Good morning, Bentonville.

The 6th annual SOAR NWA event will take place on Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16 at the Benton County Fairgrounds.

Gates will open at 5 p.m. and events will end at 10 p.m. each night — the activity offers lit-up hot air balloons, tethered rides, a kid zone, a beer garden, live music and a car exhibit while raising funds to empower people with disabilities.

Kent Eikenberry, president and CEO of Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, will retire in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, the nonprofit said.

The board has begun the search for a new leader (who will steer the organization’s hunger relief efforts) to ensure a smooth transition.

Walmart is facing a boycott by shoppers for the entire month after it changed its equity and diversity policies last year — the protest reflects customer dissatisfaction with the updated practices.

Teens learned hands-on construction skills at a summer camp hosted at Northwest Arkansas Community College in Bentonville on Thursday by the Associated Builders and Contractors of Arkansas—teaching students ages 12 to 17 trades like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work as part of efforts to address the local labor shortage.

The University of Arkansas in Fayetteville begins move-in weekend today with record enrollment as thousands of new students move into dorms and head to Baum-Walker Stadium for keycards and housing details—volunteers in red wristbands assist while signage directs traffic along Razorback Road. Move-in programming lasts through the weekend and classes start on Monday, August 18.

Motorists in Bentonville are advised that the intersection of Southeast J Street and Southeast Walton Boulevard will have lane closures for traffic signal installation starting next week until Aug.

29 with work from 9 a.m.—3 p.m. on Monday. Weather or unforeseen conditions may postpone the project.

Arkansas nurse practitioner Hannah Baxendale said parents should check that their children are up to date on vaccines before school starts+ she explained that wellness shots at ages 4, 11, and 16 help protect against rising cases of RSV and COVID-19 and noted that medical records can be accessed via an app or by calling a doctor.

Rogers-based Ozark United FC announced its inaugural Youth Academy founding partners & Unilever, Arkansas Children’s and America’s Car-Mart who will support community initiatives, youth clinics and regional ID camps to expand access to soccer in Northwest Arkansas.

The club launched six boys’ academy teams from U13 to U19 earlier this year and plans to start a girls’ program soon to boost player development.

Coffee & Canvas: Let Your Light Shine

12:30-2:30 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Affordable entry — Unleash your creativity and take home a custom piece of art while enjoying refreshments.

Anvil Fest 2025 Pre-Party

6-8 p.m. — The Momentary — Free entry — A community event connecting local artists with resources and featuring DJ GIRLFRIEND.

Backstage Pass: A Cocktail Tour

6-7:30 p.m. — The Momentary — $25 ($20 for members) — Experience art and cocktails handcrafted by master mixologists while touring fascinating exhibitions.

MWF Presents: Sky High

5-10 p.m. — Benton County Fairgrounds & Expo — Admission info TBA — Experience the thrill of hot air balloon activities and community festivities.

Infant Safety & CPR Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Northwest Medical Center - Bentonville — Registration required — Gain essential life-saving skills for your little ones in a hands-on workshop.

Cocktail Tour: A Night with Frank Lloyd Wright

6-7:30 p.m. — Frank Lloyd Wright’s Bachman-Wilson House — $25 ($20 for members) — Experience a unique blend of cocktail crafting and architectural insights inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Muscadine Bloodline Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — The Momentary — $61 GA / $39 Member GA — Experience the soulful country vibes of Muscadine Bloodline with special guest Shelby Stone.

Latin Dance Night with En Fuego

7–11 p.m. — Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art — $20 ($18 for members) — Celebrate diversity through rhythm with a salsa lesson and social dancing.

Free on the Green | Baby Rave

10 a.m. – 5 p.m. — The Momentary — Free entry — A lively family-friendly Baby Rave with vibrant EDM sets for the next generation of dancers.

78th Original Ozark Folk Festival

12:00 AM - 11:59 PM — Eureka Springs Downtown — Free entry — Celebrate music and crafts at America's longest-running folk festival.