Date: September 29th, 2025
Happy Monday, Northwest Arkansas! 🎉
TOGETHER WITH Local Mail Billboard
October is almost here in Northwest Arkansas. The Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally is gearing up in Rogers, promising charity fun and community vibes for everyone, bikers or not. We've got hospital expansions, school honors, and business moves to celebrate too.
In today’s NWA Today:
🚨 Top Story: Bikes, Blues & BBQ Returns to NWA
🌟 NWA Digest: Community Bites
🏪 Local Business: NWA’s Business Buzz
📅 Upcoming Events: Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville
☀️ Weather: NWA Forecast
🏈 Sports: Razorback Update
🎵 Live Music and Entertainment
Daily NWA Trivia: What unusual animal served as the Arkansas Razorbacks' mascot before the hog was adopted in 1909? (Answer at the end of the newsletter)
Let’s dive in!
— Andrew E


Bikes, Blues & BBQ Returns to NWA
Sponsored by Local Mail Billboard
The NWA community is gearing up for the annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally, kicking off in Rogers from September 30 to October 4! This uplifting event, now in its fourth year in the city, draws 325,000 to 350,000 attendees from across the nation, nearly doubling vendors and displays for an even more inclusive experience. From local charities and raffles to motorcycle enthusiasts and family-friendly lifestyle booths, there's something for everyone—even non-bikers! Highlighting faith and family on opening night with gospel music, the rally features live bands, the 10th Frisco Inferno Barbecue Competition with People's Choice awards, and the Rogers Farmers Market alongside delicious food trucks.
As the world's largest charity motorcycle rally, it has raised over $3 million since 2000, fostering community pride and collaboration. City leaders and organizers are optimistic, with monthly meetings ensuring a safe, fun vibe that showcases downtown Rogers' charm. "Maybe even if you're not a biker, there's a lot of lifestyle vendors and other things that you don't have to be a biker to enjoy," shares executive director Tommy Sisemore. This heartwarming gathering unites families, boosts local businesses, and celebrates NWA's vibrant spirit!


Arkansas Children's Northwest Grows with New Expansion
Arkansas Children's Northwest unveils an $82.7 million addition, toured September 25, adding 50,000 square feet with labs, specialty clinics, operating rooms, and a cancer floor with sunny bays. Growing beds from 25 to 40, it keeps kids close to home, serving over 570,000 since 2018 and adding providers for NWA families' brighter tomorrows.
Gentry Middle School Art Joins Crystal Bridges
Gentry Middle School teams with Crystal Bridges for arts-infused learning, announced September 29, weaving creativity into classes to spark student imagination. This partnership enriches Springdale's diverse scene, promoting inclusivity and joyful education for young minds.
NWA Outdoor Achievements Celebrated
NWA adventurers rejoice in hunting, fishing, and camping successes shared September 28, from Siloam Springs to the Ozarks, encouraging family explorations and appreciation for our natural bounty. These tales inspire wholesome outings and community ties.


Startup Support Spreads as Onward FX Expands
The Northwest Arkansas Council's Onward FX extends entrepreneurial guidance to Little Rock, nurturing new ideas statewide and showcasing NWA's lead in economic opportunity. This move sparks collaboration and growth for emerging talents.
Theo’s 20-Year Bash Celebration
Fayetteville's Theo’s toasts 20 years with a chef reunion dinner benefiting causes, reflecting our area's lively food world where spots like this craft memories and give back, encouraging more culinary successes.

Monday, September 29
Fayetteville Falltoberfest (Not specified) * Downtown Fayetteville | Not specified A downtown festival celebrating all things fall, with seasonal activities and community vibes.
Jones Center Golf Event (Not specified) * The Jones Center, Springdale | Not specified A golf event hosted by the Jones Center, likely fundraising or community-focused.
Smokin' Oak Pizza Customer Appreciation Week (Not specified) * Fayetteville | 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Customer appreciation specials at Smokin' Oak Pizza, part of a weekly promotion.
Yoga @ FPL (Free) * Fayetteville Public Library, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Free yoga session open to the public at the library.
Trivia Night at Meteor (Free) * Meteor Guitar Gallery, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM Trivia night with games and possibly music-themed fun.
Advertising & Promotion Commission Meeting (Free) * Fayetteville | 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Public meeting discussing advertising and promotion initiatives for the city.
Pre-Rally Rollout for Bikes, Blues & BBQ (Free) * 2409 W Hudson Rd, Rogers | All day Pre-event activities kicking off the Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally, including blues music performances. Ongoing from Sept 27-30.
Tuesday, September 30
Pre-Bid Meeting: Bid 25-50, Construction – Waterline Replacement (Free) * Fayetteville | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Meeting for potential bidders on a city waterline replacement project; open to interested contractors.
City Council Agenda Session (Free) * Hybrid: City Hall, Room 101, Fayetteville | 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Public session where the city council reviews upcoming agendas; open to residents.
Transportation Committee Meeting (Free) * Hybrid: City Hall Annex, Rock Street Meeting Room, Fayetteville | 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM Committee meeting focused on transportation issues; public attendance welcome. Immediately following Agenda Session.
Art Show at The Momentary (Not specified) * The Momentary, 507 SE E St, Bentonville | Not specified An art exhibition or show featuring contemporary works.
Pre-Rally Rollout for Bikes, Blues & BBQ (Free) * 2409 W Hudson Rd, Rogers | All day Continuation of pre-event blues music and rally prep activities.
Wednesday, October 1
Blood Drive (Free) * 15 W. Mountain Street, Fayetteville | Not specified Community blood donation event; likely organized by local health services.
Bikes, Blues & BBQ (Free/varies) * Downtown Rogers and Eureka Springs | All day Major motorcycle rally with over 80 vendors (motorcycle, leather, craft), live music at multiple stages, vehicle services, and food options. Runs through October 4.
Monthly Food & Drink Event at Gotahold Brewing (Cost of purchases) * Gotahold Brewing, 409 W Van Buren, Eureka Springs | Not specified Monthly food and drink specials or tastings at the brewery; casual gathering for locals and visitors. Ongoing through Oct 31.

☀️ Weather: NWA Forecast
Monday, September 29: 77°/60° | ☀️ | 25% | SE 7 mph
Tuesday, September 30: 84°/59° | ☀️ | 0% | SSE 6 mph
Wednesday, October 1: 87°/61° | ☀️ | 1% | S 5 mph


Arkansas Razorbacks Update: Coaching Changes Follow Notre Dame Game
Following a tough loss to Notre Dame, Arkansas announces the firing of head coach Sam Pittman and defensive coordinator Travis Williams, signaling a new chapter for the program. The team focuses on unity and growth, with interim leadership stepping in to guide the Hogs through the season with renewed energy.

Tuesday, September 30
Papa Roach & Rise Against w/ Underoath ($) * Walmart AMP, Rogers | 5:00 PM Alternative rock and nu metal double bill from 2000s mainstays.
Meteor OPEN MIC (Free) * Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville | 6:30 PM Open mic night.
Walter Trout ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Blues-rock legend performance.
Lukas Wigington ($) * JJ's Grill, Rogers | TBD Country and blues performance.
Wednesday, October 1
Blues Therapy Featuring Brick Fields ($) * Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Blues performance in a beautiful garden setting.
NWA TRIVIA ANSWER:
A cardinal bird (the team was called the Cardinals from 1894 to 1909).
Check out our website for more helpful NWA Tips - www.nwatoday.com

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

Thanks!
Welcome to NWA Today! Share it: Facebook | Instagram
Unsubscribe | Update Preferences
© 2025 NWA Today