The adrenaline-packed world of professional bull riding is coming to The CW. The CW network and PBR (Professional Bull Riders) have announced a multi-year partnership that will make The CW the exclusive broadcast home of Saturday and Sunday PBR Camping World Team Series events. The live broadcasts will kick off on Saturday, August 9, in Sunrise, Florida, and continue for 10 weekends, ending on Sunday, October 26, in Las Vegas. PBR, the premier bull riding organization, features over 1,000 riders competing in 200 events annually. The PBR Teams format, launched in 2022, elevates the action by staging five-on-five team matchups, judged based on qualifying 8-second rides. Winners are determined by the team with the highest aggregate score. The 2025 PBR schedule on The CW Sunrise, FL: August 9 / 5:30 - 7:00 pm August 10 / 1:00 - 3:30 pm Nashville, TN: August 16 / 7:00 - 8:30 pm August 17 / 12:30 - 4:00 pm Austin, TX: August 23 / 7:00 - 9:00 pm August 24 / 2:00 - 5:30 pm Springfield, MO: August 31 / 2:00 - 4:30 pm Anaheim, CA: September 7 / 3:30 - 7:00 pm Greensboro, NC: September 13 / 7:00 - 9:00 pm September 14 / 11:30 am - 3:00 pm Belmont Park, NY: September 20 / 7:00 - 9:00 pm Ft. Worth, TX: September 28 / 2:00 - 4:30 pm Kansas City, MO: October 4 / 7:00 - 9:00 pm October 5 / 11:30 am - 2:00 pm Glendale, AZ: October 12 / 3:00 - 5:30 pm Las Vegas, NV (Championship): October 25 / 9:30 pm - 12:00 pm October 26 / 4:00 - 6:30 pm

Get ready for some summer fun! The 126th Annual Tontitown Grape Festival, one of Northwest Arkansas' favorite summer events, will take place from August 5-9. The festival will be held on the grounds of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tontitown. Admission & parking for the festival are free, and the festival includes free nightly entertainment. Festival Highlights The 5-day event is packed with something for everyone. Below is a list of some of the amazing things to expect at the festival. Carnival Rides: Ride armbands available daily ( Aug 5-7: $32, Aug 8-9: 37) Grape Stomping: Participants crush grapes the old-fashioned way on August 5-6 at 7 pm. Spaghetti Dinners: Thursday-Saturday evenings, these dinners include homemade spaghetti and sauce. Cost: $20 - Adults / $10 - Kids under 10 Arts & Crafts Fair: Open August 7-9, featuring local artisans and vendors Live Music: Free nightly performances from regional favorites, including Walker Montgomery, the Bellamy Brothers, and more. For the full schedule of music, click here. Run for the Grapes 5k: The race kicks off Saturday, August 9th at 7 am. Queen of Concordia Contest: A long-standing tradition where local teens raise funds through raffle ticket sales. Grand prize winner announced Saturday, August 9th at 11 pm. With homemade spaghetti, grape stomping, and family-friendly entertainment, this is a can't-miss summer event! For more information about the Tontitown Grape Festival, click here!

This September, the Walmart Northwest Arkansas Championship presented by P&G is rolling out an unforgettable week of community-inspired fun! From September 13-21, Pinnacle Country Club and surrounding venues will host a packed schedule of events and activities to bring the community together. Ready, Set, Race! Kicking off the festivities is the 5K @ the LPGA benefiting the Mercy Health Foundation on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Walmart AMP in Rogers. Choose your pace with a traditional 5K or a relaxed 1K Fun Run/Walk, and celebrate post-race at the festive Choctaw Plaza. Family-Friendly Highlights Yoga for Kids by Dove (Sept. 15): Little ones can stretch, play, and learn with free yoga hosted by Bee Well Yoga’s Allisson Kublanov and an inspiring LPGA pro. Bonus gifts await kiddos at this fun and engaging yoga session designed to build confidence and smiles. Fassi’s Friends Festival (Sept. 18): Former Razorback and LPGA star Maria Fassi is hosting a junior golf clinic for ages 5+. Expect golf games, expert tips, autographs, giveaways, and an all-around great time. No matter the skill level, kids are welcome! Yoga on the Green (Sept. 20): Start your Saturday on the right foot (or downward dog)! Join Angela Hardecke for an adult yoga session right on the Pinnacle greens. Stick around after class for healthy treats courtesy of Birds Eye. All this for just $5 and a donation supporting the NWA Food Bank. New for 2025: Unilever Self-Care Soirée Get ready to treat yourself at this debut health and beauty extravaganza! On Sept. 18, Pinnacle Country Club transforms into the ultimate Self-Care Soirée. Think makeup tips, product freebies, local eats, and exclusive beauty experiences. Your $5 registration benefits the NWA Women’s Shelter. Grab your girls and RSVP now! Tourney Thrills and Ticket Treats General admission starts at $10 a day or $25 for the week, with free entry for kids 17 and under. Active military and their families also enjoy complimentary admission, with special upgrades available for foodies at The BITE Experience and Choctaw Club. Visit NWAChampionship.com for the full schedule and tickets.

Start your engines and get ready for an adrenaline-pumping weekend as the NASCAR Xfinity Series roars into the Racing Capital of the World! This Saturday, the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway will host the eagerly awaited Pennzoil 250 race. Fans can watch the excitement live at 3 PM on The Arkansas CW. Known affectionately as "The Brickyard," the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a crown jewel in the world of motorsports. Opened in 1909, IMS is steeped in history and tradition, making it one of the most iconic racing venues on the planet. The track's unique 2.5-mile rectangular oval layout, featuring four distinct turns and long straightaways, presents a thrilling challenge for drivers and teams alike. It’s a place where precision, strategy, and bravery are tested to their limits. Fun and Interesting Facts About IMS The Largest Sports Venue in the World: With a seating capacity of over 250,000, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest sports venue on the planet. On race day, the atmosphere is electric, with fans from all over the world coming together to celebrate their love of racing. Home of the Indy 500: While the NASCAR Xfinity Series is a highlight, IMS is perhaps best known as the home of the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious races in motorsports. A Century of Racing: IMS has been hosting races for over 100 years, making it one of the oldest continuously operating racetracks in the world. The Yard of Bricks: The tradition of kissing the bricks began in 1996 when NASCAR driver Dale Jarrett and his crew chief, Todd Parrott, knelt to kiss the start-finish line after their Brickyard 400 victory. The gesture has since become a beloved tradition for winners at IMS. This Saturday, the NASCAR Xfinity Series promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat excitement as drivers take on the legendary Brickyard. Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or new to the sport, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Tune in at 3 PM on The Arkansas CW to witness the speed, strategy, and spectacle of one of the summer’s most thrilling races. 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  Qualifying for the NASCAR  Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250  will take place Saturday, July 26th, at noon. Available for FREE to watch through the CW Streaming app. Entry  Vehicle # Driver Organization 1 00 Sheldon Creed Hass Factory Team 2 1 Carson Kvapil JR Motorsports 3 2 Jesse Love Richard Childress Racing 4 4 Parker Retzlaff Alpha Prime Racing 5 7 Justin Allgaier JR Motorsports 6 07 Logan Bearden SS-Green Light Racing 7 8 Sammy Smith JR Motorsports 8 10 Daniel Dye Kaulig Racing 9 11 Josh Williams Kaulig Racing 10 14 Garrett Smithley SS-Green Light Racing 11 16 Christian Eckes Kaulig Racing 12 17 Kyle Larson Hendrick Motorsports 13 18 William Sawalich Joe Gibbs Racing 14 19 Aric Almirola Joe Gibbs Racing 15 20 Brandon Jones Joe Gibbs Racing 16 21 Austin Hill Richard Childress Racing 17 25 Harrison Burton AM Racing 18 26 Dean Thompson Sam Hunt Racing 19 27 Jeb Burton Jordan Anderson Racing 20 28 Kyle Sieg RSS Racing 21 31 Blaine Perkins Jordan Anderson Racing 22 32 Katherine Legge (i) Jordan Anderson Racing 23 35 David Starr 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 Brennan Poole Alpha Prime Racing 28 45 Mason Massey Alpha Prime Racing 29 48 Nicholas Sanchez Big Machine Racing 30 51 Jeremy Clements Jeremy Clements Racing 31 53 Joey Gase Joey Gase Motorsports 32 54 Taylor Gray Joe Gibbs Racing 33 70 Leland Honeyman Cope Family Racing 34 71 Ryan Ellis DGM Racing 35 74 Dawson Cram Mike Harmon Racing 36 88 Connor Zilisch JR Motorsports 37 91 Josh Bilicki DGM Racing 38 99 Matt DiBenedetto Viking Motorsports For more behind-the-scenes interviews and race information, go to NASCAR Xfinity website

Great news, *Sullivan’s Crossing* fans! The CW Network has officially renewed the fan favorite drama series for a fourth season! Get ready for 10 exciting new episodes set to premiere in 2026! Based on the New York Times bestselling book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan's Crossing starring Morgan Kohan, Chad Michael Murray, and Scott Patterson, has captured audiences with its compelling characters and heartfelt narratives. The renewal of Sullivan’s Crossing for a fourth season highlights its increasing popularity and critical success. The series, known for its captivating storytelling and skilled cast, continues to connect with viewers globally. Fans can look forward to more drama, romance, and surprises when the show returns in 2026. Where You Can Watch The Arkansas 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

Fort Smith, Arkansas, is gearing up for an unforgettable celebration to honor hometown heroes and NBA champions Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams, both members of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The event, dubbed "Thunder in The Fort," is set to take place on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and will feature a parade and lively festivities downtown. The celebration will kick off at The Bakery District at 4 p.m. , featuring something for everyone. Attendees can enjoy a live DJ, food trucks, an ice cream truck, bounce houses, and engaging kids' activities. The fun continues until 8 p.m. At 6 p.m. , the highly anticipated "Thunder in The Fort" parade will take center stage. The parade route will journey down Garrison Avenue, beginning at North 6th Street and ending at North 10th Street. Streets along Garrison Avenue will close starting at 5 p.m. , while South 7th Street (between Parker Avenue and Wheeler Avenue) will remain closed from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. for set-up and festivities. Following the parade, Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams will address the crowd from The Mill's balcony, creating a special and memorable moment for their fans. "Thunder in The Fort" is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate not only the basketball achievements of Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams but also their positive impact on the Fort Smith community. Whether you're a sports fan, a proud local, or just looking for a fun evening, this event promises excitement, pride, and community spirit. Don’t miss it! 🏀 Congratulations to NBA Champions Isaiah Joe and Jaylin Williams! 🏀

Parrot Island Waterpark, located in Fort Smith, is thrilled to announce its annual Educator’s Day on Saturday, July 26th , from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. , dedicated to honoring the hardworking teachers, school staff, and administrators who play an essential role in shaping our communities. In recognition of their dedication and efforts, educators will receive FREE admission to the park with a valid school ID or proof of employment. To extend the gratitude, educators' immediate family members (up to three) will receive 50% off admission on this special day. It’s Parrot Island Waterpark’s way of saying “thank you” for their passion, commitment, and the difference they make in the lives of students. Give Back While You Celebrate Guests visiting on Educator’s Day are encouraged to bring school supply donations to support local students in starting the new academic year strong. All donors will be entered into a raffle for an opportunity to win a free bungalow rental for a day —a perfect way to enjoy a relaxing and shaded retreat at the park. “We know how hard educators work throughout the year,” said Drew Peterson, General Manager of Parrot Island Waterpark. “Educator’s Day is our chance to give back and offer them a fun, relaxing day in the sun before the school year kicks off again.” About Parrot Island Waterpark Located in Ben Geren Park , Parrot Island Waterpark is the ultimate destination for aquatic fun and family adventure. The waterpark boasts the region’s only 2-person tube slide , a FlowRider surf simulator , a wave pool , a lazy river , and four exciting water slides. Families with young children can enjoy the themed aquatic play area and activity pool . Parrot Island Waterpark offers over 410,000 gallons of water attractions , 800 complimentary deck and lounge chairs , 250 complimentary water tubes , and plenty of shaded areas like party pavilions and cabana rentals. Guests can also enjoy the food concessions , expansive lawns, and other amenities. Open Memorial Day through September 14th , it’s a must-visit destination during the summer season.

The Fort Smith International Film Festival & MidAmerica Film Market marks its 5th year, showcasing 160 films from local, regional, national, and international filmmakers. Hosted at the Fort Smith Convention Center and other venues like The Bakery District, Fort Smith Museum of History, Club Kinkead's and Hero’s Bar, the festival celebrates diverse cinematic storytelling. Highlights include a Special pre-event screening of In the Footsteps of Darby on August 6, and Best of the River Valley Red Carpet  Event on Thursday, August 7 (Free). Indigenous films by 17 tribal nations, and free off-site screenings. Tickets range from $10–$50 at FortSmithFilm.com , with early bird discounts available until June 31. Here is the schedule The MidAmerica Film Market Returns The MidAmerica Film Market is in it's second year, drawing top industry professionals to Fort Smith with a mission to uplift and empower independent filmmakers. Spearheading this year’s event are returning leaders Jeff Porter and Sgt. Major Keith L. Craig (RET.), renowned co-founders of Porter + Craig Film and Media Distribution. Joining them is award-winning Creative Producer Silvia Mathis of Punkin Studios, bringing her expertise and passion for fostering creative talent. Building on the previous year's success—which saw a film secured for distribution and creative properties showcased at Cannes—the event promises unparalleled opportunities for filmmakers to connect, grow, and shine on the global stage. Don’t miss this cinematic celebration! Proud Sponsors of the Fort Smith International Film Festival

Photo provided by Parrot Island Waterpark On Saturday, July 19th , Parrot Island Waterpark in Fort Smith is cranking up the fun as they celebrate a major milestone: welcoming their ONE MILLIONTH guest! That’s right—one million splashes, smiles, and memories made, and it’s all thanks to YOU! From 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, the waterpark will transform into party central, and everyone’s invited. Bring your sunscreen, your biggest smile, and your sense of adventure because this celebration is going to be epic! Best of all, tickets for the day are just $15—pocket change for a full day of fun! What’s on the agenda, you ask? Oh, just a tidal wave of thrilling activities, including: A live DJ spinning the hottest summer tunes to keep you dancing and grooving all day long. Magic shows to dazzle and delight guests of all ages. Guest appearances from Parrot Island’s own mascot and other local fan favorites. Face painting for kids (and let’s be honest, adults too—you know you want that glittery parrot design!). Giveaways and prize drawings throughout the day, because who doesn’t love free stuff? A bonus treat for the early birds: the first 100 guests through the gates snag a free commemorative t-shirt. “This milestone is thanks to the incredible support of our guests, staff, and the entire community,” shares Drew Peterson, General Manager of Parrot Island Waterpark. “We’re excited to celebrate together and create even more amazing memories.” Whether you’re tubing down a lazy river, screaming down thrilling water slides, or just enjoying the sunshine, Parrot Island Waterpark is the perfect summer escape. And it doesn't stop there! Nested in lovely Ben Geren Park, Parrot Island is the crown jewel of an outdoor haven that also features miniature golf, playgrounds, picnic areas, softball and soccer fields, tennis courts, fitness trails, mountain biking, and even a 27-hole championship golf course. So, grab your swimsuits, pack the car, and get ready to soak up the celebration of the summer. www.parrotislandwaterpark.com Located in Ben Geren Park in Fort Smith

Get ready, race fans! The NASCAR Xfinity Series is making its highly anticipated return to one of the most iconic tracks in motorsports—Dover Motor Speedway. This Saturday, adrenaline levels will soar as some of the best drivers in the series battle it out on the legendary "Monster Mile." Don't miss a moment of the action! Catch all of the high-speed thrills from The NASCAR Xfinity Series at Dover this Saturday at 3 PM CDT on The Arkansas CW. Why is Dover Motor Speedway a fan favorite? For starters, it’s far from an ordinary track. Known as "The Monster Mile," this one-mile concrete oval in Dover, Delaware, is packed with challenges. Its steep 24-degree banking in the turns, combined with its fast straights, pushes cars and drivers to their limits. This relentless track doesn't forgive mistakes. The nickname isn’t just for show, Dover has a tendency to chew up cars and spit them out, turning any race into a survival of the fittest. The arena-like design of the speedway also places fans closer to the action, making for an unmatched viewing experience. Every rumble of the engine, every high-speed pass, and every heart-stopping moment can be felt like you're on the track yourself. Whether it’s edge-of-your-seat battles or thrilling finishes, Dover has a reputation for delivering unforgettable racing. This weekend is shaping up to be a true spectacle of speed and skill, so buckle up and prepare for a monstrous showdown. See you at the track! 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 Dover Motor Speedway  will take place Saturday, July 19th at 10:00 AM CDT. Both are available for FREE to watch through the CW Streaming app, offering fans a two days of Xfinity Series action. Entry  Vehicle # Driver Organization 1 00 Sheldon Creed Hass Factory Team 2 1 Carson Kvapil JR Motorsports 3 2 Jesse Love Richard Childress Racing 4 4 Parker Retzlaff Alpha Prime Racing 5 5 Kaz Grala (i) Our Motorsports 6 7 Justin Allgaier JR Motorsports 7 07 Nick Leitz SS-Green Light Racing 8 8 Sammy Smith JR Motorsports 9 9 Ross Chastain (i) JR Motorsports 10 10 Daniel Dye Kaulig Racing 11 11 Josh Williams Kaulig Racing 12 14 Garrett Smithley SS-Green Light Racing 13 16 Christian Eckes Kaulig Racing 14 17 Jake Finch Hendrick Motorsports 15 18 William Sawalich Joe Gibbs Racing 16 19 Aric Almirola Joe Gibbs Racing 17 20 Brandon Jones Joe Gibbs Racing 18 21 Austin Hill Richard Childress Racing 19 24 Ryan Truex Sam Hunt Racing 20 25 Harrison Burton AM Racing 21 26 Dean Thompson Sam Hunt Racing 22 27 Jeb Burton Jordan Anderson Racing 23 28 Kyle Sieg RSS Racing 24 31 Blaine Perkins Jordan Anderson Racing 25 32 Rajah Caruth (i) Jordan Anderson Racing 26 35 Glen Reen Joey Gase Motorsports 27 39 Ryan Sieg RSS Racing 28 41 Sam Mayer Haas Factory Team 29 42 Anthony Alfredo Young's Motorsports 30 44 Brennan Poole Alpha Prime Racing 31 45 Lavar Scott (i) Alpha Prime Racing 32 48 Nicholas Sanchez Big Machine Racing 33 51 Jeremy Clements Jeremy Clements Racing 34 53 David Starr Joey Gase Motorsports 35 54 Taylor Gray Joe Gibbs Racing 36 70 Leland Honeyman Cope Family Racing 37 71 Ryan Ellis DGM Racing 38 88 Connor Zilisch JR Motorsports 39 91 Josh Bilicki DGM Racing 40 99 Matt DiBenedetto Viking Motorsports For more behind-the-scenes interviews and race information, go to NASCAR Xfinity website

The Hearst Foundations have announced two emergency grants of $500,000 each to support relief efforts in the wake of devastating flooding in Texas. The grants will be directed to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund and to The Salvation Army in support of the ongoing relief work in the region. The catastrophic floods have caused widespread damage in Kerr County and surrounding areas, taking lives, displacing families, destroying homes and devastating local infrastructure. The Hearst Foundations’ contributions are designed to provide immediate relief to those affected, as well as to support long-term recovery efforts in the region. In a joint statement, the Hearst Foundations’ Co-Executive Directors Paul "Dino" Dinovitz and Donna Kalajian Lagani stated: “The recent flooding has left countless families in the Texas Hill Country in urgent need of support. These grants represent our commitment to helping communities in crisis. We are proud to partner with local organizations like the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and The Salvation Army to ensure that essential aid and resources are delivered to those who need it most." The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country will use its grant to assist flood victims in Kerr County with temporary housing, food, medical supplies and long-term recovery initiatives, including rebuilding efforts. The Salvation Army, with its long-standing presence in disaster recovery, will provide emergency shelter, meals and spiritual support to affected residents. In addition to disaster relief, Hearst Foundations’ funding supports organizations that create sustainable employment and productive career paths for adults; improve health and quality of life; increase academic achievement through access to high-quality educational options; promote the arts and sciences as a cornerstone of society; and enhance family stability and self-sufficiency. Hearst maintains a long-standing and growing footprint in Texas, anchored by historical ties and reinforced by Hearst Foundations’ meaningful support for Texas communities. About Hearst Foundations The William Randolph Hearst Foundation and The Hearst Foundation Inc. are independent private philanthropies operating separately from the Hearst Corporation. Since their creation in the 1940s, the Hearst Foundations have awarded over $1.570 billion in funding across 23,000 grants, reflecting the philanthropic interests of William Randolph Hearst. In 2024, the Hearst Foundations made over 275 grants totaling more than $52 million. For more information about the Hearst Foundations, please visit www.HearstFDN.org .

The River Valley is buzzing with live music events this summer! From singer-songwriters to punk rock legends, the area is hosting a variety of concerts to suit every musical taste. Here’s a detailed look at what’s happening from mid-July through mid-August. Live Music at Majestic Fort Smith The historic Majestic Fort Smith is a hub for live music, offering an exciting lineup of performances: Dylan Wheeler with Joint Custody Date: Friday, July 18, 8 PM Details: Singer-songwriter Dylan Wheeler will grace the stage with his heartfelt tunes. Doors open at 7 PM for this must-see performance. Brandon Butler Band Date: Saturday, July 19, 8 PM Details: A local favorite, Brandon Butler, promises an evening of great music and energy. Don’t miss this chance to support homegrown talent. Vandoliers – “Life Behind Bars” Tour Date: Friday, August 15, 8 PM Details: This Texas-country/Americana band will bring their lively and dynamic show to Fort Smith. Joining them are Nate Bergman and Canyon Sons for an unforgettable night. TempleLive Fort Smith: Rock & More TempleLive Fort Smith is another iconic venue, hosting some legendary acts this summer: Descendents Date: Thursday, July 24, 8 PM Details: The pioneering punk band Descendents will take over TempleLive. Tickets are still available, so grab yours before they sell out! The Dead South Date: Saturday, August 30, 8 PM Details: While just outside the one-month window, this Canadian folk-bluegrass quintet is worth noting for their string-powered energy and unique sound. Note: Late-July to mid-August at TempleLive doesn’t list additional shows, but keep an eye on nearby venues for free or low-key events. Nearby Gigs in Pocola, OK Just a short drive from Fort Smith, Pocola, Oklahoma, offers some exciting performances at the Choctaw Casino: Rodney Carrington (Comedy & Music) Date: Saturday, July 19 Details: Enjoy a mix of comedy and music with Rodney Carrington for a night of laughter and entertainment. Tracy Lawrence Date: Saturday, August 2 Details: Country music fans won’t want to miss Tracy Lawrence’s performance. Perfect for a weekend getaway!