Date: September 24th, 2025

TOGETHER WITH Local Mail Billboard

Hey folks, midweek's rolling in with that gentle fall warmth, perfect for grabbing lunch outdoors or planning a weekend outing. Our local Facebook spotlights are highlighting some great community moments, and we've got airport expansions, economic reports, and creative events to celebrate. Add in some business growth and family fun, and it's a reminder of how our area keeps moving forward.

In today’s NWA Today:

🚨 Top Story: Walker Park Renovations Bring Fresh Fun to Fayetteville!
🌟 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: Which lesser-known NWA museum, housed in a 19th-century Italianate villa in Fayetteville, was once the home of a Confederate general and now showcases Civil War artifacts and local history? (Answer at the end of the newsletter)

Let’s dive in!

— Andrew E

Sponsored by Local Mail Billboard

Fayetteville's Walker Park kicks off its first phase of renovations under a new master plan, transforming the south end between 13th and 15th streets, west of S. College Ave., with 32,600 square feet of exciting additions by late summer 2026. This upgrade promises more room for community play, including pickleball courts, sand volleyball, tournament-quality multipurpose fields, horseshoe pits, yard games, a brand-new playground, walking trails, lush landscaping, and refreshed tennis courts.

The Razorback Greenway stays open for safe passage, though with caution advised around the site, and a restroom near the skatepark remains available through winter. As Fayetteville's second oldest and largest community park, this project, funded mainly by the 2019 Park Improvement Bond, boosts outdoor recreation and neighborly bonds. Families from across NWA can look forward to enhanced spots for gatherings, exercise, and relaxation, fostering health and happiness in our vibrant area. It's a heartfelt investment in shared spaces that inspire connection and adventure for generations.

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XNA gears up for a $109 million terminal upgrade to match our region's rise, adding space for more flights and comforts that make travel smoother for families. This investment promises easier connections and local job boosts, enhancing NWA's welcoming gateway.

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Several NWA cities see rebates easing sales tax impacts, putting more money back in pockets for community spending on fun outings and essentials. This thoughtful measure supports families by making everyday purchases lighter on the wallet.

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Centerton takes a careful stride ahead by teaming with Garver for its downtown master plan design, crafting a lively core that promises smart expansion. This collaboration shapes a welcoming heart for the community, blending strategy with energy for lasting appeal.

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Confidence in Northwest Arkansas' economy surges with the Skyline Report calling our commercial real estate "remarkably healthy" and even-keeled. A whopping 48% rise in commercial building permit values signals diverse investments, paving the way for ongoing expansion and job opportunities that uplift businesses big and small into tomorrow.

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The University of Arkansas' "Land of Opportunity" campaign soars, hitting 66% of its target early with $225,000 in recent gifts from alumni. This wave of support opens doors for students, making education reachable and strengthening our community's future.

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Little Sprouts at BGO (Included with garden admission) * Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, Fayetteville | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM A weekly, botanically-themed educational program designed for children aged 2 to 5, offering a fun and interactive way to learn about the natural world.

Fall Into Acroyoga (Free) * Gulley Park, Fayetteville | 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM A free, community-based acroyoga series for all ages and abilities. Local circus artist Dana Krementz leads participants through warm-ups, group games, and foundational partner acrobatics in a supportive environment. Weekly through Oct. 15.

NWA Arts, Crafts & Drafts (Free) * Fayetteville | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM A recurring event held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, bringing together local artisans and craft enthusiasts.

Bentonville Connections (Free) * Bentonville Public Library, Bentonville | 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM A semi-annual community forum where residents can engage with city leaders and department heads to discuss Bentonville's growth, innovation, and future direction.

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.

Following a narrow loss to Memphis, the Razorbacks turn the page to host Notre Dame this Saturday, September 27, at 12:00 p.m. ET in Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, airing on ABC. Coach Sam Pittman highlights the team's resilience, with QB Taylen Green's dynamic plays and a defense ready to contain the Irish's attack. This matchup offers a chance to showcase home-field energy and build momentum for the season.

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blink-182 w/ Alkaline Trio ($) * Walmart AMP, Rogers | 5:00 PM Pop-punk legends on their "Missionary Impossible 2025 Tour."

Wilderado w/ Illiterate Light ($) * Ozark Music Hall, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM Indie rock and folk performance.

Christian Serrano-Torres and Molly Healey ($) * Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville | 7:30 PM Experimental strings performance.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Psychedelic rock and R&B soundscapes from this critically acclaimed New Zealand project.

Ben Rector w/ The National Parks ($) * Walmart AMP, Rogers | 5:30 PM Piano pop and folk performance.

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

COLLIDE ($) * The Momentary, Bentonville | 8:00 PM Live music event.

COLONY HOUSE w/ Happy Landing ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:30 PM Indie rock performance.

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.

The Headquarters House Museum

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

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