The immortal music group, The Beatles, only stopped in Arkansas once very briefly and the town where they stopped is going to party like its 1964 this weekend. The annual Beatles at the Ridge music festival will be held Sept. 20 in downtown Walnut Ridge
Thousands of visitors are expected for the event, which features a day full of live music, vendors, food, a car show, an expanded section of children’s attractions and more. The festival is free to attend.
“Beatles at the Ridge has quickly become a must-see event across our entire region,” said Peyton Tillman, who chairs the festival committee. “This year’s music lineup is outstanding, as always, and we’re really excited about the wide variety of food vendors who will be here, not to mention an expanded children’s area. It’s shaping up to be a great day.”
“The Liverpool Legends”, a Beatles tribute band from Branson will once again headline the festival. The Legends take the Cavenaugh Chevrolet Rock n’ Roll Hwy. Stage at 7 p.m., and several other acts will precede them, performing throughout the day.
“The Williams Singers” from Williams Baptist University start the music off at noon, performing choral renditions of Beatles music and other pop tunes. Dillan Cate, a northeast Arkansas singer-songwriter noted for his smooth voice and country-rock style, performs at 1 p.m.
At 3 p.m., Aaron Headley will bring his acoustic country performance to the stage. And Memphis Jones with his “All Memphis Music Review” return to Beatles at the Ridge at 5 p.m. Jones is a featured act at BB King’s Blues Club on Beale Street, where he performs a history of Memphis music.
More than 90 vendors will be set up for the festival, including a dozen food vendors. Other vendors will feature arts & crafts, boutiques, face painting, authors, and information.
An expanded children’s section at this year’s festival will feature a wide range of inflatable attractions, an obstacle course and yard games. The popular Morley Family Magic Show will also return this year.
The Abbey Road Car Show runs from 11 am to 3 pm, with peoples’ choice awards to be presented in the categories of antique (1959 and before), classic (1960 to 1989) and late model (1990 and newer).