Step into the enchanting world of 1569 at the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival, hosted at the Castle of Muskogee this weekend! Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Castleton, a charming Renaissance-era town brought to life for all to explore. Witness thrilling full-contact jousting tournaments, marvel at captivating Birds of Prey demonstrations, be amazed by talented traveling acrobats, and enjoy a wide array of unique entertainment. The festival kicks off at 10:30 AM on April 26th and will run every Saturday and Sunday up to June 1st. Don’t miss this opportunity to journey back in time! Click here for More information  on the Festival   Each weekend at the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival has a unique theme that honors the visiting royalty for that weekend. Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Fantasy Weekend / April 26-27 King Oberon, the majestic ruler of Avalon, embarks on a grand journey to the Land of Castleton in pursuit of Her Royal Majesty’s favor. Join in the enchanting celebration of his visit, where the realms of fantasy and reality intertwine. Be captivated by the magic as faeries and mythical creatures emerge to honor Oberon’s pilgrimage. This opening weekend of the festival promises to deliver spellbinding moments and whimsical encounters you won’t want to miss. Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Romance Weekend / May 3-4 King Henri, the son of Contessa De Medici, brings a touch of Italian charm while staying true to his French heart. This weekend at the festival, he arrives in Castleton to win the favor of Her Majesty and captivate the hearts of all the ladies. Celebrate a weekend dedicated to love, kindness, and chivalry, and join in the magic of this royal visit! Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Pirates Weekend / May 10-11 The Spanish Armada arrives in Castleton, bringing with it a wave of excitement as the port opens to all pirates! Her Majesty has extended her hospitality to Spanish King Phillip, but with his strong Catholic foundation, tensions may run high. Join us this weekend to see how this intriguing chapter of history unfolds in a celebration full of adventure and surprises! Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Celtic Weekend / May 17-18 This weekend, we proudly welcome Mary, Queen of Scots, in a lively celebration of our cherished Scottish heritage. Prepare for a rowdy and activity-packed experience as Celtic festivities take center stage! Don your clan colors, press your kilts, and join us for a weekend filled with Scottish charm and excitement! Imperial Weekend / May 24-25 Guten Tag! Raise your steins as we welcome His Imperial Majesty Charles II and celebrate the heroes among us. This weekend includes a highlight of the festival—Monday’s Memorial Day Parade, a touching tribute to honor those who have fallen. Join us for this heartfelt day of remembrance, a moving tradition that celebrates our soldiers and their sacrifices. Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Spice Roads Weekend / May 31 & June 1st Emperor Sarsa Dengel has unveiled the Spice Roads, forging a vital trade connection between East and West that promises wealth, commerce, and opportunity. In honor of his visit, we invite you to break tradition and make the most of our grand closing weekend! Celebrate in a big way as we bid farewell to the festival with joy and excitement! Photo Credit: Castle of Muskogee Immerse yourself in the magic of Castleton with Coin of the Realm, the official festival currency! Use it to shop, dine, and enjoy all the festival has to offer, just like cash or card. Visit the Bank of Castleton anytime to exchange it back for dollars. Even better, the coins never expire and can be used year-round at the Castle of Muskogee. Beautifully engraved, these coins are both functional and a memorable keepsake of your adventure! Click here for tickets and other information

Mark your calendars! The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are returning to Arvest Ballpark on Tuesday, May 6th, for an exciting six-game series against the Wichita Wind Surge, the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. The matchup runs through Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11th. The homestand kicks off with the season’s first Education Day Game , followed by daily food and drink specials to keep fans entertained throughout the week. Highlights include back-to-back fireworks shows lighting up the sky on Friday and Saturday nights. The series finale on Mother’s Day is packed with family-oriented fun. Our very own 40/29 News Anchor Yuna Lee will throw out the first pitch. Fans will receive a Mother’s Day Mesh Beach Pool Duffle Bag Giveaway , and kids can enjoy a FREE snack. To cap it all off, there’s a special Kids and Moms Run the Bases event, making for an unforgettable day at the ballpark. Join us for an action-packed week of baseball, giveaways, and family memories at Arvest Ballpark!

Brandon Goldsmith giving press conference The Fort Smith International Film Festival and MidAmerica Film Market are gearing up for an exciting year. This year's festival is scheduled for August 7th through the 9th at the Fort Smith Convention Center, a move that promises to provide more space for expansion and growth. The festival has previously attracted 1,754 submissions from over 80 countries, emphasizing diverse voices. Last year's event featured 20 Indigenous films, including the first film by the Quapaw Nation. This year aims to amplify underrepresented voices further. The MidAmerica Film Market, running alongside the festival, aims to support filmmakers with crucial resources such as: • Workshops on film distribution, finance, marketing, and branding strategies. • Networking opportunities with industry professionals and distributors. • Support for independent productions aiming to reach broader audiences. Film Submissions open on January 24 and close on May 2, to submit your film go to FortSmithfilm.com Click below to watch the full press conference Proud Supporters of the Fort Smith International Film Festival

The cherished tradition of outdoor live music in Fayetteville continues with the return of the Gulley Park Summer Concert Series for its 29th year in 2025. The concert series is a family-friendly event with something for everyone, including your furry family members. There are six concerts scheduled for this year's series, all occurring on Thursday evenings in June and July. On June 26th, there is a special night just for the little ones. 'Kidz Night' will feature obstacle course inflatables, a bounce house, face painting, and jumbo-sized yard games! Held alongside the concert series is the Gulley Park Art Market. The market showcases a wide variety of local artists & makers. 2025 Gulley Park Summer Concert Series Lineup June 12 - Ultra Suede June 19 - National Park Radio June 26 - Emo Night: Taylor's Version (Kidz Night) July 10 - Rochelle Bradshaw & Hypnotion July 17 - Dandelion Heart July 24 - King Cabbage Brass Band

Mother’s Day is a special occasion to honor and celebrate the amazing mothers and maternal figures in our lives. If you’re in the Fort Smith and River Valley, there’s no shortage of unforgettable activities to make the day extra special for Mom. Here are ten wonderful ideas with local examples to enjoy this Mother’s Day. Treat Mom to a Delicious Brunch There’s no better way to start Mother’s Day than with a delightful brunch. Fort Smith offers plenty of restaurants with special menus to honor the occasion. Try Bricktown Brewery for a hearty feast, Anthony's Italian Restaurant, or Rolando’s Restaurante for a one-of-a-kind Latin-inspired brunch experience. They are just a few of the great food places you can experience with your mother on Sunday. Stroll Through Historic Downtown Fort Smith Take a walk with your mom through the historic streets of Fort Smith, where you can explore charming boutiques, art galleries, and landmarks that echo the town's rich history. Relax with a Spa Day Pamper your mom by booking a relaxing spa session with massages, facials, and more luxurious treatments at one of the region’s top-notch spas. Embrace the Outdoors with a Hike or Picnic Enjoy quality time in nature by hiking in picturesque state parks or setting up a picnic near a serene lake. Head to Mount Magazine State Park for a breathtaking view or Lake Fort Smith State Park for a tranquil day surrounded by lush greenery. Enjoy a Stroll at Riverfront Park Fort Smith’s Riverfront Park offers scenic paths, fountains, and historical markers, making it a great spot for a leisurely walk with Mom. Catch a Family Movie Spend the evening unwinding with a movie – whether at a drive-in or a cozy theater. Visit Malco Fort Smith Cinema for the latest releases or the 22 Drive In and the Sky View Drive In for a n outdoor movie night experience. Wine Tasting and Relaxation Treat your mom to a sophisticated yet laid-back afternoon by visiting local wineries for a wine tasting session. Explore Wiederkehr Wine Cellars or Post Winery, both known for their award-winning selections. Bond Over Arts and Crafts Workshops Share laughs and fun by participating in creative activities like pottery or painting classes together. Check out Community School of the Arts for pottery lessons or Painting with a Twist for step-by-step guided art sessions. Tour Botanical Gardens and Nature Destinations Take in the vibrant beauty of local gardens or explore the lush scenery at parks and nature centers. Visit the Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center or take a relaxing stroll through the Belle Grove Historic District’s manicured gardens. Celebrate at Special Mother’s Day Events Look out for events like dinner theaters, concerts, and other activities organized to celebrate moms. This Mother’s Day, make your mom feel loved, cherished, and celebrated by planning a day filled with experiences she’ll treasure forever. Whether it’s a peaceful spa session or an outdoor adventure, Fort Smith and the River Valley have something for everyone. Happy Mother’s Day!

Downtown Rogers Get ready for an unforgettable evening of art, community, and canine companionship! Art on the Bricks proudly presents Barks on the Bricks, the ultimate art walk of Northwest Arkansas. Bring your leashed pups and join in as they celebrate creativity and your four-legged friends. Explore an exciting lineup, including pet portrait artists, local creators, and vendors supporting the animal community. Event Highlights: 🎨 Creative Showcase – Browse stunning artwork at galleries and pop-up shops featuring talented Northwest Arkansas artists, including pet portrait professionals. 🎶 Live Music & Performances – Enjoy live entertainment throughout the evening: 4:30 – 5:15 PM: Free Yoga Class with Joe from Yoga Story DTR at Turntable Plaza, Railyard Park 6:00 – 6:30 PM: A delightful dance performance by Ballet Westside at Turntable Plaza 🛍 Local Shopping – Discover unique items and exclusive promotions at downtown businesses. 🤝 Support Animal Non-Profits and Pet-Centric Vendors – Connect with organizations dedicated to the animal community and shop from businesses catering to our furry friends. 🐶 Ultimate Dog-Friendly Fun – Mingle with fellow pet lovers, treat your pup to something special, and revel in the lively atmosphere. For more information on the event go here.

Mother's Day is a time to show our love and appreciation for the incredible women in our lives. If you're in Northwest Arkansas, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the day and make it unforgettable for your mom or maternal figure. Here are some activities that will bring joy and create lasting memories this Mother's Day: Delight in a Special Brunch Treat your Mom to a fantastic brunch at one of the many renowned restaurants in Rogers, Bentonville, Eureka Springs or Fayetteville. Or take her out to the beautiful War Eagle Mill for a great breakfast and scenery! Keep an eye out for special Mother's Day menus featuring delightful dishes and mimosas. Pamper Her with a Spa Day Give your mom the gift of relaxation by booking a spa session. Many local spas offer special Mother's Day packages for massages, facials, and more. We have some of the top spas in our area. So check spas out in Bentonville, Rogers, Eureka Springs and Fayetteville. Visit the Farmers’ Markets Stroll through the Bentonville, Rogers, or Fayetteville Farmers' Markets. Pick out fresh flowers, delicious local produce, or handmade crafts while spending quality time together. Attend Live Music or Theater Show appreciation for the arts by taking your mom to a local concert or theater performance. Check for special Mother's Day shows happening in the region. Stroll Through a Nature Park or Botanical Gardens Take some relaxing time with your mom and connect up with nature. Visit the nearby Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Take a relaxing stroll with your mom while checking out all the beautiful blooming flowers and Butterflies. You can also take her to Compton Gardens & Arboretum, Blue Spring Heritage Center in Eureka Springs and the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale. It’s a thoughtful way to brighten her day while supporting local our local botanical garden. Plan a Picnic in the Park Pack a picnic with Mom’s favorite treats and enjoy a relaxing meal at parks like Lake Atalanta Park, Dave Peel Park, Gulley Park or Wilson Park. Don’t forget a blanket and sunshine! Get Creative with Arts & Crafts Sign up for a pottery, painting, or craft workshop to try something new and creative together. These activities are a wonderful way to bond and make meaningful keepsakes. Embark on a Scenic Hike For nature-loving moms, venture into breathtaking destinations like Devil's Den State Park, War Eagle Caverns or Hobbs State Park for a refreshing hike amid stunning landscapes. Explore Local Museums Spend the day appreciating art, culture, and nature at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The beautiful trails surrounding the museum add a touch of tranquility to this unique outing. There is also the Museum of Native American History, Walmart Museum, Scott Family Amazeum, Rogers Historical Museum, University Museum Collections and many many more! Shop at Local Boutiques Take her on a shopping spree at the charming boutiques in Northwest Arkansas. From unique gifts to trendy fashion, she’s sure to find something special. Great places for unique gifts can be found in downtown Rogers, Fayetteville and Bentonville. Whether your mom loves the great outdoors, indulging in relaxation, or exploring art and culture, Northwest Arkansas offers countless options to celebrate her. Make this Mother’s Day one to remember by planning one (or more!) of these amazing experiences. Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there!

Ribbon cutting at the new Senior Activity Center in Greenwood Greenwood is a city thriving on resilience and unity. With determination and a forward-looking approach, the community has achieved major milestones, from creating the new Senior Activity Center and the family-friendly Splash Pad to expanding parks, trails, and infrastructure. The Senior Activity Center, funded without local tax dollars, stands as a hub of senior engagement with additional opportunities for rentals benefiting the entire community. Complemented by the sustainable Splash Pad, these projects foster inclusivity, enriching life for residents of all ages. Mayor of Greenwood-Doug Kinslow Their parks have grown with new disc golf courses, events, and improvements like Liberty Park Bridge and youth-developed trails. High school achievements include academic rankings and state championship sports titles, presenting Greenwood as a beacon of educational excellence. First responders, including Chief Brad Hobbs' police force and Chief Stewart Bryan's fire department, have elevated safety standards with modern equipment, grants, and national recognition. Infrastructure improvements, like the Trey Burgess Memorial Highway bypass, ensure safer travel while supporting long-term growth. Economic development thrives with progress at "The Curve," housing new businesses, a regional library, and healthcare expansion. Greenwood’s “Welcome Home” campaign fosters a welcoming and business-friendly environment, bolstering local commerce. Through collaboration, ambitious goals, and community spirit, Mayor Mayor Doug Kinslow finished up his state of the city address on how Greenwood secures its title as a city that doesn’t just face challenges—it overcomes them. With a championship mindset, Greenwood looks ahead, ready to grow, innovate, and inspire for generations.Their parks have grown with new disc golf courses, events, and improvements like Liberty Park Bridge and youth-developed trails. High school achievements include academic rankings and state championship sports titles, presenting Greenwood as a beacon of educational excellence. First responders, including Chief Brad Hobbs' police force and Chief Stewart Bryan's fire department, have elevated safety standards with modern equipment, grants, and national recognition. Infrastructure improvements, like the Trey Burgess Memorial Highway bypass, ensure safer travel while supporting long-term growth. Economic development thrives with progress at "The Curve," housing new businesses, a regional library, and healthcare expansion. Greenwood’s “Welcome Home” campaign fosters a welcoming and business-friendly environment, bolstering local commerce. Through collaboration, ambitious goals, and community spirit, Mayor Mayor Doug Kinslow finished up his state of the city address on how Greenwood secures its title as a city that doesn’t just face challenges—it overcomes them. With a championship mindset, Greenwood looks ahead, ready to grow, innovate, and inspire for generations.

Get ready, Texas! The NASCAR Xfinity Series is bringing high-speed thrills to Texas Motor Speedway for the Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 on Saturday. Known for its wide turns and daring racing grooves, this track sets the stage for bold moves and nail-biting finishes. Forty cars are on the entry list, but only 38 cars will start Saturday’s event, meaning two teams will fail to qualify. Drivers are chasing crucial wins and playoff points, promising fans intense side-by-side battles and dramatic last-lap action. Don’t miss the excitement—tune in Saturday at 12:30 PM CDT on The Arkansas CW. 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  You can catch practice and qualifying on this Friday, May 2nd at 4:00 PM CDT for the Nascar Xfinity Series at Texas Motor Speedway on the CW Network free streaming app online or on your streaming devices. Race entries listed below for race. Xfinity Entries for 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 07 Nick Leitz SS-Green Light Racing 7 7 Justin Allgaier JR Motorsports 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 17 Corey Day Hendrick Motorsports 14 18 William Sawalich Joe Gibbs Racing 15 19 Riley Herbst Joe Gibbs Racing 16 20 Brandon Jones Joe Gibbs Racing 17 21 Austin Hill Richard Childress 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 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 36 74 Dawson Cram Mike Harmon Racing 37 88 Connor Zilisch JR Motorsports 38 91 Josh Bilicki DGM Racing 39 92 CJ McLaughlin DGM Racing x JIM 40 99 Matt DiBenedetto Viking Motorsports For more behind the scenes interviews and race information go to Nascar Xfinity website

Photo provided by Steel Horse Rally The Steel Horse Rally returns to Fort Smith, Arkansas, on May 2-3, 2025, celebrating its 10th anniversary. Known for drawing over 150,000 attendees, the charity motorcycle event highlights crowd favorites like the Thunder through the Valley Motorcycle Parade, Cops & Cones Exhibition, and Bikes & Badges Vintage Motorcycle Show. New for 2025, the Unsung Heroes honor debuts, recognizing extraordinary individuals for their valor. Enjoy free admission to the Bikes & Badges Show and the US Marshals Museum on May 3rd, courtesy of Fort Smith Harley-Davidson. Other highlights include the Steel Horse Strongman Showdown, live music, strongman competitions, and the new Steel Horse Rally Highest Peak Run to Arkansas’ Mount Magazine. Funds raised support local charities, including Arc for the River Valley and Children’s Service League. Explore vendors, entertainment, and the vibrant biker community along Garrison Avenue. Visit TheSteelHorseRally.com for event details. Click here for full press release

It's a case that made national headlines.  A Boston woman accused of driving into her police-officer-boyfriend and leaving him to die in a snowstorm. But after ending in a mistrial last year, Karen Read's case is back and ready to be tried again. You can catch live coverage of the trial on free streaming app Very Local.

New on the Very Local free streaming app comes an exciting new series, Unbelievable, which delves into captivating stories through the use of archival footage. Each episode highlights three extraordinary events brought together by a central theme. The premiere episode introduces the compelling theme of astonishing rescues. Through vivid storytelling and authentic footage, Unbelievable offers viewers a front-row seat to the incredible moments where human determination, courage, and resourcefulness shine. Don't miss this thrilling series that brings real-life, unbelievable stories directly to your screen.