Date: October 15th, 2025
Happy Wednesday, Northwest Arkansas! 🎉
TOGETHER WITH Local Mail Billboard
In today’s NWA Today:
🚨 Top Story: Creative Sparks Ignite at Ozark Media Arts Bash!
🌟 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 historic Fayetteville venue, established in 1927, became the first bar in Arkansas to integrate in the late 1950s? (Answer at the end of the newsletter)
Let’s dive in!
— Andrew E


Creativity Ignites at Ozark Media Arts Festival!
Sponsored by Local Mail Billboard
Over the 15th annual Ozark Media Arts Festival, which kicked off in downtown Springdale, bringing together students, families, and local creatives for a celebration of film, television, graphic design, and more. This free event offers hands-on opportunities to connect with industry professionals, inspiring the next generation of artists in our vibrant region. Highlights include interactive workshops, screenings of local talent, and family-friendly activities that foster creativity and community bonds.
As Springdale's diverse spirit shines through, attendees are sharing stories of inspiration and collaboration, making this festival a heartwarming highlight of the fall season. With the Ozarks as a stunning backdrop, it's a perfect way for families to enjoy the crisp autumn air while nurturing young minds. This event underscores NWA's growing reputation as a hub for media arts, drawing participants from Fayetteville, Rogers, and beyond to celebrate our shared passion for storytelling and innovation.


Fall Foliage Peaks in NWA
Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley are set for stunning fall colors soon, inviting families to hike trails in Bella Vista or Farmington for breathtaking views. This seasonal delight brings communities together for picnics and photos in our picturesque outdoors.
Lincoln Teacher Honored with Statewide Award
The NWA education scene is beaming with pride as Laurie Smith, a dedicated teacher at Lincoln High School, receives statewide recognition for her outstanding work inspiring students. From Farmington to Springdale, educators and families are celebrating her innovative approaches that make learning engaging and inclusive, fostering a love for knowledge in a rural charm-filled community.
Fly Fishing Fundraiser Showcases Restorative Power in NWA
Hearts are full in Northwest Arkansas as the Mending the Line fundraiser, held along the scenic Illinois River, highlighted the healing magic of fly fishing for children in foster care through the Mayfly Project. This uplifting event brought together community members from Bentonville, Fayetteville, and Siloam Springs to support a cause that mentors young ones in the outdoors, building confidence and lifelong skills amid the beauty of the Ozarks.


Expansions in Springdale Education
Springdale's Westwood Elementary construction begins next month, expanding facilities to nurture young minds. This investment reflects NWA's booming growth, with businesses like Tyson in Springdale contributing to community-driven innovations for families.
The Top Candy Shops Delight Families Around NWA
Tucked away in unexpected spots, NWA's themed candy shops are charming visitors with creative sweets hidden behind hardware-store fronts, offering fun, immersive shopping experiences. These local treasures in Rogers and Fayetteville enhance commerce while creating joyful outings for all ages, blending whimsy with community support.

Wednesday, October 15
Little Sprouts at BGO (Included with garden admission) * Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM A weekly botanically-themed program for children ages 2-5, featuring stories, songs, and nature crafts designed to foster an appreciation for the natural world.
Fall Festival (Varies) * McGarrah Farms Rivercrest Orchard, Fayetteville | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM A classic fall-on-the-farm experience with a corn maze, pumpkin and sunflower patches, hayrides, zip-lines, a 6-acre barnyard play area, and more. Runs through November 1.
Nightmare on Block Street Pop-Up Bar ($) * Pinpoint, Fayetteville | 4:00 PM - Close An immersive, 21+ Halloween-themed cocktail experience with haunted décor across 12 themed areas, spooky craft cocktails, and a special collection of Halloween-themed pinball machines. Runs through November 2.
Fall into Movement: Acroyoga in Gulley Park (Free) * Gulley Park Pavilion, Fayetteville | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM A free, 4-week community-based exploration of connection and movement through acroyoga, a fusion of yoga and acrobatics. This is the final session of the series.
Six Twelve Game Night (Free) * Six Twelve, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM A free, game-packed evening happening every 1st and 3rd Wednesday, offering a wide variety of board games for all to enjoy.
Craft Night at FBW (Free) * Fayetteville Beer Works, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM A weekly craft night in October. This week features a spooky craft with 40 spots available for participation.
Bingo Night at Flyway ($1 per card) * Flyway Brewing Company, Fayetteville | 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM A night of bingo supporting a local non-profit organization. Bingo cards are $1 each.
Gusano's Pizza Trivia Night (Free) * Gusano's Pizza, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM A weekly trivia competition with food and beverage specials.
Live Trivia with Geeks Who Drink (Free) * Smokin' Oak, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Join a quizmaster for seven rounds of trivia, including audio and visual rounds. Team size is limited to six players.
Impossible Route Ozarks Documentary Premiere ($) * The Stonebreaker Hotel, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM A premiere of the documentary film with an appearance by professional cyclist and documentarian Jeremiah Bishop.
Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy's Chicken Shack in Harlem ($) * TheatreSquared, Fayetteville | 7:30 PM A world-premiere play commissioned by TheatreSquared, imagining the unlikely friendship between two future American icons in 1943 Harlem. Runs through October 26.
Cat Stone Studio Class ($30) * ANA Studio, Rogers | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM A studio art class with watercolor artist Cat Stone. Participants can work in any medium and receive coaching from various instructors.
Thursday, October 16
Wishing Spring's Arts & Crafts Festival (Free) * Wishing Spring Gallery, Bentonville | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM A festival celebrating the creativity of artisans from Northwest Arkansas and nearby states. Runs daily through October 18.
It's Fall Y'all Craft Fair (Free) * Benton County Fairgrounds, Bentonville | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM An annual craft fair featuring over 100 makers, artists, crafters, and food vendors. Runs daily through October 19.
Fall Festival (Varies) * McGarrah Farms Rivercrest Orchard, Fayetteville | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM A classic fall-on-the-farm experience with a corn maze, pumpkin and sunflower patches, hayrides, zip-lines, a 6-acre barnyard play area, and more.
Nightmare on Block Street Pop-Up Bar ($) * Pinpoint, Fayetteville | 4:00 PM - Close An immersive, 21+ Halloween-themed cocktail experience with haunted décor, spooky craft cocktails, and Halloween-themed pinball machines.
Author Talk: Rajiv Mohabir (Free) * University of Arkansas, Fayetteville | 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM The University of Arkansas MFA Program presents a reading, discussion, and book signing with their 2025-26 Walton Visiting Writer in Translation, poet Rajiv Mohabir.
Voices from the Silent City ($) * Eureka Springs Cemetery, Eureka Springs | 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM A lantern-guided living history tour through Eureka Springs' cemetery, where actors portray notable figures from the city's past.
Hand-thrown Mug Painting w/ Sojourn Abide ($) * Pink Fern, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM A workshop where participants paint their own hand-thrown ceramic mug. All materials are included, and instruction is provided.
Adult Craft Night! Needle-Felt Edition (Free) * Mount Sequoyah, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM A free "make and take" craft night where participants can learn to make small needle-felt animals. All materials are provided.
Arkansas Razorback Soccer vs. Alabama ($) * Razorback Field, Fayetteville | 6:30 PM The Razorbacks take on the Alabama Crimson Tide in a home soccer match.
The Madness of Edgar Allan Poe: A Love Story ($) * The Headquarters House, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM A theatrical performance set in 1849, where a haunted Edgar Allan Poe confronts the specter of his deceased wife, Virginia. Runs Thursdays through Sundays until Halloween.
Trivia Night at FBW (Free) * Fayetteville Beer Works, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM A weekly trivia night competition.
Malcolm X and Redd Foxx Washing Dishes at Jimmy's Chicken Shack in Harlem ($) * TheatreSquared, Fayetteville | 7:30 PM A world-premiere play imagining the friendship between two future American icons in 1943 Harlem.
Adult Night: Neon Noir ($) * Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM A 21+ event featuring glow-in-the-dark experiments, spooky chemistry, and Halloween maker magic.

☀️ Weather: NWA Forecast
Wednesday, October 15: 84/55 °F | ☀️ Sunny | 0% | E 8 mph
Thursday, October 16: 82/60 °F | ⛅ Mostly Sunny | 4% | SE 9 mph
Friday, October 17: 82/63 °F | ⛅ Partly Cloudy | 1% | S 12 mph


Arkansas Razorbacks Update: Razorbacks Ready to Rumble Against Aggies
As the Arkansas Razorbacks gear up for a thrilling SEC showdown against No. 4 Texas A&M this Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in Reynolds Razorback Stadium, interim coach Bobby Petrino is focusing on strategic tweaks to boost performance. With a revamped itinerary emphasizing rest and preparation, the Hogs aim to leverage home-field advantage and their resilient spirit to challenge the unbeaten Aggies. Key matchups include strengthening the run game and secondary, while drawing on local fan energy for an exciting contest that could define the season. This classic rivalry, where Arkansas leads the series 42-35-3, promises high-energy plays and community pride as the team pushes for an upset.

Wednesday, October 15
Cameron Whitcomb w/ Jonah Kagen ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:30 PM Country and folk rock performance.
Saint Motel w/ Adan Diaz ($) * Ozark Music Hall, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM Indie pop performance.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical ($) * Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM Broadway touring production celebrating Neil Diamond's music. Runs through October 19.
Live Band Karaoke (Free) * The Piano Bar, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Karaoke with live band backing.
Blues Therapy with Brick Fields (Free) * Morano's, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Blues performance.
Karaoke Dance Party (Free) * Tin Roof, Fayetteville | 9:00 PM Karaoke and dancing.
Game Night (Free) * Six-Twelve Coffee Shop and Bar, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Weekly game night.
Poetry Night (Free) * Club 509 at American Shaman Kava Bar, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Open poetry readings.
Pierce The Veil w/ HEALTH, Ecca Vandal, and Like Roses ($) * Walmart AMP, Rogers | 6:30 PM Post-hardcore and rock performance bringing "I Can't Hear You World Tour."
50% Off Pizza Night (Free) * Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery, Springdale | 4:00 PM Background music with pizza special.
Thursday, October 16
Live Jazz Night (Free) * The Music Depot, Bentonville | 7:00 PM Live jazz performance.
Giovannie & The Hired Guns w/ Sterling Elza ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:30 PM Alt-metal and Red Dirt country performance.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical ($) * Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville | 1:30 PM & 7:00 PM Two performances of the Broadway touring production.
Rock & Roll Dueling Pianos (Free) * The Piano Bar, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Dueling piano entertainment.
Borderline Natives (Free) * Tin Roof (1st Floor Stage), Fayetteville | 9:45 PM Live local music.
Allen Mp3 (Free) * Tin Roof (2nd Floor), Fayetteville | 8:45 PM Live performance.
Friday, October 17
Miss Misery, Endfall, & Arya ($) * Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Multi-band rock performance.
Mood Swings: Open Mic Night (Free) * The Music Depot, Bentonville | 7:00 PM Open mic for musicians.
Michael Kelly (Free) * Keels Creek Winery, Eureka Springs | 6:00 PM Live local music at the winery.
Happy Hour Concert with Full House ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Happy hour concert performance.
Lily Rose ($) * Ozark Music Hall, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM Country music performance.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical ($) * Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Broadway touring production.
Stephen Stone (Free) * Tin Roof (Patio), Fayetteville | 10:00 PM Live patio performance.
Harp NWA (Free) * Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery, Springdale | 6:00 PM Live music at the winery.
NWA TRIVIA ANSWER:
George’s Majestic Lounge
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