Smokey & The Mirror / Photo: Clayton Taylor

It’s Thursday, Oct. 2. You guys know what that means, right?

It’s time for the city’s annual art walk and party on the Fayetteville Square.

Organizers are closely watching the forecast today, with severe weather expected in the area for at least part of the day. There’s a chance that some of the outdoor activities will be moved indoors to the Fayetteville Town Center.

This month also marks the last First Thursday event of the year with music an outdoor art walk planned, but Fayetteville Underground will keep the art openings going through the winter.

Tonight’s event runs from 5 to 9 p.m. Here’s what we know about this month’s festival.

On the Square

The fun kicks off on the Fayetteville Square with a kid-friendly performance on the main stage by Stone Lion Puppet Theatre.

Later on, local folk-Americana band Smokey & The Mirror will perform a set of original music beginning at around 7 p.m.

In addition, the men’s and women’s basketball teams from the University of Arkansas are set to make an appearance at the festival again this year, and Fayetteville mayor Lioneld Jordan is expected to make some sort of announcement.

As always, several local artists, crafters, and more will be set up with art for sale at booths around the square. This month’s art walk includes more than 40 artists.

Beer Garden

The beer garden will be located at the Town Center plaza on Mountain Street this month. The garden will feature brews by featured local brewery Fossil Cove Brewing Co., and the proceeds from the garden will benefit JDRF.

Fayetteville Underground

Sculpture by Hisae Kimura Yale

Local art collective the Fayetteville Underground will host an opening reception for a new show this month, featuring work by visiting artist Dominique Simmons of Little Rock, as well as regional artist Hisae Kimura Yale and Underground resident, Lisa Jo Outlaw.

Yale will exhibit a new installation titled What We Had, and What We Lostm a paper net and light reaction to the effects of technology on the natural world as directly related to recent disasters in Japan.

Simmons will exhibit detailed, expressive, and psychological prints, and Outlaw’s show will feature her works of assemblage called And the Colored Girls Say.

Refreshments will be served.

Around town

Sculptor Michael Davis Gutierrez will have some of his stone works on display at Bank of Fayetteville.

Several businesses on Block Avenue are staying open late for the festivities, and two local places are celebrating anniversaries. Good Things Boutique is turning 6 years old, and Dark Star Visuals is celebrating 23 years in business with a truck show featuring creations by Sip ‘n Bead & Kathy Bohl, giveaways, and refreshments.

Local shop Path Outfitters is also planning live music this month with “Gypsy Music,” a film screening, and food by Coco’s Lebanese Cafe.