Date: August 4th, 2025

TOGETHER WITH H.G.D. Hat Co.

Kicking off the week with a burst of community spirit and creativity! From reliving Eureka Springs' colorful counterculture past to inspiring art announcements and flavorful business innovations, there's plenty to spark joy and connection in NWA.

In today’s NWA Today:

Daily NWA Trivia: What annual summer festival in Northwest Arkansas celebrates Italian heritage with grape stomping, spaghetti dinners, and carnival rides? (Answer at the end of the newsletter)

Let’s dive in!

— Andrew E

Eureka Springs is set to relive the magic of the 1973 Ozark Mountain Folk Fair with "The Longhair Invasion," a fun-filled fundraising event on August 8 at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. This immersive celebration invites everyone to dress in tie-dye, bell-bottoms, and cosmic cowboy gear for an evening of interactive role-playing, a lip-sync contest judged by local stars, historic photo exhibits, and a groovy dance party.

Highlighting the fair's legacy that drew 30,000 attendees with performances by legends like The Earl Scruggs Revue and John Lee Hooker, the event also features '70s pottery displays from Spring Street Pottery and festival-inspired food outdoors. All proceeds support the Eureka Springs Historical Museum, strengthening community ties and preserving the town's counterculture heritage that turned it into a welcoming haven for all.

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The beloved Tontitown Grape Festival returns with five days of family fun, including carnival rides, live entertainment, grape stomping contests, and delicious Italian spaghetti dinners. This annual tradition highlights the area's rich heritage and brings the community together for joyful celebrations under the summer sun.

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Bentonville's Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announced its fall lineup, promising captivating displays that celebrate diverse artists and stories. This cultural boost invites families and art enthusiasts to explore and connect, enhancing NWA's vibrant creative landscape with inclusive, educational experiences.

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Bentonville Restaurant Week returns August 17-23, featuring specials from over 30 eateries, including 25 new spots. Kickoff includes gift card giveaways at First Friday on August 1, celebrating local flavors and entrepreneurship in a fun, community-wide feast.

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Bentonville hosted an exciting Demo Day for the Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator, showcasing innovative startups advancing lithium extraction and battery tech. Entrepreneurs pitched groundbreaking solutions to investors, highlighting NWA's growing role in sustainable energy and fostering economic growth through collaboration and ingenuity.

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Bentonville-based Heartland Forward, supported by the Walton family, is advancing its mission to boost economies in 20 heartland states by 2030 with $500 million in initiatives. As Ross DeVol transitions to chairman emeritus, Angie Cooper and Marc Holley step up to lead research and community programs, building on positive impacts in health and prosperity for NWA and beyond.

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Reading & Book Signing with Eli Cranor & Scott Carson - Experience Fayetteville, Fayetteville - 7:30-9:30pm literary thrill with bestselling authors 

Trivia Night at Flyway Brewing Co. - Flyway Brewing Co., Fayetteville - 7pm brews food and prizes knowledge test 

Trivia Night at Meteor - Meteor, Fayetteville - 7pm school night social with half-off pies and $4 drafts 

Trivia Night at Kingfish - Kingfish, Fayetteville - 7:30pm theme-night trivia on the patio team limit six 

Lifewriters Meeting - Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Springdale - 10am creative community and collaboration for writers 

Youth & Summer Bike Camps - Various locations, Bentonville - all day pedal kids camp ages 5-12 and bike school program building skills 

Pickleball Lessons - Osage Park, Bentonville - various times weekly sessions for beginner intermediate and advanced players 

"Whistle and Warp: Kids Fiber Art and Music Camp" - Ozark Folkways, Winslow - 9am-3pm immersive day camp for ages 5-16 learning folk traditions starts today through Friday

National Night Out - Memorial Park, Bentonville - 5-8pm free community-building with food games and vehicle displays 

Farmer's Market Sugar Cookie Decorating Class - Honeycomb Kitchen, Rogers - time TBA hands-on workshop learning to decorate cookies 

American Red Cross Blood Drive - Various locations, Rogers - all day community service donating blood 

Yoga at The Winery - Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery, Springdale - 6-7pm relaxing session in tasting room $10 fee 

Eureka Springs Wellness Day - Various locations, Eureka Springs - various times kidtastic tuesdays chair yoga total fit for seniors and flow yoga 

Fayetteville Farmers Market - Downtown Square, Fayetteville - 7am-1pm fresh produce and artisan crafts 

Springdale Farmers' Market - The Jones Center, Springdale - 7am-1pm community staple 

Tour de Coler Weekly Group Ride - Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, Bentonville - time TBA mountain biking for all skill levels 

The 126th Tontitown Grape Festival - Henri De Tonti Boulevard, Tontitown - all day historic festival with carnival grape stomp arts and crafts starts today through Saturday

Little Sprouts at BGO - Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville - 10-11am kids program ages 2-5 with stories songs and crafts 

WOW: Guest Chef Timothy Ordway - Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville - 6-8pm culinary experience in great hall merging art and food 

Fayetteville Boots Badges & Bandages Blood Drive - Fayetteville Town Center, Fayetteville - 9am-3pm community blood drive with first responders 

Poetry Night - Club 509 at the Kava Bar, Fayetteville - 6-8pm free all-ages open stage for poets 

Yoga in the Park - Various parks, Fayetteville - 6-7pm outdoor wellness community class 

50% Off Pizza Night - Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery, Springdale - 4:30-7:30pm deal with wine purchase 

The 126th Tontitown Grape Festival - Henri De Tonti Boulevard, Tontitown - all day continues with carnival grape stomp and more

The University of Arkansas announced the 2025 UA Sports Hall of Honor Class, inducting eight former student-athletes who excelled in their sports and contributed to Razorback legacy. This celebration highlights achievements in basketball, golf, and more, inspiring current teams as they gear up for the fall season with renewed enthusiasm and community support.   Read More

Still Woozy ($) The Momentary, Bentonville | 7:00 PM Indie-pop favorite brings his "Loveseat Tour" to the Momentary Green.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025 Meteor OPEN MIC (Free) Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville | 6:30 PM Weekly open mic night at the unique guitar gallery venue.

Vincent Neil Emerson with Agalisiga "Chuj" Mackey ($) George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:30 PM Authentic Texas folk and country artist with special guest.

Happy Hour: The Nace Brothers ($) George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Happy hour performance featuring The Nace Brothers. 

Arkansauce with Chucky Waggs ($) George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 9:00 PM Hometown heroes return with their progressive "newgrass" sound. 

Full House ($) Railyard Live, Rogers | 8:00 PM Fayetteville favorites performing at Rogers' premier outdoor venue. 

Roby Pantall (Free) Sassafras Springs Vineyard, Springdale | 6:00 PM Vino and Vibes series featuring acoustic performance. 

TJ Williams (Free) JJ's Grill, Fayetteville | TBD Free live music at the casual dining venue.

Benjamin Del Shreve & Six Hung Sprung ($) George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:30 PM Unique musical performance at the legendary venue. 

Modeling, Ted Hammig & the Campaign, Frailstate (Free) Railyard Live, Rogers | 7:30 PM Free community concert featuring three local indie acts. 

Simply Seger ($) Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Bob Seger tribute celebrating timeless rock and roll. 

Jambi (Tool Tribute) / Beware Criminal (Incubus Tribute) ($) JJ's Live, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Double tribute show featuring Tool and Incubus covers. 

Todd Crush Flat Five (Free) Sassafras Springs Vineyard, Springdale | 6:00 PM Evening acoustic performance at the scenic winery. 

Tom Peaver Band (Free) Gotahold Brewing, Eureka Springs | 6:00 PM Local band performance at the mountain town brewery. 

Arkansauce(Free)Bank OZK Stage, Ozark | TBD Free community show from Fayetteville's beloved newgrass band.

Fay Pop End of Summer Sunday Funday ($) George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 2:00 PM Afternoon celebration marking the end of summer.

The Tontitown Grape Festival

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

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