Highlights

Acrobatics, trapeze and bullwhips
The Aerial Angels of Kalamazoo Mich. will bring their high-flying ways to Eureka Springs this week as part of the May Festival of the Arts, a month long celebration of the arts. The three circus artists will perform on the aerial hoop and aerial silk, acrobatics, fire-eating and bullwhip cracking Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons at Basin Park in downtown Eureka. The shows are free and are family friendly.
On Sunday night, the Angels will present an adult show, “The Naughty No-No Show: A Circus Burlesque” at Chelsea’s. The performance will feature dangerous escapes, flaming body parts, R-rated humor and possible nudity. The show has played to standing-room-only crowds in cities such as London, Atlanta and Anchorage. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at www.angelsintheair.com or at the door.
The Angels performed in Eureka Springs last year and have appeared around the world, from Key West to Alaska, St. Louis to Amsterdam, presenting shows in venues as diverse as a block party in Belgium, a medieval hill town in Italy, the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Ritz-Carlton.
This is just one of a wide variety of activities taking place this month during the festival. Kinky Friedman will perform Saturday night at The Auditorium. See 8 Days a Week for more.

Joe Martin Stage Race
One of our favorite springtime events is the Joe Martin Stage Race, which is part of the National Race Calendar for pro and elite amateur cycling of USA Cycling, the governing body of cycling operating under the United States Olympic Committee.

Coming to Fayetteville to compete will be 700 athletes from 17 countries and more than 40 states. The race carries the name of Fayetteville cycling enthusiast, the late Joe Martin and is celebrating it’s 31st year.

A bike race finish is an all-out sprint that no matter how tired the riders are, they sprint like there is no tomorrow. Be there to cheer and welcome the racers to NWA. Here are some of the prime viewing spots.

Friday
Pro Women and Men and Men 1,2 will hit the finish line in front of Collier Drug at about 5 p.m.

Saturday
The Pro 1 Men, Men 1,2 and Pro Women 1,2 is a 23-mile loop to Hogeye. There are two main viewing areas: The finish line at Razorback Road and 15th Street and “The Wall” on Ark.156, three miles east of of Ark. 265. This is a difficult climb for riders. Expected finish time between 10:15 a.m. and 12:20 p.m.

Devil’s Den State Park Time Trials will begin at 3:30 p.m.

Sunday
The Criterium
The final stage brings a festival atmosphere to downtown Fayetteville. The square will be filled with vendors and events for all ages, including a kid’s race. The Start/Finish line will be at Center Street and Church Avenue. The racing is fast and furious with riders going at speeds over 35 miles. The races start at 8 a.m. and continue until the last race at 5 p.m. For details go to: joemartinstagerace.com.

The Roundup
There is so much going on this week in NWA, you’ll just have to check out the 8 Days a Week calendar to find out more. There are several artist openings, home tours, benefits and special events. Stomp is at the Walton Arts Center and of course, don’t miss all the live music around town. Mike Dillion and Harry Apes BMX will be at George’s on Friday night and on Saturday night award winning Nashville songwriter Rod Picott will be joined by NAMA winners Effron White, Derek Shacklett and Justin Brahser for songwriters in the round at the Mount Sequoyah Conference Center. For tickets to Songwriters in the Round call 443-4531.

Clip and Save
The Fayetteville Parks and Recreation department has announced the lineup for the free Gulley Park summer concert series. The family-friendly concerts are at 7 p.m. on Thursday nights and seating is on the ground. Several restaurants will be selling food this year, so come for a picnic.

Gulley Park Free Summer Concerts
May 22 – Ultra Suede
June 5 – Chase Missy
June 19 – Nace Brothers
July 3 – Big Smith
July 24 – Benjamin Del Shreve with Tiffany Christopher
Aug. 7 – Oreo Blue