In the heart of Springdale, the stage is set for a magical journey as Arts One Presents brings “The Wizard of Oz” to life. Directed by Van Stewman, this beloved classic will enchant audiences from July 17-20 and July 24-27 at the Pat Ellis Performing Arts Center, located at 667 Hylton Road. For more details, visit artsonepresents.org/the-wizard-of-oz.
Meanwhile, the Fort Smith Little Theatre invites theatergoers to experience the timeless love story of “Oklahoma!” featuring the spirited romance between cowboy Curly and farm girl Laurey. Performances run from July 17 to August 2, with tickets priced at for opening night and for subsequent shows. The venue is located at 401 N. Sixth St., Fort Smith. More information can be found at fslt.org/oklahoma-2.
Read & Write
For those who enjoy a blend of fitness and literature, the Walk and Talk Book Club offers a refreshing opportunity to discuss favorite reads while enjoying the outdoors. This event takes place on July 11 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at Library Park, 1507 W. Pine St., Rogers. For inquiries, call (479) 621-1152.
Writers looking to connect and share their work can attend Writers Night hosted by Lynn Cunningham and Bee Balm Arkansas on July 16 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Casa Magnolia, 414 Holcomb St., Springdale. This free event includes light refreshments and a chance for writers to submit up to five pages for feedback during a critique exchange on July 23. More details and reservations can be made at tickettailor.com/events/cache/1743111.
Try Something New
On July 11, the School For Advanced Studies invites the community to a Latin Dance Night, featuring a dance class led by Aura Maurice-Figueroa followed by a lively dance party. This free event, complete with onsite babysitting, runs from 6 to 8 p.m. at 121 W. Poplar St., Rogers. Registration is available on Eventbrite.
For those seeking relaxation, the Fayetteville Public Library hosts a weekly unwind session on July 16 from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Ann Henry Board Room, where community members can enjoy puzzles, cards, and coloring activities. For more information, contact [email protected].
Out & About
The Fayetteville Downtown Square & Gardens welcomes visitors to its Farmer’s Market every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Art enthusiasts can visit Two Friends Books on July 12 for a Handpoke Tattoo Pop-Up by Oatmilk Pokes, offering walk-in flash tattoos from noon to 4 p.m. at 801 S.E. Eighth St., Unit 47, Bentonville. Designs and prices are available on their Instagram page.
On July 13, Smokehouse Cycles in Fayetteville will host a Bike Swap, featuring used bike items, tie-dye activities, live music, and refreshments from Rabbit Hole and Fossil Cove Brewing Company. The event runs from noon to 5 p.m., with a reservation fee of .
Every Monday in July, Puritan Coffee & Beer adds a twist to the classic game of bingo with Musical Bingo at 7 p.m. Themed nights include Ladies Night on July 14, Country Hits on July 21, and Lord Huron on July 28 at 205 W. Dickson St., Fayetteville.
Walk & Talk Art
Art lovers can explore “Scrap,” a recycled art exhibition at Fenix Arts gallery, with an opening reception on July 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The exhibition will be on display until August 30 at 150 N. Skyline Drive, Fayetteville.
Additionally, “To M(end,” a group exhibition at Midnight Gallery, invites viewers to reflect on themes of grief and transformation. The exhibition runs through September 29, with an Artist Talk featuring Minahil Qazi scheduled for July 20 at 11:30 a.m. at 407 S.W. A St., Bentonville. More information can be found at midnightgallerynwa.com/to-m-end.
The Springdale Public Library is hosting a Library Card Design Contest, inviting artists to submit designs for limited-edition library cards. The deadline for submissions is July 26, and winners will be featured in the library’s Art in the Park gallery in September. Details can be found at springdalelibrary.org/library-card-design-contest.
For The Littles
The Scott Family Amazeum is celebrating its 10th anniversary on July 12 with a Birthday Bash featuring hands-on activities, water play, and more. Free admission is offered for 10-year-olds with the purchase of a adult ticket. Reservations can be made at amazeum.org/28064/28071.
Kids can also participate in the Kids Club event on July 12, where children in kindergarten through fifth grade receive a voucher to spend on fresh produce at the downtown Bentonville Farmers Market. This event runs from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and requires no registration.
Under The Open Sky
On July 18, the School for Advanced Studies will host Swim Night at the Rogers Aquatic Center, a free summer event for kids from 7 to 9 p.m. Registration is available on Eventbrite.
‘Absolute Cinema’
Families can enjoy Movies in the Parks, with “Shrek” screening on July 11 at 7:30 p.m. in Walker Park, Fayetteville. The Fayetteville Public Library also offers free summer family movies every Friday at 2 p.m., with “Mufasa” on July 11 and “Snow White” (2025) on July 18.
City Park Fayetteville presents classic films every Friday in July, including “Superman: The Movie” on July 11 and “Inception” on July 18, both starting at 8 p.m.
Paws & Play
Wags to Riches Pet Grooming is celebrating the grand opening of its Bentonville location on July 19 with a festive event featuring free barbecue, pet nail trims, and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1003 S.E. 28th St., Bentonville. For updates, follow them on Instagram at instagram.com/wagstorichesnwa.
Hands-On Fun
An Art Supply Swap will take place on July 16 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Fayetteville Public Library, allowing artists to refresh their supplies and connect with others in the community.
Hear It Here!
On July 12, Grace Underfanger of Crimson Fox Design Company will lead a discussion on selling art online at the Fayetteville Public Library from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Bella Vista Community Band will perform live music at Blowing Springs Park on July 15, providing an opportunity for local musicians to join in. The concert starts at 7 p.m., with a picnic supper available for purchase from 5 to 6:45 p.m.
Opera in the Ozarks celebrates its 75th anniversary this summer with performances of “Carmen,” “Into the Woods,” and “The Merry Widow” continuing through July 25 at Inspiration Point Center for the Arts, Eureka Springs. Tickets and details are available at operaintheozarks.com.
Cheers & Bites
Hotvine Wine Shop offers Frozen Drink Fridays throughout the summer, featuring a new wine-based blender drink each week for , available from 4 p.m. until sold out.
Rabbit Hole continues its weekly neighborhood dinner series, Wabbit Wednesdays, on July 16 starting at 5 p.m. at Arsaga’s Mill District, Fayetteville. Updates and menus can be found on Instagram at @rabbitholenwa.
Two Friends Books invites guests to a “summer mezze” feast on July 14 from 4 to 8 p.m., offering an all-you-can-eat shareable spread for . Reservations are recommended.
— Dustin Staggs
