Date: August 27th, 2025
Happy Wednesday, Northwest Arkansas! 🎉
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Mid-week energy is high across the Ozarks—public art wins, fresh trails get funded, and Labor Day plans are lining up nicely. Today’s edition mixes feel-good community momentum with can’t-miss events and a clean, easy forecast—brought to you by H.G.D. Apparel Co.—your go-to for bold, local style.
In today’s NWA Today:
🚨 Top Story: Bentonville keeps its beloved bike mural
🌟 NWA Digest: Community Bites
🏪 Local Business: NWA’s Business Buzz
📅 Upcoming Events: Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville
☀️ Weather: NWA Forecast
🏈 Sports: NWA’s Game Highlights
🎵 Live Music and Entertainment
Daily NWA Trivia: What is the name of the creek that flows beside Walter Turnbow Park in downtown Springdale? (Answer at the end of the newsletter)
Let’s dive in!
— Andrew E


Bentonville City Council Accepts Artist's Compromise to Keep Bike Mural
Sponsored by H.G.D. Apparel Co.
Bentonville’s vibrant “All Bike(r)s Welcome” mural is here to stay. After weeks of public interest and debate, the City Council voted on Tuesday to keep the work with minor adjustments proposed by artist Nick Sweet—preserving its joyful nod to the region’s cycling culture while addressing concerns about nearby signage and markings. The decision underscores Bentonville’s commitment to public art that reflects community identity, family-friendly recreation, and inclusive trail culture. Expect the refreshed mural to remain a colorful landmark for families rolling through downtown and trail users linking to Slaughter Pen and the Greenway.


NWA Communities Score Federal Grant Funds, Including $1 Million for Benton County Water Line Extension
Northwest Arkansas businesses are poised for growth with federal grants fueling infrastructure upgrades. Benton County's $1 million for water lines will support expansion, while other funds aid fire safety and wastewater systems in nearby towns. This influx boosts economic vitality, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs and strengthening supply chains in Rogers and beyond.
Farmington Gets $450,000 Grant for New Creekside Trail
Farmington is set to enhance its outdoor charm with a $450,000 grant from the Walton Family Foundation for a new walking and biking trail at Creekside Park. This exciting project will connect communities, promote healthy activities, and offer families a scenic spot to enjoy nature together in the heart of NWA.
U of A's Fulbright College Announces 39th Class of Sturgis Fellows
The University of Arkansas welcomes its 39th class of Sturgis Fellows, including talented Arkansans like Jaden Batey and Kaitlyn Kuehn. This prestigious program nurtures academic excellence and leadership, inspiring young minds to contribute positively to NWA's innovative community.


XNA Travel Skyrockets Heading into Labor Day
Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is preparing for a potential record Labor Day travel weekend after a busy summer. In June alone, XNA saw a 13.9% increase in passengers over the previous year – about 120,000 travelers – signaling a strong rebound in air travel. July continued the trend, ranking as one of the airport’s busiest months ever with carrier-specific records set (Delta and Allegiant each had all-time high passenger counts). With new routes added and more people flying, XNA officials anticipate this Labor Day could break the all-time holiday weekend traffic record. They’re urging travelers to arrive early and expect full flights. Overall, 2025 is on pace to be XNA’s busiest year yet, reflecting Northwest Arkansas’s growth as both a business and leisure travel hub.
Walmart Investing in Warehouse Automation
Retail giant Walmart is ramping up efficiency at its fulfillment centers through a new tech partnership. The company contracted Ohio-based Ranpak to install its AutoFill packing system in five next-generation fulfillment facilities. The automated system uses machine vision and AI to size, fill, and seal shipping boxes with minimal waste. Walmart has already deployed AutoFill at a center in Indiana and plans to roll it out in Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas and California next. A Walmart VP said the innovation will speed up online order processing for customers and “simplify work for our associates,” while also cutting down on cardboard and filler material. The move underscores Walmart’s ongoing investments in supply chain automation to stay competitive with e-commerce demand.

WEDNESDAY 27TH
Little Sprouts at BGO - Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville - 10:00 AM-11:00 AM weekly botanically-themed program for children aged 2-5
Yoga in the Park - Wilson Park, Fayetteville - 6:00 PM-7:00 PM donation-based class for all levels
Poetry Night at Kava Bar - Club 509 at the Kava Bar, Fayetteville - 6:00 PM-8:00 PM free all-ages poetry night
50% Off Pizza Night - Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery, Springdale - 4:30 PM-7:30 PM half-priced pizzas with wine purchase
THURSDAY 28TH
Fayetteville Farmers Market - Downtown Fayetteville Square, Fayetteville - 7:00 AM-1:00 PM Thursday market
Eureka Springs Farmers Market - Eureka Springs Community Center, Eureka Springs - 8:00 AM-1:00 PM local producers with live music
Springdale Farmers Market - The Jones Center, Springdale - 7:00 AM-1:00 PM weekly market
BSB MTB Social Group Ride - The Hub Bike Lounge, Bentonville - 6:00 PM social mountain bike ride
Trivia Night - Smitty's Garage Burgers & Beer, Fayetteville - 8:00 PM themed and general knowledge trivia
FRIDAY 29TH
Plein Air Painting in the Ramble - Lower Ramble, 255 West Ave, Fayetteville - 5:30 PM-7:30 PM outdoor nature painting class
Kids Night Out: Kevin Pencil Cups - Crock A Doodle, 3000 SE 14th St, Bentonville - Evening pottery painting event for kids creating Minions-inspired pencil cups
Peel Compton Foundation Auction Star Party - NWA Space and Science Center, Fayetteville - 8:15 PM-10:00 PM private stargazing event with telescopes
ROBBIE! - Eureka Springs - Evening live theatrical performance (weekends Aug 29-30)

☀️ Weather: NWA Forecast
Wednesday, August 27: 92/70 °F | Sunny ☀️ | Precipitation 10% | Wind S 5 mph
Thursday, August 28: 90/68 °F | Partly Cloudy ⛅ | Precipitation 20% | Wind SE 8 mph
Friday, August 29: 88/67 °F | Scattered Showers 🌧️ | Precipitation 40% | Wind SW 10 mph


Arkansas Razorbacks Update
Game week is here: Arkansas hosts Alabama A&M on Saturday, Aug. 30, with a 3:15 PM kickoff on SEC Network. Coach Sam Pittman previewed the matchup this week as the Hogs unveil a new-look offense behind QB Taylen Green. Expect a family-friendly game-day in Fayetteville and packed tailgates with cooler post-game temps.

Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Live Music (Free) * JJ's Grill, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM The perfect midweek break with free live music from a talented local artist. The consistency of these weekly gigs makes them reliable social hubs for the community.
Karaoke Dance Party Hosted by Chris Kuri (Free) * Tin Roof, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM A special Wednesday edition of the popular karaoke night, giving you another chance to grab the spotlight.
Thursday, August 28
Live Music at Pesto's (Free) * Pesto's by Lance, Rogers | 6:00 PM Enjoy authentic Italian food accompanied by live acoustic music from members of Ozark Riviera.
Rock & Roll Dueling Pianos ($) * The Piano Bar, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM An all-request, high-energy show where you control the playlist. A perfect night out for groups and celebrations.
COLLIDE | Silent Disco: House vs. Techno ($) * The Momentary, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Grab a pair of headphones and choose your side in this unique silent disco, an interactive event where the experience is as much the draw as the music.
Lime Creek ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:30 PM Catch a performance from local/regional act Lime Creek at Fayetteville's most historic music venue.
Friday, August 29
Happy Hour: Full House (Free) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Kick off the last weekend of August with the classic rock and pop covers of Full House during this free happy hour show.
Live Music at Jammin Java (Free) * Jammin Java, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Another great night of free, local music in the heart of downtown Fayetteville.
Rachel B & Table for Three (Free) * Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery, Springdale | 6:00 PM Enjoy a relaxing evening of live music in a beautiful winery setting with a performance from Rachel B & Table for Three.
Funk Fest: Alisha Pattillo Electric Band, The 1oz Jig, and Kodak Connection ($) * Railyard Live, Rogers | 7:00 PM Get down with a full evening dedicated to funk. This themed mini-festival provides a platform for multiple bands and a high-value experience for fans of the genre.
Niko Moon ($) * JJ's Live, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Country-pop artist Niko Moon brings his unique blend of feel-good hooks and modern production to Fayetteville.
Black Sabbath Tribute - The Keys ($) * Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Experience the iconic heavy metal riffs of Black Sabbath, expertly recreated by tribute band The Keys.
Ozark Riviera with FRAWG ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 9:30 PM Following happy hour, George's presents a full show featuring the eclectic sounds of Ozark Riviera with support from FRAWG.
NWA TRIVIA ANSWER:
Spring Creek!
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