Each year, Northwest Arkansas raises a glass for one of its most anticipated social events of the season: Art of Wine, a signature benefit for Walton Arts Center. Now in its 24th year, this beloved evening has evolved into far more than a wine tasting—it’s a celebration of community, creativity and the power of the arts to transform lives.
Early Bird and Reserve Room tickets are now on sale for this year’s night full of wine and food sampling, 7-9:30 pm on Friday, July 24.
Indulge in hundreds of wines, sample the flavors of area restaurants, and enjoy local entertainment as you toast to arts education!
This year’s event brings a fresh twist to the tradition with a bold Western-inspired theme that invites guests to “ride west” for an evening of delicious discovery. The setting will channel frontier charm, blending rustic elegance with a sense of adventure. Think sun-soaked vineyards meets wide-open hospitality, where guests are encouraged to lean into the theme with their own western flair while they swirl, sip and savor selections from more than 100 vendors and bites from over 20 local restaurants surrounded by frontier charm. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or an eager enthusiast, you’ll be swept away by the finest pours this side of the Rockies and the spirit of the untamed West.
“I’ve been eyeing a Western-inspired theme since 2024, but the timing finally felt right this year,” said Whitlee Douthitt, special events manager. “I’m always looking at the intersection of fashion, pop culture and interior design to see what is resonating. The best themes are the ones people can truly play with. I want them to resonate cross-generationally and for guests to feel like they can make them their own! Much like the theater, we’re creating a space where personal expression is very much encouraged.”
New this year, guests will be able to accent their western wear at the shops on our Old Main Street. Grab a hat from Moon Ridge, merch from our very own collection or some jewelry from Underwoods Fine Jewelers. Or get a pernanent (and artistic) keepsake from the evenning when you reserve a time slot for a flash tattoo. Just add on a $50 non-refundable deposit when you purchase your event ticket. The remaining balance will be paid to the artist at the event.
“We want to make sure we’re offering experiences everyone can enjoy. For the second time at Art of Wine, we’re leaning into experiential fundraising—having partners like Underwoods, Holliday Tin Types and Moon Ridge Hats and Heritage on-site so guests have something to actually do rather than just something to drink. It’s a total win-win: our guests get to discover incredible local craftsmanship, and the proceeds go directly toward supporting our kids and arts programming here in NWA,” Douthitt said.
Proceeds from the Art of Wine Festival support Walton Arts Center, a nonprofit arts presenting organization serving the region for three decades. As a non-profit. donations ensure over 25,000 students and educators experience live performing arts annually, many for the first time, at no cost. This includes Classroom Series performances specifically designed for students, educator professional development and community outreach initiatives throughout the region.
A limited number of Early Bird general admission tickets are available now at a discounted price of $98. Once those are sold out, general admission ticket prices will increase to $110. Add the Express Pass for $25 per person to your general admission tickets and get early entry to the event at 6:30 pm and be the first to taste your favorites.
Step beyond the saloon doors with a Reserve Room ticket for $260, that includes everything in general admission plus additional premium wines and food offerings. This “all-access” pass includes an Express Pass, a dedicated entrance and exclusive lounge spaces and activations.
