Toad Suck Daze 2019 is coming right up, May 3rd through the 5th, in Conway, AR. This annual event attracts up to 150,000 visitors each year with live music, carnival rides, and of course, Toad Races!
Toad Suck Daze has been entertaining folks the first weekend of every May since 1982. What began as one man’s idea on how to forget the recession has become a beloved annual festival that attracts visitors from all over.
The event is named after a historic crossing on the Arkansas River, just outside of Conway. “Daze” was added as a play on the word “days” and to call out “the euphoria of spring.” The festival was originally held in Toad Suck Park but was moved to downtown Conway after spring flooding made the park unavailable one year.
The name “Toad Suck” itself, remains somewhat of a mystery. Theories abound as to the source. The most accepted theory is that, while steamboat crews waited for their loads to be transferred, they’d frequent a tavern on the spot and commence to “… suck on the bottle ’til they swell up like toads.”
Toad Suck Daze 2019
The three-day festival fills a full 8 city blocks in downtown Conway with all manner of entertainments and events.
Vendors will offer handmade arts and crafts, beverages, apparel, and – of course! – all manner of food on a stick. The festival includes a parade, live concerts, children’s activities, and a midway with carnival games and rides.
You can even meet Butch Patrick, TV’s Eddie Munster, who will be on hand with his Munster Coach and Dragula Tribute hot rods.
Toad Suck Daze Races
Of course, there will be toad races all weekend long under the Toad Dome. Those aren’t the only races during Toad Suck Daze, though.
Toad Suck Run & Tadpole Trot Saturday, May 4, 8am
The Toad Suck Run includes both a 10K and a 5K Run/Walk, plus a wheelchair event, and a Tadpole Trot for runners between the ages of 4-12. The 10K race is a Grand Prix Series Event. Learn more and register at www.toadsuckrun.com
Tour de Toad Saturday, May 4, 11am
The 12th Annual Tour de Toad offers cyclists the choice of three routes: a 10-mile, 20-mile route, or 40-Mile route. Tour de Toad kicks off from the Conway Municipal Airport at 11am, with a 9am registration and packet pick-up. Visit www.active.com for details and registration.
The Iron Toad
Those who complete both the Toad Suck Run and Tour de Toad will be awarded with a coveted, custom, Iron Toad medal!
Toad Suck Daze Festival 2019
May 3rd through the 5th, in downtown Conway, AR.
Learn more at www.toadsuck.org. You can also follow this event on Facebook.
Arkansas Lodging
No matter where you go during your Arkansas getaway, somewhere nearby, there’s an Arkansas bed and breakfast just waiting to show you some real southern hospitality. Comfy guestrooms, delicious breakfasts, and an insider’s knowledge of what there is to see and do in the area. Book your next stay at an Arkansas B&B!