Arkansas State University-Beebe has announced its 2026-27 Performing Arts Series, featuring nationally recognized musicians, distinguished speakers, theater productions, art exhibitions and community events throughout the academic year.
The series offers opportunities for students and community members to experience live performances, lectures and exhibitions while showcasing the talents of ASU-Beebe students, faculty and guest artists.
"We're excited to offer another outstanding season that brings nationally recognized performers and speakers to our campus while also celebrating the incredible talent of our students and faculty," said Andrea Cole, associate vice chancellor of institutional advancement. "The Performing Arts Series has become an important part of our mission to enrich the educational experience while serving the communities across our region."
The season opens Thursday, Aug. 27, with a free outdoor concert featuring Arkansas musician Wyly Bigger during Back to Beebe Bash in The Grove on the Beebe campus. Great Western Dining Services will provide complimentary food and drinks from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
The fall schedule continues Oct. 1 with artist Robert Townsend, whose visit includes a screening of the award-winning documentary โMy Indiana Museโ followed by a lecture exploring his artistic process and the inspiration behind his work. On Dec. 9, audiences can experience Tomรกseen Foley's โA Celtic Christmas,โ an Irish holiday production featuring traditional music, dance and storytelling.
The spring semester begins Jan. 28, 2027, with Dave Digs Disney & Princess Party, featuring a family-friendly princess party followed by a concert celebrating Disney classics through jazz-inspired arrangements. Historian Dr. John A. Kirk will present a lecture on Feb. 15, and Coach Ken Carter will close the featured lecture series on April 22 with a presentation on leadership, accountability, education and teamwork following a screening of โCoach Carter.โ
Beyond the featured performances, the series includes productions by the ASU-Beebe Theatre Department, a music showcase highlighting student musicians and performers, improv and black box theatre performances, exhibitions in the England Center Art Gallery, educational programs through the Abington Library Series and community events such as Makers Days, the annual Community Tree Lighting and the Vanguard Renaissance Faire.
Together, the events reflect the college's commitment to providing cultural and educational opportunities that enrich campus life and serve the surrounding communities. Proceeds from designated community events support the ASU-Beebe Student Emergency Hope Fund, which assists students facing unexpected financial hardships.
The 2026-27 Performing Arts Series is made possible through the generous support of Stallion Transportation Group, Eoff & Associates, First Community Bank, First Electric Cooperative, Connect2First, ArkansasRadio.com, Debbie Elgen, financial advisor with Edward Jones, Barbara House and Great Western Dining Services.
Several events throughout the season, including the Wyly Bigger concert, gallery exhibitions, library programs and many community events, are free and open to the public.
Tickets for featured performances are $15 for general admission and $10 for educators, military personnel, K-12 students and seniors aged 60 and older. Admission to ASU-Beebe theatre productions is $5, and tickets for the Princess Party are $25.
To view the 2026-2027 Performing Arts Series schedule or to purchase tickets, visit https://www.asub.edu/performing-arts/.
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