Deltha Rhythm and Bayous Wellness Center opens downtown, and it’s ready to wow guests – KATV

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by Kylon Williams | Isley Gooden | Tyre White
PINE BLUFF, Ark. (KATV) — Downtown Pine Bluff is getting a new place to play, move and soak up some Delta culture, and it’s arriving just in time to serve as the backdrop for Juneteenth festivities.
The Delta Rhythm and Bayou Blues and Wellness Plaza is a new downtown space created to celebrate Delta music and give visitors and locals a spot to gather. Sherri Storie of Pine Bluff Advertising said the project began as “just an idea with Vice Chancellor Cotton from UAPB,” and was brought to the A&P Commission about three years ago.
“We jumped right on board because this fits within the focus of what our tourism mission is, as far as placing Pine Bluff as a destination for tourism as we start developing our culturally rich and diverse and inclusive experiences in Pine Bluff,” Storie said.
Storie said the plaza held its grand opening “the last week in February of 26.” The space includes a 100-foot wall mural created in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, with UAPB faculty and students helping with the work. The plaza also features banners honoring regional artists, interactive musical instruments for kids, pickleball courts, pingpong tables, workout equipment and a giant chess area.
“All of this will be activated on Friday,” Storie said.
That Friday activation ties into Juneteenth events planned downtown. Storie said the plaza is “the perfect backdrop for Juneteenth,” with live entertainment planned, including Lakeside. She said the festival will also include a street full of food trucks, table vendors and a kids’ zone with rides and activities.
“Everything is free, obviously. The food vendors, you can purchase your food from the food vendors, but admission is free, free live entertainment,” Storie said.
Attendance has been climbing. Storie said the event drew about 2,300 people in 2024 and grew to 2,800 people last year, with an even bigger crowd expected this year. She said the celebration has also been drawing visitors from neighboring states.
“It shows that Pine Bluff has assets that people may not be aware of,” Storie said, adding that the festival is also a boost for Main Street businesses, several of which will be open during the event.
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