Date: August 22nd, 2025

Happy Friday, Northwest Arkansas! 🎉

TOGETHER WITH H.G.D. Apparel Co.

It’s the start of the weekend vibe, and our community is buzzing with excitement! From the Razorbacks revving up for their thrilling season opener to innovative pet reunions, county fair joys, and fresh dining delights, we’ve got everything to keep you informed and inspired. Brought to you in part by H.G.D. Apparel Co.

In today’s NWA Today:

  • 🚨 Top Story: Razorbacks Primed for Thrilling Season Kickoff
    🌟 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: Where was the very first Walmart store opened in Northwest Arkansas? (Answer at the end of the newsletter)

Let’s dive in!

— Andrew E

Razorbacks Primed for Thrilling Season Kickoff

Sponsored by H.G.D. Apparel Co.

As the Arkansas Razorbacks gear up for their season opener against Alabama A&M on August 30 in Fayetteville, Offensive Coordinator Bobby Petrino is radiating optimism about the team's solid groundwork. At the helm is seasoned quarterback Taylen Green, directing a potent offense bolstered by a multifaceted running back squad. Standouts include Mike Washington Jr., who turned heads with a stunning 91-yard touchdown dash during scrimmages, complemented by emerging stars Braylen Russell and Rodney Hill.

The fortified offensive line, guided by center Caden Kitler's astute pre-snap assessments, elevates both execution and quarterback safeguarding. Receivers O'Mega Blake and CJ Brown contribute valuable depth, while 30-year-old ex-professional baseball athlete Monte Harrison injects vitality with his remarkable practice showings. The ongoing contest at right tackle between E'Marion Harris and Shaq McRoy guarantees sturdy protection. Petrino commends the squad's flexibility and progress, laying the foundation for a captivating campaign. This enthusiasm is electrifying the Northwest Arkansas community, rallying supporters in eager anticipation of dazzling plays and triumphs.

24/7 Pet Microchip Hub Launches in Centerton

Centerton Animal Services has joined forces with the Northwest Arkansas Animal Alliance and Animal Hospital of Centerton to introduce a 24/7 microchip scanning facility, facilitating swift reunions between lost pets and their families at any hour. This innovative program addresses accessibility barriers, motivating locals to promptly check found pets and lessen the load on shelters, fostering a more compassionate community.

Washington County Fair Runs Through Saturday

Ongoing through August 23 in Fayetteville, the Washington County Fair boasts exhilarating rides, captivating exhibits, and family fun games.

XNA and Highfill Seal Harmonious Property Accord

Northwest Arkansas National Airport and the city of Highfill have finalized a property separation agreement, preserving municipal sales tax revenues through 2030 for seamless bond repayment. This cooperative settlement resolves disputes, secures economic steadiness, and enhances regional unity, supporting enhanced facilities for visitors and locals alike.

Folklore Ice Cream Sweetens Up Fayetteville Square

Nestled within the delightful Folklore of Fayetteville toy and gift shop on the square, the new Folklore Ice Cream parlor is serving up a dozen tempting flavors, from cotton candy to gooey butter cake, along with dairy-free choices and over 20 playful toppings. Complete with inviting seating areas, this charming addition invites families to savor delectable treats and forge happy memories in the heart of downtown Fayetteville, enhancing the area's vibrant appeal.

Osaka House Delivers Flavorful Buffet Experience in North Fayetteville

The lively Osaka House buffet, focusing on Chinese and Japanese dishes, has debuted with enticing options like succulent crab legs, fresh sushi, and timeless favorites such as beef and broccoli. Under the ownership of local visionary An Wei Feng, this establishment breathes new life into a well-known location, enriching Fayetteville's culinary landscape with diverse, delectable offerings ideal for enjoyable family meals and gatherings.

FRIDAY 22ND

Washington County Fair - Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville - 10:00 AM-10:00 PM "Fair After Dark" with carnival running late for Midnight Madness rides until 2:00 AM

33rd Annual VW Weekend - Eureka Springs - All Day (runs through Aug 24) classic Volkswagen vehicles fill the historic streets

Plein Air Painting in the Ramble - Lower Ramble, 255 West Ave, Fayetteville - 5:30 PM-7:30 PM outdoor nature painting class with Community Creative Center

Movies in the Parks: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - Lewis Park, 1515 Lewis Ave, Fayetteville - 7:30 PM free outdoor screening with Arkansas Cinema Society

Murder Mystery Weekend - 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs - All Day (runs through Aug 24) interactive whodunit experience

'no bones' Art Show Opening - Pond Gallery, Fayetteville - Opening Day featuring work of two northeastern US painters

SATURDAY 23RD

Washington County Fair - Final Day - Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville - 10:00 AM-10:00 PM "Saturday on the Midway" with all-day wristbands for rides, food, and fun

Bentonville Farmers Market - Downtown Bentonville Square, Bentonville - 7:30 AM-1:00 PM premier farmers market with local produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts

Fayetteville Farmers Market - Downtown Fayetteville Square, Fayetteville - 7:00 AM-2:00 PM extended Saturday hours

Rogers Local Food and Art Market - Frisco Plaza at Railyard Park, Rogers - 8:00 AM-1:00 PM locally grown foods and artisan crafts

Springdale Farmers Market - Jones Center, Springdale - 8:00 AM-12:00 PM produce, baked goods, honey, crafts

Siloam Springs Farmers Market - Memorial Park, Siloam Springs - 7:00 AM-1:00 PM producer-only market with live music

Bentonville Kids Rave - Lawrence Plaza, Bentonville - 5:00 PM-8:00 PM family-friendly event with safe environment for kids to dance

Toddler Soccer (ages 2-6) - Gulley Park, 1850 E Township St, Fayetteville - 9:00 AM-10:00 AM developmentally appropriate introduction to team sports

Canning 101: Basics of Home Canning - Rogers Public Library, Friends of RPL Community Room, Rogers - 10:00 AM-12:00 PM essential skills workshop for preserving summer harvest
ROBBIE! - Eureka Springs - Evening live theatrical performance - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Flower Drawing Workshop - Community Creative Center, Fayetteville - 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM - $35 workshop dedicated to botanical illustration skills

SUNDAY 24TH

Sundays on the Square: Back to School - Downtown Fayetteville Square, Fayetteville - 12:00 PM-4:00 PM free family-friendly event featuring Razorback Spirit Squad pep rally, local arts market, and food trucks

Needle Felting Mushrooms - Community Creative Center, Fayetteville - All Day $35 workshop learning to create whimsical felted mushrooms

☀️ Weather: NWA Forecast

  • Friday, August 22: High 92/Low 70 °F | Sunny ☀️ | Precipitation 10% | Wind S 5 mph

  • Saturday, August 23: High 94/Low 72 °F | Partly Cloudy ⛅ | Precipitation 20% | Wind SW 8 mph

  • Sunday, August 24: High 90/Low 68 °F | Scattered Thunderstorms 🌩️ | Precipitation 50% | Wind SE 10 mph

NWA Naturals

The NWA Naturals, our local Double-A baseball team, are in the thick of their season with exciting home stands. Upcoming games include matchups against regional rivals, offering family-friendly fun at Arvest Ballpark.

  • NWA Naturals vs. Tulsa Drillers: August 22, 7:05 PM

  • NWA Naturals vs. Tulsa Drillers: August 23, 6:05 PM

Friday, August 22, 2025

Happy Hour: Hardtops (Free) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Start your weekend right with a free happy hour show from local favorites the Hardtops at Fayetteville's oldest music venue.

Live Music at Jammin Java (Free) * Jammin Java, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM Enjoy a coffee or a snack while listening to live local musicians in this cozy downtown Fayetteville spot.

Harp NWA (Free) * Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery, Springdale | 6:00 PM Experience the beautiful and unique sound of live harp music in the scenic setting of Sassafras Springs, an event where the atmosphere is as much a part of the appeal as the music itself.

Courtyard Sessions with NWA Jazz Society (Free) * The Momentary, Bentonville | 7:00 PM Enjoy a relaxing evening of community and jazz in The Momentary's beautiful Arvest Bank Courtyard, a perfect summer night experience that blends art, architecture, and music.

The Avett Brothers with Blackberry Smoke ($) * Walmart AMP, Rogers | 7:45 PM Folk-rock titans The Avett Brothers bring their incredible live show to the AMP, joined by Southern rock powerhouse Blackberry Smoke.

Los MX (Free) * Railyard Live, Rogers | 8:00 PM Get ready to dance with the vibrant Latin rhythms of Los MX at this free community concert in downtown Rogers.

William Clark Green ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 9:00 PM Following the happy hour show, George's hosts a full-night concert with Texas country artist William Clark Green.

Saturday, August 23

Live Music at Jammin Java (Free) * Jammin Java, Fayetteville | 9:00 AM Start your Fayetteville Farmers Market morning with live music and a fresh coffee at this downtown staple.

Lukas Wigington (Free) * Foghorn's (W. 15th), Fayetteville | 10:30 AM As part of the "Putt for Paws Fundraiser," enjoy a morning set from local country artist Lukas Wigington, showcasing how music is woven into community events.

Dead Horse Mountain Band (Free) * Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery, Springdale | 6:00 PM Enjoy the rustic, soulful sounds of Dead Horse Mountain Band while sipping local wine at this beautiful Springdale winery.

National Park Radio with The Sons of Otis Malone ($) * Railyard Live, Rogers | 7:30 PM Beloved Arkansas-based indie-folk group National Park Radio headlines an evening of heartfelt music in downtown Rogers.

Muscadine Bloodline ($) * The Momentary, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Country duo Muscadine Bloodline brings their "Coastal Plain Tour" to the Momentary Green for a big outdoor show.

Bronco ($) * Springdale Civic Center, Springdale | 8:00 PM Legendary Mexican grupero band Bronco brings their iconic sound and decades of hits to the Springdale Civic Center, a major cultural event for the region's large and vibrant Hispanic community.

Funk Factory ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 9:00 PM Get ready to dance as Funk Factory delivers a high-energy performance filled with funk, soul, and R&B classics.

Sunday, August 24

Karaoke Dance Party Hosted by Chris Kuri (Free) * Tin Roof, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Your weekly chance to be a star! End the weekend with a fun-filled night of singing and dancing on Dickson Street, a perfect, low-key social wind-down after a busy Saturday.

NWA TRIVIA ANSWER:

Rogers, AR in 1962!

Check out our website for more helpful NWA Tips - www.nwatoday.com 

💬 Your Turn!

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

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