November 4 - 6, 2022 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs, Arkansas is a magical gem of diversity, equity and inclusion. Tucked away in the Northwest corner of Arkansas, just a few miles south of Branson, Missouri, Eureka loudly and proudly celebrates three (yep, I said 3!) Diversity Weekends per year. (Spring, Summer and Fall.)
It's no secret to anyone when you're here that "not even the streets are straight" but did you know that in this tiny Ozark mountain-town of about 2,500 residents year-round, we have over 200 LGBTQ+ households?
In the 1800s, Eureka was known as a premier vacation resort and visitors were drawn to the (supposedly) healing waters of our cold springs. Today, one visit is all it will take for you to feel that hard-to-explain, magical tug on your soul - connecting you to this corner of the world.
Need a place to stay for your Diversity Weekend? Here's what our community recommends:
Get a cabin at the Pond Mountain Lodge & Resort, featured (2021) in Out magazine.
For something more historic, try the Grand Central Hotel or Heart of the Hills Inn both established in 1883, or the Ridgeway House B&B from 1908.
The Wanderoo Lodge is an Ozark adventure all its own. They'll set you up with a range of guided outdoor activities. Zipline? Kayak trip? Hike the trails? This Lodge features The Gravel Bar which is a wildly popular local hangout for sips and bites along with some killer live music and laugh-out loud drag brunches and shows.
Note: Drag shows can also be found at these locations The Rowdy Beaver (two locations), Wanderoo Lodge, BREWS and Eureka Live.
Audiences (and experiences) differs at each location so be sure to ask a local and they will usually take a moment to point you in the right direction. There are a lot of beautiful people in Eureka.
For a little feel of NOLA, check out The New Orleans Hotel right in the heart of it all where Spring Street curves downtown. You can't miss the balconies perched overhead in true NOLA style. Staying here is a treat and just a stumble to it ALL!
Check out Iris Hill Glamping Resort or the Grand Treehouse Resort for some truly unique, deep-woody experiences that are still close enough to all the action. While you're enjoy all the events and excitement happening around town specifically curated by Out In Eureka, you'll also be immersed in classic Americana small-town charm.
Our streets are curvy and hilly and dotted with art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars, musicians busking here and there and really, really good fudge. Eureka’s Nut House is a fun stop to make for a nutty experience and Sugar & Spite serves up some nostalgia in penny-candy store filled with delights from years ago. One of my favorite gems in town is Route 62 General Store. I find a bunch of cool things every time I visit!
There are also boutiques, souvenir shops, antique shops, jewelry and pottery shops and spas. Get a massage or get a your hair did! Buy some artisan soap, or some art right from a working artist - Ellen Macioce Fine Art Studio. Taste the best burger in town (at least 7 restaurants claim they serve this. LOL) #notkidding
Whatever you choose to experience during your stay, here's what's on the Out in Eureka agenda that you should not miss while you're here for Fall Diversity Weekend 2022.
First and foremost, it's Autumn, so take a breath and take it all in. The Ozarks will light up with vibrant color that lure you to return again and again for more. After your martini and drag show, take a hike or go kayaking. It's well worth it!! Discover nearby Beaver Lake with 487 miles of shoreline. Nature is all around us here and it is breathtaking. It's expected that a big part of Fall Diversity Weekend here in the Natural State is, well . . . nature. Get out and explore.
Eureka! You found it!
Local Tip: Most visitors to our Diversity Weekends tend to seize the moment to explore the great outdoors on Sunday after all the programmed events and activities have concluded.
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Fall 2022
Diversity Weekend Events:
Friday, November 4, 2022
Welcome Cocktail Receptions
Meet and Greet at BREWS
2 Pine Street
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Free. Family friendly
Ladies Meet and Greet at Missy’s White Rabbit Lounge
19 1/2 Spring Street (on the rainbow stairs)
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Free. 21+
Saturday, November 5, 2022
Diversity in the Park Festival Basin Spring Park 10:00am - 4:00pm
10:00am - Erin Detherage
12:00 noon - Guest speaker
12:15pm - Rainbow leis
12:30pm - PDA in the park
12:30pm - DJ Testube presents Bubble Disco Dance Party
3:00pm - Drag in the park
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Saturday, November 5, 2022
Drag Queen Bingo with Miss Gizele Monae BREWS. 2 Pine Street 5:30pm - 7:00pm Free & family friendly Win prizes from local shops and businesses
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HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT
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Saturday Evening, November 5, 2022 Dirty 30 Tour with Jackie Beat and Sherry Vine
Wow, time really does fly when you’re having fun!
Can you believe that legendary drag icons Jackie Beat & Sherry Vine are celebrating 30 years of friendship, show-biz shenanigans and trail-blazing clownery? Well, it’s true! Join these two as they celebrate three history-making, head-spinning, junk-tucking decades of drag with an all-live exciting new show, DIRTY 30!
The Eureka Springs City Auditorium
Doors: 7:30pm
Show: 8:30pm
Tickets: www.theaud.org
Out in Eureka is the official site providing more information for all three Diversity Weekends celebrated in Eureka Springs, Arkansas annually. Check it out and be sure to come back for more! #loveislove #allwelcome #diverseeveryday ❤️️