Date: August 20th, 2025

TOGETHER WITH H.G.D. Apparel Co.

Mid-week in NWA is looking lively—from county fair fun to fresh local openings and a full slate of community events. Today’s issue is packed with upbeat, family-friendly picks to help you plan the next few days. Big thanks to H.G.D. Apparel Co. for keeping the local style game strong—perfect gear for fair nights and weekend adventures.

In today’s NWA Today:

Daily NWA Trivia: Who is the only Razorback to win the Doak Walker Award twice? (Answer at the end of the newsletter)

Let’s dive in!

— Andrew E

Sponsored by H.G.D. Apparel Co.

The Washington County Fair is back this week at the fairgrounds on N. McConnell Ave. Expect a full slate of classic attractions: nightly midway rides, livestock shows, pageants, exhibits, and plenty of fair food. Gate admission is $5 (free for kids under 6) with unlimited-ride armbands available nightly; Wednesday armbands are $25 and $30 on Thursday–Saturday. Gates open at 10 a.m. daily (midway rides begin at 5 p.m. on Wed–Thu and 3 p.m. Fri–Sat). Parking is $5. Pro tip: arrive early for livestock judging and stay late for the lights and funnel cakes. See the daily schedule before you go and plan your must-do stops.

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Eureka Springs will be buzzing with Beetles and buses as the town hosts its 33rd Annual Volkswagen Weekend on Aug. 22-24. Classic Volkswagen lovers from across the region will cruise into town for car shows, swap meets, and a parade through the Ozarks. The family-friendly gathering welcomes everything from pristine show cars to quirky daily drivers, all united by a love of the iconic VW. The long-running event also raises funds for a local charity while providing a scenic, fun-filled weekend for auto enthusiasts.

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The Walton Arts Center is gearing up for a blockbuster 2025-26 season in Fayetteville, with over 60 shows on the schedule and a brand-new performance series in the mix. The upcoming season lineup spans everything from touring Broadway musicals and big-name concerts to family programming and jazz nights. In fact, it’s the largest season in the center’s history, reflecting Northwest Arkansas’s growing appetite for the arts. Single tickets just went on sale, so local theater and music fans can start planning their must-see list for what promises to be an exciting year on Dickson Street.

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TEDx returns to Fayetteville, delivering thought-provoking talks on innovation, wellness, creativity, and social impact from local talents. Paired with American Red Cross blood drives during National Wellness Month, these events promote health, generosity, and community participation. They foster inclusivity, self-care, and positive change, strengthening bonds and highlighting NWA's vibrant, connected spirit for families and individuals alike.

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A new all-you-can-eat eatery has joined Fayetteville’s food scene. Osaka House, an Asian buffet-style restaurant, is now open at 32 W. Joyce Blvd., in the space formerly home to Eat My Catfish. Owner An Wei Feng – who also operates Juicy Tails seafood restaurants in Fayetteville and Rogers – says Osaka House focuses on Chinese and Japanese favorites. Diners can load up on everything from crab legs and shrimp to sushi rolls, fried rice, and beef & broccoli, according to the restaurant’s Facebook photos. The opening comes after some construction delays (Feng initially hoped to launch in February), but the doors are finally open for lunch and dinner service. With its extensive buffet spread, Osaka House brings a new global flavor to north Fayetteville’s dining options.

Visit

Healthy sips have arrived on Wedington Drive as Wildberry Smoothie Co. is now open in west Fayetteville. Located at 3484 W. Wedington (in the plaza with CJ’s Butcher Boy Burgers), the new spot offers seven flavors of made-to-order smoothies, plus a selection of smoothie bowls, kids’ smoothies, and grab-and-go snacks. Wildberry Smoothie Co. quietly opened earlier this month and celebrated a grand opening on Aug. 18. The shop operates daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., aiming to provide a convenient, nutritious pick-me-up for morning commuters, post-workout crowds, and anyone craving a fruity treat.

Visit

A beloved local restaurant brand has a new life in Rogers. Mermaids, known for its coastal-inspired cuisine and celebratory atmosphere, recently opened a 5,000-square-foot location at the Pinnacle Hills Promenade (2011 S. Promenade Blvd., Ste. 440). The new Rogers Mermaids brings “the same heartfelt hospitality” that made the original Fayetteville location a favorite for years. (Mermaids in Fayetteville closed late last year, but owners Todd and Nickki Golden are planning a new, more casual concept in Fayetteville soon.) The Mermaids brand – part of the Goldens’ local restaurant group that includes Isabella’s Italian and Hugs Ice Cream – has over 40 years of roots in NWA dining.

Visit

Washington County Fair (School Day) - Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville - 10:00 AM-10:00 PM "WashCo Wednesday" where students get FREE admission until 3:00 PM, carnival 5:00-10:00 PM

Little Sprouts at BGO - Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, 4703 N Crossover Rd, Fayetteville - 10:00 AM-11:00 AM botanically-themed program for children aged 2-5 with stories, songs, and nature crafts

Northwest Arkansas Quilt Study Group - Rogers Historical Museum's Key Wing Education Center, 322 S Second St, Rogers - 1:00 PM-3:00 PM gathering for quilting enthusiasts to share projects and techniques

Food for Caribbean Souls Cooking Class - Honeycomb Kitchen, Rogers - All Day hands-on class exploring bold and vibrant Caribbean flavors

Yoga in the Park - Wilson Park (Southwest end by the creek), Fayetteville - 6:00 PM-7:00 PM donation-based yoga class for all levels in natural setting

Poetry Night at Kava Bar - Club 509 at the Kava Bar, 509 W Spring St, Fayetteville - 6:00 PM-8:00 PM free all-ages open mic night for poets and spoken word artists

Bentonville Farmers Market - Downtown Bentonville Square, Bentonville - 4:00-7:00 PM Wednesday evening market with 130+ producer-only vendors

Trivia Night - Jose's Bar & Grill, Tontitown - 7:00 PM general knowledge with margarita specials

50% Off Pizza Night - Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery, Springdale - 4:30 PM-7:30 PM half-priced pizzas with wine purchase

Washington County Fair - Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville - 10:00 AM-10:00 PM "Buddy Night" and "Senior Citizen Day" with seniors getting free admission until 5:00 PM and two-for-$32 wristband deals

Fayetteville Farmers Market - Downtown Fayetteville Square, Fayetteville - 7:00 AM-1:00 PM mid-week farmers market

Eureka Springs Farmers Market - Eureka Springs Community Center, Eureka Springs - 8:00 AM-1:00 PM local producers with weekly live music

Springdale Farmers Market - The Jones Center, Springdale - 7:00 AM-1:00 PM market featuring local produce, prepared foods, plants, and crafts

Artist Presentation with Evelyn Jorgenson - Artists of Northwest Arkansas (ANA) Gallery, Rogers - 1:00 PM-3:00 PM free presentation discussing experiences and inspirations from "Painting in Tuscany"

Quiche Club Cooking Class - Honeycomb Kitchen, Rogers - All Day master the art of the perfect quiche and savory tarts

BSB MTB Social Group Ride - The Hub Bike Lounge, Bentonville - 6:00 PM weather-permitting mountain bike ride

Trivia Night - Smitty's Garage Burgers & Beer, Fayetteville - 8:00 PM themed and general knowledge trivia

Trivia Night - Mellow Mushroom, Fayetteville - 6:30 PM movie/TV themed trivia

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

Day Trip – Watercolor USA & Jeff Legg Exhibits - George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Joplin, MO - 10:00 AM-9:00 PM Artists of Northwest Arkansas road trip to opening receptions

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

ROBBIE! - Eureka Springs - Evening live theatrical performance (weekends Aug 22-23 & Aug 29-30)

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

The NWA Naturals had a strong showing recently, with pitcher Ben Kudrna tossing seven scoreless innings on August 14 for a key win. Looking ahead, the team hosts the Tulsa Drillers in a homestand packed with action.

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Ben Harris (Free) * Six-Twelve Coffee Shop and Bar, Fayetteville | 5:30 PM Unwind after work with a solo acoustic guitar set from local artist Ben Harris. Venues like Six-Twelve serve a crucial role by introducing local artists to a broader, more casual audience.

Live Music (Free) * JJ's Grill, Fayetteville | 6:00 PM The midweek tradition continues with great food, cold drinks, and a free performance from a local NWA musician.

Live Band Karaoke (Free) * The Piano Bar, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM Take your karaoke game to the next level by singing with a live band behind you, making for a truly rockstar experience.

Fossil Cove Trivia Night (Free) * Fossil Cove Brewing Co., Fayetteville | 7:00 PM While primarily a trivia night, this popular weekly gathering at a beloved local brewery often features a lively, music-filled atmosphere, acting as a gateway for patrons to engage more deeply with the local arts scene.

flipturn with Odie Leigh ($) * JJ's Live, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Indie rock sensations flipturn bring their "Burnout Days Tour" to Fayetteville, with support from singer-songwriter Odie Leigh.

Live Music at Pesto's (Free) * Pesto's by Lance, Rogers | 6:00 PM Enjoy dinner with a side of live music from talented members of Ozark Riviera every Thursday evening.

Rock & Roll Dueling Pianos ($) * The Piano Bar, Fayetteville | 7:00 PM Experience a high-energy, all-request show where talented pianists duel it out playing your favorite rock and pop hits.

East Nash Grass ($) * The Momentary (RØDE House), Bentonville | 7:00 PM Settle in for an evening of incredible bluegrass and Americana from this Nashville-based supergroup in The Momentary's intimate indoor venue.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Three 6 Mafia, Tech N9ne & DJ Quik ($) * Walmart AMP, Rogers | 7:30 PM "The Thuggish-Ruggish-Mafia Tour" brings a legendary lineup of hip-hop and rap icons to the AMP, showcasing NWA's role as a cultural crossroads capable of drawing major tours from diverse genres.

The Marshall Tucker Band ($) * JJ's Live, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM Southern rock legends The Marshall Tucker Band bring their decades of classic hits to the stage in Fayetteville.

DEMPS with Emma Zinck ($) * Tin Roof, Fayetteville | 8:00 PM The "Nashville Hits the Roof" original country series continues, featuring a performance from rising country star DEMPS.

Carson Jeffrey ($) * George's Majestic Lounge, Fayetteville | 8:30 PM Texas country and red dirt artist Carson Jeffrey plays George's, delivering authentic storytelling and raw musical energy.

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.

Darren McFadden, who won the Doak Walker Award in 2006 and 2007!

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

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