First Thursday is set to return to the Fayetteville square at 5:30 p.m. this evening with expanded hours, a larger kids zone, local beer, and other new elements. That is, if the weather cooperates.
Organizers with the Fayetteville Visitors Bureau are keeping a close watch on today’s forecast, and plan to make a decision this morning on whether to cancel the outdoor events around the square.
From a news release:
The current weather forecast is calling for severe weather and storms on Thursday afternoon. In the case of inclement weather, April’s First Thursday event will be cancelled. A decision will be made by 10 a.m. Thursday morning. Due to event permits & ordinances, if cancelled, the event will not be rescheduled. Keep your fingers crossed & hope for sunshine!
We’ll update this story once we get an official word from the bureau.
If the weather holds, expect to find over 40 artists selling work around the square, along with live music from Kansas City’s Samantha Fish and several artists from Blues in the Natural State.
The charity beer garden has been moved this year to the patio behind the Old Post Office building where local beer fans can expect to find a featured brewery from the Fayetteville Ale Trail.
Other art-related events
As always, several other groups and businesses plan to host art events during the First Thursday festivities in Fayetteville.
Fayetteville Underground, located on the southwest corner of the downtown square, will feature art from several University of Arkansas MFA candidates, music by jazz/folk duo Handmade Moments, and a special one-night-only installation by studio artist Ben Flowers called “Fulcrum“. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Events begin at 5 p.m.
Nightbird Books, 205 W. Dickson St., will host a night of art and music beginning at 8 p.m. Expect art from Levi Horne and music from Jerry Fels and the Jerry Fels, Charon Creek and Icebirds.
Arsaga’s at The Depot, 548 W. Dickson St., will feature drawings from Fayetteville artist Sarah Leflar this month. An opening reception is scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. tonight.