Mountain View, AR — Gardeners, farmers, herbalists, and nature lovers are invited to celebrate spring at the Heritage Herb Garden Spring Extravaganza, Friday and Saturday, May 8–9, 2026, at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View.
This two-day event, themed From Healthy Soil to Healthy Lives, blends science, tradition, and hands-on learning to help participants grow healthier plants, build healthier soil, and care for their health from the ground up. From soil health and composting to medicinal herbs and fruit tree care, the Extravaganza offers practical knowledge attendees can put to use right away.
With Mother’s Day falling on Sunday, May 10, the weekend also offers a perfect opportunity to turn the Extravaganza into a meaningful mother–daughter getaway, sharing time together while learning, relaxing, and enjoying the beauty of spring in the Ozarks.
The Spring Extravaganza takes place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on May 8 & 9. Mornings feature symposium-style presentations by nationally and regionally respected speakers, followed by afternoon outdoor classes and workshops in smaller groups. Participants will also have time to explore the Heritage Herb Garden and Craft Village at peak spring beauty.
Topics include:
• Growing and using turmeric
• Composting in the Ozarks
• Using biochar in regenerative agriculture
• The hows and whys of soil testing
• Beneficial insects and ecological balance
• Ten common fruit tree issues and how to diagnose and treat them
• Dandelion and mullein for healing
Featured presenters include Dr. Chetan Hans (Raw Roots Turmeric), Jamie Stanton (DMV Beneficials), Tyler Caston (Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service), Joseph Quarenski (Hourglass Tree Farm), Cody Daniel (Heritage Herb Garden), Ashleigh Avey (Beyond Blessed Creations), and Jason Pavel (University of Arkansas Plant Health Clinic).
Registration is $50 per day or $90 for both days. To register, visit: Tickets.OzarkFolkCenter.com. Lodging is available at The Cabins at Dry Creek inside the park. For lodging reservations, call 870-269-3871. For additional information, contact 870-269-3854 or email vog.sasnakra@nosral.ettenaej.
The Ozark Folk Center State Park is open seasonally each year from mid-April through mid-November and offers live music, herb and flower gardens, and family-friendly entertainment in the Craft Village every Tuesday-Saturdayfrom 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Village artisans make, demonstrate, and sell a variety of handcrafted goods at the park’s 20 artisan shops and gardens like copper flame-painted decor, wire-wrapped silver jewelry, apothecary soap, candles, wood carvings, stained glass, printing press stationary, handmade brooms, leather crafts, knives and more.
If you need a place to stay, The Cabins at Dry Creeklocated on-site offer homespun decor, modern comforts, and an outdoor swimming pool at the cabins recreation office. Rooms are located just down the hill from the Skillet Restaurant and Craft Village, and a shuttle service is provided for cabin guests who attend the concert.
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Ozark Folk Center State Park
The Ozark Folk Center State Park, located in Mountain View, Arkansas, is open seasonally from April to October. The park’s mission is “to perpetuate, present and promote the Ozark way of life in an educational and enjoyable manner.” To learn more visit OzarkFolkCenter.com.
Arkansas State Parks
Arkansas State Parks is a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Arkansas state parks and museums cover 55,006 acres of forest, wetlands, fish and wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation facilities, and unique historic and cultural resources. Established in 1923, Arkansas State Parks preserve special places for future generations, provide quality recreation and education opportunities, enhance the state’s economy through tourism and provide leadership in resource conservation. Connect with ASP on Facebook,Instagram and Twitter, and visit ArkansasStateParks.com and ArkansasStateParks.com/media to learn more.
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism
The Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism protects and promotes our state’s natural, cultural and historic assets, contributing to a thriving economy and high quality of life. It is made up of three divisions: Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Heritage and Arkansas Tourism.
