Date: July 7, 2025
Happy Monday, Northwest Arkansas! 🎉
TOGETHER WITH H.G.D. Apparel Co.
It’s the start of the week, and NWA is now in the full swing of summer and excitement! From Bentonville's record-breaking First Friday and Fourth of July celebration to new dining options and a packed events calendar, we’ve got everything you need to stay informed and make the most of your week ahead. Brought to you in part by H.G.D. Apparel Co.—your go-to for bold, local style.
In today’s NWA Today:
🚨 Top Story: Bentonville's First Friday and Fourth of July Celebration Draws Record Crowds
🌟 NWA Digest: Community Bites
🏫 Civil & Educational News: What’s Shaping NWA
📅 Upcoming Events: Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville
☀️ Weather: NWA Forecast
🏈 Sports: Razorback Recruiting Update
🎵 Live Music and Entertainment
Daily NWA Trivia: What year did the University of Arkansas join the SEC? (Answer at the end of Newsletter)
Let’s dive in!
— Andrew E
Picture from 5News
Bentonville's First Friday and Fourth of July Celebration Draws Record Crowds
Sponsored by H.G.D. Apparel Co.
On July 4, Bentonville hosted its annual First Friday event with a “Land of the Free” theme, celebrating Independence Day with live music, food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display at Orchards Park. The event attracted record numbers of residents and visitors, making it one of the most successful celebrations in recent years. Highlights included a hot dog eating contest and performances that energized the Bentonville Square, showcasing the community's vibrant spirit and unity. This celebration solidified NWA’s reputation as a hub for family-friendly, community-driven events.
What’s Good in Our Backyard 🏠
Local Volunteers Make a Difference in NWA Communities
A local nonprofit is transforming lives through volunteer work, with young volunteers painting houses, mowing lawns, and building wheelchair ramps across Northwest Arkansas. Many of these volunteers have gone on to become community leaders and pastors, demonstrating the lasting impact of their service. This initiative highlights the power of community engagement in fostering positive change.
Onyx Coffee Lab Expands with New Locations in NWA
Onyx Coffee Lab, a beloved local coffee roaster, is expanding its presence in Northwest Arkansas with new retail locations, including on the new Walmart campus and in downtown Springdale. Known for its high-quality coffee, Onyx’s growth brings more opportunities for residents to enjoy their award-winning brews while supporting the local economy.
Fayetteville's New Mayor Molly Rawn Outlines Vision for the City
Mayor Molly Rawn, who took office in January 2025, has been actively engaging with the community through town hall meetings and task force formations to address housing and infrastructure challenges. Her recent initiatives reflect a commitment to making Fayetteville a more inclusive and sustainable city, resonating with residents eager for progress.
Photo from City of Fayetteville
Fayetteville City Council Approves New Bike Lane Project
On July 3, the Fayetteville City Council voted to approve a new bike lane project connecting downtown to the University of Arkansas campus. The initiative aims to enhance cyclist safety and promote sustainable transportation. Construction is set to begin in August 2025, with completion expected by spring 2026, further strengthening Fayetteville’s bike-friendly reputation.
Road Closure on Stubblefield Rd & Ash St
A portion of Stubblefield Rd and Ash St in Fayetteville will be closed from July 1 to July 15, for maintenance work. The closure is necessary to ensure the safety and efficiency of the road network. Motorists are advised to plan alternative routes during this period to avoid delays.
Fayetteville Fun
Fayetteville Farmers’ Market
Dates & Times:
Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Square, Fayetteville, AR
Description: A vibrant market offering fresh produce, crafts, and local goods, perfect for families to explore and support local vendors. Since 1973, this market has been a cornerstone of Northwest Arkansas, featuring vegetables, fruits, flowers, meats, baked goods, and more from Washington, Madison, Benton, and Carroll Counties. Open rain or shine, it’s a great way to connect with the community. Learn more.
Yoga in the Park
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 9, 2025, 7:00 PM
Location: Wilson Park, Fayetteville, AR
Description: Join a free yoga session in the scenic Wilson Park, perfect for all skill levels. Donations accepted. More Info
Toddler Soccer (ages 2-6)
Date & Time: Saturday, July 12, 2025, 10:00 AM (assumed)
Location: Gulley Park, 1850 E Township, Fayetteville, AR
Description: A fun soccer activity for toddlers, promoting physical activity and social interaction. Ideal for young families looking for engaging outdoor fun. More Info
Watercolor Painting Class: Fat & Fluffy Birds
Date & Time: Sunday, July 13, 2025, 2:00 PM (assumed)
Location: Community Creative Center, 505 W Spring Street, Fayetteville, AR
Description: Learn to paint charming fat and fluffy birds in watercolor in this creative class, suitable for all skill levels. Cost: $35. A great activity for families and art enthusiasts. More Info
Springdale Spotlight
Springdale Farmers’ Market
Dates & Times:
Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Thursday, July 10, 2025, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: The Jones Center, 922 E. Emma Avenue, Springdale, AR
Description: A community market featuring local produce, honey, eggs, baked goods, and crafts, ideal for family outings. Established in 1997, this outdoor market at the JTL Memorial Walk offers easy parking and vendor assistance. It accepts cash, debit, checks, WIC, senior coupons, SNAP, and Double Your Dollars, making it accessible for all. Learn more.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball Game
Date & Time: July 11, 2025, 7:05 PM (assumed)
Location: Arvest Ballpark, 3000 Gene George Blvd, Springdale, AR
Description: Enjoy a thrilling baseball game followed by a spectacular fireworks show, perfect for families celebrating summer. The Northwest Arkansas Naturals, a Double-A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, bring exciting sports action to Arvest Ballpark. Learn more.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals Baseball Game
Date & Time: July 12, 2025, 7:05 PM (assumed)
Location: Arvest Ballpark, 3000 Gene George Blvd, Springdale, AR
Description: Catch another exciting baseball game with a Poultry Derby 'Hen' Figurine Giveaway for the first 1,250 fans, adding a fun collectible to this family-friendly event. Learn more.
Rogers Rundown
Rogers Local Food & Art Market
Date & Time: Saturday, July 12, 2025, 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Frisco Plaza, Railyard Park, Downtown Rogers, AR
Description: A seasonal weekly marketplace featuring local produce, foods, and crafts, ideal for a community-oriented weekend outing. Held in the newly renovated Railyard Park, this market supports local growers and artisans, offering a vibrant atmosphere for families. Learn more.
Summer Art Camp
Dates & Times: July 7-10, 2025, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Studio 7, 300 N. 2nd Street, Rogers, AR
Description: A fun week of art-making for ages 7-12, including painting, clay, and 3D projects. Cost: $250 per week, includes all supplies. Perfect for young creatives to explore their artistic talents. More Info
Bentonville Buzz
Bentonville Farmers Market
Date & Time: Saturday, July 12, 2025, 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Downtown Square, Bentonville, AR
Description: Shop for fresh, locally grown produce, fruits, veggies, and artisan crafts at this producer-only market. Running since 1977, it ensures high-quality goods through farm and workshop visits, accepting WIC, SNAP, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers. Learn more.
KAWS: FAMILY Exhibition
Dates: Ongoing from March 15 to July 28, 2025
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR
Description: Explore the captivating works of artist KAWS in this exhibition, showcasing his unique blend of pop culture and art. A perfect cultural outing for families and art enthusiasts. Tickets are $15, free for members. Learn more.
Special Exhibit at Amazeum
Dates: May 25 to September 15, 2025
Location: Scott Family Amazeum, 1009 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR
Description: Engage with hands-on art and science exhibits at this special exhibit, designed for all ages. The Amazeum’s interactive spaces, including the 3M Tinkering Hub and Hershey’s Lab, spark curiosity and creativity. Admission is $14 for ages 2 and up, free for members and children under 2. Learn more.
Cocktail Tour: The Art of KAWS
Date & Time: July 10, 2025, 6:00 PM (assumed)
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR
Description: Enjoy a guided tour of the KAWS exhibition paired with cocktails, offering a sophisticated evening for art lovers. This event combines cultural exploration with a social twist, ideal for adults. Learn more.
Summer Camps for Kids
Dates & Times: July 7-13, 2025, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (assumed)
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, 600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR
Description: Weeklong day camps designed for kids ages 4 to 14, offering a variety of activities to make the most of summer break. A fun and educational experience for young learners. More Info
Eureka Springs
Silence In The Jungle [Live Theater]
Dates & Times:
Friday, July 11, 2025, 7:00 PM (assumed)
Saturday, July 12, 2025, 7:00 PM (assumed)
Location: Melonlight Theater, 2 Pine St, Eureka Springs, AR
Description: Experience an intimate live theater performance set in a historic ballroom, transporting audiences to a wild jungle river in 1936. Tickets range from $32 to $78, suitable for older audiences and families seeking unique entertainment. Learn more.
Eureka Springs Cemetery Tours
Date & Time: Saturday, July 12, 2025, 11:00 AM
Location: Eureka Springs Cemetery, Eureka Springs, AR
Description: Discover local history through a guided tour of the Eureka Springs Cemetery, offered every Saturday from May through July. This family-friendly activity provides a fascinating glimpse into the past. Learn more.
Farmington
Farmington Farmers Market
Date & Time: Saturday, July 12, 2025, 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Creekside Park, Broyles Entrance, Farmington, AR
Description: A vibrant market featuring fresh produce, artisan crafts, and more, fostering community connections at Creekside Park. Open every Saturday from April to September, it’s a great spot for families to explore local goods. Learn more.
☀️ Weather: NWA Forecast
Monday, July 7: 89°F / 71°F | 🌦️ | 40% | 💨 SW 5 mph
Tuesday, July 8: 87°F / 70°F | 🌦️ | 50% | 💨 W 5 mph
Wednesday, July 9: 88°F / 70°F | 🌦️ | 30% | 💨 W 5 mph
Razorbacks Update
The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team has secured a commitment from Lamar outfielder Damian Ruiz for the 2026 class. Announced on July 6, Ruiz, a highly touted prospect, chose Arkansas over several other top programs. This addition strengthens the Razorbacks' future lineup and demonstrates the program’s continued success in recruiting top talent.
July 09, 2025
Honeydew with Placeholders
Time: 8:00 PM (Doors 7:00 PM)
Location: George's Majestic Lounge, 519 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Description: Enjoy a midweek show featuring the unique sounds of Honeydew, supported by local favorites Placeholders. George's offers the perfect setting to discover new music and enjoy a night out on Dickson Street.
July 10, 2025
OBS Blues Jam
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: The Music Depot, Bentonville, AR
Description: The Ozark Blues Society hosts its regular blues jam, a must-attend for fans of the genre.
Sophia Scott
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Tin Roof, 430 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Description: Rising country star Sophia Scott comes to Fayetteville as part of the "Nashville Hits the Roof" original concert series. Experience one of country music's freshest voices in the fun, energetic atmosphere of Tin Roof.
Jettway Summer Tour “Storytellers Night” Concert
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Auditorium, Eureka Springs, AR
Description: The Jettway Summer Tour brings together some of the top teenage musical talents from across Arkansas for a night of original songs and popular covers
Rochelle Bradshaw & Hypnotion
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Gulley Park Gazebo, 1908 E Township St, Fayetteville, AR 72703
Description: The Gulley Park Summer Concert Series continues with Rochelle Bradshaw & Hypnotion. Enjoy their captivating reggae and world music sounds in a beautiful park setting at this free, family-friendly event.
Brass & Bluegrass Night ft. Sweet Magnolia & Fraud Stuart
Time: 9:30 PM (Doors 9:00 PM)
Location: George's Majestic Lounge, 519 W Dickson St, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Description: Get ready for a high-energy night combining the vibrant sounds of brass with the down-home feel of bluegrass. Featuring New Orleans' Sweet Magnolia and local act Fraud Stuart, this show promises a unique and dance-worthy experience.
The Repo'd Trailers
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Seven (at Cherokee Casino), 2416 US-412, West Siloam Springs, OK 74338
Description: Catch a free show from The Repo'd Trailers at the Seven bar inside Cherokee Casino. Enjoy a night of great tunes and casino excitement just a short drive away.
NWA TRIVIA ANSWER:
1991
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