Date: September 26th, 2025

TOGETHER WITH Local Mail Billboard

We are wrapping up the week and gearing up for some weekend fun like cheering on the Hogs or hitting a local trail. Fayetteville's eyeing a big bond package to spruce up infrastructure and add cool spots like an aquatic center—without hiking taxes—which has me thinking about how we're building for the future here. We've rounded up school openings, camping tales, meal donations, and business expansions too, all showing our area's heart. Brought to you by H.G.D. Apparel Co., their Razorback gear is my pick for game day vibes.

In today’s NWA Today:

🚨 Top Story: Fayetteville's $320M Bond Fuels Future Fun!
🌟 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 year did the Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team win their only NCAA national championship, and who was the legendary coach behind it? (Answer at the end of the newsletter)

Let’s dive in!

— Andrew E

Sponsored by Local Mail Billboard

Fayetteville steps forward with smart leadership, gearing up to propose a $320 million bond for key upgrades, funded by extending the current one-cent sales tax—no new hikes for locals. Announced September 25, the package heads to City Council next month for a potential March 2026 ballot spot. It prioritizes essentials like water, sewer, and roads with two-thirds of funds, while the rest creates community gems such as a new aquatic center, fire station gear, animal shelter refresh, and better recycling spots.

Mayor Molly Rawn shared, "This bond lets us advance, safeguard priorities, and expand thoughtfully without tax increases." This move ties our strong economy to better living, where sales tax supports big projects that draw talent and keep families rooted. Amenities like pools and parks aren't extras—they're smart plays to make Fayetteville a spot where folks build lives, blending growth with charm in our NWA heart. It's a feel-good step celebrating collaboration and setting up joyful spaces for all.

Read More

Springdale's Central Junior High marks its debut with a ribbon-cutting showcasing teamwork and fresh features in its expanded 211,000-square-foot space, including labs, gyms, and music rooms to spark young imaginations. Superintendent Jared Cleveland called it a "partnership pride," while Principal Todd Loftin inspired kids to "become you," highlighting NWA's focus on nurturing futures through engaging education.

Read More

Autumn in the Ozarks elevates camping with lavish meals from local icons like Wayne Crutchfield's hearty huntside buffets and Ed Kubler's gravel bar steaks, turning outings into flavorful celebrations. These tales encourage NWA families to blend nature with creative cooking for mood-lifting memories and community bonds.

Read More

Chef David Olson and Live Fire Republic donate 8,000 festival-prepped meals to staff, volunteers, responders, churches, and food banks in Bentonville, turning surplus into kindness. This act fosters unity, supporting families and highlighting our region's compassionate spirit in everyday giving.

Read More

Fayetteville's Theo’s celebrates two decades with a special chef reunion dinner aiding local causes, marking our area's rich food scene where welcoming eateries create cherished moments and give back, motivating more spots to thrive.

Visit

The latest Skyline Report reveals NWA's commercial vacancy rose to 7.2% in early 2025, yet the market is "remarkably healthy" with balanced supply and demand. This optimism stems from ongoing investments and economic vitality, encouraging new ventures and expansions. For NWA families, it means more opportunities in a stable environment, fostering innovation and community prosperity that keeps the region exciting and inclusive.

Visit

Grit MTB Fest ($) * Fayetteville | All Day A multi-day mountain biking festival celebrating the cycling community. The event includes camping, seven provided meals, workshops, group rides, morning yoga, a gear exchange, and a dance party. Runs through September 28.

The 2025 Arkansas Narnia Faire ($) * Gulley Park, Fayetteville | 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM An immersive, family-friendly fantasy festival based on the world of C.S. Lewis. Features character interactions, quests, a costume contest, sword fighting tournaments, and craft workshops. Runs through September 28.

Bentonville Coffee Crawl (Cost of purchases) * Various coffee shops, Bentonville | Varies by location A multi-day event for coffee aficionados to explore and enjoy the offerings of Bentonville's local coffee scene. Runs through September 29.

Startup Crawl 2025: Built to Launch (Free) * Downtown Fayetteville | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM A walkable, self-guided tour of Northwest Arkansas's most innovative startup and technology companies. The space-themed event features company showcases, food trucks, and local vendors on the square.

Plein Air Painting in the Ramble ($) * Lower Ramble, Fayetteville | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM An outdoor nature painting class hosted by the Community Creative Center, allowing artists of all levels to capture the beauty of the Ramble's landscape.

Bentonville Farmers Market & Art Market (Free) * The Bentonville Square, Bentonville | 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM The weekly outdoor market featuring fresh, locally grown produce, artisan goods, and crafts. This week's event includes the "Fall Dog Days" theme, a special celebration for furry friends.

Fayetteville Farmers Market (Free) * Fayetteville Square, Fayetteville | 7:00 AM - 2:00 PM A vibrant weekly market offering a wide array of local produce, flowers, baked goods, and handmade crafts from area farmers and artisans.

Tinsmithing Demonstration (Free) * Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, Springdale | 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM A live demonstration showcasing the historic craft of tinsmithing, offering a glimpse into the skills and trades of the Ozark past.

121st Benton County Fair ($) * Benton County Fairgrounds, Bentonville | Varies The final day to experience this long-standing county tradition, featuring carnival rides, livestock shows, food vendors, and family entertainment.

Dr. Compton Native Tree & Plant Sale (Free) * Compton Gardens and Arboretum, Bentonville | Varies The last day of the annual sale offering a variety of native trees and plants perfect for Ozark gardens.

Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation Performance and Dance (Free) * Upper Ramble, Fayetteville | 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM A cultural performance featuring traditional Indian dance and music, presented by the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Arkansas hosts No. 16 Notre Dame tomorrow, September 27, at 12 p.m. ET (11 a.m. CT) in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, airing on ABC and streaming via Fubo—perfect for catching the action from home if needed. Tailgating ramps up with lots opening at 5 p.m. today for tents (personal use only, no commercial without approval), and The Gardens south of the stadium near Bud Walton Arena is the prime spot for pre-game fun; pack your grills, but remember to clear out by noon Sunday and follow clean-up rules. For upscale vibes, the official Razorbacks Tailgate Club through REVELxp offers hospitality just steps away—book passes for food, drinks, and Hog spirit. Coach Pittman emphasizes QB Taylen Green's versatility and defensive resilience to rally against Notre Dame's potent attack, promising an electric atmosphere for fans.

Read More

Jon Pardi w/ Jake Worthington ($) * Walmart AMP, Rogers | 5:00 PM Pure, unapologetic country music rooted in classic traditions.

Happy Hour Concert with The Cate Brothers ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Local legends and rock performance.

Will Saylor (Free) * Sassafras Springs Vineyard, Springdale | 6:00 PM Live local music performance.

Flatland Cavalry w/ THEBROSF ($) * Ozark Music Hall, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Country and Americana performance.

Jenna and The Soul Shakers ($) * Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Soul and rock performance.

Khaki Onion ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 9:00 PM Live local music performance.

Todd Crush Flat Five (Free) * Sassafras Springs Vineyard, Springdale | 6:00 PM Live local music performance.

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

Eslabon Armado ($) * Ozark Music Hall, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Latin and Regional Mexican music performance.

Deafheaven ($) * The Momentary, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Groundbreaking "blackgaze" - a fusion of black metal intensity with ethereal shoegaze and post-rock.

EMO Party with The Phase ($) * Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Emo and pop-punk performance.

Gone Country (A 90's Tribute) ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:30 PM 90s country tribute performance.

TJ Williams ($) * Jammin Java, Fayetteville | TBD Singer-songwriter performance.

School of Rock @ the Benton County Fair (Free) * Benton County Fairgrounds, Bentonville | TBD Student showcase performance.

1994, under coach Nolan Richardson.

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