Explore the scenic and historic landscapes of Helena, Arkansas at the Delta Outdoor Festival – a celebration that brings together cycling, running, birding, and paddling. This festival is more than just an outdoor adventure; it's a vibrant community event that highlights the rich history and natural beauty of this Mississippi River town. Join in on Friday for pre-event activities starting from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM with social spin rides (10-25 miles, mixed route) and running tours through Helena’s historic murals and Civil War sites. Enjoy an evening filled with art and live music at Delta Dirt (430 Cherry St). For those looking for a bit more excitement, head over to Clarksdale's Juke Joint Festival. Saturday is the main event day, beginning early in Kelley Courtyard (415 Cherry St) where you can check-in from 8:00 AM. The Low Road Marathon kicks off at 9:00 AM, taking runners through rolling gravel roads and mixed hardwood forests to Helena via spring-fed bayous – a route that promises both scenic views and challenging terrain. For cyclists, the day offers multiple options including road cycling routes (check RideWithGPS for details), half marathon, 5K, and Mural Mile races. The Low Road Cycling event allows you to choose your adventure level from flat paths to more rugged gravel roads. After the race, unwind at a community bike celebration with grilling by Helena Fire Department. Saturday evening features live music headlined by Will Coppage, known for his blend of cinematic indie storytelling and raw emotional energy. Don't miss out on the raffle draw; tickets are available for a chance to win a Specialized Sirrus X 2.0 valued at $850 (tickets here). Sunday is dedicated to nature lovers with guided birdbiking tours starting early morning from Delta Dirt, followed by birding basics and habitat walks around Storm Creek Lake Nature Trailhead. For those who prefer something more active, the Buck Island Canoe Adventure offers a 12-3 PM kayaking experience. The festival also includes a pedal and paddle tour led by Delta Heritage Trail park interpreters, covering an 8-mile bike ride followed by a guided kayak session on Old Town Lake. Watercolor sessions are available for artists at Bear Creek Day Use Area during the afternoon (free). Experience the unique rolling topography of this region with its rugged hills and hardwood forests. The historic farming communities offer rich blues music and cultural heritage, creating an adventure that feels like a true expedition. Why Helena? This festival is not just about outdoor activities; it's part of a broader mission to reinvent rural Arkansas through community impact and economic growth strategies focused on heritage tourism and the arts. It’s a place where miles and meaning meet, making this event truly unique in its setting and purpose. For participants, bring your own hydration gear as routes are unmarked. Zero waste is encouraged; use reusable cups or hydration packs. Aid stations will be available at key points along the route for support during long distances. The festival partners with local organizations like The Ride Conway to ensure a successful event and community engagement. Whether you're an avid cyclist, runner, birder, or paddler, Delta Outdoor Festival offers something special that connects you deeply with this historic region's soul.
Races Offered
Friday Options (4/10) - Casual Group Ride (FREE)
Apr 09, 2027
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Friday Options (4/10) - Casual Group Ride (FREE)
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277 days remaining
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$0.00
Friday Options (4/10) - Casual Group Run (FREE)
Apr 09, 2027
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Friday Options (4/10) - Casual Group Run (FREE)
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277 days remaining
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$0.00
SATURDAY (4/10) -- RIDE - 4 PERSON TEAM - GRAVEL (save $40)
Apr 09, 2027
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SATURDAY (4/10) -- RIDE - 4 PERSON TEAM - GRAVEL (save $40)
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277 days remaining
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$159.99
SATURDAY (4/10) -- RIDE - 4 PERSON TEAM - ROAD (save $40)
Apr 09, 2027
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SATURDAY (4/10) -- RIDE - 4 PERSON TEAM - ROAD (save $40)
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277 days remaining
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$159.99
SATURDAY (4/10) -- RIDE - GRAVEL
Apr 09, 2027
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SATURDAY (4/10) -- RIDE - GRAVEL
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$49.99
SATURDAY (4/10) -- RIDE - ROAD
Apr 09, 2027
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SATURDAY (4/10) -- RIDE - ROAD
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$49.99
SATURDAY (4/10) -- RUN / WALK - 5k
Apr 09, 2027
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SATURDAY (4/10) -- RUN / WALK - 5k
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$19.97
SATURDAY (4/10) -- RUN / WALK - Half-Marathon
Apr 09, 2027
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SATURDAY (4/10) -- RUN / WALK - Half-Marathon
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$24.97
SATURDAY (4/10) -- RUN / WALK - Marathon
Apr 09, 2027
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SATURDAY (4/10) -- RUN / WALK - Marathon
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277 days remaining
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$49.99
SATURDAY (4/10) -- RUN / WALK - Mural Mile
Apr 09, 2027
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SATURDAY (4/10) -- RUN / WALK - Mural Mile
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$9.97
SATURDAY (4/11) -- RELAX -- HOSPITALITY & MUSIC ONLY TICKETS - HOSPITALITY & MUSIC ONLY
Apr 09, 2027
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SATURDAY (4/11) -- RELAX -- HOSPITALITY & MUSIC ONLY TICKETS - HOSPITALITY & MUSIC ONLY
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277 days remaining
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$29.99
Sunday Opportunities (4/11) - Casual Group Ride (FREE)
Apr 09, 2027
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Sunday Opportunities (4/11) - Casual Group Ride (FREE)
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277 days remaining
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$0.00
Sunday Opportunities (4/11) - Casual Group Run (FREE)
Apr 09, 2027
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Sunday Opportunities (4/11) - Casual Group Run (FREE)
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277 days remaining
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$0.00
Sunday Opportunities (4/11) - DIY Mississippi River Float
Apr 09, 2027
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Sunday Opportunities (4/11) - DIY Mississippi River Float
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Sunday Opportunities (4/11) - Guided Birding Basics Hike - Storm Creek Lake Nature Trailhead (FREE)
Apr 09, 2027
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Sunday Opportunities (4/11) - Guided Birding Basics Hike - Storm Creek Lake Nature Trailhead (FREE)
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Helena-West Helena.
thermostatTemperature
13.4° / 22.7°
wb_sunnyFeels like
11.3° / 21.1°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
9h 6m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
7.5 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
13.4 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (5.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
70.3%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:29
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Sunset
19:34
About Helena-West Helena
Learn more about the host city, Helena-West Helena.
Helena–West Helena is the county seat of and the largest city within Phillips County, Arkansas, United States. The current city was consolidated, effective January 1, 2006, from the two Arkansas cities of Helena and West Helena. Helena is sited on lowlands between the Mississippi River and the eastern side of Crowley's Ridge. West Helena is located on the western side of Crowley's Ridge, a geographic anomaly in the typically flat Arkansas Delta. The Helena Bridge, one of Arkansas's four Mississippi River bridges, carries U.S. Route 49 across to Mississippi. The combined population of the two cities was 15,012 at the 2000 census and at the 2010 census, the official population was 12,282.
