EVENTS IN NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
COMMUNITY EVENTS
First Fridays—May 1 & June 5
Offering musical performances, food and activities. May’s theme is “Adventure Land.” Downtown Bentonville Square. www.downtownbentonville.org
Bentonville Farmers Market—Thru Oct. 31
Featuring local fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, crafts and fine art by local artists. Saturdays and Wednesdays. Downtown Bentonville Square. www.downtownbentonville.org
The Original Rogers Farmers Market—Thru Oct.
Featuring locally grown produce, crafts, baked goods, meat and eggs. Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mt Hebron Park and Frisco Station Mall parking lot. Rogers. www.rogersfarmersmarket.com
Fayetteville Farmers Market—Thru Dec.
Featuring a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, fruits, meats, dairy, flowers, baked goods, plants, art and crafts. Saturdays. Downtown Fayetteville Square. www.experiencefayetteville.com
Arkansas Pottery Festival—May 1 thru 3
Enjoy pottery demonstrations, lectures and a pottery sale of more than 50 potters from around the state. Spotlight artists include Brad Schwiegerand Lorna Meaden. Community Creative Center. Fayetteville. www.communitycreativecenter.org
Siloam Springs Farmers Market—May 2 thru Oct. 31
Find fresh, local foods and goods at this outdoor market. Kids Day at the Market is the second Saturday of each month. Memorial Park. Downtown Siloam Springs. www.mainstreetsiloam.org
Springdale Farmers Market—May 2 thru Oct. 31
Offering locally sourced goods including coffee, honey, eggs, produce, art and crafts. Market will be open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Jones Center. Springdale. www.downtownspringdale.org
Art on the Bricks—May 14 & June 11
Enjoy artwork from regional artists featured in local businesses and shops. Downtown Rogers. www.artonthebricks.com
Fourth Friday—May 22
A family-friendly community block party with free activities, local artisans, vendors, food trucks and live music. May’s theme is “Summer Kick-Off.” Memorial Park. Siloam Springs. www.4thfridaysiloam.com
Mudtown Days—June 5 & 6
This event offers free entertainment for the entire family, including concerts, games, inflatables, a mud run, talent contest, car show, parade, fireworks and much more. Kathleen Johnson Memorial Park. Lowell. www.lowellarkansas.gov
Cane Hill Community Picnic—July 17
Bring your family and a picnic lunch as you meet new friends and community members. Historic Cane Hill. www.historiccanehillar.org
ARTS & CULTURE
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art—Exhibitions & Events
Currently on display thru July 27: America 250: Common Threads; running thru Sept. 14: The Art of Birdwatching with Susan Morrison. Upcoming events include: Regional Artist Showcase: Environmental Art with Eloa Jane on May 9 & 10; and Second Saturday: Celebrating AAPI Heritage on May 9. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Bentonville. crystalbridges.org
The Momentary—Exhibitions & Events
Currently on display thru June 7: The Machine Behind the Art: Inside JR’s Printing Press and The Greatest Wildlife Photographs. Special events include: Monthly Teen Takeover Night on May 1; An Evening with WILCO on May 2; Alison Krauss & Union Station Featuring Jerry Douglas | Arcadia 2026 Tour on May 3; Community Meet Up | Autism Involves Me on May 5 and June 2; Rode House Happy Hour | Guinevere Goodwin on May 6; Community Night with Hairpins on May 8; Singles Night | Singles Pitch Night on May 9; The Phlegms Turned Down on May 9; RØDE House Happy Hour | Bettysoo on May 13; Game Nights | NWA Equality on May 15; Golden: A K-Pop Kids Party! on May 17; RØDE House Happy Hour | FRAWG! on May 20; Supper Club | Chef Jason Paul on May 20; Collide | Megan Hamilton B2B Pineo & Loeb on May 21; RØDE House Happy Hour | Trivia with Joshie Simmons on May 27; and Cocktail Tour: Greatest Wildlife Photo on May 28. The Momentary. Bentonville. www.themomentary.org
Rogers Historical Museum—Exhibition
Currently on display thru Aug. 1: Fashion Accessories: Adornments Through History. Rogers Historical Museum. www.rogershistoricalmuseum.org
Shiloh Museum of Ozark History—Exhibitions
Currently on display thru May 31: Andrew Kilgore’s Fayetteville Townfolk; Capturing Time: Historic Ozark Cameras; and One Step Higher: Five Generations of a Black Ozark Family. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. Springdale. www.shilohmuseum.org
Symphony of Northwest Arkansas—Performances
Upcoming performances include: SoNA Beyond: Transcending Words on May 3 at Fayetteville Public Library; and SoNA Beyond: Tone Painting on May 17 at Fayetteville Public Library. www.sonamusic.org
TheatreSquared—Performances
Running thru May 10: Pride & Prejudice. TheatreSquared. Fayetteville. www.theatre2.org
Walmart AMP—Concerts
May 1: Jim Gaffigan; May 7: Ty Myers; May 15: An Evening With Jeff Foxworthy; May 17: STYX; May 19: The Black Crowes and Whiskey Myers; May 29: Kali Uchis; and May 30: TAYLORVILLE. Walmart AMP. Rogers. www.walmartamp.com
Walton Arts Center—Performances
May 3: Theater Unspeakable: The American Revolution; May 7: A Tribute to the American Songbook with Champian Fulton; May 9: Whitney Cummings; May 12: National Geographic Live: The Wild Wolves of Yellowstone; May 15: Trey Kennedy; May 16: West Street Live: Mary Gauthier; May 16: Curtis Chamber Orchestra; May 23: Diamond Awards Ceremony; and May 26 thru 31: & Juliet. Walton Arts Center. Fayetteville. www.waltonartscenter.org
Artosphere Festival—Thru May 17
This event spotlights artists and performers from all around the world who are inspired by nature and provides a creative framework to discuss issues of sustainability and environmental awareness. Various locations. swww.waltonartscenter.org
Rogers Short Film Festival—May 1 thru 3
Filmmakers from around the world will compete in categories based on experience and budget. This non-stop weekend is filled with screenings, networking, food, music and entertainment. 2nd Street Studio. Rogers. www.rogersshortfilm.org
Railyard Live—May 1 thru Sept.
Enjoy a variety of live music by local and regional performers. Fridays and Saturdays. Butterfield Stage. Downtown Rogers. www.railyardlive.com
APYO in Concert—May 2
The Arkansas Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Spring Concert with orchestral music in surprising new ways to cultivate young minds. Thaden School Performing Arts Center. Bentonville. www.arphil.org
George Dombek Open Studio—May 2 & 3, May 9 & 10
Arkansas native and nationally recognized watercolor artist George Dombek is opening his studio and grounds to the public. 844 Blue Springs Road. Fayetteville. www.georgedombek.com
High School Musical Jr.—May 7 thru 10
When school jock Troy and brainiac Gabriella audition for the high school musical, they set East High into upheaval. Arts Live Theatre. Fayetteville. www.artslivetheatre.com
Arkansas Gravestones and Graveyards—May 13
Join Abby Burnett for a discussion on her latest book, Though Silent They Speak: Arkansas Gravestones and Graveyards, in this Not Strictly History program. Following the talk will be books for sale and a signing. Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. Springdale. www.shilohmuseum.org
Eureka Springs Blues Party—May 28 thru 31
Blues Land transforms Basin Spring Park into a festival hub with live music, blues-inspired yoga, workshops and panel discussions exploring the roots and future of the genre. Basin Spring Park. Eureka Springs. www.eurekaspringsbluesparty.com
Terrific Tuesday Nights—June 2 thru Aug. 25
This family-friendly series allows the community to experience the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks on beautiful summer evenings. Enjoy free admission to the garden on these Tuesday nights throughout the summer months. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Fayetteville. www.bgozarks.org
Gulley Park Summer Concert Series—June 4, 11 & 18
A family-friendly tradition of outdoor live music, food trucks and fun. Furry friends are welcome. Listen to Jon McLaughlin on June 4, Mae Estes on June 11, and Jukeboxx on June 18. Gulley Park. Fayetteville. www.experiencefayetteville.com
On Golden Pond—June 18 thru 20
Smokehouse Players presents a spirited elderly couple facing their twilight years in On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson. Free to the community, with donations accepted at the door to benefit Magdelene Serenity House. Ozark Mountain Smokehouse. Fayetteville. www.lovehealsnwa.org
SPORTS & RECREATION
NWA Naturals—Upcoming Home Games
May 1 thru May 3 vs. Springfield Cardinals; May 12 thru 17 vs. Arkansas Travelers; and June 2 thru 7 vs. Midland Rockhounds. Visit the website for game times, promotional theme night information and admission prices. Arvest Ballpark. Springdale. www.nwanaturals.com
Bentonville Area Classic—May 1
Teams will take on a 10-station clay course and a lively lunch celebration with live music, food, yard games and door prizes. Legacy Ranch at Dry Creek. Gravette. www.bentonvillearea.com
Gold Rush and Fun Run—May 1
This event benefits the Bentonville Public School Foundation. Lawrence Plaza. Downtown Bentonville. www.bentonvilleschoolfoundation.org
Natural State Tree Climbing Championship—May 1 thru 3
Professional tree climbing competition simulating working conditions of arborists in the field. Learn about safety, the latest in climbing techniques and innovations in equipment. Memorial Park. Lowell. www.arkansastrees.org/2025-nstcc
Halfway Halt @ Square 2 Square—May 2
Cheer on the riders during their 30-mile trip traveling from Fayetteville to Bentonville on the Razorback Greenway. Enjoy food, drinks and music. Turnbow Park. Springdale. www.downtownspringdale.org
Square 2 Square—May 2
This spring bike ride will have riders travel from the Bentonville Square to the Fayetteville Square, with a Halfway Halt event in downtown Springdale. Sam’s Club Home Office. Bentonville.
Yoga in the Garden—May 2 thru July 25
Join in and make yoga your new weekend ritual with expert instructors from Fayetteville Athletic Club leading energizing sessions in the Garden. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Fayetteville. www.bgozarks.org
Mercy Golf Classic—May 4
A golf tournament raising funds for Mercy Health Foundation NWA to ensure continued health care needs in the community. Pinnacle Country Club. Rogers. www.mercyhealthfoundation.net/nwagolf
Bike City Fondo—May 9
This event includes courses for different comfort levels. Travel to the back roads or stay on the paved Razorback Greenway to enjoy the sights. Walker Park. Fayetteville. www.bikecityfondo.com
Duo Dash 5K & Fun Run—May 9
The course will wind through downtown Springdale, starting and ending at Luther George Park. Runners will utilize city streets, sidewalks and portions of the Razorback Greenway. Downtown Springdale. www.springdale.recdesk.com
Fayetteville Chamber Spring Classic—May 11
This golf tournament is limited to 25 teams, so sign up early. Event includes lunch and two flights of golf. Paradise Valley Athletic Club. Fayetteville. www.fayettevillear.com
Driving for Change Topgolf Tournament—May 15
Compete for exciting prizes while enjoying a delicious brunch and refreshing drinks. Proceeds support the Remembering Nicholas Foundation. Topgolf. Rogers. www.rememberingnicholasfoundation.com
Cow Paddy Run—May 16
A 5K for adults and older kids and a 1K Fun Run for the little ones. Proceeds benefit The Spark Foundation. Gulley Park. Fayetteville. www.mysparkfoundation.org
Girls on the Run 5K—May 16
This 5K gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line instills confidence and a joyful moment participants will remember. Gulley Park. Fayetteville. www.gotrnwa.org
Springdale Chamber Golf Classic—May 18
Enjoy a round of golf and a day of fun brought to you by the Springdale Chamber of Commerce. Morning and afternoon flights available. Springdale Country Club. www.springdale.com
Summer Swing—May 28
Support youth mentoring through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas at the summer’s biggest “par-tee.” Enjoy a fun, team-focused event geared toward team building and networking. No golf skills necessary. Topgolf. Rogers. www.bbbsnwa.org
Glow Run—May 29
A nighttime two-mile race that is fun for the whole family. Adorn yourself in neon and anything that glows. Memorial Park. Bentonville. www.runbentonville.com
Free Public Lake Day at Lake Wedington—May 30
Enjoy a free community lake day supporting Friends of Lake Wedington’s efforts to restore and reopen this historic recreation area for the public with fishing, volleyball, yoga, live music and kayaks available to borrow thanks to Gypsy Camp and Canoe. Lake Wedington. Fayetteville. www.darlingretreats.com
Hope in One—June 4
A family-friendly mini golf fundraiser benefiting Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter. Golf Mountain Mini Golf. Lowell. www.nwaws.org
Pig Trail Mud Run—June 6
If getting wet and dirty sounds fun, and you love to be mentally and physically challenged, then this is the race for you. Rotary Club of Springdale club projects. Ecclesia College. Springdale. www.pigtrailmudrun.org
Sager Creek Triathlon—June 6
This event includes a 300-yard pool swim, 12-mile bike ride and 2-mile run. Athletes 18 years and older can participate. Walton Lifetime Health Complex, John Brown University. Siloam Springs. www.sagercreektri.com
Dam Slam Pickleball Tournament—June 6 & 7
Join the Peel Compton Foundation for this inaugural event. There will be divisions for all levels of play, so everyone is welcome. Osage Park. Bentonville. www.peelcompton.org
Bentonville Bike Fest—June 9 thru 14
Offering an expanded expo, gravel racing, enduro race, UCI trials, dirt jump contest, “straight rhythm” event, flatland BMX competitions, kids races and zones and live bands. 1770 SW 2nd St. Bentonville. www.bentonvillebikefest.com
Catfish, Corndogs and Cornhole Tournament—June 12
Come and play cornhole in teams of two. Amateur and competitive brackets available. Enjoy food and a day spent raising money to improve local health care for Mercy Health Foundation. Mercy Hospital. Rogers. www.mercyhealthfoundation.net/NWA
Ozark Valley Triathlon—June 13 & 14
This event marks the fourth consecutive year for Fayetteville to host a full slate of USA Triathlon National Championship events. Lake Wedington Recreation Area. Fayetteville. www.experiencefayetteville.com
Bowling for Business—June 17
Strikes and spares are the name of the game. Teams from across the region are invited to spend a fun-filled time bowling and networking. Rogers Bowling Center. www.springdale.com
The Cancer Challenge—June 19 & 20
These events advocate and support world-class cancer care in the region. Events include a golf tournament, trap shoot tournament, tennis tournament, pickleball tournament and a run/walk. Various locations across Northwest Arkansas. www.cancerchallenge.com
OTHER EVENTS
Big Paws Block Party—May 1
Support Big Paws and its mission of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs in need. Enjoy craft beer, cocktails, food trucks, music, party games, a silent auction, puppy kissing booth and adoptable puppies. Big Paws of the Ozarks. Fayetteville. www.bigpawsozarks.org
Cinco De Mayo Celebration—May 1
A fundraising fiesta to support underserved youth through the First Tee. Includes food, brews, a DJ and mariachi music. Rendezvous Junction Brewing Co. Rogers. www.firstteenorthwestarkansas.org
Kitchen Table Dinner—May 1
Enjoy a family-style dinner collaboration between South School and Apple Seeds, including produce straight from the farms, a highlight on fermentation, wine pairings and house-crafted beverages. Apple Seeds Inc. Fayetteville. www.appleseedsnwa.org
Plant A Seed Soirée—May 1
Enjoy a dinner prepared by Brightwater students, speakers, live entertainment and auctions benefiting student scholarships through the Northwest Arkansas Community College Foundation. Heroncrest. Elm Springs. www.nwaccfoundation.org/plantaseed
Bentonville Whiskey Festival—May 2
Experience an evening of crafted and limited-release whiskey with music, wine and games for guests 21 years or older. The Peel Mansion. Bentonville. www.eventbrite.com
Cinco de Mayo Festival—May 2
This fun event will feature various talents, food and presentations benefiting HWOA scholarship fund. Jones Center. Springdale. www.hwoa.org
Mini Derby—May 2
Enjoy live mini horse racing, the Kentucky Derby on a big screen, live music, a silent auction, Kentucky Derby-inspired food, drinks and Best Dressed contests supporting Equestrian Bridges. Equestrian Bridges. Rogers. www.miniderby.com
Prairie Street Block Party—May 2
The businesses of Prairie Street are taking it to the streets for a day of free family fun including live music, arts, food and drinks, wellness offerings and kid-friendly activities. Prairie Street. Fayetteville. www.experiencefayetteville.com
Washington Elementary Tour of Homes—May 2
Support Washington Elementary while touring charming homes in downtown Fayetteville. Tours are self-guided. Various locations across Fayetteville. www.fayettevilletourofhomes.com
Paws and Pours—May 3
Enjoy wine, wagging tails and community support for the animals at Humane Society of the Ozarks. Enjoy live caricature artists creating custom drawings of guests and their pups. Sassafras Springs Vineyard. Springdale. www.hsozarks.org
Gala for Education and Access—May 7
Celebrate this 20th anniversary in golden style at this Hollywood glamour event featuring a plated dinner and musical performances that will lift your spirits. Funds raised will help to extend access and arts-in-education to youth and underserved community members. Fayetteville Public Library. www.theatre2.org
Rooted in Resilience Luncheon—May 7
A celebration honoring the remarkable women of Havenwood, a nonprofit empowering single mothers and their children. Get connected and be inspired through their stories. Record. Bentonville. www.nwahavenwood.org
Taste of Rogers—May 14
An event featuring the best of the culinary community, offering small bites and beverages by local restaurants. Frisco Plaza. Rogers. www.rogerslowell.com
Call of the Wild—May 16
This annual event will be packed with live music, delicious food, a silent auction, guided hikes and fun activities for the whole family. Proceeds support Ozark Natural Science Center. Lake Fayetteville. www.onsc.us
Spring Demolition Derby—May 16
Enjoy heated competition as drivers face off until the last car is standing. Drivers will compete for cash prizes and bragging rights. Parsons Stadium. Springdale. www.rodeooftheozarks.org
Chefs in the Garden—May 19
Guests will enjoy the beauty of the garden, music, drinks and a sampling of culinary creations from the area’s finest chefs. Must be 21 years or older. Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Fayetteville. www.bgozarks.org
Go Red for Women Luncheon—May 19
Celebrate the Go Red for Women movement at this empowering gathering focused on preventing heart disease and stroke. Hear stories of people impacted by this issue and raise critically needed funds to support research and education initiatives. Rogers Convention Center. www.heart.org/nwagored
Spring Carnival—May 22 thru 31
A family-friendly event presenting rides, games, fair foods and fun. Parsons Stadium. Springdale. www.rodeooftheozarks.org
SoNA Spring Gala—May 28
Join the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas to celebrate the season and the introduction of the new music director. Enjoy good food, one-of-a-kind auction items and superb music. Fayetteville Public Library. www.sonamusic.org
Spring Market NWA—May 29 & 30
There will be makers, artists, crafters and foodies to enjoy. Benton County Fairgrounds. Bentonville. www.liveloveeventsnwa.com
Community Picnic—May 31
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and a
fun-filled day in the gardens with classic picnic
fare, sweet treats and activities for all ages.
Peel Museum & Botanical Garden. Bentonville. www.peelcompton.org
Garden Gate Tour—June 6
This Master Gardener fundraising tour of various Fayetteville gardens supports educational programs for the public on topics of interest to gardeners. Rain or shine. Various locations across Fayetteville. www.wcmgar.org
The Chicken Strip: 66th Annual Poultry Festival—June 12 & 13
This festival will be rockin' around the clock with all the flavor, flair and festivity you’ve come to expect from The Poultry Federation, offering avariety of activities for networking, team building and socializing. This year’s theme is “All Roads Lead to Here” and will include a golf tournament, trap shoot, scholarship auction, awards ceremony and all-member cooking contest. Walmart AMP. Rogers. www.thepoultryfederation.com
AdventureCon—June 12 thru 14
Wander through the forest of board games and tabletop gaming hosted by the nonprofit Meeple Academy. A weekend with over 300 games library, play-to-win games, role-playing campaigns, speed puzzling, mahjong, late-night social deduction events, an exhibitors' hall and Warhammer tournaments. Rogers Convention Center. tabletop.events/conventions/adventurecon-2026
Restoring Lives: Evening of Impact—June 18
This evening will reflect on the work of the Children & Family Advocacy Center. Honor those who help impact the community and look ahead to the organization’s future. Heroncrest. Elm Springs. www.cfacbentonco.com
Rodeo of the Ozarks—June 24 thru 27
Don’t miss the opportunity to see cowboys and cowgirls from all around in one of the top outdoor rodeos in the United States. The annual Rodeo Parade will take place on June 24 at 10 a.m. Parsons Stadium. Springdale. www.rodeooftheozarks.org
Big Business Brunch—June 25
Connect with guest speaker Julie Barber and host Tasha Tandy, both with Walmart U.S., while enjoying brunch. Proceeds support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Arkansas. 21c Museum Hotel. Bentonville. www.bbbsnwa.org