Before Bikes, Blues & BBQ, Fayetteville was only divided into two groups – those who like the Razorbacks and those who wish the UA’s athletic program would pack up and move away.
Although BBBQ is now in its 11th year, it wasn’t until 2005(ish?) that the motorcycle rally started to really pick up steam on its way towards being the second most loathed group of hogs in town.
Wherever it stands now, it most definitely has created its own segment of haters and an entirely new argument to participate in throughout the year.
Personally, I’m not one of them. As strange as it may sound, I actually enjoy three days (Wednesday doesn’t count) of engines revving up and down the streets each year. I like how weird Fayetteville looks when its full of bikers, and I like all those gigantic, goofy-looking inflatable beer cans towering over Dickson Street.
More than any of that, though, I like that there are haters. Just like the Razorbacks and BBBQ, Fayetteville wouldn’t be Fayetteville without the haters.
So, from a Razorback and BBBQ fan to all the folks either skipping town this week or stuck at home with earplugs in your ears, I salute you.
Also, sorry. Sort of.
Today
The calendar is super full today, Fayetteville. Good luck trying to navigate it all.
Besides a gigantic list of BBBQ-related items, there are still some places to find sanctuary if you’re a local with a chip on your shoulder. One such option is Maxine’s Tap Room. Fayetteville’s favorite traveling one-man band is back again. Opening up for the infamous Daniel Francis Doyle are locals Memphis Pencils and Perpetual Werewolf.
Another possible safe haven might be Smoke & Barrel. It’s tucked just far enough out of sight that it might not be too infested with leather. Don’t hold us to that, though. If you head out to see Tyrannosaurus Chicken and end up tied to a bright blue Harley tomorrow morning, we’ll take no blame.
Actually, neither of those options are guaranteed to biker-free, but you know what is? The city council candidate forum at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 7 p.m. They wouldn’t try and take over a church…would they?
Behold, the list of the rest…
From the calendar
- Dickson Street: Bikes, Blues & BBQ
- UA Greek Theater: OMNI Peace on Earth Festival
- El Sancho Mexican Grill: Hal and Trey
- Foghorn’s on College: Mike Dewley
- JJ’s Grill n Chill: Russ Hutchinson
- The Garden Room: Sarah Hughes
- Jose’s: Night Train
- Herman’s Ribhouse: Bill Dollar & Loose Change
- UA Campus: Kayak Roll Clinic
- Savor: Leah & The Mojo Doctors
- ROTC: The Tyrones
- Walton Arts Center: Ultra Suede / Shultertown
- AMP: Easton Corbin
- Mojo’s: Charliehorse
- George’s: Jackyl / Lil Hoojin / Cover of Darkness / Black Leaf Clover
- Smoke & Barrel Tavern: Tyrannosaurus Chicken
- Maxine’s: Daniel Francis Doyle / Memphis Pencils / Perpetual Werewolf
Public meetings
- City Hall, Room 326: Subdivision Committee – 9:00 a.m.
- St. Paul’s Episcopal Church: City Council Candidate Forum – 7:00 p.m.
