Downtown Walnut Ridge will spring to life on Saturday, Sept. 20, for the annual Beatles at the Ridge music festival. 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, Mo., 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 in a fun way at 12 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 11:00 am to 3:00 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). The car show will be held on NW 3rd & West Walnut Streets, next to Regions Bank. The entry fee is $20, and vehicles can start lining up at 10:00 am next to Walnut Ridge City Hall on NW 3rd Street.
The festival itself opens at 10 am, and it runs until the conclusion of the Liverpool Legends’ performance that evening. Beatles at the Ridge takes place in downtown Walnut Ridge and encompasses several city blocks on the north side of Main Street. The Beatles at the Ridge festival is a function of the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit beatlesattheridge.com/.