Walton Arts Center

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Creative & Classic Performances Create Fun for the Whole Family

Beloved and heart-warming classics are combined with timely new productions in our Kimberly-Clark Family Fun Series this season. For the adult who never wants to grow up and the kids who are growing up too fast, bring the whole family and experience live theater together for an unforgettable experience.


Trike Theatre's

Peter Pan

Nov. 2-10 | 8 Performances

For more than 100 years, the classic tale of Peter Pan has enchanted us all. J.M. Barrie's most famous work tells the story of magical Peter, who comes to hear the bedtime stories of Mrs. Darling as she tucks her children into bed each night. One night, Peter loses his shadow and after Wendy Darling re-attaches the shadow in exchange for a kiss, Peter becomes entranced by Wendy. Convincing Wendy and her three brothers, Peter takes them on a journey to Neverland – a magical world of pirates, fairies and a gang of boys destined to stay young forever.

Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet's

The Nutcracker

Nov. 23-25 | 4 Performances

Rediscover the magic of one of the most popular Christmas stories of all time, The Nutcracker. As the clock strikes midnight, the adventure of a lifetime begins.

Watch Clara battle the evil Mouse King, fall in love with her dashing Nutcracker prince and find herself on a storybook journey that will take her into the heart of a timeless fairytale. This breathtaking production features Canada’s premiere ballet company, local children, and a magical Tchaikovsky score gloriously showcased by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and accompanied by a live choir whose voices soar as Clara and her Prince begin their journey.

All performances of The Nutcracker will feature dancers from the Northwest Arkansas area, selected by a representative of Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

LOCAL AUDITIONS! We’re looking for young actors (7-15 years) to audition for Children’s Roles in this year’s Nutcracker performances at Walton Arts Center! Click here for more information and a registration form.

The Snowman: A Family Concert

Sunday, Dec. 16

The family favorite Northwest Arkansas holiday tradition returns! Join us for the 4th annual screening of the 1982 Academy Award®-nominated film The Snowman, based on Raymond Briggs’ classic children’s book of the same name.

This film about a snowman who comes to life has won the hearts of families around the world for 40 years. SoNA musicians, performing under the baton of acclaimed Music Director Paul Haas, will bring to life the film’s extraordinary score along with other holiday favorites in an afternoon that is sure to enchant your whole family.

Best for ages 8+

Air Play

Thursday, March 8

Ride the wind and dream with Air Play, a modern spectacle that brings to life the very air we breathe.

Air Play artists have performed in over 20 countries, competed in international circus festivals, juggled on Letterman, starred on the Big Apple Circus and were featured in The New York Times. A circus-style adventure, Air Play is the story of two siblings who journey through a surreal land of air, transforming the ordinary into objects of uncommon beauty. Fabrics dance in the wind, balloons have a mind of their own, confetti turn into the night sky and an enormous canopy of hovering silk forever alters their future. Combining contemporary circus with street performance art and sculpture, this poetic ode to childhood will enchant and electrify the young and the young at heart.

Best for ages 5+

Terrapin Puppet Theatre's

You and Me and the Space Between

Thursday, March 28

Part play, part picture book and all wondrous fun! A magical story of an adventurous girl unfolds as an illustrator draws the pictures live in front of our eyes.

When the island of Proud Circle springs a leak, its citizens must find a way to stop their home from disappearing! It takes the wondering mind of a child to save the island, its people and their ways.

Storytelling, choreographed projections and live drawn animation explore the plight of refugees fleeing environmental change through the eyes of a child. Step inside a picture book with an artist and storyteller, amidst a paper set that’s cut, ripped, patched and manipulated live to create a world of play.

Best for ages 7+