Latest news with #BentonvilleBBQFestival
Axios
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
First Bentonville BBQ Fest set for this month
Pit masters from Arkansas and eight other states will be smokin' at the Bentonville BBQ Festival on May 31, an inaugural event devoted to all things barbecue. State of play: Johnson-based Wright's Barbecue and Bentonville-based marketing company Product Connections are hosting the event and are looking to make the gathering an annual festival. What they're saying: The barbecue community is close-knit, Wright's owner Jordan Wright told Axios. He participates in festivals in other states and wanted to build a similar experience in NWA, bringing friends in the industry to come participate. Zoom in: Admission will get you access to all 15 offerings. Other participating Arkansas restaurants include Bentonville-based Beach BBQ and Brothers Meethouse, plus Russellville-based Ridgewood Brothers BBQ. How it works: The festival will be divided into three sections — heritage for classic barbecue, Lonestar for Texas-style dishes and "tomorrow-Q" for innovative takes like tacos, Product Connections ' Haley Berley told Axios. The event also will include live music, face painting for kids, vendors and beer from Bentonville Brewing Company, she said. Proceeds from the event will benefit Hogs for the Cause, a nonprofit that supports families of children with brain cancer. The intrigue: While Arkansas doesn't have a specific style (like Memphis, Texas, Kansas City and Carolina styles), barbecue joints in the state can make all styles, Wright said.
Axios
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Your guide to NWA's biggest summer festivals and events
The unofficial start of summer — Memorial Day weekend — is just one week away. And that means it's time to mark your calendar and make plans so you don't miss what NWA has to offer this season. Here are our ideas: 🍗 Bentonville BBQ Festival — Sample BBQ from pitmasters from nine states. May 31 at The Momentary. Get tickets. 🎡 Mudtown Days — Lowell's flagship community event is back June 6-7, with live music, games and a carnival. 👗 Bentonville Fashion Week — See local designers' work June 6-8 at Thaden School. Get tickets. 🎸 Gulley Park concert series — Enjoy free live music from local bands at Gulley Park in Fayetteville on each Thursday night from June 12-July 24, with the exception of July 3. 🎬 Bentonville Film Festival — The festival founded by actor Geena Davis is back for its 11th year June 16-22 with film screenings, panels and some free community events. Get tickets. ⭐️ Freedom Festival — Celebrate Juneteenth on June 21 at Luther George Park in Springdale. 🤠 Rodeo of the Ozarks — June 25-28 in Springdale. Get tickets. 🏳️🌈 Northwest Arkansas Pride weekend — Stay tuned for a schedule, but the largest LGBTQ celebration in Arkansas is set for June 27-29 in Fayetteville. 🍇 Tontitown Grape Festival — This long-running festival continues with a carnival, live music and, of course, spaghetti dinners Aug. 5-9. 🎈 Soar NWA Festival — Check out colorful hot air balloons and take a tethered ride Aug. 15-16 at the Benton County Fairground in Bentonville. Get tickets. 🎟 Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion summer concert series — NWA's largest concert venue has artists like Jason Aldean, Goo Goo Dolls and The Black Keys coming to Rogers this summer. See the lineup and get tickets. 😎 Bentonville First Friday and Fayetteville's Sundays on the Square — Catch these seasonal, free, kid-friendly community events that take over the downtown squares with live music, vendors and activities. 🎵 Railyard Live — This concert series is happening throughout most weekends all summer at Butterfield Stage in downtown Rogers. General admission tickets are free with some paid table seating options. 🍷 Art of Wine — Mark your calendars for a one-day food and wine festival July 11 at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. Get tickets.
