Later this month, the eighth annual Oasis Arts & Eats Fest will take over Downtown Jonesboro, drawing close to 3,000 people to enjoy a vibrant Saturday full of art and crafts of all mediums, lively live music, delicious local food and a variety of kid-friendly activities.

First launched in 2018 and presented by The Foundation of Arts (FOA) in conjunction with the Downtown Jonesboro Alliance, the Department of Art + Design at Arkansas State University, Jonesboro Radio Group and the NEA Artist Collective, Oasis Arts & Eats Fest (Oasis) has established itself as one of the largest festivals in the area. Organizers of this year’s Oasis expect more than 100 vendors to fill Main Street and beyond.

“This event has grown into truly a staple event for downtown,” said Downtown Jonesboro Alliance (DJA) Executive Director Sarah Doss. “People ask about it and look forward to it all year. It is a unique festival because it highlights all of our downtown restaurants through the tasting contests, as well as brings in more regional artists than any other festival we host.

“I love to take a break from working and stroll down Main Street to see all of the amazing artists. Each year our artists seem to get more and more diverse. I bring home fun new art every single year and look forward to seeing what amazing piece or pieces I will be able to snag this year.”

Main Street will be closed to allow attendees to walk safely and freely among the booths, which will also overflow into Rotary Centennial Plaza and parts of Huntington Avenue. Artists, nonprofit organizations and restaurants will be spread throughout the area, which will also feature two main stages for musicians — a Country Corner for local acoustic artists and bands on Centennial Rotary Plaza stage, including the 2025 featured guest artist, Memphis’ Steve Selvidge. Many Downtown Jonesboro retailers and restaurants will also be participating.

“DJA plays a fun role in this festival because we get to sort of take a backseat,” said Doss. “The FOA really shines in hosting this festival, and we get to play a supporting role. We cover the kids’ zone and help facilitate the logistics of hosting events downtown while being heavily involved in the promotion efforts.

“Stephanie (Epps) has come on board as the executive director of The Foundation of Arts, and it has been such a joy to work with her and get her integrated into downtown. She is a rockstar at her job and brings such great new perspectives to these events. I can’t wait to see how she continues to mold and shape things at The FOA.”

Epps says she is looking forward to her first Oasis and is thankful for the lead role that FOA’s marketing director, Meridith Pierce, has played in the organization of the growing festival.

“The Foundation of Arts is thrilled to be hosting our eighth annual Oasis Arts & Eats Festival,” said Epps. “It’s particularly exciting for me, as it will be my first one since joining The FOA staff in May of 2024. We’re so grateful for the ongoing partnership with DJA, A-State Art & Design, The Solutions Group and Jonesboro Media Group helping to make this one of NEA’s largest and most anticipated festivals.”

Pierce, who serves as The FOA’s representative in the planning of Oasis, is also the food truck/restaurant committee chair and heads up event marketing.

“This year is looking to be bigger and better than ever,” said Pierce. “In addition to all the amazing handmade items and delicious foods, we will have plenty of fun, free options for kids and families, including the petting zoo we introduced last year, The Craighead County Library Book Mobile and, of course, the always popular inflatables, plus face painting, balloon art and pony rides for an additional fee.

“Our friends at Memphis Travel are also returning once again with some amazing music to add to our line-up, as well as some Little Rock vendors jumping in. I love that people from all around our region and beyond are taking note and wanting to be a part. And let’s not forget our event sponsor, Ramsons Arts Partnership, will be bringing a super fun interactive photo booth for festival goers.”

The festival’s extensive silent auction will take place in the newly renovated Stage, Too venue. All the new additions, along with a growing attendance that organizers say was aided by last year’s solar eclipse that same weekend, continue to add layers to what is featured at Oasis.

“The very first Oasis was hosted indoors at a handful of participating downtown businesses where artists were on display with featured musicians,” said Pierce. “Present day Oasis looks vastly different, sprawling the length of Main Street to encompass all things arts from visual, (to) performance, to culinary.

“The Oasis festival is unique in that we celebrate artisans of all crafts, giving them an outlet to showcase their creativity and talents. Downtown businesses are an important component of our event because they have the opportunity to be major players and highlight their special qualities through their participation. All of downtown benefits from the massive increase in foot traffic and customers brought directly to our home turf.”

Pierce says she most enjoys the aspect of collaborating with so many dedicated people to bring the event to life.

“It is truly a team effort and a labor of love for Jonesboro and downtown,” she said. “The FOA strives to improve the quality of life of our community through the arts, and this is just one of many ways we are able to do so. There is nothing quite like the thrill of strolling up and down Main Street after a hectic morning of set up and last-minute troubleshooting and experiencing the sights and sounds of the bustling crowds and vendors. This truly brings me joy and a renewed sense of appreciation for community and creativity in all its forms.”

Pierce, who has long been a champion for Downtown Jonesboro, says the contributions of Oasis to downtown and the arts have been significant.
“As a lifelong resident of Jonesboro, I’m proud of the cultural growth that I have witnessed over the past four decades, particularly in the downtown area,” said Pierce. “Oasis began because, at the time, our area was considered a desert for arts festivals. Fast forward to today, and I believe we have successfully created a vibrant arts Oasis, right on our front doorstep.”

For more information about Oasis Arts & Eats Fest, which will take place in Downtown Jonesboro on April 26 from noon to 6 p.m., visit oasisfest.org. Admission is free.

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Oasis Film & Digital Media Fest

The other half of Oasis, the Film and Digital Media Fest, will return to Downtown Jonesboro’s The Foundation of Arts on April 11-13, promising attendees and participants an exciting weekend of cinema, creativity and hands-on experiences.

Friday, April 11: Free Community Screening – Attendees can participate in an engaging evening where film meets science. Watch twisters on the big screen, then stay for an insightful discussion with the Region8 Storm Team as they break down what Hollywood gets right and wrong about storm safety and meteorology.

Saturday, April 12: Horror Film & Discussion – Dive into the art of fear with a spine-tingling screening and expert panel discussion.

All weekend: Hands-On Workshops – Whether attendees dream of being in front of the camera or behind the scenes, there is something for everyone. Learn from industry pros with sessions on:

• Acting techniques

• Special effects makeup

• Breaking into VFX & production careers

• Prop-making for film & theater

Find the full schedule and more at oasisfest.org/film.