8/03/26 - 8/03/26 - Watermelon Festival Parade - 6:00pm
8/04/26 - 8/04/26 - Watermelon Festival Pageant -
8/06/26 - 8/08/26 - 50th Annual Hope Watermelon Festival -
8/08/26 - 8/08/26 - Hope Evening Lions Food Pantry - 9:00am
8/15/26 - 8/15/26 - Music in the Park: - 7:30pm--9:00pm
Historic Washington State Park announces the annual summer concert series Music in the Park with the theme “Celebrating America.” Free concerts will be held in June, July, and August on the 1874 Courthouse lawn. This year America celebrates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Listen to mixtures of Americana music over the years from the 19th century to the present. Join the community as they did in the past to enjoy evenings of great musical entertainment at Historic Washington State Park. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.Concert Lineup: June 20—Frontier Brigade BandFrontier Brigade Band is from the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. They seek to preserve the musical heritage of America's oldest and most prestigious military bands. The Frontier Brigade Band performs music compositions and arrangements from The American Brass Band Movement (1840-1880). Learn more at www.frontierbrigadeband.com. July 3—Stewart FamilyThe Stewart Family is a family band from Many, Louisiana that plays a variety of American and bluegrass music. Come and enjoy as they take you through several favorites of Americana string music. This evening will be part of entire weekend of American 250 celebrations at the park. August 15—McWilliams Family and Music CompetitionMcWilliams Family Band is a local family from Southwest Arkansas that plays a mixture of Americana folk and bluegrass music. They have entertained neighbors and friends alike at church gatherings and community events. They also run the Gap Mercantile Store in Caddo Gap, Arkansas. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/gapmercantile/. In addition, we will host a competition allowing musicians and soloists to compose and perform their own original work with some aspect of “America” and its 250 year history as the topic. Area judges will award prizes at the end of the evening for 1st place--$500, 2nd place-- $300, and 3rd place -- $200. Applications for the contest can be received by calling the Park Visitor Center at 870-983-2684. Applications to perform must be postmarked by August 1, 2026. The event is supported in part by City of Washington Tourism, Bobbie Arnold Atkinson Foundation, Tyson Foods, Farmers Bank and Trust, Lagrone Williams Hardware, Washington Grace Cottage, Hempstead County Historical Society, and Historic Washington State Park.
8/19/26 - 8/19/26 - Beryl Henry Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
8/21/26 - 8/21/26 - President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Historic Site Open House - 1:00pm
President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site will host an Open House on August 21, 2026, to kick off the Evening of Jazz event that will take place on August 22nd from 2:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The location will be at the Klipsch Museum of Sound (next door to the Clinton Birthplace).
8/22/26 - 8/22/26 - Evening of Jazz - 2 - 8:30 pm
President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace National Historic Site will host an “Evening of Jazz.” This free event will take place on the stage of the Klipsch Museum, with food trucks available on-site. This year, the jazz ensemble from Louisiana State University will perform alongside musicians from Hope High School. Bring your favorite camping chair and enjoy this musical treat.In the event of inclement weather, please contact the park. The alternate location will be the auditorium at City Hall.
8/22/26 - 8/22/26 - History from the Shadows - 7pm--9pm
Spend an evening wandering through the shadows and pondering history at Historic Washington State Park. This guided evening walk allows visitors to reflect on the past, as the intricacies of history, architecture, and the way of life and death are illuminated and explained. Each site visited will feature houses that have stood since the antebellum years. Admission is $15 per person. Reservations required. For more information call the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
8/26/26 - 8/26/26 - Caney Creek Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
8/29/26 - 8/29/26 - Intrigue and Afternoon Tea: A Murder Mystery Tea Party - 2pm--4pm
Join us for an afternoon steeped in elegance and secrets. Sip tea, savor scones, and uncover the truth hidden among the guests. One among us harbors a deadly intention. Will you unmask the guilty party before the final cup is drained? Participants must be 16+ years old. Admission is $35 per person. Reservations required. For more information contact the park visitor center at 870-983-2684.
9/02/26 - 9/02/26 - Hempstead County Fair Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
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.
9/12/26 - 9/12/26 - Hope Evening Lions Food Pantry - 9:30am-11:00am
9/16/26 - 9/16/26 - United Way Community Coffee - 9:30am-11:00am
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
9/26/26 - 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 - The CALL 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 annual Wild Game Dinner & Auction Fundraiser, with all proceeds going to the HCDEC 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
10/24/26 - 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.