Whether you have something in mind or are just trying to find an excuse to visit Northwest Arkansas, here is a calendar of upcoming events in the area.
January and February
For those who love bass fishing, the Arkansas Chapter of the Bass Federation has three upcoming state tournaments:
Lake Hamilton, January 14th (oops, we missed that one)
Greers Ferry Lake, February 11th
Lake Dardanelle, March 17th
Our prodigiously ranked Gym-backs began their season in January, currently #5 in the nation. There are still a few home meets in Fayetteville, including the NCAA South Central Regional. Click here for dates and times of the meets.
Arkansas Basketball, which started their season last November, still has several home games left in the season. Visit Baum Stadium, and call those Hogs! Click here for the Men’s Basketball schedule.
Currently ranked #4 in the nation, the University of Arkansas Baseball team opens their season in February at Baum stadium. Click here for their schedule.
March
Now here’s an interesting combination. Dig In! Food & Farming Festival is also a film festival with documentary films, a seed swap, and classes on organic cooking and gardening. The Festival is located on the University of Arkansas’s Global Campus on the square. Sounds like fun for all the foodies and green thumbs out there!
April
Iron Pig Festival, April 7th, at Fayetteville Executive Airport, Drake Field. A duathlon, Iron Pig run/walks, and a USA Cycling sanctioned time trial. Getting ready for the Olympics!
The Naturals minor league baseball’s opening game April 12th at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. They will be playing Corpus Christi and have a fireworks display. Click here for a copy of their schedule.
Hogeye Marathon, April 15, benefiting local charities
The Fayetteville Farmer’s Market begins Saturday April 7 this year and goes until mid-November. Known as the “Crown Jewel of Fayetteville,” it is open every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
May
May 12, University of Arkansas commencement.
May 19, U. of A. Law School commencement.
Joe Martin Stage Race. The only top-tiered National Racing Calendar event in a 10-state region 479-521-7766. Who knew that Arkansas had it’s own bicycle race?!
War Eagle Mill Craft Fair, May 4-6. Located at one of the Ozarks’ historic mills. Many local artisans show here, and you can get a hearty meal at the Bean Palace Restaurant while you are there.
June
Walmart Shareholder’s Meeting – June 1 at Bud Walton Arena. As the number one retailer in the world, this meeting never fails to bring some of the biggest and brightest stars to Northwest Arkansas. With several days of free concerts leading up to it, the climax of the Shareholders meeting should not be missed. The meeting will also stream live here.
July
Altus Grape Festival, July 27 – 28th. Head south to Arkansas wine country. Altus is the location of Mount Bethel Winery, Post Winery, Chateau Aux Arc Vineyard and Winery, and Wiederkehr Wine Cellars. The grape festival is the kick off to the harvest season. Daily grape stomping competitions and cellar and vineyard tours and tastings.
September
Highly anticipated year round, the Razorback Football season kicks off in Fayetteville on September 1, against Jacksonville State. With this year being the first to host 6 Fayetteville home games, you’ll have even more opportunity to cheer on the heart of our state – the Arkansas Razorbacks! Click here to see the Football schedule.
Bike, Blues & BBQ Motorcycle Rally, one of the largest bike festivals (hogs that is) in the U.S., September 26-29. Don’t miss the parade of bikes down Dickson Street each night. Fun for the whole family!
October
Chile Pepper Run. Includes collegiate and high school races. 479-521-7766
War Eagle Mill Craft Fair, Oct. 18-21. Arts and crafts revisit for the fall. In case you were busy in May, you can catch the local art the second time around!
November
Light the Night Parade. Annual parade held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving
December
First Night New Year’s Eve Celebrations, celebrating the arts at various locations throughout Fayetteville. 479-443-4797
Lights of the Ozarks. Award-winning event with millions of lights blanketing downtown. 479-521-1710
A La Carte
The fabulous new Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. A museum of American art to rival the Smithsonian. And it’s FREE!
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park is a short drive from Fayetteville. It is considered one of the Civil War’s most intact battlefields. It offers historic structures, trails, and interpretative events.
An hour north of Fayetteville is Pea Ridge National Military Park, site of another important Civil War battle. March 9th – 11th they will be commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Pea Ridge. Click here for the schedule of events.
There is also the Trail of Tears, which ran right through Fayetteville, and the Butterfield Stage Coach Route–both of which are Heritage Trails. Their website has information on locations and events.
The Washington County Historical Society, 118 E. Dickson Street, Fayetteville, in the Judge Jonas Tebbetts house built in 1853. They have presentations on life on the frontier, the Civil War, and the Trail of Tears, as well as house and walking tours.
The Walton Arts Center near dowtown Fayetteville, is the place to go for arts and entertainment. Click here for their list of events over the coming season. Don’t miss the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery which features accomplished and emerging artists. Joy Pratt lived most of her life in the house which is now Pratt Place Inn. The Inn has several of her paintings.
The 2011-2012 season is already underway for both SoNA, the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, and the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, but if you are in town and would like to hear them they still have tickets available.
These are some of our favorite activities in Fayetteville, Arkansas. What are some of your favorite activities in and around Fayetteville? Where do you take your out-of-town guests to show off the area?