The popular food and wine event benefitting Walton Arts Center’s arts education programs is back 7-9:30 pm on Friday, July 24 — this time with a bit of frontier charm.
Art of Wine rides West, where sun-soaked vineyards and wide-open hospitality awaits. While the theme of the event changes each year, guests are still able to swirl, sip and savor selections from more than 100 vendors and bites from over 25 local restaurants.
“Changing the theme keeps the creative spark alive—both for our team and our guests,” said Whitlee Douthitt, special events manager for Walton Arts Center. “It allows us to re-invent a classic event, gives our vendors a fresh canvas to showcase new offerings and allows us to work with new artists and brands to enhance guest experience.”
This year’s theme was unveiled first to a group of 34 community leaders and influencers during a night of curated food, drinks and great conversation at the Guisinger.
“The dinner featured food from a local restaurant partner and wine from our friends at HotVine, and we were able to showcase the collaborative spirit that makes this event possible,” Douthitt said. “For us, it’s also an essential time to hear how we can continue to be a platform for creative growth. At the end of the day, we want to ensure that Walton Arts Center isn't just a venue, but a place where our community can truly gather, create and support one another.”
Building on that theme, Walton Arts Center’s production and front of house teams work their magic and create a dynamic, immersive experience that draws hundreds of guests for one night only.
This year guests can stroll through “Old Main Street,” a curated shopping experience. With western-inspired accessories from Moon Ridge Hats and Heritage to something shiny from Underwoods Fine Jewelers, you can complete your look and support local businesses.
The most unexpected addition is the chance to get a flash tattoo during the event. For adventurous guests it’s a permanent memento of the evening and a playful nod to the event’s spirit of creativity.
For those new to Art of Wine, “Get ready for this to be your favorite night of the year,” Douthitt said. “It’s a high-energy night and you’ll be doing a lot of mingling, so definitely wear your comfortable shoes. Use the Uber vouchers for a Safe Ride Home provided by McClarty Daniel or take advantage of hotel discounts nearby. We’ve handled the logistics so you can show up and enjoy the best of NWA in one spot.”
General admission tickets are $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.
Proceeds from the event directly support Walton Arts Center’s arts education initiatives, which impact thousands of students and educators each year. Through these programs local students experience free live performances, teachers learn how to incorporate the arts into their classrooms and young people discover and nurture their own creative passions.
As a nonprofit organization, Walton Arts Center relies on community support to sustain and grow these programs. Whether you attend for the exceptional wines, the vibrant atmosphere or the meaningful mission, Art of Wine offers a night that lingers long after the last glass is poured. It’s a celebration not just of taste, but of impact. Every sip helps ensure the arts remain accessible, inspiring and alive in Northwest Arkansas.
