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Looking for the perfect gift or inspiration for your own wish list? Explore timeless, award-winning designs from Underwoods Fine Jewelers in their 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. Find something truly unforgettable—browse the collection HERE.

Events

Weekend Roundup

Happy Friday, Northwest Arkansas! Here’s your Weekend Roundup to help get the fun times rolling:

• 💡 All Of The Lights: Head to The Light Show at Washington County Fairgrounds in Fayetteville for a dazzling drive-through adventure, where spectacular light displays and festive music create unforgettable holiday moments for the whole family.

• 🐘 White Elephant Party: Join Bentonville Brewing for a holiday gift-making night with Stylin Snaps this Friday, Dec 20, at 6p! Customize hats, sweatshirts, or beanies into witty, one-of-a-kind creations while sipping on your favorite brew.

• 🧥 Sweater Weather: Don your tackiest holiday attire for Ozark Beer Company’s Ugly Sweater Party this Friday, Dec 20, from 7-9p. A DJ will be spinning holiday tunes, and Wicked Wood Fired Pizza will be serving up the grub.

• 🎄 I’m in a Store, and I’m SINGING! Celebrate Christmas with a drive-in screening of Elf at Dirtbag Vintage in Fayetteville this Friday, Dec 20! Enjoy a hot chocolate bar, festive treats, and last-minute vintage gift shopping. Gates open at 6:30p, and the movie starts at 7:30p.

• 🩰 On Tiptoes: The Conservatory of Classical Ballet presents its 12th annual production of The Nutcracker at the Arend Arts Center in Bentonville from Dec 20-21, featuring 164 local dancers and 9 professional guest artists.

• 🍬 Candy Cane Quest: Join the annual Candy Cane Hunt on the East Lawn of the Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs this Saturday, Dec 21, at 3p—it’s like an Easter egg hunt, but with candy canes!

• 🎮 Game On: Arkansas-based live ensemble HIGH PING will perform iconic soundtracks from classic games to modern hits at Meteor Guitar Gallery in Downtown Bentonville this Saturday, Dec 21, at 7p. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show.

• 🎄 Indoor Tree-ts: Shop handcrafted holiday wreaths, artisan crafts, seasonal vegetables, and baked goods during the Indoor Holiday Market at the Fayetteville Senior Center this Saturday, Dec 21, from 9a-1.

• 🛋️ The Leg Lamp: The Arkansas Public Theatre is bringing the beloved holiday favorite A Christmas Story to the stage at The Medium in Springdale from Dec 20–22.

• 🍼 Happy Noon Year’s: Celebrate the New Year early at Crystal Bridges during the Noon Year’s Eve Party on Monday, Dec 30, from 10a-3p.

Have a great weekend!

Development

Local Developers Going All In On Pickleball With $50M Facility In Springdale

A $50M pickleball facility, The Big Dill Pickleball Club & Academy, is set to break ground in Springdale, just east of I-49 along Emma Ave, in spring 2025.

• The Big Dill: This first-of-its-kind development will feature a 70,000-square-foot building with 23 indoor courts and 30 outdoor courts, alongside amenities like a bar, restaurant, pro shop, and additional retail and commercial spaces.

• Going Pro: The facility will include a training academy focused on developing talent and laying the groundwork for a professional pickleball team. The training facility is actually part of a larger $100M-$150M initiative, which includes building multifamily housing to accommodate participants at the on-site academy.

Read more on this development in Talk Business & Politics HERE.

Highlight

Fayetteville To Host Grand Opening Of The Upper Ramble

The City of Fayetteville will celebrate the grand opening of the Upper Ramble, the final piece of its $31.6M arts corridor project, with a ceremony on Monday, Dec 30, at 2p.

• The Weight: The Ramble's name pays homage to Levon Helm, a legendary Arkansas musician and longtime drummer and singer in The Band, known for hosting his famed Midnight Ramble sessions in Woodstock, NY.

• A Cultural Connection: The Ramble connects key cultural institutions downtown, including the Walton Arts Center, TheatreSquared, the Fayetteville Public Library, and the University of Arkansas Windgate Art and Design District. This final phase features a civic space with gathering and event lawns, gardens, a public plaza, and a scenic canal near the Razorback Greenway.

Find more details bout the opening ceremony in The Fayetteville Flyer HERE.

Food + Drink

Enjoy Limited-Time Holiday Menus At Stonebreaker in Fayetteville

The Restaurant at Stonebreaker, Fayetteville’s new culinary destination led by acclaimed Chef Tyler Rogers, has two great seasonally-themed menus on deck that you don’t want to miss.

• 12 Days of Flavor: Running through Dec 23, Chef Tyler has planned a unique menu for each of the 12 Days of Christmas. With just a few chances left, join the fun with the Nine Ladies Dancing, Ten Lords a-Leaping, Eleven Pipers Piping, and Twelve Drummers Drumming.

• New Year’s Feast: Celebrate the end of 2024 with a five-course Prix Fixe dinner on Tuesday, Dec 31, with reservations available from 5-9p. Savor dishes like Salmon Crudo, Crispy Black Eyed Peas, Pork Belly, and more paired with optional wine selections. Reservations are $100 per person.

Make reservations at The Restaurant at Stonebreaker HERE.

Music + Outdoors

Send It South: Bike and Music Festival Coming to the Momentary

The Momentary and OZ Trails are teaming up to present Send It South, a three-day bike and music festival in Bentonville from Feb 7-9.

• Beautiful Trails: Biking enthusiasts can look forward to art rides, night rides, and guided group rides that highlight the best trails Northwest Arkansas has to offer.

• Boppin’ Tunes: The festival’s soundtrack will feature performances by acclaimed artists, including Wilderado, Dirtwire, Bonnie Montgomery, stepmom, and more. From live shows to trailside pop-up concerts, the event will blend biking culture with an unforgettable musical experience.

Keep up with festival details by following Send it South on Instagram HERE.

ICYMI

This Week’s Top Stories

• 618-Unit Apartment Complex Coming To South Bentonville

• Downtown Bentonville Inc.'s New Year's Eve Party @ Ledger

• Did You Know Die Hard Was Written By An Arkansan?

• XNA Sets New Annual Enplanment Record In Just 11 Months

• See A Christmas Story On Stage At The Medium

NWA Daily Picks

In other news

• 🐶 Resolutions With Rover: Start the new year with a purpose for you and your furry friend at Best Friends Animal Society's Pet Vision Boards workshop on Friday, Dec 27, from 4:30-6:30p. Register for free HERE.*

• 🗞️ In The News: NWA Council put together a great recap of some of the top moments of Northwest Arkansas in the headlines in 2024.

• 🎁 Local Gifts: Still looking for a few gifts? Here’s a list of 5 Local Gifts That Won’t Miss put together by our friends at Cureate.

• 🏃 Running For It: Here’s a list of all the running events and races planned so far in 2025 to help you set goals for your New Year’s resolution to be more active!

• 📣 Sponsor NWA Daily: Share your message with our growing community of 40,313 readers. Fill out this form or reply to this email to learn more about our advertising opportunities.

_{*Content is sponsored.}

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