Date: October 3rd, 2025

Happy Friday, Northwest Arkansas! 🎉

TOGETHER WITH Local Mail Billboard

Hey neighbors, Friday's got that end-of-week lift with cooler breezes whispering through the trees—makes me wanna fire up the grill for a backyard gathering. Coach Calipari's sharing his vision for the Razorbacks' basketball season, getting us all pumped for hoops in Fayetteville. We've rounded up Oktoberfest cheer, barbecue competitions, and school arts boosts too, all highlighting our area's warm community ties.

In today’s NWA Today:

🚨 Top Story: Calipari & Razorback Basketball Featured in Primetime at the Palace
🌟 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: In what year did the University of Arkansas first introduce cheerleaders to their football games, adding a spirited element to Razorback traditions? (Answer at the end of the newsletter)

Let’s dive in!

— Andrew E

Primetime at the Palace Returns Tonight at Bud Walton Arena

Sponsored by Local Mail Billboard

Arkansas Razorbacks basketball fans are in for an exciting ride as Coach John Calipari shares his optimistic outlook for the upcoming season during a lively chat. With a fresh roster blending transfers and young talent, Calipari emphasizes building a fast-paced, fun style that puts fans in the seats and creates joyful moments on the court. He highlights the importance of community support in Fayetteville, noting how NWA's welcoming vibe helps recruit top players who thrive in our family-oriented environment.

Standouts like DJ Wagner and Adou Thiero are set to shine, with practices focusing on teamwork and high-energy plays that promise thrilling games. Calipari's vision includes fostering personal growth for athletes, turning Bud Walton Arena into a hub of celebration where locals of all ages can rally together. This season's potential reflects NWA's spirit of resilience and unity, inspiring young fans from Springdale to Bentonville to dream big. As tip-off nears, the excitement builds for a campaign filled with dunks, defense, and delightful victories that strengthen our regional pride.

Oktoberfest Returns to NWA

From cozy beer gardens to all-ages festivals with authentic eats, tunes, and games, NWA's Oktoberfest events draw folks together in merry celebration. Standouts like George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville with polka and brats, and Lake Leatherwood in Eureka Springs with face painting and hayrides, honor heritage while backing local makers for inclusive fun.

Frisco Inferno BBQ Competition Heats Up for Bikes Blues & BBQ

The Frisco Inferno Barbecue Competition fires up the Bikes, Blues & BBQ Motorcycle Rally with pitmasters crafting ribs and brisket for crowds to savor. Live music, kid zones, and vendor stalls create family outings that aid Rotary Club projects, blending flavor with fellowship in our Ozark setting.

Gentry Middle School Partners with Crystal Bridges

Gentry Middle School links with Crystal Bridges to infuse arts into lessons, sparking creativity in math and science through hands-on projects and museum visits. This boosts confidence for diverse kids from Lowell to Bella Vista, nurturing talents in our supportive NWA communities.

AQ Chicken House Plans New Location In Downtown Springdale

AQ Chicken House revives its legacy with a new spot in downtown Springdale, blending classic flavors with modern touches for family meals. This expansion creates jobs and adds to NWA's dining scene, inviting locals from Rogers to enjoy comforting dishes in a historic setting.

Ozark Transit Surges Ahead

Ozark Regional Transit eyes a banner year with soaring ridership, revamped routes, and shuttles easing commutes for families to work or play in Fayetteville and beyond. This eco-boost makes travel simple and fun, supporting our growing Ozark economy.

Friday, October 3

October First Friday: Haunted Holler (Free) * The Bentonville Square, Bentonville | 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM Downtown Bentonville's massive monthly block party gets a spooky makeover. This family-friendly event features a "Haunted Holler" theme with Halloween games, crafts, live vendors, and activities for all ages.

The Hideout Rally ($) * 3051 N Mountain Road, Springdale | Varies The 8th annual charity motorcycle rally and event, featuring bike games, a wet T-shirt contest, group rides, vendors, and camping. Runs through October 6.

Saturday, October 4

Tinkerfest ($) * Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville | All Day The Amazeum's premier annual event, a hands-on festival celebrating making, creating, and inventing. Features interactive stations led by artists, engineers, and makers for a full day of family-friendly discovery.

Hill City Rumble (Free) * Fayetteville | Varies The annual vintage chopper and motorcycle show returns to Fayetteville, bringing together enthusiasts of classic bikes for a day of rattling and rolling.

Eureka Springs Art Walk & Expedition (Free) * Downtown Eureka Springs | 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM A celebration of the local arts scene where visitors can meet artists, watch live art demonstrations, and explore the galleries of historic Eureka Springs.

Drumming in the Park (Free) * Basin Spring Park, Eureka Springs | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM A lively and inclusive community drum circle. Bring a drum or any instrument that makes noise and join in the rhythm and dancing in the heart of downtown.

Sunday, October 5

Fayetteville Falltoberfest ($) * Fayetteville | Varies A local celebration of the Oktoberfest season, featuring German-themed food, drinks, and festivities.

☀️ Weather: NWA Forecast

  • Friday, October 3: 84°/60° | ☀️ | 0% | S 5 mph

  • Saturday, October 4: 86°/62° | 🌤️ | 10% | SW 6 mph

  • Sunday, October 5: 88°/64° | ☀️ | 0% | SE 7 mph

Arkansas Razorbacks Update: Coaching Changes as Hogs Enter Bye Week

After the Notre Dame game, Arkansas fires Sam Pittman and Travis Williams, naming Bobby Petrino interim head coach. The team uses the bye week to regroup, focusing on strategy and unity for a strong finish

Friday, October 3

Junior H ($) * Walmart AMP, Rogers | 6:00 PM Corridos Tumbados and Latin music performance.

Happy Hour Concert with No Vacancy ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Live local music performance.

Michael Kelly (Free) * Keels Creek Winery, Eureka Springs | 6:00 PM Live local music performance.

Starrlight Jazz Club: Tuck & Patti ($) * Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville | 7:30 PM Jazz and folk duo performance.

Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear ($) * The Momentary, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Two absolute legends of reggae sharing the stage for an unforgettable night.

BYX Island Party with Bayker Blakenship ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 9:00 PM Live local music performance.

Saturday, October 4

Hill City Rumble ($) * Prairie Street Live, Fayetteville | 2:00 PM Music festival.

Jona Gallegos (Free) * Keels Creek Winery, Eureka Springs | 6:00 PM Live local music performance.

Maddox Batson ($) * Ozark Music Hall, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM Pop and country performance.

Dylan Earl Album Release w/ Jude Brothers ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:30 PM Hometown album release show from one of NWA's own country music torchbearers.

Sunday, October 5

Japanese Breakfast ($) * The Momentary, Bentonville | 7:00 PM Michelle Zauner's Grammy-nominated indie pop project with lush soundscapes and poignant lyrics.

The Head and The Heart w/ Hurray for the Riff Raff ($) * Ozark Music Hall, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Indie folk performance.

NWA TRIVIA ANSWER:

1926

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💬 Your Turn!

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