Upcoming Events
A Common Love: From Tuscany to Tuba City
A Common Love: From Tuscany to Tuba City
Artists: Robbie Shackelford & R. Eric Kee
Date & Time: December 2-16, 2025
Location: Stevens Gallery, Harding University, Searcy, AR
Admission: Free Entry
Opening Night: Tuesday December 2, Artist Talk at 4pm, Reception to follow ~5pm
The show explores the shared human experience across cultures, featuring paintings from Tuscany to the American Southwest. It’s a celebration of place, love, and connection through the eyes of two distinct artists.
Join us in person!
Robbie will be painting live December 3, 4, & 5, from 9 AM–12 PM and 3 PM–6 PM. Guests will have the opportunity to witness the creative process firsthand and speak with the artist about the inspiration and stories behind the paintings.
Special Inclusions
The exhibition includes never-before-exhibited works on loan from several private collections as well as 12 new paintings by Robbie Shackelford (Tuscany, Italy) created for this exhibition. R. Eric Kee (Navajo Nation/Searcy, Arkansas) is also bringing a stunning collection of his silversmithing with jewellery on display, as well as traditional artistry, pen and ink drawings and more.
Additionally, a selection of original artworks from both artists will be available for purchase.
Learn more
Find updates and previews online on Instagram and Facebook.
Robbie Instagram: @robertearlshack
Eric Instagram: @blestn8v1975
Robbie Facebook: facebook.com/robbieshack
Harding Art and Design Instagram: @hardingartanddesign
To contact Robbie’s team, reach us at hello@robbieshackelford.com
To contact the Gallery directly, phone 501-279-4000
The Living Nativity
The Christmas story comes alive as you drive through the streets of Bethlehem and see exotic animals, handmade costumes, live characters and more. Visitors come face-to-face with the Roman guards at the city gates before being swept into an authentic-looking and multidimensional experience of the first Christmas.
December 5-7, 10, and 12-14 | 6pm-9pm
Train Rides at Yancey Park
Join us for free train rides at Yancey Park on December 12 from 6pm to 8pm.
The Living Nativity
The Christmas story comes alive as you drive through the streets of Bethlehem and see exotic animals, handmade costumes, live characters and more. Visitors come face-to-face with the Roman guards at the city gates before being swept into an authentic-looking and multidimensional experience of the first Christmas.
December 5-7, 10, and 12-14 | 6pm-9pm
Pancakes with Santa
Come have pancakes with Santa at the annual Searcy Kiwanis Club “Jim Lankford” Pancakes with Santa. Cost $5 per ticket with $20 max per immediate family.
Characters, Cocoa & Cookies
Join us at Lion Arena for Characters, Cocoa & Cookies! Meet your favorite characters and enjoy treats from our awesome sponsors. Plus, the Grinch will make a special appearance during this event.
Presenting Sponsor: State Representative Les Eaves
Cookies: WildFlower Bakery
Punch: NorthStar
Train Rides at Yancey Park
Join us for free train rides at Yancey Park on December 13 from 6pm to 8pm.
The Living Nativity
The Christmas story comes alive as you drive through the streets of Bethlehem and see exotic animals, handmade costumes, live characters and more. Visitors come face-to-face with the Roman guards at the city gates before being swept into an authentic-looking and multidimensional experience of the first Christmas.
December 5-7, 10, and 12-14 | 6pm-9pm
The Living Nativity
The Christmas story comes alive as you drive through the streets of Bethlehem and see exotic animals, handmade costumes, live characters and more. Visitors come face-to-face with the Roman guards at the city gates before being swept into an authentic-looking and multidimensional experience of the first Christmas.
December 5-7, 10, and 12-14 | 6pm-9pm
The Living Nativity
The Christmas story comes alive as you drive through the streets of Bethlehem and see exotic animals, handmade costumes, live characters and more. Visitors come face-to-face with the Roman guards at the city gates before being swept into an authentic-looking and multidimensional experience of the first Christmas.
December 5-7, 10, and 12-14 | 6pm-9pm
Christmas Concert of Worship
Sunday December 14th, 2025 at 6:00pm
First Baptist Church Searcy
105 S. Spring Street
Join us for a time of music, worship, and celebration as we are led by choir and orchestra members of all ages! Kids, students, and adults all come together to sing and play some of your Christmas favorites in congregational sing-a-long moments, as well as share some powerful Christmas anthems that will communicate and celebrate the gospel message of Jesus! Always a great time of worship and celebration of the gospel! Also, a great opportunity to invite family and friends to join and hear the gospel message through Christmas music!
Train Rides at Yancey Park
Join us for free train rides at Yancey Park on December 19 from 6pm to 8pm.
Christmas at the Black House
Join us for Christmas at the Black House! Tours, Refreshments, Strings and Things Band, and our exclusive exhibit is Lee Watts Artwork.
Train Rides at Yancey Park
Join us for free train rides at Yancey Park on December 20 from 6pm to 8pm.
Santa Clause Movie at the Carmichael Center
Join us at the Carmichael Community Center to watch Santa Clause on the big screen! Free popcorn and water will be served. Bring blankets or lawn chairs!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
First Baptist Church Searcy
105 S. Spring Street
Searcy, AR 72143
Join us for one of our favorite worship experiences of the year! Our annual Christmas Eve Candlelight service is a special time for the entire family!
The Living Nativity 2025
The Christmas story comes alive as you drive through the streets of Bethlehem and see exotic animals, handmade costumes, live characters and more. Visitors come face-to-face with the Roman guards at the city gates before being swept into an authentic-looking and multidimensional experience of the first Christmas.
December 5-7, 10, and 12-14 | 6pm-9pm
The Living Nativity 2025
The Christmas story comes alive as you drive through the streets of Bethlehem and see exotic animals, handmade costumes, live characters and more. Visitors come face-to-face with the Roman guards at the city gates before being swept into an authentic-looking and multidimensional experience of the first Christmas.
December 5-7, 10, and 12-14 | 6pm-9pm
2025 Searcy Christmas Parade
The 2025 Searcy Christmas Parade is happening Saturday, December 6 in Downtown Searcy.
The parade will travel north on Spring, west on Arch, north on Spruce, east on Race and north on Davis, ending at Berryhill Park.
To register your float, vehicle or horse for the parade, please visit: https://www.experiencesearcy.com/christmas-parade-sign-up.
The Christmas Parade is sponsored by:
Presenting Sponsor: Unity Health
Santa Sponsor: AR Care
Grand Marshall Sponsor: The Family of Mike Parsons
Christmas Craft in Art Alley
Join us in Art Alley on December 6 for a Christmas craft! We will be decorating wooden ornaments. All ages are welcome and this is a free event.
Old-Fashioned Christmas at Pioneer Village
Pioneer Village will host its Old-Fashioned Christmas on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Guests are invited to explore the beautifully decorated historic buildings, enjoy traditional holiday displays, and experience a nostalgic look at Christmas from days past. This family-friendly event offers a warm and charming way to celebrate the season in one of Searcy’s most beloved historic settings.
The Polar Express PJ Party
Join Main Street Searcy for The Polar Express PJ Party at the Historic Rialto Theater on Saturday, December 6 at 10am.
The Living Nativity 2025
The Christmas story comes alive as you drive through the streets of Bethlehem and see exotic animals, handmade costumes, live characters and more. Visitors come face-to-face with the Roman guards at the city gates before being swept into an authentic-looking and multidimensional experience of the first Christmas.
December 5-7, 10, and 12-14 | 6pm-9pm
Christmas Market: Harding University Waldron Center
Bring your holiday magic and sell your crafts, gifts, or treats! Sign up to join our festive lineup here: campsite.bio/waldroncenter
The Jingle Bell Bizarre
Vendors from all over Central Arkansas are coming together for one big shopping extravaganza to support single mothers in White County the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Come get a jump on your holiday shopping while supporting a worthy cause. The Mimaw single mother's fund through 100 families has supported hundreds of mothers in our community over the last three years. This event is to raise awareness and funding for this worthy program. Admission is free. There will be lots of door prizes and great deals. Donations are welcomed.
Peter and the Starcatcher
Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). A wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best-selling novels, the play was conceived for the stage by directors, Roger Rees and Alex Timbers, and written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair... and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.
Show Dates: November 13–16 & November 20–23
Holiday of Lights Lighting Ceremony
The most magical night of the year is almost here! Join us at Berryhill Park on Tuesday, November 18 for the Holiday of Lights Lighting Ceremony!
🎄Festivities begin at 5:30PM — lights come on at 6PM sharp.
🎅Meet Santa, see a live reindeer (thanks to Henard Foothill Equipment), and enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and coffee from our generous sponsors.
🎙️ Special guests Barry Brandt from KATV Channel 7 and Heather Baker from AY Magazine and Arkansas Money & Politics will emcee the event!
Presenting Sponsor: Davidson Engineering
Cookie Sponsor: NorthStar EMS
Hot Chocolate Sponsor: Prime Care
Punch Sponsor: Cargile Auctions
Coffee Sponsor: 7 Brew
#HolidayOfLights #ExperienceSearcy
Harding University Lighting Ceremony
You are invited to campus for Harding’s holiday light display beginning with a lighting ceremony on Nov. 17, 2025 and continuing through New Year’s. A stroll around the front lawn is sure to brighten spirits during this beautiful season.
Peter and the Starcatcher
Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). A wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best-selling novels, the play was conceived for the stage by directors, Roger Rees and Alex Timbers, and written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair... and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.
Show Dates: November 13–16 & November 20–23
Pumpkins & Peppermints Holiday Craft Fair
Join us at the Carmichael Center on Saturday, November 8 from 9am to 3pm for the annual Holiday Craft Fair!
Fall & Christmas Decorations
Food
Elegant Jewelry
Gift Items (Birthday, Thanksgiving, & Christmas)
Pioneer Village Fall Open House
Admission is free, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Gather your friends and family for craft vendors, food, music and dancing.
November 1 & 2
1200 Veteran’s Blvd Searcy
Join us for a celebration of White County History! Experience the charm of our village on November 1 from 10am to 5pm and November 2 from 12pm to 3pm.
Enjoy special pioneer gospel singing on Sunday at noon. Don’t miss out on the culture festivities, farm animals, model trains, roasted peanuts, tractors and implements, and so much more.
Hero Halloween Hangout
Calling all kids! Get your costumes ready and head to the Carmichael Community Center on Halloween night for a spooktacular event!
Come Trick or Treat with our local heroes—our first responders will be there handing out candy!
Hero Trick or Treat: 5pm - 7pm
There will also be a costume contest and the winner will get to be on stage and help turn on the Christmas lights during the Holiday of Lights Lighting Ceremony!
It’s going to be a fun-filled evening of treats and Halloween fun. We can’t wait to see you there!
