Fast Forward

Things to do next week and next month

NEXT WEEK

CRACKLE: The nation’s birthday celebrations get going a little early this year. One of the pre- Independence Day festivities is 4th of July

Weekend in the Park at Queen Wilhelmina State Park near Mena with family activities, watermelon and ice cream, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. July 1. Call (479) 394-2863 or visit queenwilhelmina.com. Heber Springs hosts a

Fireworks Extravaganza with music and children’s activities starting at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. July 1. Admission is free but parking is $10. Call (501) 362-2444 or visit heber-springs.com. For more, visit arkansas.com.

NEXT MONTH

CACKLE: Comedian Jim Gaffigan yuks it up on his Noble Ape Tour, 8 p.m. July 23 at First Security Amphitheatre, Little Rock. Tickets are $24-$195. Call (800) 745-3000 or visit ticketmaster.com.