Date: August 15th, 2025

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As we gear up for a fantastic weekend, our vibrant NWA community is alive with joyful energy! From the wild fun of the Banana Ball World Tour hitting Baum-Walker Stadium to inspiring outdoor programs and major infrastructure boosts, there's so much to celebrate. Brought to you in part by 1440 Media Newsletter.

In today’s NWA Today:

Daily NWA Trivia: What Missouri senator, who never lived in Arkansas, is Benton County, Bentonville, and the town of Benton named after? (Answer at the end of the newsletter)

Let’s dive in!

— Andrew E

Sponsored by 1440 Media

Excitement is building in Fayetteville as the Party Animals, a lively exhibition baseball team from Savannah, Georgia, bring their "Greatest Party in Sports" to Baum-Walker Stadium for the Banana Ball World Tour on August 15-16, 2025. This family-friendly spectacle reimagines baseball with a circus-like flair, featuring fast-paced games under unique "banana ball" rules that keep the energy high and the fun nonstop.

Highlights include a strict two-hour game limit, no bunts or walks allowed, batters stealing first base on wild pitches, fans catching foul balls for outs, and a dramatic showdown tiebreaker if scores are even. Choreographed dances, joyful celebrations, and interactive elements invite the whole community to join in the merriment, creating unforgettable memories for all ages. As part of the Arkansas Razorbacks' hosting, this event promises to unite locals in a celebration of sport and entertainment, fostering community spirit in Northwest Arkansas.

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Discover the joy of archery at a free introductory session on August 23 at the Game and Fish Fort Smith Nature Center. Expert guidance covers bow types and techniques, with all equipment provided for hands-on practice. Ideal for beginners eager to try a new skill in a supportive, outdoor environment.

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Explore the fascinating world of Arkansas snakes at a free program on August 23 at the Springdale Hunt Family Nature Center. Learn identification, ecological roles, and safe appreciation of these creatures, including venomous species. This engaging session fosters respect for wildlife and enhances nature knowledge for families.

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Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area seeks enthusiastic volunteers for youth nature programs at the visitor center. With training provided, help inspire the next generation through morning sessions a few times monthly. This rewarding role strengthens community bonds and promotes environmental education in NWA's beautiful settings.

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The ARDOT is advancing connectivity with a $282.5 million bridge project over the Arkansas River in Barling, starting August 22 and completing by 2029. Funded by federal and state sources, this first of four I-49 extensions will create a vital north-south corridor, improving safety, efficiency, and regional links from Canada to the Gulf Coast, benefiting NWA communities with enhanced transportation and economic opportunities.

Visit

Benton County is investing $2 million to deliver clean water to about 120 residents in the southwestern area, including 40 households, businesses, and a church. Supported by a $1 million grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, this initiative promotes community health, supports local enterprises, and facilitates growth by addressing essential infrastructure needs in a collaborative effort.

Visit

SOAR NWA 2025 Hot Air Balloon Festival Day 1 - Benton County Fairgrounds, Bentonville - 5:00-10:00 PM hot air balloon glows, circus performers, kids zone, food trucks, car exhibit

Senior Social Hour - Pea Ridge Community Library, Pea Ridge - 1:00-2:00 PM social gathering for older adults

SOAR NWA 2025 Hot Air Balloon Festival Day 2 - Benton County Fairgrounds, Bentonville - 5:00-10:00 PM balloon glows, entertainment, tethered rides weather permitting

Suncatcher Making - Pea Ridge Community Library, Pea Ridge - 10:00 AM-1:00 PM arts and crafts workshop

Fayetteville Farmers Market - Downtown Fayetteville Square, Fayetteville - 7:00 AM-2:00 PM extended Saturday hours at Arkansas's oldest farmers market

Bentonville Farmers Market & Art Market - Downtown Bentonville Square, Bentonville - 7:30 AM-1:00 PM 130+ vendors plus concurrent art market

Rogers Local Food and Art Market - Frisco Plaza at Railyard Park, Rogers - 8:00 AM-1:00 PM locally grown foods and artisan crafts

Springdale Farmers Market - Jones Center, Springdale - 8:00 AM-12:00 PM produce, baked goods, honey, crafts operating since 1997

Siloam Springs Farmers Market - Memorial Park, Siloam Springs - 8:00 AM-12:00 PM producer-only market with live music and Kids' Day activities

Pollinator Garden Workshop - Fayetteville Public Library, Fayetteville - 11:00 AM educational workshop with Claudia Vilato from WILD Integrated Landscape Design

Small Dog Sundays! at Good Dog Cafe - Good Dog Cafe, Fayetteville - 3:00 PM-4:00 PM off-leash park exclusively for small dogs

AR Roller Skate Crew - Annual Swimsuit Rollout - Fayetteville - 6:00 PM themed skate event for all skill levels

Back To School - Breakfast on the Square - The Bentonville Square, Bentonville - 10:00 AM-12:00 PM community breakfast celebrating new school year

Mimosa Fest (Final Day) - Nomads Trailside, Fayetteville - All Day continued celebration with over 100 mimosa flavors

Go Nuts or Go Home XC & Enduro - Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Bentonville - All Day competitive mountain bike racing

Pilates Strength & Stretch - Eureka Springs - Wellness class

Drop-in Artmaking - Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville - 1:00-4:00 PM creative activities for all ages

Bella Vista Farmers Market - 1 Mercy Way, Bella Vista - 8:00 AM-1:00 PM fresh locally sourced produce, fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, breads, honey, and handmade crafts

Razorback senior John Daly II shone at the 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship, securing victories in the round of 32 and 16 to advance to the quarterfinals, showcasing his skill and determination. Meanwhile, softball head coach Courtney Deifel elevated assistants Matt Meuchel and DJ Gasso to associate head coaches, strengthening the team for the upcoming season. Additionally, redshirt senior QB Taylen Green earned a spot on the Manning Award preseason watch list, highlighting his potential as one of the nation's top quarterbacks.  

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NWA Naturals

Fireworks tonight by Seapak on obscure jersey night with a bullpen party (5:45 - 6:45 PM)

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DaBaby ($) *JJ's Live, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Major hip-hop event featuring chart-topping rapper DaBaby bringing his high-energy performance and catalog of viral hits to the state-of-the-art JJ's Live stage.

Big Time Rush with Katelyn Tarver ($) *Walmart AMP, Rogers | 7:00 PM Massive pop-rock show featuring boy band icons Big Time Rush with their beloved hits and energetic choreography, supported by sophisticated adult alternative pop of Katelyn Tarver.

Happy Hour: Oreo Blue + No Vacancy ($) *George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Legendary Friday Happy Hour continues with two NWA favorites offering perfect start to the weekend with mix of rock, blues, and soul from seasoned performers.

Nik Parr & the Selfless Lovers with Drew Hutson Rogers ($) *Railyard Live, Rogers | 7:30 PM High-octane performance of piano-driven roots rock from Austin's Nik Parr & the Selfless Lovers, known for incredible showmanship blending soul, funk, and blues.

Jon Dooly (Free) *Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery, Springdale | 6:00 PM Relaxing evening of live music featuring mix of 90s-influenced originals and covers, fusing rock, folk, and pop perfect for sipping wine on the patio.

LIVE KARAOKE NIGHT (Free) *The Music Depot, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Weekly karaoke night offering fun, supportive atmosphere for singers of all skill levels in the heart of the Bentonville arts district.

Anvil Fest ($) *The Momentary (RØDE House), Bentonville | 7:00 PM Cornerstone event for NWA music scene showcasing curated lineup of regional and national artists spanning indie, rock, and electronic genres at the contemporary arts hub.

David Cross ($) *JJ's Live, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Evening of sharp, alternative comedy from a legend of the genre, bringing his iconic and influential stand-up to a premier venue.

CHKLS & FINIX ($) *Prairie Street Live, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM Intriguing electronic or indie show at one of Fayetteville's most eclectic outdoor venues, offering modern, possibly experimental sound for the local scene.

Covington Creek with Salon Blonde, Malibu Moon ($) *Railyard Live, Rogers | 7:30 PM Triple bill of regional rock talent featuring Covington Creek delivering powerful Southern rock sound with diverse evening of local and regional bands.

Erin Detherage (Free) *Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery, Springdale | 6:00 PM Known locally as "Dr. Shred," bringing formidable guitar skills and versatile voice with dynamic performance blending rock, pop, and country covers and originals.

JukeBoxx Party Band (Free) *Basin Spring Park, Eureka Springs | 6:00 PM Part of free summer concert series delivering high-energy show of Top 40 hits spanning soul, rock, country, and pop for fun, family-friendly evening.

Anvil Fest - Day 2 ($) *The Momentary (RØDE House), Bentonville | 7:00 PM Conclusion of the two-day music festival continuing diverse lineup of artists, solidifying The Momentary's reputation as key destination for contemporary music lovers.

Thomas Hart Benton!

Got a favorite spot in town or an event we missed? Email us at [email protected]—this is our newsletter!

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