Things to Do in Conway, Arkansas — The Complete Local Guide

Conway, Arkansas offers one of the most balanced lifestyles in Central Arkansas, combining outdoor recreation, a walkable downtown, a growing dining scene, year-round community events, family-friendly attractions, and easy access to lakes, trails, and cultural venues. This guide by one of the Best Conway Realtors® Ashley Watters covers the best things to do in Conway — from Lake Conway and Tucker Creek Trail to downtown festivals, local restaurants, arts, nightlife, and activities that make Conway a top place to live, visit, and buy a home.

Ashley Watters – eXp Realty
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Why Conway Is Quietly One of Arkansas’ Best “Lifestyle Cities”

Conway hits that rare balance: it feels like a real community with a strong hometown identity, but it also has the energy of a growing city. You can spend a Saturday morning strolling downtown, grab lunch at a local spot, and still be on a trail or near the water by late afternoon—without driving all over the place.

If you’re exploring a move here, start with Conway homes for sale and pair it with the Living in Conway guide so your home search matches your lifestyle (not the other way around).

Downtown Conway — Culture, Dining & Community Life

Downtown Conway is the social and cultural heartbeat of the city. Centered around the historic courthouse square, this area blends local restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and event spaces into a walkable environment that attracts residents of all ages.

Key experiences include live music nights, seasonal festivals, art walks, and weekend farmers markets. Downtown Conway plays a major role in why many buyers choose homes near Midtown Conway and Village at Hendrix, where lifestyle convenience matters as much as housing.

Walk the Square + “Do a Downtown Loop”

A perfect downtown loop looks like this:

  • Start with coffee and a slow walk

  • Browse local shops and gift boutiques

  • Grab lunch or a late brunch

  • End with dessert or a casual dinner

This is also why many buyers love being close to downtown when they’re looking at Conway neighborhoods and communities your weekends get easier when your “fun zone” is five minutes away.

Events, Pop-Ups, and Seasonal Weekends

Downtown shines during seasonal weekends—vendors, live music, family-friendly activities, and community gatherings that give Conway its identity. If you’re relocating and want a city with “stuff happening,” Conway delivers.

For buyers comparing areas, this is often where Conway wins over nearby options: it’s not just a place to live—it’s a place that feels alive.

Outdoor Recreation & Nature in Conway

One of Conway’s biggest advantages is immediate access to outdoor activities without sacrificing city convenience. You can get more infonformation about this from the Conway market report

Lake Conway — Fishing, Boating & Relaxation

Lake Conway is one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States and a major outdoor destination for fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Residents often choose nearby properties specifically for weekend lake access and quiet surroundings.

Beaverfork Lake & North Conway Outdoor Living

Beaverfork Lake offers a quieter alternative with trails, picnic areas, and community recreation facilities. This area is especially popular with families and buyers looking for space without leaving Conway city limits.

  • North Conway neighborhoods 

Tucker Creek Trail & Conway Parks

Tucker Creek Trail connects multiple parks, neighborhoods, and commercial areas, making it one of the most important lifestyle features in Conway. Residents use it daily for walking, running, biking, and outdoor fitness.

Arts, Education & Cultural Attractions

Conway’s identity as a college town gives it cultural depth that far exceeds its size.

Hendrix College, UCA & Campus Events

Hendrix College and the University of Central Arkansas bring lectures, performances, sporting events, and art exhibits open to the public. These institutions are a major reason Conway attracts professionals, educators, and relocating families.

Local Art, Music & Theater

From community theater productions to live music downtown, Conway offers consistent cultural programming throughout the year. These events contribute directly to Conway’s reputation as one of the most livable cities in Central Arkansas.

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Conway

Conway is widely regarded as one of the most family-friendly cities in Arkansas.

Popular activities include:

  • City parks and playgrounds

  • Youth sports leagues

  • Splash pads and seasonal events

  • Community festivals and parades

Families often prioritize Conway for its combination of activities, schools, and neighborhood design.

Dining, Breweries & Nightlife

Conway’s food scene has expanded rapidly, offering everything from local diners to upscale dining and craft breweries.

Restaurants & Local Favorites

Downtown and West Conway host a growing list of restaurants that attract both locals and visitors. Food culture plays a major role in Conway’s weekend and evening activity patterns.

Breweries, Coffee Shops & Social Spots

Local breweries, coffee shops, and casual hangouts give Conway an active but approachable nightlife that appeals to professionals, college crowds, and families alike.

Shopping & Local Markets

From boutique shopping downtown to national retailers throughout Conway, residents enjoy convenience without the congestion of larger metro areas. Seasonal farmers markets further reinforce the community-first feel.

Annual Events & Seasonal Festivals

Conway hosts recurring events throughout the year including:

  • Spring and fall festivals

  • Holiday parades

  • Outdoor concerts

  • Community runs and charity events

These events are a major factor for buyers evaluating quality of life.

Why Things to Do Matter When Buying a Home in Conway

Lifestyle amenities directly influence home values, neighborhood demand, and long-term satisfaction. Buyers searching Conway homes for sale consistently cite outdoor access, events, dining, and walkability as reasons they chose this city over others in Central Arkansas.

Work With a Local Expert Who Knows Conway Lifestyle

The best “things to do” guide is the one that helps you buy smarter—because lifestyle should drive your neighborhood decision.

If you want a clear plan, start here:

FAQs — Things to Do in Conway, Arkansas

Is Conway good for outdoor activities?

Yes. Conway offers lakes, trails, parks, and outdoor recreation options that rival much larger cities.

Does Conway have a downtown area?

Yes. Downtown Conway is active year-round with dining, events, and local businesses.

Is Conway family-friendly?

Very. Families are drawn to Conway for schools, parks, youth activities, and community events.

Are there cultural and arts activities in Conway?

Yes. Colleges, theaters, galleries, and live music provide consistent cultural programming.