Historic Washington State Park announces the annual summer concert series Music in the Park with the theme “Celebrating America.” Free concerts will be held in June, July, and August on the 1874 Courthouse lawn. This year America celebrates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Listen to mixtures of Americana music over the years from the 19th century to the present. Join the community as they did in the past to enjoy evenings of great musical entertainment at Historic Washington State Park. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m.Concert Lineup: June 20—Frontier Brigade BandFrontier Brigade Band is from the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. They seek to preserve the musical heritage of America's oldest and most prestigious military bands. The Frontier Brigade Band performs music compositions and arrangements from The American Brass Band Movement (1840-1880). Learn more at www.frontierbrigadeband.com.    July 3—Stewart FamilyThe Stewart Family is a family band from Many, Louisiana that plays a variety of American and bluegrass music. Come and enjoy as they take you through several favorites of Americana string music. This evening will be part of entire weekend of American 250 celebrations at the park. August 15—McWilliams Family and Music CompetitionMcWilliams Family Band is a local family from Southwest Arkansas that plays a mixture of Americana folk and bluegrass music. They have entertained neighbors and friends alike at church gatherings and community events. They also run the Gap Mercantile Store in Caddo Gap, Arkansas. Learn more at https://www.facebook.com/gapmercantile/. In addition, we will host a competition allowing musicians and soloists to compose and perform their own original work with some aspect of “America” and its 250 year history as the topic. Area judges will award prizes at the end of the evening for 1st place--$500, 2nd place-- $300, and 3rd place -- $200. Applications for the contest can be received by calling the Park Visitor Center at 870-983-2684. Applications to perform must be postmarked by August 1, 2026. The event is supported in part by City of Washington Tourism, Bobbie Arnold Atkinson Foundation, Tyson Foods, Farmers Bank and Trust, Lagrone Williams Hardware, Washington Grace Cottage, Hempstead County Historical Society, and Historic Washington State Park.

President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace National Historic Site will host an “Evening of Jazz.” This free event will take place on the stage of the Klipsch Museum, with food trucks available on-site. This year, the jazz ensemble from Louisiana State University will perform alongside musicians from Hope High School. Bring your favorite camping chair and enjoy this musical treat.In the event of inclement weather, please contact the park. The alternate location will be the auditorium at City Hall.

"Taste of Hope" is Hope Downtown Network's signature event. It takes place every year on the first Saturday in October. The event spotlights and showcases restaurants and eateries throughout Hope and Hempstead County. Activities include, Bingo, Mural Painting, Auction, and Voting for the next HDN project. The 4th Annual Taste of Hope theme and all theme-driven activities will be announced at a later date.