FORT SMITH
MARDI GRAS PARADE AND KIDS’ VILLAGE — Fort Smith’s full day of Mardi Gras celebrations includes street vendors, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; kids’ activities in Pendergraft Park, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; a parade through the downtown, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and a Mardi Gras Bash at the end of the day featuring live music. 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Feb. 25, in and around downtown. Costs vary. bordertownevents.com.
FAYETTEVILLE
FAT SATURDAY PARADE OF FOOLS — The city of Fayetteville-sponsored Mardi Gras parade with Grand Marshal Kyle Kellams will wind itself around downtown Fayetteville. The family friendly event will feature costumes, floats and the flinging of traditional Mardi Gras beads. 2 p.m., Feb. 25, Fayetteville Square to Dickson Street. Free. fayettevillemardigras.com. FAT TUESDAY DOWNTOWN — Participating downtown and entertainment district businesses will offer events and specials in Fayetteville for the 18-and-older crowd. Presenting sponsor, JJ’s Grill on Dickson, will host a “Mardi Party” with an 8 p.m. coronation of Mardi Gras royalty. 6 p.m. to close Feb. 28, downtown and entertainment district. fayettevillemardigras.com.
EUREKA SPRINGS
CORONATION BALL — This celebratory event includes dinner, dancing and the “Grand Royal Procession” of Mardi Gras royalty. Music by Doghouse Daddy. 6 p.m. today, Crescent Hotel Crystal Ballroom. $35 per person. eurekaspringsmardigras.org. EUREKA GRAS NIGHT PARADE LIGHTS AND SOUND PARADE — Mardi Gras music is the background of this parade-at-dusk in downtown Eureka Springs. 6 p.m., Saturday, Spring and Main streets, Eureka Springs. Free.eurekaspringsmardigras.org. MARDI GRAS BLACK LIGHT BALL — Mardi Gras revelers in Eureka Springs can head over to Spring Street immediately following the city-sponsored parade for the Black Light Ball at Event Eureka. Black lights and body painting lend this unique event a particular zest. DJ Testube will provide music.