Top 10 Things to Do in Paragould This Summer
Summer is here! That means the sun is shining, and you are ready to take it all in. This list has been compiled especially for those wondering about things to do in Paragould this summer. Look no further because you have arrived!
Let Loose at the Downtown After Hours Concert Series
There is nothing like live music in the summertime! If that sounds like your cup of tea, then Downtown Paragould is where you need to be. There will be something for everybody at "Downtown After Hours".
Live music will be on display showcasing some fantastic local talent. The Happy Campers, The Shotgunbillys, and Spencer Herren are the lineup for three dates in June, July, and August.
These events take place on the corner of Pruett and Court Street in Downtown Paragould. In addition to the music, shops have extended their hours, so be sure to check them out.
We have shops, restaurants, family fun, and music all in one place! Check out the schedule below for more details on Downtown After Hours.
These free events will begin at 6:30 PM and end at 9:00 PM on the second Friday of each month.
- July 9, 2021 - Shotgunbillys
- August 13, 2021 - Spencer Herren
For more information on Downtown After Hours you can call 870-240-0544, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or message on Facebook.
"Lettuce Head" to the Paragould Farmers' Market
One word: Quality. That is what the Paragould Farmers’ Market is serving up every Saturday this summer. Canopy tents line the street filled with the best of what our homegrown vendors have to offer.
Take your pick from a smorgasbord of sweet baked goods, delicious ice cream, local artwork, handmade soaps, and more all from right here in NEA! Come breathe the fresh morning air and taste the local flavors that make Paragould so unique.
The Paragould Farmers’ Market is located on the 100 block of W. Emerson Street by the Collins Theatre and Centennial Park. Vendors will be there from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM or until they are sold out.
Check the Facebook page HERE for updates on what vendors will be attending weekly and for inclement weather announcements.
Slide Over to the Water Park and Community Center
Summer is HOT! There is no doubt that this year will be a scorcher, but that's alright. Paragould has you covered. The city’s Water Park and Community Center is among the best in Northeast Arkansas!
What better way to cool off than swimming with family and friends? Kids and adults alike are sure to have a splashing good time at the towering water slides, the kids’ water playground, and tasty concessions!
The Water Park is open daily from 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM. For the 2021 season, the park is open May 29th through September 6th.
Admission is $7 per person, and those one years old or younger receive free admission. Anyone under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult 18 or over.
Call the number below with questions.
Phone: 870-239-7530
Grab your swimsuit and head out to the Paragould Water Park and Community Center this summer!
Stroll Through Downtown Paragould
Take some time to explore downtown! Chances are there is a shop waiting just for you. From salons, boutiques, and bakeries to a wide array of restaurants, men’s apparel, and fitness, you can find it all in Downtown Paragould.
Here are two events you can look forward to this summer:
- A Block Party hosted by Project Paragould will be held July 10th on South Pruett Street. Partying will commence at 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. There will be a Color Run, cornhole tournament, bounce houses, food trucks, and vendors! This is fun for the whole family! Visit the Project Paragould Facebook page for more information and updates over the coming weeks.
- Art & Stroll 2021 is happening Saturday, August 21st from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Regional artists and artisan crafters, those who create, and those who produce hand-made items, are invited to display and sell their work during Art and Stroll. Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call any time at 870-240-0544. RSVP and invite your friends on the Facebook Event HERE
No matter how you choose to participate this summer, be sure to put Downtown Paragould on your map!
Visit the Historic Collins Theatre
The Collins Theatre was built in 1925, and it is has been the epicenter for Paragould’s community theatre and local music ever since.
The theatre has done a fantastic job of blending the old with the new. This summer, the theatre has scores of entertaining shows for you to see.
There are too many productions to list, so check out the Collins Theatre Facebook page for all the events and details on where to buy tickets.
This year is the FIRST ever Big Grass Bluegrass Festival, presented by the Collins Theatre and sponsored by the Paragould Advertising and Promotion Commission.
The festival will be a loaded two-day event on July 23rd and 24th.
- Friday July 23rd at 7:00 PM, performers include High Fidelity, The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band, and The Cleverlys!
- Saturday July 24th, two completely different shows are scheduled at 1:00 PM and at 6:00 PM. Performers include Breaking Grass, Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, and the headliner Rhonda Vincent and the Rage!
Get tickets online HERE or call 870-236-6252 for more information!
Hike Out to Crowley's Ridge State Park
Crowley’s Ridge State Park is located just 10 miles west and 20 minutes away from Paragould’s city center.
The park offers beautiful hiking trails, campsites, cabins, picnic areas, a 31-acre fishing lake, and a 3.5 acre swimming hole.
You can even rent kayaks, pedal boats, and fishing boats to get out in the water. You could fill your whole summer just by visiting and taking part in all the park's amenities.
For those that love the outdoors, the Dancing Rabbit Trail is a must-hike! The 1.25-mile trail leads hikers along a deep gulley over an Insta-worthy bridge.
According to the park’s website, this trail used to be a campsite for Native Americans who gave it the name Dancing Rabbit Arroyo.
The hike takes about an hour and brings you back to the visitor center, so what are you waiting for? Get out to Crowley’s Ridge State Park now!
Crowley’s Ridge State Park is located at 2092 AR-168 North in Paragould.
Visit their website HERE or call them at 870-573-6751.
Try-out Disc Golf at Crowley's Ridge College
Crowley’s Ridge College recently opened a new disc golf course on their campus. Sporting a full 18 holes, this new course is officially recognized by the Professional Disc Golf Association, and free and open to the public.
You can download the UDisc app for access to a detailed hole layout. You must have a disc made for disc golf. After a brief Google search, any frisbee will not do. You can buy the right disc at Wal-Mart or online.
Once you have a disc, head out to this new local attraction and enjoy CRC’s campus with family or friends.
Want to learn more about Crowley’s Ridge College? Check out their website at CRC.edu
Get Some Purr Therapy at Something Pawsitive or Let the Dogs Out at Bark Park
Something Pawsitive is a new and unique addition to Paragould located downtown next to Something Sweet.
Part foster home, part cat café, Something Pawsitive partners with local animal rescue, Ozzie’s Legacy, to find homes for adorable… I mean adoptable cats.
Spending just 15 minutes in the café will brighten your day right up. It may be a little late for a pandemic pet, but it's never late to be a forever home for one of these cuddly cats!
Maybe cats aren’t your favorite? No problem, we have you covered again!
Bring your dog out to Bark Park at Harmon Playfield.
Completed in 2020, Bark Park offers two sections: one for small dogs and a separate one for large dogs.
There is plenty of space for your pet to run and interact with other until their heart is content.
You can play with your dog on the obstacles and meet some other dog parents, too!
Something Pawsitive is located at 223 A South Pruett St. Visit their website HERE to find out more information.
Bark Park is located inside Harmon Playfield at 309 W Northend Ave.
Find Your Groove at Crowley's Ridge Raceway and George Ray's Dragstrip
Paragould is home to two thrilling auto experiences! Crowley’s Ridge Raceway is the place to be on Saturday nights this summer.
The raceway is a ¼ mile clay oval track, and they take playing in the dirt to the next level. Stock car racing is one of the local’s beloved pastimes.
General admission to The Ridge is $10, but check out their website HERE for more detailed information on what ticket is right for you.
Another Paragould staple is George Ray’s Wildcat Dragstrip. Nationally recognized as one of the few remaining heads-up only dragstrips, this strip is special to the people of Paragould.
According to HotRod.com, “The Wildcat… could be the longest continually operating venue in the history of drag racing.”
Go find out what makes the strip special on Fridays and Sundays all summer long.
Visit their Facebook Page to for dates and times.
Crowley’s Ridge Raceway is located at 1708 Highway 351 in Paragould. Call 870-236-3141 for more info.
George Ray’s Wildcat Dragstrip is located at 485 Highway 135 in Paragould. Call 870-236-8247 for more info.
Make Your Way Out to Escape Paragould
Do you like to solve murder mysteries? How about saving the world from spies and a nuclear Russia?
Escape Paragould offers three exciting escape rooms specially designed to be fun and engaging for everyone from first timers to more seasoned players.
Come as a couple or as a whole group to enjoy a whole hour of escapades. On Saturdays, they offer $10 specials for the early afternoon hours, and all other times are $15 per person.
This is a steal compared to prices at other escape rooms! The business recently announced plans to add Laser Tag to their activities this summer at a separate location.
Don’t miss out on Escape Paragould! The hour really flies by when you are having fun, so come back and try to beat your time!
The escape rooms are located at 1801 W Kingshighway #7, and laser tag is down the road at 4207 W Kingshighway.
Go to the website at escapeparagould.com for tickets and more information.
Conclusion
There you have it! These are the top things to do in Paragould this summer. 2021 is the time to make up for time lost.
Take your friends, family, and children out to do these fun activities. Make some great memories, and then make some more!
There is a summer full of memories here. By getting out and enjoying each other’s company again, you are helping yourself and your city.
Thanks for choosing Paragould to be your home.
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What are you waiting for!? Go out there and do it!