Downtown Springdale will turn into a lively, walkable gallery on Saturday, Sept. 27, 5:30 – 8:30 PM, as the Art Walk returns with an evening of visual art, photography, sculpture, and interactive installations spread across more than a dozen stops. Start your self-guided stroll, pop into open studios and storefront “mini-galleries,” and experience the city in a fresh, art-forward way. Presented by the Tyson Family Foundation and supported by Explore Springdale, this year’s Fall Art Walk brings together emerging and established artists showing at local favorites like HEY!, Mano’s, Backroom Social Club, The Apollo, Springdale Pool Hall, Casa Magnolia, Bauhaus Biergarten, Café Con Chisme, and more. The full lineup is posted on the official event page. Your $20 ticket includes a wine or seltzer sample at each participating location; non-alcoholic options are available on request. Check-in begins at 5:30 PM at The Apollo on Emma (308 W. Emma Ave.), where guests receive wristbands and a map to plot their route. Guests 21+ should bring a valid ID for tastings. Proceeds from Art Walk directly support the Downtown Springdale Alliance, helping keep downtown vibrant and funding year-round community programming. It’s an easy way to enjoy a night out while investing in your city’s creative heartbeat. Know Before You Go! When:  Saturday, Sept. 27, 5:30–8:30 PM (check-in opens at 5:30 PM) Where:  Start at The Apollo on Emma, then follow the map to participating stops Tickets:  $20 per participant; includes tastings at each stop (Non-Alcoholic options available). Advance purchase encouraged. More info & full lineup:  See the Downtown Springdale Art Walk page and ticket portal. Article Images Provided by: Downtown Springdale

The 2025 regular season is down to one last homestand at Arvest Ballpark as the Naturals welcome the Springfield Cardinals from Tuesday, September 2, through Sunday, September 7. It’s six straight chances to catch baseball, plus a packed slate of fan-friendly promotions. Headlining the week: the FINAL TWO Fireworks Shows of the season, lighting up the sky after the games on Friday, September 5, and Saturday, September 6. Come early on both of those nights for a Bullpen Party—an hour of pregame fun starting right after the gates open. Don’t miss the best in sight and sound at Arvest Ballpark before the lights go out on the regular season. Tickets for the Cardinals series are available online at a nwanaturals.com or at the Arvest Ballpark Ticket Office. Grab your seats, bring the crew, and help send the Naturals into the stretch run in style. Check out the graphic below for all the promotions for the final homestand! Image provided by: NWA Naturals

The CW Network will remain a national broadcast home for the PAC-12 through the 2030–31season, locking in a package that grows from football into a broader slate of men’s and women’s basketball. In total, 66 events per year will be produced by Pac-12 Enterprises, the league’s in-house production unit. Beginning with the conference’s relaunch in 2026–27, The CW will carry 13 regular-season football games each year. The deal also includes 35 men’s and 15 women’s regular-season basketball telecasts annually, plus the semifinals and championship of the PAC-12 women’s basketball tournament. The “new PAC-12” will open play in 2026–27 with Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Gonzaga, Oregon State, San Diego State, Texas State, Utah State, and Washington State. So get ready for more PAC-12 sports on the Arkansas CW! Where You Can Watch The CW in NW Arkansas & The River Valley Antenna: 29.2 or 40.2 Cox Cable: 4 or 2004 AT&T U-verse: 30 or 1030 DirecTV: 41 DISH: 21

The engines are roaring back to the Pacific Northwest as the NASCAR Xfinity Series takes center stage in Portland this Saturday at 6 PM on The Arkansas CW. Known for its challenging road course, unpredictable turns, and thrilling battles, Portland International Raceway has quickly become one of the most exciting stops on the NASCAR calendar. With the playoffs getting close, every position matters. You’ll see young standouts mixing it up with savvy veterans, all pushing hard for points. Portland International Raceway rewards heads-up strategy and ice-cold nerve. The long front straight tempts drivers into daring out-brake attempts, while technical mid-lap sections demand patience and precision. It’s a place where rising stars sharpen their road-course craft and savvy veterans punish even the smallest mistake. Last year’s race delivered non-stop excitement; this season promises to raise the stakes even higher. Here are some fun facts about Portland International Raceway: The raceway is situated on the former site of Vanport, a WWII-era community that was destroyed by a 1948 flood. The area was later converted into a park and race facility. Portland International Raceway is within Portland’s city limits and is owned by the City of Portland—unusual for a permanent road course. With very little elevation change, speed is generated through precise braking and strong corner exits, keeping battles tight. The quick left-right complex at the end of the front straight often creates three-wide action and surprise passes. Catch every lap, every battle, and every heart-stopping moment—live Saturday at 6 PM CDT on The Arkansas CW. Get ready for a fast, fierce evening in the Pacific Northwest. Where You Can Watch The Race in NW Arkansas & The River Valley Antenna: 29.2 or 40.2 Cox Cable: 4 or 2004    AT&T U-verse: 30 or 1030     DirecTV: 41     DISH: 21 Where You Can Watch Qualifying  Practice & qualifying for the NASCAR  Xfinity Series Pacific Office Automation 147  will take place Saturday. Practice starts at 2 PM, followed by Qualifying at 3:05 PM. Both are available for FREE to watch through the CW Streaming app. Entry List for the Pacific Office Automation 147 Entry Car # Driver Race Team 1 00 Sheldon Creed Haas Factory Team 2 2 Carson Kvapil JR Motorsports 3 4 Jesse Love Richard Childress Racing 4 4 Parker Retzlaff Alpha Prime Racing 5 07 Alex Labbe SS-Green Light Racing 6 7 Justin Allgaier JR Motorsports 7 8 Sammy Smith JR Motorsports 8 10 Daniel Dye Kaulig Racing 9 11 Will Brown Kaulig Racing 10 14 Garrett Smithley SS-Green Light Racing 11 16 Christian Eckes Kaulig Racing 12 18 William Sawalich Joe Gibbs Racing 13 19 Jack Perkins Joe Gibbs Racing 14 20 Brandon Jones Joe Gibbs Racing 15 21 Austin Hill Richard Childress Racing 16 24 TBA Sam Hunt Racing 17 25 Harrison Burton AM Racing 18 26 Dean Thompson Sam Hunt Racing 19 27 Jeb Burton Jordan Anderson Racing 20 28 Joey Hand RSS Racing 21 31 Blaine Perkins Jordan Anderson Racing 22 32 Austin Green Jordan Anderson Racing 23 35 Takuma Koga Joey Gase Motorsports 24 39 Ryan Sieg RSS Racing 25 41 Sam Mayer Haas Factory Team 26 42 Anthony Alfredo Young's Motorsports 27 44 Brennen Poole Alpha Prime Racing 28 45 Vicente Salas Alpha Prime Racing 29 48 Nicholas Sanchez Big Machine Racing 30 51 Jeremy Clements Jeremy Clements Racing 31 53 Kyle Sieg Joey Gase Motorsports 32 54 Taylor Gray Joe Gibbs Racing 33 70 Thomas Annunziata Cope Family Racing 34 71 Ryan Ellis DGM Racing x JIM 35 88 Connor Zilisch JR Motorsports 36 91 Josh Williams DGM Racing x JIM 37 99 Matt DiBenedetto Viking Motorsports

Every year on August 26, we celebrate National Dog Day. A day to honor our beloved canine companions and shine a light on dogs still waiting for their forever homes. Right here in Northwest Arkansas and Fort Smith, several shelters and rescues are working tirelessly to give dogs a second chance at life. If you’re looking to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, these local organizations are making a big impact in our community . Celebrating National Dog Day 🏡 Northwest Arkansas Animal Shelters & Rescues 🐾 Rogers Humane Society (Humane Society for Animals, Inc. – Rogers) Serving Benton County since 1963, the Humane Society for Animals, Inc. in Rogers has cared for more than 90,000 animals over the years. The shelter typically houses around 85 dogs and 20 cats at a time, with an impressive adoption record of placing 750+ pets in homes annually. Services: Adoption, fostering, spay/neuter programs, and humane education. Location: 407 E. Nursery Rd., Rogers, AR 📞 479-636-3703 Rogers Humane Society Website 🐾 Best Friends Pet Resource Center (Bentonville) As part of the nationally recognized Best Friends Animal Society, this Bentonville hub offers more than just adoptions. They provide pet owner support, foster networks, and community education programs. Their modern, pet-friendly facility also hosts community events centered around animal welfare. Location: 1312 Melissa Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712 📞 (479) 974-1363 Best Friends' Website 🐾 Springdale Animal Services (Springdale) This city-run shelter takes in strays, rescues abandoned pets, and works with the community to promote responsible pet ownership. Volunteers are always needed to help walk dogs, clean kennels, and assist with adoption events. Location: 1549 E. Don Tyson Parkway Springdale, AR 72764 📞 479-750-8166 Springdale Animal Services Website 🐾 Humane Society of the Ozarks (Fayetteville) Founded in 1944, the Humane Society of the Ozarks has been a cornerstone of animal welfare in NWA for decades. They rely on foster homes, adoption events, and community partnerships to help dogs find loving families. Their outreach also includes spay/neuter programs to reduce overpopulation. Location: 1020 S One Mile Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72704 📞 (479) 444-7387 Humane Society of the Ozarks 🐾 Washington County Animal Shelter (Fayetteville) Lester C Howick Animal Shelter, One of the busiest shelters in the region, Washington County Animal Shelter provides essential services to stray and surrendered dogs. They maintain a strong focus on adoption, foster opportunities, and connecting with local rescue groups. Location: 801 W Clydesdale Dr, Fayetteville, AR 72701 📞 (479) 695-3450 Washington County Animal Shelter 🐾 Friends of Prairie Grove Pound (Prairie Grove) This grassroots volunteer group helps rescue dogs from the Prairie Grove city pound. They network with other shelters, transport dogs to safe rescues, and share adoptable dogs online to help them find forever homes quickly. Friends of Prairie Grove Pound 🐾 Big Paws of Ozarks Focused on rescuing large-breed dogs, Big Paws of the Ozarks is a foster-based nonprofit that pulls at-risk dogs from overcrowded shelters and gives them a second chance at life. They provide medical care, training, and rehabilitation before placing dogs in forever homes. Their work also includes educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the joys of adopting big dogs. Location: 121 W Township Ave Suite 4 Fayetteville, AR, 72703 📞 (479) 316-6045 Big Paws of Ozarks 🏡 Fort Smith Animal Shelters & Rescues Fort Smith Animal Haven (Fort Smith) A beloved community shelter, Animal Haven rescues homeless pets, provides safe housing, and works hard to match adoptable dogs with caring families. They also rely on volunteers and donors to keep their operations running strong. Location: 9501 Black Bear Trail, Fort Smith, AR 72916 📞 (479) 551‑2221 Fort Smith Animal Haven Kitties & Kanines Shelter (Fort Smith) Though the name highlights both cats and dogs, this nonprofit is devoted to saving all companion animals in the River Valley. They operate through adoptions, fostering, and community outreach, and often partner with rescues across the region to find the right homes. Location: 4300 Phoenix Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72903 📞 (479) 434‑4740 Kitties & Kanines Shelter Humane Society of the River Valley (Russellville) Serving the broader River Valley, this shelter rescues, houses, and rehabilitates stray animals. Their programs include spay/neuter, adoption events, and humane education to encourage responsible pet ownership. Location: 1011 Rock Springs Loop, Hector, AR 72843 📞 (479) 284‑2222 no website available 👉 Upload your Dog adoption photo on ULocal  on 4029tv.com  and share @the_localvibe on Instagram!

It’s National Dog Day, and there’s no better time to get out, enjoy dog-friendly spots and explore the Fort Smith area with your four-legged best friend! From beautiful trails and riverside walks to cozy patios where pups are welcome, our community has plenty of dog-friendly spots that make tails wag. Here’s your guide to some of the best places to enjoy with your dog in Fort Smith and the River Valley. 🌳 Dog Parks & Outdoor Spaces Fort Smith Dog Park Located near Riverfront Drive, this off-leash park features separate sections for large and small dogs, shaded areas, benches, and water fountains. It’s the perfect place for dogs to run free and socialize. Carol Ann Cross Park With its scenic walking trail around a lake, this park is a great spot for leashed walks and enjoying a little nature close to town. Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center Dogs on leashes are welcome on the trails, where you’ll find plenty of wildlife and peaceful scenery. A great option for pups that love outdoor adventures. ☕ Dog-Friendly Patios & Breweries Fort Smith Coffee Co. Known for its creative lattes and friendly atmosphere, this local coffee shop welcomes dogs on its patio, perfect for a relaxing break after a walk downtown. The Bakery District This lively community hub with food, drinks, and live events has a welcoming outdoor area where dogs can hang out with their humans. Bricktown Brewery With a spacious patio, this popular spot is great for grabbing a bite to eat while your pup lounges by your side. 🛍️ Local Pet Shops & Services A+ Pet Grooming & Boarding Trusted by many Fort Smith pet parents, this local spot offers grooming and boarding with plenty of care for your furry family members. Hollywood Feed (Rogers Ave.) A locally loved pet supply store with high-quality food, toys, and treats. They’re always dog-friendly and love when pups stop in for a visit. 💦 River Valley Adventures Arkansas River Trails (Downtown Fort Smith) Take a leashed walk along the riverfront trails for scenic views and fresh air. Perfect for a morning jog or evening stroll with your pup. Lake Fort Smith State Park Just a short drive from town, this state park welcomes dogs on leashes. With trails, picnic areas, and beautiful lake views, it’s a great day trip destination for outdoor-loving families and their dogs. 🐶 Celebrate Your Pup National Dog Day is about more than just spoiling our pets, it’s about celebrating the bond we share with them. Whether you’re exploring the trails, visiting a dog park, or relaxing at a local patio, Fort Smith and the River Valley have plenty of ways to enjoy the day with your furry friend. 👉 Show us your favorite dog-friendly spot upload a picture to ULocal  on 4029tv.com  and @the_localvibe on Instagram!

Today is National Dog Day, and what better way to celebrate than by exploring all the dog-friendly places right here in Northwest Arkansas. Whether you’re looking for a scenic walk, a patio to relax on, or a place to let your pup run free, our community has no shortage of options. Here are some favorite spots where you and your four-legged friend can enjoy the day together. 🌳 Dog Parks & Trails Murphy Memorial Dog Park (Springdale) A fenced-in haven for pups of all sizes, Murphy Park offers shaded seating for owners and plenty of space for dogs to romp and socialize. Lake Fayetteville Trail (Fayetteville) Perfect for active dogs, this 5.5-mile loop around the lake is popular with joggers, cyclists, and walkers. Bring a leash, some water, and enjoy beautiful views of the lake. Bentonville Bark Park (Bentonville) Known for its agility equipment and open space, this park is a local favorite for high-energy dogs who love to play. A 1.3-acre off-leash area featuring agility equipment and separate zones for small and large dogs. Bark Park at Orchards Park (Bentonville) A safe, fenced space perfect for off-leash fun and dog socializing. Osage Dog Park (Osage Park) Another fenced gem, nestled within one of Bentonville’s largest parks. Great for a walk combined with a play session. ☕ Dog-Friendly Patios & Breweries Onyx Coffee Lab (Bentonville & Fayetteville locations) Known for its artisanal coffee, Onyx also welcomes well-behaved pups on their outdoor patios. Sassafras Springs Vineyard (Springdale) A relaxing spot for humans and dogs alike. Enjoy a glass of wine while your pup lounges by your side under the trees. Bike Rack Brewing Co. (Bentonville) Bring your dog and enjoy a local brew—Bike Rack’s outdoor seating is perfect for hanging out with friends (two- and four-legged). The Pedaler’s Pub   (Bentonville) Known for its lively vibe, live music, and yummy wood-fired pizzas, this neighborhood bar & grill also offers spacious outdoor patios welcoming well-behaved pups. 🛍️ Local Shops That Love Dogs Dog Party USA (Rogers) More than just a boarding and daycare center, Dog Party USA celebrates the canine lifestyle. They often host community dog events too. Woof & Wander (Bentonville) A boutique for both humans and pups, offering everything from stylish collars to unique pet accessories. 💦 Dog-Friendly Adventures Beaver Lake Dogs who love water will have a blast here! Many areas allow leashed dogs to splash around, swim, and cool off in the summer heat. Crystal Bridges Trails (Bentonville) While pets can’t go inside the museum, the surrounding network of trails is dog-friendly and perfect for a scenic stroll. Dogs on leashes are welcome to explore the beautiful trails surrounding the museum. Ideal for peaceful strolls with stunning scenery 🐶 Celebrate with Your Pup National Dog Day is all about recognizing the joy dogs bring to our lives. Whether you’re grabbing coffee with your furry best friend, letting them splash in Beaver Lake, or heading to a dog park, Northwest Arkansas is full of spots to make the day special. 👉 Show us your favorite dog-friendly spot on ULocal on 4029tv.com and @the_localvibe on Instagram!

Every year in Santa Fe, thousands gather to witness one of the most unique and unforgettable traditions in the country. A towering 50-foot marionette known as “Old Man Gloom” is set ablaze in a dramatic community celebration. The tradition is both symbolic and spectacular. People write down their worries, regrets, and hardships, then “feed” them to Zozobra. When the fire ignites, their gloom literally goes up in flames making way for joy, renewal, and community spirit. The fiery spectacle is accompanied by live music, dancing, and a dazzling performance that must be seen to be believed. Watch the Zozobra Fire from Anywhere This year, you don’t have to travel to Santa Fe to experience the magic. Live coverage from KOAT streams nationwide on Very Local on Friday, August 29, starting at 8 p.m. CDT. The burning of Zozobra begins at 10 p.m. CDT. Watch for FREE . Whether you’re drawn to the cultural tradition, the mesmerizing visuals, or the chance to release your own gloom in solidarity, this is a night you won’t want to miss. 👉 Tune in on Very Local for a front-row seat to one of America’s most extraordinary celebrations. You can download the Very Local app for free from here.

The Benton County Fairgrounds came alive on Friday, August 15, and Saturday, August 16, 2025, as thousands gathered for SOAR NWA that benefits a non-profit called Open Avenues . A beloved annual celebration of adventure, entertainment, and community spirit. Over two unforgettable days, families, friends, and visitors from across the region experienced a one-of-a-kind blend of thrilling attractions and heartfelt connections. The signature highlight of SOAR NWA did not disappoint, as glowing hot air balloons illuminated the night sky in a breathtaking display. Guests were treated to tethered rides, offering a rare bird’s-eye view of the fairgrounds, making memories that soared just as high as the balloons. Click here to Watch the Mission Behind the Balloons The 2025 event once again proved why it offered adventure for thrill seekers, fun for families, and a chance for the community to come together in a celebration of summer. As the lights dimmed and the final notes of music faded, one thing was clear: SOAR NWA 2025 left attendees with unforgettable memories and anticipation for what’s to come next year. It's more than just a festival, SOAR NWA has become a cherished tradition in Northwest Arkansas. Check out the gallery below. Click Below For Gallery Soar NWA 2025 Proud Sponsors of Soar NWA

Get ready for a fun-filled evening in support of an amazing cause! Special Olympics Arkansas and Burton Pools and Spas are teaming up once again to host the 2nd Annual Duck Pluck on Thursday, August 28th, at Burton Pools and Spas, located at 6121 South Zero in Fort Smith. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with the Cheese and Quackers  reception, where guests will have the opportunity to meet and mingle with local Special Olympics Arkansas athletes. At 6:00 p.m., the excitement kicks into high gear with the live Duck Pluck Ceremony, where lucky participants can win one of eight grand prizes by adopting a duck. 🐥 Go here to adopt your duck 🐥 This event is more than just fun and prizes! It’s about supporting the mission of Special Olympics Arkansas, an organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of sports, health programs, education, and community engagement. With over 19,500 athletes and 16,000 volunteers across the state, Special Olympics Arkansas creates opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to thrive, breaking down barriers of isolation, intolerance, and inactivity. The Duck Pluck also supports the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Arkansas. Nearly 100 agencies and 1,500 officers across the state dedicate their time year-round to raising awareness and funds, culminating in the symbolic running of the Flame of Hope  into the Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics competitions. Their efforts ensure athletes have access to training and year-round competition opportunities. You can find out more about Special Olympics Arkansas here

Filmmakers Hezekiah Bennetts and Felicity Hull presented Club Kinkead’s , a short documentary drawn from a four-year project on Fort Smith’s only remaining drag bar. This film was awarded the Fort Smith Proud award at the Fort Smith International Film Festival. The film highlights the club’s history, its performers, and the creativity of shows ranging from traditional drag to full-scale musicals like Titanic,  staged with Brothers Fox Productions. The couple, welcomed into the community they documented, aimed to show the richness of drag as an art form and the humanity of the people behind the makeup. While a feature-length version is in the works, Club Kinkead’s  offers a glimpse into a vibrant cultural hub that continues to thrive with weekly performances. Click Below to Watch the Interview Proud Media Sponsor of the Fort Smith International Film Festival

At the Fort Smith International Film Festival, filmmaker Shonie Delarosa debuted The Arrangement , the first feature-length romantic comedy filmed in the Navajo language. Inspired by family traditions and personal connections, the film explores arranged marriage, a practice once common in Navajo culture. Shot in remote desert locations under extreme heat, the production faced challenges but became a milestone for cultural preservation. Funded in part by the Navajo Nation Film Office, the project required most dialogue to be in Navajo, underscoring the urgency of revitalizing the language. Click below to watch the Interview Proud Media Sponsors for the Fort Smith International Film Festival