Mark your calendars and bring your appetite, Fayetteville Restaurant Week is back! From July 20–26, 2025, the city will once again turn into a food lover’s paradise, celebrating the diverse, flavorful, and ever-evolving culinary scene that makes Fayetteville a top food destination in Northwest Arkansas. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just looking to try something new, this is your week to explore local gems, discover exclusive menu items, and take advantage of tasty deals at more than 35 participating restaurants across town. What Is Fayetteville Restaurant Week? Hosted annually by Experience Fayetteville, Fayetteville Restaurant Week is a citywide celebration of local flavor. It's not just about food, it's a full-on cultural event that spotlights the vibrant community of chefs, restaurateurs, and food artisans who fuel Fayetteville’s culinary heartbeat. For one week only, restaurants around the city are serving up special menus, one-of-a-kind promotions, and limited-time discounts that you won't find any other time of year. Planning Tips: Make reservations in advance for popular spots Check out the full list of participating restaurants here at Experience Fayetteville. Share your foodie adventures on social media using #FayettevilleEats

Get ready for Fort Smith’s Annual Back-to-School Bash , a heartfelt celebration hosted by the Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce and members to express appreciation for our dedicated teachers and faculty. This event highlights the community's gratitude and provides an opportunity to support educators in public, private, and charter schools. Fort Smith’s Annual Back-to-School Bash attendees can enjoy interactive booths, giveaways, networking opportunities, and refreshments, ensuring a festive atmosphere while celebrating the hard work of our local educators. Make this year’s event unforgettable as we thank the teachers shaping the future. July 31, 2025 (8:30AM to 10:30AM) Private Schools at the Riverfront Pavilion.  August 7, 2025 (7:00AM to 8:00AM) Public Schools at Southside High School. Click here for more information

Get ready for an exciting 4th of July weekend as the Northwest Arkansas Naturals host the Springfield Cardinals (St. Louis) for a thrilling three-game series from Friday, July 4th, to Sunday, July 6th, at Arvest Ballpark. Fans can look forward to spectacular fireworks and family-friendly entertainment all weekend while enjoying America's pastime. Naturals weekend schedule: Friday, July 4th – 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular with the Naturals Naturals Game Time : 7:05 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.) Friday's Game is SOLD OUT! Celebrate Independence Day in style with the largest fireworks show in Northwest Arkansas , presented by Walmart, immediately following the game. Don’t miss this unforgettable night as the Naturals take on the Springfield Cardinals! Saturday, July 5th – Post-Game Fireworks and Bullpen Party Naturals Game Time : 7:05 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.) Enjoy a second night of dazzling fireworks , sponsored by Red Vines & Sour Punch, following the game. Arrive early for the Bullpen Party , presented by Choctaw Casino & Resort–Pocola, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Fans of age can enjoy "Happy Hour" drink specials at The Bullpen concession stand. Celebrate the weekend the right way—under the lights and the sparkling sky! Sunday, July 6th – Family Sunday Fun Naturals Game Time : 2:05 p.m. (Gates open at 1:00 p.m.) Wrap up your holiday weekend with Family Sunday , featuring several activities perfect for kids and parents alike. Bring your glove for the Pre-Game Catch on the Field , courtesy of the Arkansas Beef Council, starting at 1:00 p.m. The first 50 fans will receive a free baseball. Kids 12 and under will receive a free Teddy Grahams snack , thanks to Mondelez International, Inc. After the game, all kids can participate in the Sunday tradition of Kids Run the Bases , presented by Mercy-GoHealth! Following the July 6th game, the Naturals will take a day to rest before hosting the Midland RockHounds (Athletics) for a six-game series starting Tuesday, July 8th. Join the Northwest Arkansas Naturals for an unforgettable weekend of entertainment, fireworks, and baseball at Arvest Ballpark!

Rogers, Arkansas, has just welcomed a stunning new addition to its lineup of premier destinations, Hotel Avail, part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. This upscale yet inviting hotel blends luxury, convenience, and a touch of local charm to create an unrivaled guest experience. Hotel Avail has sophisticated accommodations Hotel Avail offers 168 beautifully designed guest rooms, catering to every traveler’s needs. From cozy spaces with balconies that offer breathtaking views to spacious two-bedroom suites featuring living and dining areas, the hotel ensures comfort with a touch of sophistication. Versatile Meeting Spaces For business or special events, Hotel Avail boasts 5,000 square feet of modern meeting and event space. With state-of-the-art technology and exceptional catering options, it’s the ideal location for conferences, gatherings, and celebrations. Exquisite Dining Options At Hotel Avail guests can indulge in culinary excellence at Oak Steakhouse , perched on the 6th floor. This refined dining experience offers delectable food alongside panoramic views. Start your mornings at Little Acorn Café , located in the lobby, where you can grab coffee from the locally renowned Onyx Coffee Lab . Hotel Avail does more than offer upscale accommodation, it strengthens the local community. By supporting this impressive lodging option, Destination Rogers furthers its mission to promote Rogers as a top-tier destination for living, working, investing, and enjoying life. With its blend of elegance and approachability, Hotel Avail is setting a new standard for hospitality in Rogers while boosting the city’s reputation as a world-class destination. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, this new gem provides the perfect backdrop for memorable experiences. For More information click here . Welcome to the community!

Get ready race fans, this Saturday, downtown Chicago will transform into a high-speed spectacle as the NASCAR Xfinity Series takes center stage at 2:30 PM CDT on The Arkansas CW with the pre-race show followed by the race at 3:30 PM CDT. This thrilling 110-mile, 50-lap race marks the city’s third annual event, set on a stunning 2.2-mile, 12-turn street course weaving through iconic landmarks like Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive, and DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Far from the familiar ovals, this unique street circuit turns urban streets into a battleground, challenging drivers with its sharp turns, narrow lanes, and concrete walls. These intense elements often turn the race into a thrilling display of strategy, speed, and shifting positions, keeping fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. For those new to street courses, prepare for an unforgettable experience. Picture cars flying inches apart down narrow streets, conquering hairpin turns, and battling in tight drafts—all under the watchful gaze of skyscrapers. It’s a test of skill and bravery like no other. Don’t miss the action as drivers go wheel-to-wheel for glory. Whether you’re catching the race live in Grant Park or watching from home, the NASCAR Xfinity Series in Chicago delivers urban racing at its absolute finest! 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 Chicago  Xfinity Series race  will take place Saturday, June 5th at 9:30 am CDT. Both are available for FREE to watch through the CW Streaming app, offering fans a two days of Xfinity Series action. Entry List for Chicago Race 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 Kris Wright Our Motorsports 6 7 Justin Allgaier JR Motorsports 7 07 Alex Labbe SS-Green Light Racing 8 8 Sammy Smith JR Motorsports 9 9 Shane Van Gisbergen (i) JR Motorsports 10 10 Daniel Dye Kaulig Racing 11 11 Josh Williams Kaulig Racing 12 14 Connor Mosack (i) SS-Green Light Racing 13 16 Christian Eckes Kaulig Racing 14 18 William Sawalich Joe Gibbs Racing 15 19 TBA (i) Joe Gibbs Racing 16 20 Brandon Jones Joe Gibbs Racing 17 21 Austin Hill Richard Childress Racing 18 24 Kaz Grala (i) Sam Hunt Racing 19 25 Harrison Burton AM Racing 20 26 Dean Thompson Sam Hunt Racing 21 27 Jeb Burton Jordan Anderson Racing 22 28 Kyle Sieg RSS Racing 23 31 Blaine Perkins Jordan Anderson Racing 24 32 Austin Green Jordan Anderson Racing 25 35 TBA (i) Joey Gase Motorsports 26 39 Ryan Sieg RSS Racing 27 41 Sam Mayer Haas Factory Team 28 42 Anthony Alfredo Young's Motorsports 29 44 Brennan Poole Alpha Prime Racing 30 45 Brad Perez Alpha Prime Racing 31 48 Nicholas Sanchez Big Machine Racing 32 50 Preston Pardus Pardus Racing Inc 33 51 Jeremy Clements Jeremy Clements Racing 34 53 Sage Karam Joey Gase Motorsports 35 54 Taylor Gray Joe Gibbs Racing 36 70 Thomas Annunziata 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

Anime enthusiasts, cosplayers, and pop culture fans, mark your calendars! The Arkansas Anime Festival (A2F) is back and better than ever. Scheduled for June 27-29, 2025, this three-day extravaganza will take place at the Holiday Inn in Springdale, Arkansas. As the longest-running anime and gaming convention in the state, A2F promises an unforgettable experience filled with anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and geek culture. Special Guests This year’s lineup features an exciting array of voice actors: Bryan Massey is a multi-award-winning Texas-based actor, is renowned for voicing characters like Crimson Riot ( My Hero Academia ), Oolong ( Dragon Ball Z Kai ), and Cocytus ( Overlord ). In gaming, he’s known as Wilhelm in Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel and has contributed to titles like Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot . On-screen, he’s appeared in films like W. and Drive Angry and TV shows such as The X-Files and Prison Break . He also stars in his award-winning animated series, VOtheShow.com . Amanda Gish is a talented actress, model, cosplayer, singer, and voice actor, known for roles like Kinoko Komori in My Hero Academia , Witch in Goblin Slayer , and Inara in the video game Paladins . She also creates K-pop music videos and English covers as Black Rose Garden on Spotify and YouTube. Follow her lifestyle content and updates on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @Mastagish! Shawn Gann , a Filipino-American ADR Voice & Casting Director, Voiceover Artist, and Educator, has voiced roles in My Hero Academia , Dragon Ball Super , Attack on Titan , and more. His directing credits include Fruits Basket , Horimiya , Buddy Daddies , and Kaiju No. 8 . He’s also featured in video games like Borderlands 3 , Genshin Impact , and Tales of Luminaria . Beyond voice work, Shawn has performed in theater across major stages, toured internationally, and appeared in Amazon’s The Dark Places and A Midsummer Night’s Dream . Marissa Lenti , best known as the voice of Moze ( Borderlands 3 ) and Gangle ( The Amazing Digital Circus ), has voiced iconic anime characters like Cocotte ( Dragon Ball Super ), Libra ( Fairy Tail ), Yuna ( Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear ), and Ilse Langnar ( Attack on Titan ). In gaming, they’ve brought to life Financier Cookie ( Cookie Run: Kingdom ), Thor ( Marvel Avengers Academy ), and Nita ( Brawl Stars ). Marissa also stars in web series like RWBY and Aphmau Phoenix Drop High , with additional casting and directing credits on Death Battle! Activities and Events A2F offers a variety of activities to engage attendees of all ages: Cosplay Contest: Show off your creativity and craftsmanship. Video Game Tournaments: Compete with fellow gamers. Artist Alley and Vendor Room: Explore a diverse selection of unique merchandise and artwork. Panels and Workshops: Learn from experts and enthusiasts. Tickets and Venue Tickets are available for adults and children, with options for single-day or weekend passes. Children aged 5 and under can attend for free with an adult ticket. The festival will be held at the Holiday Inn, located at 1500 S 48th St, Springdale, AR 72762. Hotel rooms are available for booking, making it convenient for out-of-town guests. For more information and updates, visit the Arkansas Anime Festival website. Get ready to geek out and create unforgettable memories at A2F 2025! Proud Sponsor of Arkansas Anime Festival

Fashion designer Rulli Torres is making an impact in the fashion world while addressing meaningful causes at the Bentonville Fashion Week event. Recently, Torres created a select few pieces from his collection dedicated to raising awareness about mental health. These designs showcase his ability to blend artistry with advocacy, reflecting his genuine commitment to fostering conversations about mental well-being. Complemented by his other vibrant creations, Torres’ work captures a celebration of creativity and culture, establishing him as a designer with both purpose and vision. Watch both his runways from the event or check out the photo gallery below! Click Below to Watch Both Runway Nights First Night Second Night Click Below To Watch Photo Gallery of Runway Proud Sponsors of the Bentonville Fashion Week

Bentonville native and University of Arkansas graduate, Victoria Salazar, captivated audiences at the Bentonville Fashion Week Runway with her luxurious bridal lingerie collection. Known for her impeccable craftsmanship, her designs featured opulent fabrics like satin Mikado, crepe, and chiffon, adorned with exquisite embroidery. As the owner of Velvet, a bespoke bridal alterations studio in Bentonville, Salazar's work seamlessly blends elegance and innovation. With her stunning showcase, Salazar solidifies her reputation as a leading voice in bridal fashion. Click To Watch Runway Video Click Below To See Runway Photos Proud Sponsors of The Bentonville Fashion Week

This Friday night, the NASCAR Xfinity Series brings 163 laps of thrilling action to EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, GA. Known for its 1.54-mile quad-oval layout, the track delivers Daytona-style drafting, frequent lead changes, and daring passes. Its unique design encourages tight pack racing, making every lap unpredictable and exciting. More than just a race, this event combines summer heat, electrifying competition, and concert-like vibes for an unforgettable evening. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for excitement, this is the place to be. Be sure to catch all the action live this Friday at 6 PM on the Arkansas CW . Whether you're a die-hard fan or just looking for excitement, this is the place to be. Don’t miss the ultimate summer racing experience! 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 Focused Health 250 will take place Friday, June 27th, at 2 PM CDT. You can watch qualifying through the CW Streaming app. Entry list for the Focused Health 250 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 Kris Wright Our Motorsports 6 7 Justin Allgaier JR Motorsports 7 07 Nick Leitz SS-Green Light Racing 8 8 Sammy Smith JR Motorsports 9 10 Daniel Dye Kaulig Racing 10 11 Josh Williams Kaulig Racing 11 14 Garrett Smithley SS-Green Light Racing 12 16 Christian Eckes Kaulig Racing 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 24 Patrick Staropoli Sam Hunt Racing 18 25 Harrison Burton AM Racing 19 26 Dean Thompson Sam Hunt Racing 20 27 Jeb Burton Jordan Anderson Racing 21 28 Kyle Sieg RSS Racing 22 31 Blaine Perkins Jordan Anderson Racing 23 32 Katherine Legge (i) Jordan Anderson Racing 24 35 Joey Gase Joey Gase Motorsports 25 39 Ryan Sieg RSS Racing 26 41 Sam Mayer Haas Factory Team 27 42 Anthony Alfredo Young's Motorsports 28 44 Brennan Poole Alpha Prime Racing 29 45 Mason Massey Alpha Prime Racing 30 48 Nicholas Sanchez Big Machine Racing 31 51 Jeremy Clements Jeremy Clements Racing 32 53 Mason Maggio Joey Gase Motorsports 33 54 Taylor Gray Joe Gibbs Racing 34 70 Leland Honeyman Cope Family Racing 35 71 Ryan Ellis DGM Racing X JIM 36 88 Connor Zilisch JR Motorsports 37 91 CJ McLaughlin DGM Racing X JIM 38 99 Matt Dibenedetto Viking Motorsports For more behind-the-scenes interviews and race information, go to NASCAR Xfinity website

The NWA Pride Parade and Festival is set to take place this weekend in Fayetteville, celebrating its 21st year as the largest LGBTQ+ celebration in the state. This vibrant event, which began in 2004 as a grassroots community gathering, has grown into a powerful cultural movement, drawing over 35,000 attendees annually to downtown Fayetteville. The NWA Pride Parade is a cornerstone of the weekend's festivities, showcasing the unity, diversity, and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The parade will wind through the streets of Fayetteville, featuring colorful floats, live music, and participants from diverse backgrounds. In addition to the parade, the festival offers a variety of activities, including live performances, vendor booths, and family-friendly entertainment. Attendees can expect a weekend filled with energy, inclusivity, and opportunities to connect with the community. The event also serves as a platform for advocacy and education, promoting awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights. For more information about the schedule, parade route, and other details, visit the official NWA Pride website at nwapride.org .

Dovile, the creative force behind DoviArt Fashion, unveiled her collection Ecoscape  at Bentonville Fashion Week event. This stunning collection transforms nature's essence into wearable art through innovative textures and materials, evoking landscapes not through prints but through tactile design. Dovile’s passion for fashion began at 13, blossoming into a career that includes runway highlights from New York to Iceland. With degrees in textile engineering and fine art, she combines creativity with sustainability. Her dedication to eco-conscious fashion is captured in her book, Luxury of the New Era . Don’t miss Ecoscape : where art and nature meet in style. Click Below To Watch Video of Runway Click Below For Runway Photos Proud Sponsors of Bentonville Fashion Week

Get ready to light up the night this Independence Day with The Castle of Muskogee’s annual Castle Fireworks Sales, running from June 15 to July 5. The Castle offers a 30,000-square-foot, air-conditioned showroom packed with over 500 unique fireworks products. From kid-friendly novelties to massive 500-shot Heavyweight cakes, there’s something for every celebration. Each item includes descriptions and QR codes for easy previews. What’s New at Castle of Muskogee for 2025? Price Matching: Bring in a local competitor’s price, and The Castle will match it. Exclusive T-Shirts: Grab a Castle Fireworks T-shirt as a keepsake. Special Offers: Spend $100 and receive a free ticket to The Castle’s Halloween Festival (valid Oct. 3 & 4). Snacks & Drinks: Enjoy patriotic treats from the Black Boare Pub. Visit The Castle 📅 June 15 – July 5 🕙 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM 📍 The Castle of Muskogee, 3400 W. Fern Mountain Rd, Muskogee, OK 74401