Summer of '26 ☀️

The Reel Deal: Expect a full schedule of premieres, filmmaker Q&As, industry conversations, and the return of the Homegrown category spotlighting Arkansas filmmakers and stories rooted in the Natural State.

Screen Time: There will also be free outdoor family films, hands-on kids activities, and community events across Bentonville.

Building Boom: Benton County recorded Arkansas’s fastest housing growth, increasing 3.4% from 131,795 housing units in 2024 to 136,217 in 2025, making it the 42nd fastest-growing county in the country.

Growth-Oriented: Washington County followed close behind with a 3% increase to 113,002 housing units, ranking 62nd nationally.

A Romeo & Juliet Remix: Created by Emmy-winning Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read, the Broadway musical imagines what would happen if Juliet chose her own ending instead of following Romeo’s tragic fate. The production blends Shakespeare-inspired storytelling with pop anthems like “Roar,” “Since U Been Gone,” and “Baby One More Time.”

Broadway Energy in NWA: The touring production is part of Walton Arts Center’s Broadway lineup and promises fun choreography, vibrant costumes, and a high-energy soundtrack packed with hits from songwriter Max Martin.

What To Expect: The evening will be filled with food trucks, local vendors, live music, and free activities for all ages.

Here Comes The Sun: Each 4th Friday event carries a unique monthly theme, with this month’s Summer Kick Off celebrating the end of the school year and the return of warmer weather.

Makin’ A Splash: The guide features dozens of local swimming and splash pad spots, both inside and outside, in NWA cities like Fayetteville and Bentonville, as well as in towns like Prairie Grove and Siloam Springs.

Cool Down For A Sec: Many locations offer affordable admission, extended summer hours, and nearby playgrounds or picnic areas, making them perfect for a full family outing.

🎯 No Compromises, Just Caliber: AVAILABILITY Professional Staffing connects Northwest Arkansas employers with top-tier talent, delivering tailored recruiting solutions that prioritize quality, alignment, and long-term success for every hire. More info HERE.*

🚚 Hogging the Heavy Lifting: Planning a summer move? Boss Hog Moving Co helps Northwest Arkansas residents and small businesses tackle relocations with less stress and more muscle, offering local moving services designed to keep boxes, furniture, and moving-day chaos under control. Get a quote HERE.*

🧽 Mud’s Eviction Notice: Your car doesn’t need to stay dirty. Get a free wash at Glide Xpress and bring back that clean finish. Activate the free wash HERE.*

🌰 Gone Nuts: One lifetime ago, Ozarkers used to shovel heaps of chinquapin nuts off the ground. Today the tree is functionally extinct, but the Ozark Chinquapin Foundation has spent 20 years trying to bring it back. Read more HERE.

🦞 Shell Yeah: Mount Sequoyah in Fayetteville will host a Crawfish Boil to support the Marshall Islands Soccer Federation on Thursday, May 21, at 5:30p.

📱Phone Bans: A 3 year study on the use of Yondr pouches—the magnetically locked bags used at many NWA public high schools—showed that things actually got worse before they got better. Changing habits takes time. Here’s what the data suggests.

🛫 Wheels Up: Wings & Wheels, a car and airplane show, will take over Thaden Field on Saturday, May 23, from 9a-12p.

🎸 Shay It Ain’t So: Well-known country pop band Dan & Shay announced a tour stop at the Walmart AMP in Rogers this fall.

🌾 Plant It Forward: Ozark Beer Company in Rogers will lead a Plant Swap on Sunday, May 24, from 1-4p.

🍕 Slice of Art: A Fayetteville pizza shop launched a pizza box decorating contest.

🎧 Listen Online: Want to listen to a summarized audio version of NWA Daily? Head to the top of this email and click “Listen Online” to hear more!

📅 Events Calendar: Find and post upcoming events in Northwest Arkansas on our Events Calendar.

Upkept is seeking a Tailor.

37 North Expeditions is seeking a Seasonal Adventure Guide.