – One of the state’s largest and most entertaining county fairs, this event brings exciting rides, interesting exhibits and nationally known country and gospel musical entertainment to this area.
White River Water Carnival (Riverside Park)
First Weekend in August - Widely considered to be Arkansas longest running annual water event, the Water Carnival features numerous events ranging from crafts, foods, entertainment, sporting events, balloon races, a car show, a parade, a spectacular show of ski jumping and other water tricks preformed by national level professionals on the White River at Riverside Park during the carnival’s final day. A highlight of the festival is the White River beauty pageant, which has produced two Miss America’s, and numerousMiss Arkansas’s and numerous Miss Arkansas’. One of the waters sports events is the National Boy Scout Invitational White River Canoe Race, a 3-day, 118 mile event, which reaches its conclusion at Riverside Park. Even on the other 51 weeks of the year Riverside Park is a popular local attraction, featuring the White River as it plunges over Lock and Dam No. 1. A Corps of Engineers project is underway to firm up the river bed and expand the park.
Various Types of Music
The hills of Batesville are alive with the sounds of various types of music. The newly renovated historic Melba Theater, Browns Chapel at Lyon College, Independence Hall on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville and Riverside Park are all locations where you can find music from Chamber to Rock, Gospel to Country and everything in between. Josie's at the Lockhouse is a restaurant situated right beside the lock and dam at Riverside Park. You can enjoy fine dining while listening to concerts karaoke, or comedy. For more information call 870-793-7000.