Photo courtesy Walton Arts Center
Holidaze will return to Fayetteville for a third season, but this year the popular holiday-themed pop-up bar will include two locations.
The fundraising project, which features over-the-top vintage decorations and holiday-themed cocktails, was created in 2019 by Hannah Withers and Ben Gitchel of Maxine’s Tap Room and Leverett Lounge, along with Richard Gathright and Cjay Crespo. It debuted in a vacant space on Center Street just off the square, but was moved to the Walton Arts Center’s Rose Garden in 2020.
Organizers on Monday announced said an all-ages Holidaze venue will return to the Walton Arts Center this year, and a new 21-and-up pop-up bar will be constructed inside the former Ozark Cleaners building at 101 N. Block Ave. next to Maxine’s.
Walton Arts Center
What: All-ages Holidaze
Where: Rose Garden, Dickson Street
When: 5-11 p.m. from Nov. 19 to Dec. 23
Reservations (15 or more only): Email [email protected]
Block Avenue
What: 21-and-up Holidaze
Where: 101 N. Block Ave. (formerly Ozark Cleaners)
When: 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. from Nov. 19 to Dec. 31
Reservations (15 or more only): Email [email protected]
“We love the fact that a pop-up changes location each time, but also have a crush on the space and staff of Walton Arts Center,” said Withers. “We’re excited to see how much cheer and festivity we can host with two locations.”
The bar raised over $30,000 in its inaugural year for local non-profits, and more than $40,000 was raised in the bar’s 40-day run in 2020.
This year, proceeds from the Walton Arts Center location will help fund the center’s education programming, while money raised on Block Avenue will support Washington Country Children’s Safety Center, Fayetteville Independent Restaurant Alliance and NWA Equality.
Each location will include a unique experience with different cocktail menus, but some of the most popular elements from last year’s Holidaze will be back at Walton Arts Center including the domes, fire-pits, Letters to Santa and the annual Nog-Off.
New this year for Holidaze at Walton Arts Center will be a night for photos with Santa and Elf’s Workshops where children can make and take crafts. Events at Holidaze on Block Avenue will include a burlesque show, live music and more.
“It’s great to return to Walton Arts Center, but we are also excited to pop up in a brand-new location, on a street that is very dear to us,” Withers said. “We’ve got programming, refreshments, and playlists for everyone on Santa’s list this year: whether they’ve been naughty or nice.”
Withers said dates, times and details for all events will soon be announced.
Both locations are set to open Friday, Nov. 19, and in addition to open seating, both will offer to-go drinks in accordance with Fayetteville’s Outdoor Refreshment Area, meaning customers can grab a drink and take a walk to the square for Lights of the Ozarks or stay inside for the full Holidaze experience.
Holidaze at Walton Arts Center will be open 5-11 p.m. daily through Dec. 23, and will only close on Nov. 25 for Thanksgiving Day. The venue on Block Avenue will be open from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. through Dec. 31.
Reservations are available, but only for parties of 15 or more. To reserve space for 15 or more at the Walton Arts Center, email [email protected]. To reserve space for 15 or more on Block Avenue, email [email protected].
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