9/02/26 - 9/02/26 - Hempstead County Fair Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
9/03/26 - 9/05/26 - Klipsch Museum Work Weekend - 9 a.m.
Museum Facilities Committee has long to-do list and could use your help to complete them! Lunch provided each day. Contact Executive Director Ginny Sanders for more information - info@klipschmuseum.org.
9/05/26 - 9/05/26 - 16th Annual Watermelon Weigh-Off - 11am--Noon
On Saturday, September 5, the Old Washington Farmer’s Market will host an official watermelon weigh-off site for the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth in Washington, Arkansas. The Great Pumpkin Commonwealth provides official venues for growers to weigh several varieties of fruit and vegetables, including watermelons, across the country. They then give prizes for the largest weighed item of its type across the country.This official weigh off event will be for watermelons ONLY. Prizes will be given out for the top three largest watermelons. First Place – $800, Second Place, — $600, and Third Place — $500.A Youth category will also be included for watermelon growers that are 14 years of age and younger. Prizes for youth are as follows: First Place — $100, Second Place — $75, and Third Place — $50.Only one official entry will be considered per farmer or team. Preregistration is not required for the event. The official weigh-off will begin around 11am. The event will take place behind the City Hall of Washington, Arkansas across the street from Williams’ Tavern Restaurant of Historic Washington State Park. For more information on the weigh-off contact Josh Williams at 870-703-8256 or at joshuawilliams14@hotmail.com.The weighoff is sponsored by: Holiday Inn Express and Hampton Inn & Suites of Hope, Lagrone Williams Hardware of Hope, Michelli Scales of Bossier City, Giant Watermelon Growers Club, and City of Washington Tourism.
9/05/26 - 9/05/26 - Junior Apprentice Day at the James Black Blacksmith Shop - 9am--4pm
Join park blacksmiths and the Four State Iron Munchers blacksmithing club for our Junior Apprentice Day at Historic Washington State Park! Participants of all ages will be able to work with and learn from various smiths as they do projects on forges set up adjacent to the James Black Shop. This is a come and go event. Free Admission. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor at 870-983-2684.
9/05/26 - 9/05/26 - Junior Apprentice Day at the James Black Blacksmith Shop - 9am--4pm
Join park blacksmiths and the Four State Iron Munchers blacksmithing club for our Junior Apprentice Day at Historic Washington State Park! Participants of all ages will be able to work with and learn from various smiths as they do projects on forges set up adjacent to the James Black Shop. This is a come and go event. Free Admission. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
9/08/26 - 9/08/26 - Off the Rails: The UAHT Talent Train - 9:00-11:00
Come and go event featuring the creative talents of UAHT employees. Light refreshments will be served.
9/12/26 - 9/12/26 - Hope Evening Lions Food Pantry - 9:30am-11:00am
9/12/26 - 9/12/26 - Cars and Coffee - 8:00AM - 11:00AM
All ages welcome to come out and enjoy some cool vehicles, good conversations, and coffee with snacks. No fees or vehicle type restrictions for participants, and we hope to see you there!
9/16/26 - 9/16/26 - United Way Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
9/17/26 - 9/17/26 - Arkansas Adult Education Open House - 11am-1pm
UAHT Adult Education Open House
9/18/26 - 9/18/26 - Frontier Days for Homeschools - 9am--3pm
Join our interpretive staff as they provide a special experience for homeschool groups. Students will experience Frontier Days as the 19th century pioneers would have experienced it. Sign up early for this hands-on adventure! Admission is $5.50 per person for ages three and older. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
9/18/26 - 9/19/26 - Frontier Days - 9am--3pm
Learn about the early settlement of the area in the 1820s and 1830s and hear about the beginning of the town of Washington. Take a tour of town and learn about some of the early settlers of town and what brought them to southwest Arkansas. Regular admission. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
9/19/26 - 9/19/26 - Historic Dyeing 101: Wool Edition - 10am--3pm
Are you interested in historical dyeing methods? Join us for a beginner's workshop focusing on 19th century dyeing techniques for animal fibers! From mordants and fixatives to dyes and dyebaths, you'll learn the entire process from start to finish. Each participant will have the opportunity to dye and take home two mini-skeins of 100% wool to use in any of their future projects! $25 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park at 870-983-2684.
9/19/26 - 9/19/26 - Dances of the Past - 7pm--9pm
Dance experience is not required for this fun evening of dance and fellowship! Join the staff of Historic Washington for an exciting class that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Throughout history, dance has been not only an art form but also a way to socialize and make new friends. Come alone or with a partner and you will leave with new friends and new knowledge of dances such as the Virginia Reel, and many more. $15 per person or $25 per couple. Reservations required. For more information contact the visitor center at 870-983-2684.
9/23/26 - 9/23/26 - Leadership Hope-Hempstead County Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
9/24/26 - 9/24/26 - 33rd Annual Fish and Chicken Fry - 4:30-7:00 p.m.
33rd Annual Fish and Chicken Fry Fundraiser benefiting the UCAN and scholarship programs.
9/26/26 - 9/26/26 - National Public Lands Day - 9am--3pm
Help us protect and conserve our park’s resources! This National Public Lands Day, staff and volunteers will work on various projects to improve the park’s historic appearance and safety. Join us for the morning session from 9 a.m. – noon, and/or the afternoon session from 1-3 p.m. Tools will be provided. Please bring your own gloves. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
9/26/26 - 9/27/26 - Primitive Knife-Making Workshop - 9am--4pm
Join the park smiths at the forge for a hands-on class where students will learn the process of hand-forging a primitive knife. Each participant will make their own 4”-6” knife from high carbon steel and learn to temper and sharpen it. They will also make the handle from local hardwoods. Materials and tools are supplied. The minimum age is 16 (accompanied by an adult). $200 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
9/30/26 - 9/30/26 - Yerger Middle School EAST Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
10/01/26 - 10/01/26 - Wild Game Dinner & Auction Fundraiser - 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Hempstead County Economic Development Commission! Join us for our Wild Game Dinner & Auction Fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the HCEDC Site & Incentive Fund.
Enjoy chef-prepared wild game, culinary cocktails, live music and a silent auction. For tickets call 870-777-8485 or email edc@hopeusa.com.
Want to Volunteer or be a Sponsor - we need YOU!
10/03/26 - 10/03/26 - Taste of Hope - 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
"Taste of Hope" is Hope Downtown Network's signature event. It takes place every year on the first Saturday in October. The event spotlights and showcases restaurants and eateries throughout Hope and Hempstead County. Activities include, Bingo, Mural Painting, Auction, and Voting for the next HDN project. The 4th Annual Taste of Hope theme and all theme-driven activities will be announced at a later date.
10/03/26 - 10/03/26 - Basic Tallow Soap Workshop - 9am-2pm
This workshop will teach the basics of making cold process soap using tallow and lye. Participants will make their own small batch of soap to take home. There will be a small class size to ensure personalized attention. $35 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
10/07/26 - 10/07/26 - Hope Water & Light Power Week Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
10/10/26 - 10/10/26 - Hope Evening Lions Food Pantry - 9:00am
10/10/26 - 10/10/26 - Cemetery Workshop - 9am--12pm
Our local cemeteries are important parts of our community history. Learn how to properly care for and clean tombstones with the park curator and research of cemeteries with the archival manager of the Southwest Arkansas Regional Archives. The workshop will cover the basics of tombstone care and demonstrate cleaning techniques on stones in the Pioneer Cemetery. $25 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
10/14/26 - 10/14/26 - Hope-Hempstead County Ambassadors Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
10/21/26 - 10/21/26 - Hope Housing Authority Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
10/22/26 - 10/24/26 - Fall 2026 Chief Bonehead Class - Varies
Thursday, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Enjoy listening to Klipsch speakers with light snacksFriday, 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. Museum Curator Jim Hunter leads bus tours of the Klipsch Museum/Southwest Proving Ground/Hope Airport highlighting Paul W. Klipsch's work at each. Friday, 6 p.m. Dinner and Dave Almond concert.Saturday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Klipsch Senior Engineer Roy Delgado, Jr., aka Chief Bonehead, presents the new Rebellion speaker and discusses proper stereo placement - toe in. Friday, 6 p.m. Bonehead fajita dinner and Hazy Jayne concert.Tickets at https://givebutter.com/Fall2026Bonehead
10/23/26 - 10/23/26 - Shakespeare in the Park “Student Matinee - 10:30am--Noon
Enjoy a performance of William Shakespeare's romantic comedy "Twelfth Night" performed by the Texas Shakespeare Festival of Kilgore, Texas. Performances begin at 10:30 a.m. in the 1940 WPA Gym. The performance is for local area junior and high school age students and classes. Admission is FREE. Reservations required. The event is sponsored by the Patterson/Troike Foundation and the Hempstead County Historical Society. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
10/23/26 - 10/23/26 - Shakespeare in the Park - 7:30pm--9:00pm
Enjoy a performance of William Shakespeare's romantic comedy "Twelfth Night" performed by the Texas Shakespeare Festival of Kilgore, Texas. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the 1940 WPA Gym. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Reservations required. The event is sponsored by the Patterson/Troike Foundation and the Hempstead County Historical Society. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.The Texas Shakespeare Festival’s Roadshow Tour brings abridged productions of Shakespeare into schools and communities throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The Texas Shakespeare Festival’s Roadshow Tour performs with a Globe Theatre aesthetic, using acoustic instruments to create live music and sound effects from a seven-member acting company that plays all parts in the show. The Texas Shakespeare Festival’s Roadshow Tour has been one of 40 companies in the nation selected for the Shakespeare in American Communities program since 2019, bringing Shakespeare to some of the hardest-to-reach areas of the country.
10/24/26 - 10/24/26 - Trial by Jury Dinner “1856” - 6pm--9pm
Experience 19th century justice in Washington as you take part in our "Trial by Jury" series. The evening will begin with a meal at Williams' Tavern Restaurant and then you will proceed to the trial drama. Join us for a unique re-enactment of a Washington, Arkansas, court case from 1856: Illness and Influence: The Battle Over Joseph Crosby's Estate. Reservations are required. Guests will be seated family style with other guests. $35 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
10/28/26 - 10/28/26 - Southern Caregivers Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
10/31/26 - 10/31/26 - Washington After Dark - 6pm--9pm
An evening at Historic Washington State Park gives you a chance to indulge your imagination. The evening will begin with a meal at Williams' Tavern Restaurant and then accompany an interpretive guide through selected sites in Washington that have some “unexplained” happenings in their history. You can believe or not, but you’ll have a wonderful evening walk in which to ponder the possibilities! Guests will be seated family style with other guests. $35 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
10/31/26 - 11/01/26 - Introduction to Forging Workshop - 9am--4pm
Join the park smiths at the forge for a hands-on class covering the basic operations of blacksmithing. Participants will make simple art objects and more functional objects with the beauty that only hand forging can give iron and steel! Materials and tools are supplied. The minimum age is 16 (accompanied by an adult). $200 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
10/31/26 - 11/01/26 - Introduction to Forging Workshop - 9am--4pm
Join the park smiths at the forge for a hands-on class covering the basic operations of blacksmithing. Participants will make simple art objects and more functional objects with the beauty that only hand forging can give iron and steel! Materials and tools are supplied. The minimum age is 16 (accompanied by an adult). Admission is $200 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
11/04/26 - 11/04/26 - Hope Physical Therapy Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
11/06/26 - 11/06/26 - Civil War School Days at Historic Washington - 9am--2pm
Participate in "Civil War School Days" at Historic Washington State Park with your school group on Friday, November 6 from 9am – 2pm. Turn back the clock to the years of the war and see a town engulfed in a war that put brother against brother. Washington and Hempstead County alone raised eighteen companies to serve in the war. Tour various stations that discuss the many aspects of life affected by the Civil War. Learn how to drill like a soldier, see how a cannon is fired, learn about local hospitals and why they were needed.Reservations are required. Admission is $5.50 per person plus tax. For more information, contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684. Call to register your school group (i.e. public, private, or homeschool) today. Programming will continue on Saturday, November 7 for the general public in partnership with the Nevada County Depot Museum and Historic Washington State Park. A reenactment of the Skirmish at Prairie D’Ane will take place in Prescott followed by many Civil War Home Front activities at Historic Washington State Park.
11/07/26 - 11/07/26 - Hope Holiday Market -
11/07/26 - 11/07/26 - Civil War Weekend: Remembering the Struggles that Made a Nation - 11am--9pm
The Civil War was one of the most trying times in our nation’s history. As we commemorate America 250, come learn about the impact of the American Civil War in southwest Arkansas.On Saturday, November 7, Historic Washington State Park, in partnership with the Nevada County Depot Museum, will host “Civil War Weekend: Remembering the Struggles that Made a Nation." A look at the many aspects of life during the bloody, costly years of the Civil War.The day will begin with a reenactment of the Skirmish at Prairie D’Ane Battlefield at 11am. This was the closest battle to Washington, Arkansas, that took place in 1864. The reenactment will take place on a portion of the original battlefield located at 2243 Hwy 19 North in Prescott off Interstate 30 at Exit 46. There will be an admission fee of $10 per vehicle to view the battle. Military encampments will be available for visitors to view. For more information visit https://www.thedepotmuseum.org/2026civilwarweekend.Following the morning battle, “Town in Conflict” will begin at 1pm at Historic Washington State Park about life on the home front in southwest Arkansas. Visitors will experience life for civilian refugees, 19th century burial and mourning customs, military camps and drills, Civil War Era medicine, community hospital, and 19th century political issues. The day will conclude with a Civil War Period Ball at 7pm. Admission for Historic Washington State Park events is $10 per adult and $6 per child (ages 6-12).Williams Tavern, located at Historic Washington State Park, will be open for lunch from 11am—3pm.For more information, contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684 or visit www.HistoricWashingtonStatePark.com.
11/11/26 - 11/11/26 - International Student Exchange Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
11/14/26 - 11/14/26 - Hope Evening Lions Food Pantry - 9:00am
11/14/26 - 11/14/26 - Hope Evening Lions Food Pantry - 9:30am-11:00am
11/14/26 - 11/14/26 - Cozy Threads: A Mug Rug Weaving Experience Workshop - 9am--2pm
Join us for a hands-on weaving workshop perfect for beginners and craft enthusiasts alike. In this class, participants will learn the fundamentals of weaving using a simple frame loom. They will explore basic weaving structures, experiment with color, and walk step-by-step through the process of warping the loom, creating patterns, and finishing a woven piece. Admission is $25 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
11/18/26 - 11/18/26 - Hope Public Schools Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
11/19/26 - 11/21/26 - Klipsch Museum Work Weekend - 9 a.m.
Museum Facilities Committee has a long to-do list and could use your help! Lunch provided each day. Contact Executive Director Ginny Sanders for more information - info@klipschmuseum.org.
11/21/26 - 11/22/26 - Introduction to Forging Workshop - 9am--4pm
Join the park smiths at the forge for a hands-on class covering the basic operations of blacksmithing. Participants will make simple art objects and more functional objects with the beauty that only hand forging can give iron and steel! Materials and tools are supplied. The minimum age is 16 (accompanied by an adult). $200 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
11/21/26 - 11/21/26 - - 10am--2pm
This workshop is designed to introduce participants to the world of Dutch ovens. Participants will prepare various 19th century sweets and treats and learn how to use and care for Dutch ovens. Admission is $30 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
12/02/26 - 12/02/26 - Hempstead County Courthouse Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
12/07/26 - 12/07/26 - Christmas Parade - 6:00pm
12/09/26 - 12/09/26 - Farmers Bank & Trust Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
12/11/26 - 12/12/26 - 40th Annual Christmas and Candlelight - 3pm--8pm
Historic Washington State Park will host its 40th Annual Christmas and Candlelight: Your Own Christmas Village event on Friday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 12. Tour venues will open at 3 p.m. and luminary lighting and music programs will begin at 5 p.m.You and your family will be in awe of the natural beauty that candlelit streets provide as you stroll through our historic village. Decorations, music, and more set the mood for your historic holiday experience. The homes of yesterday are adorned with historic period decorations and thousands of luminaries will light the streets throughout the town. A horse-drawn surrey will be available for rides, weather permitting and Williams’ Tavern Restaurant will be open for lunch beginning at 11am and later be open for dinner to 8 p.m. with their holiday buffet. A Holiday Gift Bazaar will be available in the WPA Gym where you can purchase locally hand-made gifts beginning at 3 p.m.Event admission to all activities will be charged $20 per vehicle for 2-10 individuals. If the vehicle is carrying more than 10 people, admission is $10 per person. CASH ONLY.Event is sponsored by Historic Washington State Park, the Historic Washington Foundation, and the townspeople of Washington and Hempstead County.For more information about the event, contact the park at 870-983-2684.
12/16/26 - 12/16/26 - Lance & Associates Real Estate Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
12/18/26 - 12/18/26 - Josh Wilson NOEL Christmas Tour - 7-8:30
🎁 The most wonderful time of the year is almost here!We're thrilled to welcome the Josh Wilson Noel Tour to FBC Hope on December 18th. Join us for a joyful night of Christmas music, heartfelt stories, and encouragement as we celebrate the true meaning of the season.Gather your family, invite a neighbor, and make plans to be part of this special holiday event. It's going to be a night full of Christmas cheer and memories you'll treasure long after the last song is sung.Tickets are available in the church office or at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/josh-wilson-noel-tour-tickets-1998381493843?aff=oddtdtcreator$15 Priority Seating, $10 General AdmissionCome celebrate the season with us and experience the joy of Christmas together! ✨🎶🎁
12/19/26 - 12/19/26 - Kids Craft Day - 10am--3pm
On Saturday, December 19, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., guests are invited to join park staff for a pre-Christmas craft day, where kids can try some 19th century-inspired projects to take home before Christmas. This will be a come-and-go experience.. Parents / guardians must stay with their children as they participate. Reservations are required. Admission is FREE. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.