Sip and Savor a Circus of Flavor at Art of Wine

Come one, come all! Step into a world under the big top at Walton Arts Center’s Art of Wine. Sip and savor a circus of flavor, featuring nationally recognized wines and sample bites from Northwest Arkansas favorites on Friday, July 11 at 8 pm. In its 23rd year, Art of Wine continues to be a crowd favorite among Arkansans and visitors from across the country. Raise your glass to a good cause – all proceeds go to support arts education and programming for local students – while enjoying an extravagant grown-up only night out, ages 21+! 

General admissions tickets, $95 each, welcome guests into a world of splendor featuring bites from more than 25 restaurants, hundreds of curated wine samplings and innovative non-alcoholic options all from local venders. 

Elevate your experience with a Reserve Room ticket. This space gives true wine aficionados an exclusive experience. In addition to the general admission spaces, you ‘ll have a dedicated entrance and access to a private Reserve Room featuring a special selection of wines and additional restaurant options. Reserve Room tickets are $225.  

Be the first to taste the collection of bites and wines with an Express Pass. Add this $25 option to a Reserve Room or general admissions ticket and get early entry at 7:30 pm and be the first to sample your favorite vintages.  

All guests can browse and purchase themed Art of Wine merch designed by local screen-printing studio Hi-Fin and guaranteed to captivate any audience. Local artists will also contribute to this indulgent, immersive experience with tin type photos and tarot card readings.  

Reminisce on the night of grandeur! Sip from limited edition commemorative glassware featuring the themes and motifs of the evening. Have the first edition of these glasses and collect them year after year! 

Attendees will enjoy more than just a unique curation of wine and hors d’oeuvres, knowing that all proceeds from Art of Wine directly support Walton Arts Center’s arts education initiatives. Donations expand access to the arts in Northwest Arkansas, ensuring over 25,000 students and educators experience live performances annually, many for the first time, at no cost.  

Indulge in hundreds of wines, sample the flavors of top local restaurants and enjoy local entertainment. Don’t balance on the tightrope, Art of Wine is the summer event you do not want to miss.  

Tickets can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm. You must be 21 or older to purchase tickets.    

Celebrate Arkansas' Brightest Up-and-Coming Musical Theater Stars

Join us for the inaugural Walton Arts Center Diamond Awards Ceremony, a showcase of the region’s high school musical theater talent, on Sunday, May 4 at 4 pm.  

Arkansas Arts Academy - Alice By Heart

The award showcase will feature performances by Diamond Award finalists and select cast members from the productions Awards will be presented for best actor, actress, supporting performers and ensemble performance. A Sparkle Award, recognizing an outstanding educator, will also be presented during the ceremony.  Tickets are just $10.   

Ten high school theater programs that produced full-length musicals are participating in the Diamond Awards. Throughout the school year, industry professionals have been adjudicating students’ performances in these productions.  

The schools and their qualifying musical productions are:  

Fort Smith Southside/Northside High School – Tuck Everlasting

Alma High School - Newsies   

Arkansas Arts Academy – Alice By Heart  

Bentonville High School – SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical   

Bentonville West High School – The Addams Family School Edition   

Clarksville High School – Matilda the Musical   

Farmington High School – The Addams Family   

Fayetteville High School - Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella   

Siloam Springs High School – Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella  

Fort Smith Southside/Northside High School – Tuck Everlasting  

Siloam Springs High School – Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella  

Van Buren High School – The Lightning Thief  

Finalists for the Diamond Awards and the Sparkle Award will be announced on Monday, April 28. 

Modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards®, Walton Arts Center’s Diamond Awards recognizes achievement and excellence in musical theater among local high school students.  

The Diamond Awards qualify the best actress and actor winners to receive training from Broadway professionals and compete alongside nominees from 54 other regional high school musical theater awards competitions in New York City at the Broadway League Foundation’s National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, “The Jimmy Awards®" this summer. Walton Arts Center will cover the cost of the trip for the two Diamond Awards winners.    

Tickets for the Diamond Award Ceremony can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.  

Meet Three of the Aca-Awesome Teams Competing at VoiceJam Part II

The annual VoiceJam A Cappella Competition on April 5 brings the best a cappella groups from across the country to compete at Walton Arts Center.  We asked each of the six competitors a few questions to learn more about them! Get to know three of these competitors: Final Measure, Decibelles and Remedy. 

Missed the first installment of this blog? Check it out here! 

Tickets to The Edge Effect concert and the VoiceJam Competition are on sale now. Purchase a combo ticket for just $29 and you can see both shows. Tickets are available online at waltonartscenter.org, by visiting the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am–2 pm or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am-5 pm.  

Final Measure – University of Houston 

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire? 

We like to sing primarily pop music! Our group sound is very bright and energetic, so it fits us pretty well. Right now, our repertoire consists of some electronic, some pop and indie songs.  

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?   

Most of our music is notated. This year we’ve done a lot of custom arrangements as well as pieces from an array of different arrangers.  

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?   

Final Measure was originally named something else actually! But after our first in-person year, we decided to change it up and we took suggestions from all of our current members. This name was born out of the combination of a couple different options, and it stuck!  

Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?   

On all our trips, we usually love to watch Pitch Perfect as our sort of good luck charm! We also have a pre-show ritual that consists of vocal and breath warmup, as well as an energizing chant we do while dancing around. It helps all of us to get hyped to be on stage and connect with each other before we perform!  

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?   

Some artists that our members love to listen to right now are Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Sabrina Carpenter, Beyonce and Bruno Mars.  

What does your group like to do in their free time?   

Since the group is composed of a lot of different majors, we all have a variety of hobbies like crochet, playing instruments, reading and baking! After rehearsal though, we enjoy going out to eat, cooking together or playing games like Minecraft.   

Decibelles – Southside High School 

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire?  

We enjoy singing music from multiple genres, but the main style of music that inspired our group to start was barbershop! We really enjoy working through tight harmonies and our first song was a barbershop arrangement of "Dream a Little Dream of Me."  We've been dipping more into the vocal jazz pool a lot lately as well! 

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?  

 Our group works with precisely noted music. Our group formed around choir - that’s how we all met. We’ve bonded and grown closer together over our love of choir and shared songs that have personally touched us. We hope to share this love and passion with others.  

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?  

Our name is a fun play on words! We took the word decibel, which is a way of measuring sound, and replaced the “bel” with belles! It’s super fun and girly, just like the music we like to sing! People often pronounce it as Decibel is pronounced, but our name is actually pronounced dec-ee-bell! 

Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?  

Before performances, we like traditional choir room warm-ups like warming up our body first by doing exercises like shoulder rolls, tongue stretches, rolling our head gently, etc. Then sometimes we throw on a good 10-minute Jacob’s Vocal Academy (or sometimes a Cheryl Porter) warm-up from YouTube. We are choir kids at heart!  

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?  

Personally, I have currently been listening to a lot of Laufey, Faye Webster, Daniel Caesar, Omar Apollo, Chet Baker and a lot of classic vocal jazz albums and bossa nova. I find it helpful to consume old and new interpretations of jazz, preparing my voice and mind to bring color to every song we perform. 

What does your group like to do in your free time?  

A lot of us are involved in extracurriculars like class council, student council, theater, choir and more. We love doing Bible studies, going out to get coffee and just being with each other and creating more of a family feeling.  

Remedy – Argyle High School 

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire?  

We like to sing pop songs! But we will pretty much sing anything. We love to sing together every day and learn new harmonies.  

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?  

Our group primarily sticks with notated music, and we learn our music by listening to tracks and reading sheet music. Members of the group are also given the liberty to improvise on certain parts - our bass is known to add extra notes or sound effects.  

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?  

The name Remedy was inspired by the song “Remedy” by Adele. We believe that music can be someone's remedy.   

Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?  

Before every performance as a group, we pray. It’s a good way to calm the nerves and give thanks to the Lord before we go perform.  

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?  

My top artist is currently Ben Platt. In order after that is punk/rock songs from the Killers, blink-182, Weezer and Nirvana.   

What does your group like to do in your free time?  

We like to eat together at Braum's after performances and play volleyball or go to the mall as a group!  

VoiceJam Festival Schedule   

VoiceJam Kickoff Concert – The Edge Effect 

Friday, April 4 | 7:30 pm   

All tickets are $10   

VoiceJam Workshops   

Saturday, April 5 | 9 am – 5 pm   

VoiceJam Competition   

Saturday, April 5 | 7:30 pm   

Tickets are $27 

One Day Choir 

Sunday, April 6 | 10 am – noon  

Free! Click here to sign up 

Meet Three of the Aca-Awesome Teams Competing at VoiceJam

The annual VoiceJam A Cappella Competition on April 5 brings the best a cappella groups from across the country to compete at Walton Arts Center.  We asked each of the six competing groups a few questions to learn more about them. Get to know three of these competitors: VOICES, Green Tones and Volt!  

Keep an eye out for part two with responses from the remaining three competitors.  

Tickets to The Edge Effect concert and the VoiceJam Competition are on sale now. Want to see both shows? Then purchase a combo ticket for just $29. Tickets are available online at waltonartscenter.org, by visiting the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am–2 pm or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am-5 pm.  

VOICES – University of Arkansas 

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire?   

We love singing jazz and a cappella music! This semester we are working on many things including a few classic arrangements for “Smile,” “The Days of Wine and Roses,” “This Will Be” and “That’s All,” plus a few original works like “Sleep” by Eric Whitacre, “Never Let Go” by Rob Dietz and “So Much 2 Say” by Take 6.  

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?   

We do both! Most of the music is learned with notated scores, however, we mix improvision within many of those scores and have opened many of our performances with an improvisational piece.  

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?   

We took inspiration from the famed New York Voices.   

Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?   

We love to circle up and do a little improv before a show!  

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?   

Our top five artists are Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder, Sammy Rae & The Friends, Fleetwood Mac and Emily King.  

What does your group like to do in their free time?   

We like to hike and bowl! 

Green Tones – University of North Texas 

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire?  

We enjoy singing contemporary pop music, but we also try not to let a song’s specific genre limit our choices. When we hear a song, we just know! 

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?  

We get our grounds on sheet music and then we make it our own to fit our sound.  

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?  

Green Tones started at University of North Texas, and recently had a 15-year celebration!  

Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?  

Before we hit the stage, we all get in a circle and try to make each other laugh to shake off any pre-show nerves.  

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?  

Currently I’m listening to Magdalena Bay which has been a popular one in our group! Other than that, some of my personal favorites have been Kate Bush, SOPHIE and the Hereditary soundtrack. 

What does your group like to do in your free time?  

Our group loves to sing karaoke, do fun photoshoots and thrift together! Doing anything and everything together is super fun.  

VoLT – University of Tennessee, Knoxville 

What kind of music do you enjoy singing together/what is in your repertoire?   

Volt specializes in alternative-pop, bringing a fresh twist to songs that aren’t quite mainstream but still feel familiar and catchy. Our past sets have featured artists like Aurora, BANKS and Lizzy McAlpine, capturing an ethereal, moody vibe that creates our unique sound. 

Does your group work with precisely notated music, or do you improvise?   

We work with precisely notated music. Our songs are arranged by both professionals and by our members. We follow the notated music exactly in our performances!  

How did you come up with the name for your group? What is the story behind it?   

Our group name was created 10 years ago by our founder! “Volt” was chosen as a tribute to Tennessee’s mascot, the volunteers, which we call the “vols” for short. It also captures the energy and electricity we bring to our music. Like a bolt of lightning, Volt symbolizes power, connection and the electric chemistry that fuels our performances and friendships.  

Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?   

Our pre-performance warm-ups include our regular rehearsal warmups (including our group’s warm-up “Sweetly the Swan Sings”), a shakedown counting down from eight to one and our secret Volt handshake!

What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to on your personal playlists – give us your top 5?   

We listen to a wide variety of music, but if we had to pick our favorites at the moment they would be “Anxiety” by Doechii, anything Hozier or Chappell Roan, “Tattoo” by Loren and the entire Wicked Soundtrack!  

What does your group like to do in your free time?    

Our favorite moments as a group come from the special memories we make outside of rehearsal. Whether it's group dinners at Chipotle, board game nights or weekend hangouts, we love spending time together. We look forward to our annual retreats and holiday traditions, from Halloween rehearsal costume contests to our very own friendsgiving we call “Voltsgiving.” Our bond truly goes beyond just music—it's what makes our group feel like family. 

VoiceJam  Festival  Schedule   

VoiceJam Kickoff Concert – The Edge Effect 

Friday, April 4 | 7:30 pm   

All tickets are $10   

VoiceJam Workshops   

Saturday, April 5 | 9 am – 5 pm   

VoiceJam Competition   

Saturday, April 5 | 7:30 pm   

Tickets are $27 

One Day Choir 

Sunday, April 6 | 10 am – noon  

Free! Click here to sign up 

New This Year: Free Activities Offered at Winter Nights!

Winter Nights returns to Walton Arts Center Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 14-Dec. 21 with lots of free activities for families and adults – no reservations required.  

Winter Nights is a festive, family-friendly holiday bar and gathering space open 6 pm-midnight offering indoor and outdoor seating options surrounded by twinkly holiday décor to get you into the spirit of the season. Family Fun Nights presented by Cox Mobile are planned for 6-8 pm, and programming geared toward adults will begin at 8 pm each night.    

KARAOKE NIGHTS  

Every Thursday, Nov. 14-Dec. 19 (excluding Thanksgiving Day)   

Time: 8:30-10:30 pm   

All we want for Christmas is YOU… to come sing with us! In partnership with Big Box Karaoke, we’re giving you five chances to be the star of the show at karaoke night. This is a judgment-free zone, so break out your tacky sweater and sequins, queue up your favorite song and grab the mic! We can’t wait to hear you jingle all the way.   

TRIVIA NIGHTS   

Date: Every Friday, Nov. 15-Dec. 20   

Time: 8-10 pm   

Grab all your “Whos” (who know all the “whats”) and join us every Friday for trivia at Winter Nights, hosted by Challenge Entertainment! First, second and third place will win prizes. See below for themes.    

Nov. 15 – The Grinch   

Nov. 22 – General Knowledge   

Nov. 29 – Holiday Movies   

Dec. 6 – General Knowledge   

Dec. 13 – Millennial Night   

Dec. 20 – General Knowledge   

LIVE MUSIC   

Date: Every Saturday, Nov. 16-Dec. 21   

Time: 8-10 pm   

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell ROCK! Join us for covers, original music and holiday songs by talented local musicians. See below for artist lineup.   

Nov. 16 – Travis Kidd   

Nov. 23 – TJ Scarlett   

Nov. 30 – TBD   

Dec. 7 – Who Shot JR   

Dec. 14 – Dane Ervin   

Dec. 21 – TJ Scarlett   

FAMILY FUN NIGHTS PRESENTED BY COX MOBILE 

Date: Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nov. 14-21 (excluding Thanksgiving)   

Time: 6-8pm   

Winter Nights isn’t just for adults this year. In fact, every evening we have something special to offer the kiddos in your life! Thursdays are craft nights, Fridays are full of board games and movies, and Saturdays are story times with celebrity guests. We’ll also have kid-friendly snacks for sale, like kettle corn, pretzel bites, hot chocolate, s’mores and ice cream.  And while you’re here, parents – check out our delicious cocktail menu! Mocktails are also available.   

Nov. 14 – Craft Night   

Nov. 15 – Family Game Night   

Nov. 16 – Story time with Jason Suel of Good Day NWA and Later with Jason Suel  

Nov. 21 – Craft Night   

Nov. 22 – Family Game Night with special guest Inspyral Circus “Elf”   

Nov. 23 – Story time with Jasmine Hudson of Black Paper Party and BlackownedNWA   

Nov. 29 – Family Game Night    

Nov. 30 – Story time with Papa Rap  

Dec. 5 – Craft Night   

Dec. 6 – Holiday Movie Night: Frozen with special guests Inspyral Circus “Snow King & Queen”   

Dec. 7 - Story time with Gwen Rockwood & Shannon Magsam of NWAMotherlode.com   

Dec. 8 – Family Game Night   

Dec. 12 – Craft Night   

Dec. 13 – Holiday Movie Night: The Nightmare Before Christmas with special guests Inspyral Circus “Jack & Sally”   

Dec. 14 – Story time with 40/29 News Anchor Lakyra Banks

Dec. 19 – Craft Night   

Dec. 20 – Family Game Night   

Dec. 21 – Story time with KFSM Channel 5 News Anchor Daren Bobb 

New Holly Jolly Holiday Classes at Winter Nights

Not even the Grinch can steal our holiday cheer! Winter Nights will return to Walton Arts Center Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 14-Dec. 21. This festive, family-friendly holiday bar and gathering space open 6 pm-midnight offers indoor and outdoor seating options surrounded by twinkly holiday décor to get you into the spirit of the season.   

New to Winter Nights this year are several hands-on holiday classes that will help you become a top holiday hostess this year. Learn more about each class below! 

Holiday Lights Cocktail Class  

'Tis the season to get lit! After the annual lighting event at Lights of the Ozarks on the Square, join us and keep the holiday cheer going with a special Holiday Lights Cocktail Class on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7 pm. For $45 you’ll enjoy light, festive bites while learning how to mix two holiday cocktails that will dazzle your party guests all season long.   

The holiday spirit doesn’t stop there! You’ll also get to sip and savor a flight of Winter Nights cocktails, featuring seasonal favorites that are sure to light up your night! You'll leave with cocktail recipes, bright holiday memories and maybe even some new friends! Must be 21 or older to participate.  

Meus Centerpiece Workshop  

Get your home holiday-ready with a floral arrangement that’s sure to impress! Join us for a holiday floral workshop on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 pm where you'll learn tips and tricks from the expert florists at Meus Floral Studio. While crafting your own gorgeous holiday arrangement, you’ll also enjoy a wine and cheese pairing to inspire your next gathering.   

The workshop includes all floral arrangement supplies including the vessel, one beverage of your choice, three wine and cheese pairings and light holiday snacks! Get ready to host the ultimate holiday party with beautiful blooms and delicious bites for only $95 per person. Limited space remains! 

Winter Nights Cocktail Classes 

You also can get tickets for our Winter Nights Cocktail Classes at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 14 and Thursday, Nov. 14 and at 6 pm on Friday, Nov. 15. For $39 you’ll learn to make two specialty drinks while enjoying light appetizers from Fayetteville High School’s Brightwater culinary students and be out in plenty of time for the show or to grab dinner on Dickson Street.   

Level up your holiday activities this winter at Walton Arts Center! Reserve your spot in our new holiday classes now at waltonartscenter.org or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am-5 pm.  

Sensory Friendly Performance Makes Theater Accessible To All!

This season, Walton Arts Center is offering a sensory-friendly or non-shushing performance of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical!, to make theater more welcoming and inclusive for all.  

The Thursday Matinee on Nov. 14 at 1:30 pm will be subtly adapted for adults and children with sensory-input issues, autism or other developmental or cognitive disability, as well as anyone who might feel uncomfortable attending a typical live theater performance. 

All patrons are welcome at this performance, but to make the show more accessible to all the following adjustments will be made:  

• Sound in the production will be lowered, particularly for loud or startling sounds.   

• Lights in the seating area will be dimmed rather than fully dark during the performance.   

• Patrons are allowed to speak and vocalize as they wish, as well as leave and re-enter the seating area as needed.   

• The use of mobile electronic devices is allowed during the performance if they are being used as a communication device. Photography or recording will still not be permitted.   

• Outside the theater, an activity area will be available with a live video feed of the show for patrons who may need a break. A calming corner with fidget toys and bean-bag chairs will also be available for those who need a quiet place to relax.   

• Audience members are welcome to bring any necessary food, drinks or hand fidgets into the theater.   

• A family restroom (gender-neutral) will be available for use.   

This production is the perfect opportunity to introduce theater to the young and young at heart through fun music and a classic story. 

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features the hit songs "You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series. Max the Dog narrates while the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small," decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Magnificent sets (John Lee Beatty) and costumes (Robert Morgan) inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, while the music and book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas. The 2024 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by three-time Tony Award® winning director, Jack O’Brien.  

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical! broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theaters in New York. Since then, more than 2.1 million theater goers across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedtime story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.” 

For more information about this show, our sensory-friendly setting or to purchase tickets you can visit waltonartscenter.org, call 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or go in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.

Reserve Your Cozy Snow Globe at Walton Arts Center Now!

Your favorite holiday event is back at Walton Arts Center Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 14-Dec. 21. Get in the holiday spirit and enjoy our twinkly holiday decor, complete with our enclosed snow globes! This festive, family-friendly holiday bar and gathering space is open 6 pm-midnight, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options.   

Reservations are open now for our enclosed snow globes – the perfect way to comfortably enjoy our outdoor wonderland in the Bradberry Rose Garden and Amphitheater. Each globe can accommodate groups of four to eight people, so they are perfect for a holiday outing with friends and family!   

Snow globe reservations are $200 for an hour and a half and include exclusive access to a dedicated cocktail server, a loaded s’mores kit and three holiday kettle corn samplers. After reserving a snow globe, you will be able to pre-purchase additional festive concessions to make your night merry, including beer and cocktail flights, bottles of wine or Prosecco and pizza from Marley’s Pizzeria. Our snow globes sell out quickly, so don’t wait.  

No reservation? No problem! Walk-ins are always welcome. There are fire pits for roasting and toasting outside, and inside Joy Pratt Markham Gallery is additional seating and festive space for gathering.  

As part of the Fayetteville Outdoor Refreshment Area, Winter Nights will also offer to-go alcoholic beverages until 10 pm nightly. So, grab a drink on your way to or from Lights of the Ozarks.   

Making plans for a larger private event? We can accommodate parties of up to 400 people! Book your worry-free holiday gathering by emailing events@waltonartscenter.org.  

Reserve your snow globes now at waltonartscenter.org or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am-5 pm.   

Art of Wine: A Summer Camp Experience for Adults

Even adults should get to go to summer camp, right?! That’s the thought behind this year’s Art of Wine annual fundraiser. Guests will have a nostalgic camp-themed experience along with hundreds of wines and beverages and bites from local restaurants for sampling 8-11 pm on Friday, July 12.

Throughout the evening, all guests can enjoy live entertainment, fire pits with s'mores, lawn games, movie screenings, and other surprises.

For the first time, the event will also feature themed merchandise for sale designed by local artist Alex Bodishbaugh King. Here’s a sneak peek of just two of the many items that will be able to purchase.

Guests who donate to Walton Arts Center’s Pack the WAC initiative at the event can make and take friendship bracelets, screen-printed pennants, custom wood-burned coasters and botanical-themed temporary tattoos! 

You will love the variety of wines and other beverages offered at the event this year. Along with the nostalgic and immersive theme, Art of Wine is the summer event you don’t want to miss.

General admission tickets are $95. Reserve Room tickets are $200 while supplies last. In addition to the general admission spaces, Reserve Room tickets give you a dedicated entrance and access to the exclusive Reserve Room with premier selections of wines and additional restaurant options. 

Want to beat the crowd? Add the Express Pass for $25 per person to your Reserve Room or general admission tickets and get early entry to the event at 7:30 pm and be the first to taste your favorites! 

Even after 22 years, Arts of Wine continues to be a favorite of both Arkansans and visitors from across the country. Enjoy a grown-ups-only night out, ages 21+, while also supporting arts education! 

A Variety of Artosphere Activities Offered in Fayetteville

Artosphere Festival celebrates art, music and nature with exciting performances, activities and events that the whole family can enjoy throughout May. Enjoy a multitude of Artosphere events located right here in Fayetteville! 

We have three events that are perfect for the whole family, starting with Trout Fishing in American on Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 pm. An Artosphere favorite event, Grammy®-nominated Trout Fishing in America, Ozark natives Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet return to Northwest Arkansas to perform the music that has captured the hearts and imaginations of audiences of all ages for more than four decades. Join us for a free family-friendly concert at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. Next up is Trail Mix, Artosphere’s signature event that features live art, music and activities for kids and families, on Friday, May 10 at 5 – 7 pm. The J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Gathering Glade at the Fayetteville Public Library and the Lower Ramble are the home of Trail Mix this year, exploring the convergence of art and nature in the forest canopy and pathways through Tanglewood Creek and Fay Jones Woods. Trail Mix is a free event that features Ragtaggle, Backyard Bugs, March to August and Harpist Devanee Williams, chalk artist Amber Perrodin and a special art activity led by Shannon Green. 

On Saturday, May 11 at 8 pm, you can enjoy a curated screening by Fayetteville Film Fest. This screening features several short films by independent creators based on nature, enriching our understanding of the planet and sparking conversations about sustainability.  Tickets are $15. 

The Artosphere Festival Orchestra will perform for the first time this season on Tuesday, May 14 at 7 pm with American Soundscapes. The 90-member Artosphere Festival Orchestra will converge in Northwest Arkansas for its twelfth season. Under the baton of internationally acclaimed Maestro Corrado Rovaris, the AFO features premier musicians from major symphonies, prestigious ensembles and distinguished programs across the globe performing both classic and new works by leading composers. Don’t miss your chance to see this world-class orchestra for their final performances. Tickets are $10. 

A special thank you to our Friends of Artosphere for their additional support. Artosphere Festival is sponsored by Walmart. Premier Artosphere Festival support is provided by Kelly & Marti Sudduth. Artosphere Festival Orchestra Principal support for Maestro Corrado Rovaris and Dover Quartet is provided by Reed and Mary Ann Greenwood. Artosphere Festival Orchestra Show Underwriters are Greg & Hannah Lee and Peter B. Lane & Barbara Putman. Artosphere Festival is made possible by Tyson Foods and the generosity of all our Friends of Artosphere.  

With over 30 events in communities across Northwest Arkansas, Artosphere has something for everyone. Check out our website for a full listing of events including yoga sessions, shows and workshops for kids, music in the outdoors and so much more.   

Tickets to these and other Artosphere performances and events can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.     

Ticketed Performances   

Dover Quartet  

7 pm | Saturday, May 11 | St. Paul’s Episcopal Church   

Tickets: $15  

Compagnia TPO’s ERBA – A Forest in the City  

6:30 pm | Tuesday, May 14 and Wednesday, May 15 | Walton Arts Center  

Tickets: $10  

Artosphere Festival Orchestra  

Verdi’s Requiem  

Corrado Rovaris, Musical Director   

8 pm | Sunday, May 18 | Walton Arts Center  

Tickets: $15-50  

360 ALLSTARS  

7 pm | Tuesday, May 21 | Walton Arts Center  

Tickets: $10  

   
Free Events and Performances    

Recycled Bead Flowers Workshop  

2 pm | Saturday, May 11 | Fayetteville Public Library Art & Movement Room  

Paper Mums Workshop  

4:30 pm | Thursday, May 16 | Fayetteville Public Library Teen Project Room  

Nature Sensory Play  

9:30 am | Friday, May 17 | Fayetteville Public Library Youth Craft Room  

Jazz on the Mountain featuring Backbeat Jazz  

6 pm | Thursday, May 23 | Mount Sequoyah, Fayetteville  

Free but ticketed event  

Partner and Artosphere-sponsored Events  

First Thursday  

Sponsored by Artosphere  

5:30-9 pm | Thursday, May 2 | Downtown Fayetteville Square  

Free  

Arkansas Pottery Festival  

May 3-5 | Community Creative Center, Fayetteville  

Free 

Railyard Live presents The Cate Brothers & The Nace Brothers   

Sponsored by Artosphere  

7 pm | Friday, May 3 | Butterfield Stage, Downtown Rogers  

Tickets: Free-$30 available at railyardlive.com  

Square 2 Square Starting Line featuring The Juice  

Sponsored by Artosphere  

7-9:30 am | Saturday, May 4 | Walker Park, Fayetteville  

Square 2 Square registration is $35 for adults 14 and up / $20 for youth 13 and under  

Register at Fayetteville-ar.gov  

Yoga on the Glade  

Sponsored by Artosphere  

6 pm | Monday, May 6 | Fayetteville Public Library  

Free  

Artosphere presents Mountain Street Stage: Aaron Smith with Still on the Hill and Friends  

Sponsored by Artosphere   

2 pm | Sunday, May 12 | Fayetteville Public Library  

Free  

Artosphere Main Stage at Strawberry Festival  

noon-6 pm | Sunday, May 19 | Downtown Fayetteville Square  

Free 

Artosphere Brings the Indie Film Festival

Films, no matter their plot, have the power to create change across communities, elicit emotions and start conversations. Fayetteville Film Festival and Walton Arts Center are thrilled to highlight these incredible films focused on sustainability and our environment on Saturday, May 11, at 8 pm.   

This mini-film festival, presented as part of Artosphere, showcases filmmakers and honors their stories and artistic expression. This is one of four collaborative film showcases between the two arts organizations this season.  

This screening features several short films by independent creators based on nature, enriching our understanding of the planet and sparking conversations about sustainability. Learn more about each film here: 

Directed by Ethan Edwards, Joan and the Rolling Stone follows a young woman who finds answers to her own grief when she embarks on a journey with a talking bowling ball. This film was screened at the Fayetteville Film Fest and the New York Shorts International Film Festival. Edwards got his inspiration for the film from reading lots of Sam Shepard one-acts. He felt the absurdity of the plays helped get him into a headspace where a talking bowling ball became a plausible storyline. When asked what he wanted viewers to take away from his film, Edwards said, “life is continually interesting.”   

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Set in 1984, Radio Telescope, a former NASA scientist and his young son make a discovery in a make-shift laboratory located in their garage. The inspiration for Radio Telescope came from director Tyler Beard’s love of sci-fi mystery movies that he grew up watching. Beard also knew he wanted to create a film based in the 1980s, since it was something different than his other films. Ultimately, Beard hopes audiences can grab a bag of popcorn and just enjoy the film. 

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The Countryman tells the story of bitterness that threatens to destroy a small farming community until a stranger arrives with a curious proposition. The film is set during the great depression and is a fantasy, drama style. Director Andy Kastelic is best known for creating iconic films such as The Misanthrope, St Augustine, Torchlight and Typhoon. He is hailed as an independent visionary and a brilliant filmmaker in the industry. 

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Directed by Shayan Naghibi, The Last Snow shows how everything can disappear like the fall of the last snowflake. Naghibi is 22 years old and has directed multiple short animation films. Naghibi explained that The Last Snow is his first experimental film, and it has met with critical acclaim. He has won two awards for the film.  

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Green Eyes, directed by Joe Ramos, is an exploration of the “what ifs” that appear in an ending relationship. Ramos can easily be described as a wholesome, adventurous and imaginative filmmaker. He loves to highlight interpersonal storytelling in his work as well as challenging both visuals and themeswith a fresh perspective. 

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In The Perfect Day, Charlie Hoover, an aspiring ad man living in his van, eagerly answers a job posting to videotape Linda Lindell’s online life coaching series. However, the gig quickly evolves into indoctrination to Linda’s peculiar methodology as the two form an unlikely bond in pursuit of completing the ‘perfect day.’ This narrative short film is directed by Virgile Beddok, Daniel Breithaupt and Jonathan Frey, and the film has enjoyed a successful festival run including a screening at the Houston Comedy Film Festival in 2023.  

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Mermagic, directed by Brian Du, is the story of Lucy who is granted three wishes by Marina the Magic Mermaid. The catch is, things don’t quite go according to plan. Du is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and he is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker. He loves to create unique stories that pursue Asian American and Pacific Islander representation and diversity and inclusion. Du has won two awards for this film. 

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The world has gone quiet, Three Ninety Five, directed by Nicholas Thurkettle, is about a nameless traveler who has no home, no memory and is searching for fellow survivors along a remote highway. When asked to describe his film in one sentence, Thurkettle said, “a nameless wanderer searches for fellow survivors in a world gone quiet.” Thurkettle shot his film near and along the actual U.S. Highway 395 in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. 

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Tickets to all these film showcases are available now for $15 plus applicable fees. Purchase tickets by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.  

The last showcase for the season is LGBTQIA+ Filmmakers at 8 pm on Thursday, June 13. 

Bentonville is Full of Artosphere Activities

Artosphere Festival celebrates art, music and nature with exciting performances, activities and events that the whole family can enjoy throughout May. You can join the Artosphere fun in Bentonville at these events.   

All month long you can enjoy Tunes on the Trail, a completely free opportunity to combine music, movement and nature. Enjoy a curated playlist featuring some of the Artosphere Festival Orchestra’s most beloved performances from the past 11 seasons as you use the trails around the Crystal Bridges Musuem of American Art and on other trails throughout Northwest Arkansas. Just scan the QR code on the signage placed at each trailhead. Click here to learn more about Tunes on the Trails.

Artosphere events kick off with First Friday, a monthly festival series located in downtown Bentonville featuring live music, food trucks, multiple family-friendly activities and local vendors. The free community event welcomes all and is produced by the non-profit Downtown Bentonville Incorporated. This month’s theme is “Outdoor Adventure,” and you’ll be able to hear Artosphere artist Thanks for Nothing perform live music on the main stage. This event is free and open to the public, no registration is required. 

Next up is the perfect event for the whole family, Scott Family Amazeum’s Priceless Nights featuring Papa Rap on Wednesday, May 8. Time to play and explore for kids and adults is priceless, and that’s what you’ll get at this free community event. Returning Artosphere artist Papa Rap will host a drop-in drum circle on the outdoor PlayScape. Indoors, there will be Artosphere-themed crafts and engagements, helping little ones make connections between nature, music and creativity. This event is free to attend. 

A returning Artosphere favorite, the Grammy®-nominated Dover Quartet will present an evening of exquisite entertainment at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, May 11. Named one of the greatest string quartets of this century by the BBC, this immaculate ensemble will perform Mozart’s String Quartet in E-Flat major, K. 428, Dmitri Shostakovich’s Quartet No. 9 in E-flat major, Op. 117 and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Quartet No. 1 in D major, Op. 11. Tickets are $15. 

To close out this year’s Artosphere Festival and to complete their last season on a high note, Artosphere Festival Orchestra will perform their signature Live from Crystal Bridges: Mozart in the Museum on Wednesday, May 22. The program for this third and final performance of AFO includes two of the orchestra’s favorite works which will bookend the orchestra’s debut performance of a Mozart piano concerto. Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor will feature pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, a student of the first AFO’s piano soloist, Benedetto Lupo. The young prodigy will bring us full circle, helping celebrate great performances and incredible musical relationships. Tickets are $54.  

With over 30 events in communities across Northwest Arkansas, Artosphere has something for everyone. Check out our website for a full listing of events including yoga sessions, shows and workshops for kids, music in the outdoors and so much more.   

Tickets to these and other Artosphere performances and events can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm. 

A special thank you to our Friends of Artosphere for their additional support. Artosphere Festival is sponsored by Walmart. Premier Artosphere Festival support is provided by Kelly & Marti Sudduth. Artosphere Festival Orchestra Principal support for Maestro Corrado Rovaris and Dover Quartet is provided by Reed and Mary Ann Greenwood. Artosphere Festival Orchestra Show Underwriters are Greg & Hannah Lee and Peter B. Lane & Barbara Putman. Artosphere Festival is made possible by Tyson Foods and the generosity of all our Friends of Artosphere.  

Celebrate Artosphere in Rogers

Artosphere Festival celebrates art, music and nature with exciting performances, activities and events that the whole family can enjoy throughout May. You can join the Artosphere fun in Rogers at these events.  

The festival kicks off with three Artosphere-sponsored live music shows in downtown Rogers.  

First up is Railyard Live with The Cate Brothers and The Nace Brothers performing on the Butterfield Stage in downtown Rogers on Friday, May 3 at 7 pm. Fayetteville natives and Northwest Arkansas favorites, Earl and Ernie Cate have been performing their unique brand of country soul music since the mid-1960s.  

They will be joined by the Nace Brothers, known for high-quality performances with brilliant songwriting, expressive vocals, soaring guitar and a rock-solid rhythm section combining for entertainment at its best.   

Next local favorites La Fiesta con Grupo del 4 & Emmanuel Cortes come together for a highly anticipated collaboration joined by electrifying opening act Little Yei, known for his infectious Spanish R&B and Reggaeton, and special guest DJ Alfaro. The show is Saturday, May 4 at 7 pm on the Butterfield Stage. This promises to be a fusion extravaganza of regional Mexican and Hispanic party music, geared towards our vibrant young audience.  

Tickets for these events range from free to $30 and are available at railyardlive.com.  

For singer-songwriter fans, we have just the event for you! Held at the beautiful, recently renovated Victory Theater in Rogers at 7:30 pm Monday, May 6, Bruce Cockburn performs songs from his illustrious 40-year career. This Canadian musical legend has been capturing in song the essence of human experience – earning high praise as an exceptional songwriter and a revered guitarist. Tickets are $29.50-59.50 and can be purchased at thevictorytheater.com  

Artosphere is all about sustainability and nature, and you can’t get more naturally sustainable than falconry. As the largest outdoor concert venue in the state, the Walmart AMP is attractive to birds for shelter and roosting – but that can quickly become messy. Rather than taking invasive steps to remove the birds, the venue participates in sustainable and eco-friendly falconry-based bird abatement with master falconer Jordan Jones. Groups of 30-40 people will be able to tour the Walmart AMP on Sunday, May 19 at 11 am and 11:30 am and watch the fascinating natural process as trained raptors patrol the surrounding area, intimidating nuisance birds and discouraging them from roosting on the premises. Registration is required and will be available on our website May 6. 

With over 30 events in communities across Northwest Arkansas, Artosphere has something for everyone. Check out our website for a full listing of events including yoga sessions, shows and workshops for kids, music in the outdoors and so much more.  

Artosphere Festival is sponsored by Walmart. Premier Artosphere Festival support is provided by Kelly & Marti Sudduth. Artosphere Festival Orchestra Principle Support for Maestro Corrado Rovaris and Dover Quartet is provided by Reed and MaryAnn Greenwood. Artosphere Festival Orchestra Show Underwriters are Greg & Hannah Lee and Peter B. Lane & Barbara Putman. Artosphere Festival is made possible by Tyson Foods and the generosity of all our Friends of Artosphere. 

Celebrate Artosphere Festival Orchestra's Greatest Performances in its Final Season

After 12 seasons and more than 35 performances, the celebrated orchestra is ending on a high note. For its finale season, AFO programs will celebrate the orchestra’s amazing performances presented as part of Artosphere: Arkansas’ Arts + Nature Festival under the baton of Maestro Corrado Rovaris. 

The first program, American Soundscapes, was programmed as a tribute to the first AFO program and season in 2011. Aaron Copland’s Four Dance Episodes from Rodeo was the first piece this orchestra performed in 2011, and this season it will be the opening piece on May 14. The concert will finish with Antonín Dvořák's Symphony No. 9 From the New World. This piece concluded the first concert ever performed by AFO.  

Over the years Maestro Rovaris has established a tradition of featuring orchestra musicians as soloists for new or contemporary works. This year he will continue this tradition by inviting arx duo, who serve as the percussion principals within AFO, to perform as soloists on Nick DiBernadino's Double Percussion Concerto.  

That first season AFO performed two concerts, American Soundscapes and Italian Soundscapes to connect the new world America with Corrado's home country of Italy. That is being mirrored this year starting with the Tuesday, May 14 performance with the distinctly American pieces by Copeland and Dvorak (popularly known as the music for the Beef – It’s What’s for Dinner and DeBeers’s Diamond commercials). AFO’s next performance is one of Maestro Rovaris' favorite Italian works, Verdi’s Requiem on Saturday, May 18. This work is something that Maestro Rovaris conducted annually at La Scalla Opera House in Milan before moving to America. To honor him and his legacy, AFO chose to perform this incredible work as their second concert. 

AFO will conclude the season with their signature Live from Crystal Bridges: Mozart in the Museum on Wednesday, May 22. At this third and final performance, two of the orchestra’s favorite works will bookend another musical piece that has yet to be performed. The Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor will be new for the orchestra and will feature pianist Jaeden Izik-Dzurko, a student of the first Artosphere Festival Orchestra’s piano soloist, Benedetto Lupo. As a Canadian- American, the young prodigy will bring us full circle, helping celebrate great performances and incredible musical relationships.  

Enjoy all the refreshing interpretations of your favorite orchestral works filled with shimmering strings, rippling woodwinds, percussive crescendos and more during the Artosphere.  

A special thank you to our Friends of Artosphere for their additional support. Artosphere Festival is sponsored by Walmart. Premier Artosphere Festival support is provided by Kelly & Marti Sudduth. Artosphere Festival Orchestra Principal support for Maestro Corrado Rovaris and Dover Quartet is provided by Reed and Mary Ann Greenwood. Artosphere Festival Orchestra Show Underwriters are Greg & Hannah Lee and Peter B. Lane & Barbara Putman. Artosphere Festival is made possible by Tyson Foods and the generosity of all our Friends of Artosphere. 

Tickets to these and other Artosphere performances and events can be purchased by visiting waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am until 5 pm or in-person at the Walton Arts Center Box Office weekdays 10 am until 2 pm.    

Show Dates & Times  
American Soundscapes | Tuesday, May 14 at 7 pm | $10 tickets

Verdi’s Requiem | Saturday, May 18 at 8 pm | $15 - 50 tickets

Mozart in the Museum | Wednesday, May 22 at 7 pm | $54 tickets