Olympics / Courtesy
You may have noticed a certain energy change in Fayetteville these last few days. It’s hard to put your finger on, but there’s an excitement in the air this time of year that is palpable. If you haven’t noticed any of that, you are almost certainly aware of an uptick in traffic around town. All these extra cars on the roads these last few days are certainly hard to miss.
In August in Fayetteville, these signs can only mean it’s the weekend before the UA is back in session, and the students are coming back into town. If you ask us, having the UA students return makes the city whole again, and it’s one of the best parts about living here. After the quiet summer, it’s a welcome change to have 27,000 or so of our youthful friends back in the city that bring with them so much interesting music and art and events and energy. They fill our local bars and restaurants. They help us call the Hogs. They are such an important part of Fayetteville. Welcome back, y’all.
I guess what we’re saying is, it’s about to get even busier around here soon. Who’s ready?
This weekend kicks off with a happy hour show at George’s featuring local legends, Earl & Them, with a country show later on featuring Ozark Rivera and Cooper Mohrmann. Saturday night, the venue will host a Freddie Mercury Tribute by locals Randall Shreve and friends. Tickets.
If you feel like dancing, there are plenty of chances to do that this weekend around town. JJ’s Live will host a 2010s Pop Dance Party on Friday, and Saturday they’ll host an Abba disco dance party. Here’s ticket info.
Smoke & Barrel will also have DJ’s both nights this weekend, with DJ Mike Poe on Friday night, and a back-to-school bash with DJ SYCA on Saturday. Smoke & Barrel also has a cool show on Sunday night featuring local band Olympics and L.A.-based band, Dummy. Our friend Roger Barrett talked to Olympics last week about their recent success.
For jazz, your best bet is at Roots HQ on Saturday when The Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society and KUAF present the Anderson Brothers Jazz Trio in concert at the Roots Festival Headquarters on the Fayetteville square. Here’s a bit more about that.
There’s a dance performance at Walton Arts Center on Saturday with a joint presentation of Walton Arts Center, Dhirana Academy of Classical Dance and the Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation cakked Baala: Tale of Kanha. More is here.
It’s the second-to-last weekend to watch a movie at the drive-in in Fayetteville. The 112 Drive-In is closing in a couple weeks, and they’re showing some classic films for their final two weekends. This weekend, you can see Wizard of Oz and Twister. We wrote about that earlier this week.
There’s a Black Owned Business Expo at TheatreSquared from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday. Here’s a link to more info about that.
Ice cream, anyone? The Washington County Historical Society will host their 50th annual Ice Cream Social at the Headquarters House. The event is the primary annual fundraiser for the nonprofit organization that preserves and celebrates the history of Washington County. Here’s more.
There’s more below. Have a great weekend, everyone.
Friday, August 19
5:00 pm |
Emily RowlandInn at Carnal Hall | Music |
6:00 pm |
C.A.R.E Las FaygasWalton Arts Center | Fundraiser |
6:00 pm |
Comedian Dale JonesThe Grove Comedy Club – Lowell | Comedy |
6:00 pm |
Happy Hour: Earl & ThemGeorge’s Majestic Lounge | Music |
6:00 pm |
Old Dime BoxLa Huerta Mexican Restaurant | Music |
7:00 pm |
Brick FieldsBoston Mountain Brewing | Music |
7:00 pm |
J Ray DavisSix Twelve Coffeehouse & Bar | Music |
7:00 pm |
Neon MoonPrairie Street Live | Music |
7:30 pm |
DJ Lyn / DJ Dribble / DJ Susie Q / DJ So CalmRailyard Park – Rogers | Music |
8:00 pm |
Circle of ThirdsThe Beer Keg | Music |
8:00 pm |
Take CoverJJ’s Grill on Steamboat | Music |
8:00 pm |
The OddsJJ’s Grill – Springdale | Music |
8:30 pm |
Raised on RadioJJ’s Grill on Dickson | Music |
9:00 pm |
Best Night Ever: 2010’s Pop Dance PartyJJ’s Live | Activity |
9:00 pm |
DJ Mike PoeSmoke & Barrel Tavern | Music |
9:00 pm |
RackensackKingfish | Music |
9:30 pm |
Ozark Riviera / Cooper MohrmannGeorge’s Majestic Lounge | Music |
Saturday, August 20
7:00 am |
Fayetteville Farmers’ MarketFayetteville Square | Community |
9:00 am |
Black-Owned NW Arkansas ExpoTheatreSquared | Community |
10:00 am |
Super Saturday: LEGO FreeplayFayetteville Public Library | Family |
3:00 pm |
50th Annual Ice Cream SocialHeadquarters House | Community |
5:00 pm |
HeatWave Home Brewing CompetitionCore Brewing – Springdale | Activity |
6:00 pm |
Opening reception: A Show of CrownsLocal Color Studio Gallery | Art |
6:00 pm |
Rachel B & Table for ThreeSassafras Springs Vineyard | Music |
7:00 pm |
Anderson Brothers Jazz TrioRoots HQ | Music |
7:00 pm |
Baala: Tale of KanhaWalton Arts Center | Performance |
7:00 pm |
Dale StokesMojo’s East – Citizens Drive | Music |
7:00 pm |
Matteson GregorySix Twelve Coffeehouse & Bar | Music |
8:00 pm |
Jamie Wolfe & The WranglersJJ’s Grill on Steamboat | Music |
8:00 pm |
Rochelle Bradshaw & HypnotionRailyard Park – Rogers | Music |
8:00 pm |
The Big Sad / Tao of Lucy / RantNomads Trailside | Music |
8:30 pm |
Comedian Dale JonesThe Grove Comedy Club – Lowell | Comedy |
8:30 pm |
Covington CreekJJ’s Grill on Dickson | Music |
8:30 pm |
Freddie Mercury tribute bandGeorge’s Majestic Lounge | Music |
8:30 pm |
Repo’d TrailersJJ’s Grill – Springdale | Music |
9:00 pm |
DJ SYCA: Back to SchoolSmoke & Barrel Tavern | Music |
9:00 pm |
Gimme Gimme Disco Dance PartyJJ’s Live | Activity |
Sunday, August 21
2:00 pm |
Bass Vibes Patio PartyKingfish | Music |
4:00 pm |
The Red Lens / Matt MagerkurthThe Momentary – Bentonville | Music |
6:00 pm |
Jenna and the Soul ShakersMojo’s East – Citizens Drive | Music |
8:00 pm |
Dummy / OlympicsSmoke & Barrel Tavern | Music |