This year has certainly given a new meaning to “go outside.” Wildwood Park for the Arts has announced the 2021-2022 festival and performance schedule, featuring exciting partnerships with local arts organizations, such as the Argenta Community Theatre, as well as performances from a variety of local and regional artists. In addition to renewing Music in the Wild, an outdoor concert series developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Wildwood looks forward to the return of festivals and mainstage performances in the park. This year’s festival is slated for Aug. 3.

Tickets for festivals, concerts, and staged performances will be available for purchase at www.wildwoodpark.org.

2021-2022 Season Schedule:

Westoberfest | Sept. 24-25
Wildwood’s take on a classic fall celebration features two days of Bavarian themed food, beverages, fun, and musical performances. Westoberfest is a family-friendly festival that includes activities for children and youth as well as fun for adults of all ages.

Music in the Wild (Merlon Devine) | Oct. 8
Music in the Wild is an outdoor concert series featuring local and regional musicians. Performances are held at the Butler Gazebo, and attendees can enjoy live music and drinks and treats from a donations based concessions area as they watch a beautiful sunset over the lake. In the event of rain, performances are moved to the Wildwood Pavilion. Love and inspiration can come from many places, but Merlon Devine’s love and inspiration to play music came from right inside his childhood home. Growing up in Little Rock with a singing mother and a guitar playing father, Merlon and his nine siblings lived in a home filled with gospel music. Although Merlon did not have the gift to sing as many of his siblings did, he eventually found his voice on the saxophone. Merlon’s signature sound and gospel tinged expression on the horn has set him apart and propelled him onto various stages to share his musical gift with the world. His music charges the atmosphere, leaving his listeners refreshed and well.

The Sound of Music | Nov. 3-21

The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do Re Mi,” “Sixteeen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain Von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, Maria and the entire Von Trapp family
must make a moral decision. Join Wildwood Park for the Arts and the Argenta Community Theatre in a production that brings together two arts organizations, two cities, and an all-star cast. For wheelchair-accessible seating in Wildwood’s theatre or information about student shows, please contact info@wildwoodpark.org.

Music in the Wild (A Rodney Block & Friends Christmas) | Dec. 3
Unlike other Music in Wild Concerts, this concert will be held in the Cabe Theatre at Wildwood Park for the Arts. One of Little Rock’s best trumpet players and jazz artists, Rodney Block returns to Wildwood for a Christmas themed spectacular featuring not only his own performances, but also the music of The Rodney Block Collective, as well as offerings from Little Rock performing arts group Praeclara, and other local artists.

Sister Act | April 1-10, 2022

Sister Act hits the Cabe Theatre stage in partnership with Praeclara. This feel-good musical comedy smash is based on the hit 1992 film, and has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), this uplifting musical was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical. When disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, witnesses a murder, she is put in protective custody in the one place the cops are sure she won’t be a found: a convent! Disguised as a nun, she finds herself at odds with both the rigid lifestyle and uptight Mother Superior.

Using her unique disco moves and singing talent to inspire the choir, Deloris breathes new life into the church and community but, in doing so, blows her cover. Soon, the gang is giving chase, only to find them up against Deloris and the power of her newly found sisterhood. Filled with powerful gospel music, outrageous dancing and a truly moving story, Sister Act will leave audiences breathless. The cast is chock full of amazing roles for women of all ages, making this a perfect choice for high schools and community theatres. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to REJOICE!

Lanterns Festival | April 22-24, 2022
Wildwood Park for the Arts will once again light up the night with its largest and most popular annual festival, Lanterns. Visitors from all over the state are invited to travel the world in a single evening, sampling food and performances from six different world cultures. Woodland paths lit with hundreds of luminarias will guide guests from one culture to the next, and each location will sparkle with lights and decorations from faraway lands.

Music in the Wild (Wild Women) | May 6, 2022
Music in the Wild is an outdoor concert series featuring local and regional musicians. Performances are held at the Butler Gazebo, and attendees can enjoy live music and drinks and treats from a donations based concessions area as they watch a beautiful sunset over the lake. In the event of rain, performances are moved to the Wildwood Pavilion. This concert will feature performances from a number of the incredible women who work as performing artists here in the Natural State. Expect a variety of genres and performance styles for this Mother’s Day weekend event.