Every August since 1899, the Tontitown Grape Festival, sponsored by St. Joseph’s Church, has been the scene of fun for folks of all ages. The five day Festival celebrates Tontitown’s Italian heritage with free entertainment, a Carnival, an Arts & Crafts Fair, a Run for the Grapes (for both kids and adults), and the annual coronation of the Queen of the Festival. This festival is thought to be the longest-running annual community celebration in Arkansas.
Tontitown Grape Festival Parking
The event is at 154 E Henri De Tonti Boulevard in Tontitown. To enter the free parking, turn North on Barrington from Hwy 412. There will be two Northbound lanes. The left lane will be for free parking and the Right lane will be for VIP, Paid Parking. Just follow the signs and flaggers will get you parked as soon as possible.
Tontitown Grape Festival Carnival Rides
The Carnival is the biggest attraction with everything a Carnival should offer including a large selection of rides for the little kids and of course the big kids. Take advantage of getting the Carnival Armbands for $20 or $25 for Saturday. Armbands or ride tickets can be purchased at he ticket booths.
REGISTER TO WIN ARMBANDS FROM NWA ROCKS
Tontitown Grape Festival Arts & Crafts
Arts & Crafts at the Tontitown Grape Festival are a big deal. Festival goers can walk through some of the vendor’s great products on Thursday and Friday from 3:00pm to 10:00pm and on Saturday from 3:00pm to 10:00pm. Vendors wishing to be included can get more information at www.tontitowngrapefestival.com/arts/crafts
Tontitown Grape Festival Spaghetti Dinner
Everyone has a favorite night at the Tontitown Grape Festival. Most will tell you that the famous Spaghetti Dinner Nights are their’s. Volunteers spend over a week preparing handmade noodles to feed 1000’s just as they did for over 120 years. Dinners are available on each year’s Thursday, Friday and Saturday and served from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Tontitown Grape Festival Free Live Music
The Tontitown Grape Festival offers free, live music every night of the event starting at 7:00 pm with a mix of local musicians as well as known, international acts. To check out this year’s music line up or to submit your band, visit www.tontitowngrapefestival.com/entertainment.
The Grape Stomp
No better way to celebrate the festival than to participate from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Grape Stomp on the Tuesday and Wednesday of each year’s event. This longtime tradition is great fun for the kids. Get in line to take part or just kick back and watch the fun.
Queen Concordia
Local teenage girls vie for the title of Queen Concordia, an annual tradition since 1942. The competition is based on selling the most raffle tickets for a new car or truck. This annual tradition is an honor to both the contestant and the her family. The Queen presents the Raffle winner with keys to their brand new car on the final night at 11:00 pm.
Tontitown Grape Festival Grand Prize Giveaway
Purchasing raffle tickets from the Queen Concordia contestants or stopping by the Sponsor’s tent while at the event could put you in the seat of a brand new vehicle. Tickets are $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. You do not need to be present at the drawing on Saturday night at 11:00 pm.
Run for the Grapes 5K Walk / Run
The Tontitown Grape Festival’s ‘Run For The Grapes 5k Run/Walk’ is open to everyone. The Run is on the event’s Saturday and starts at 7:00 am. Pre-Registration is required. There is also a Kid’s Run. Proceeds support the St. Joseph’s Youth Group. To register or for more info visit www.tontitowngrapefestival.com/run-for-the-grapes