Good morning, Fayetteville.

Residents in Fayetteville worry that rising rental fees and new development push longtime locals—creatives and service workers—out of a city they helped build, while officials debate policies aimed at easing the housing crunch.

Washington Regional Medical Center paid $5.6 million for a 19000 square foot medical office on Bob Younkin Drive near its campus in Fayetteville — the property houses a sleep disorder clinic and wound center — with Arvest Bank providing a loan of slightly more than $5 million to finance the purchase.

Barnaby Group announced it will open The Lady, a pub in Little Rock inspired by local Tudor architecture, with rooftop patios and two bars featuring 18 taps, set to open early 2027—while it is also constructing a 23-acre nature retreat at South School in south Fayetteville that will offer a restaurant, bar, cabins, and an on-site farm and brewery, scheduled to open in spring 2026.

The UARK Jazz Festival runs from April 11 to April 24 and features local high school and middle school bands along with the University of Arkansas Jazz Program, while saxophonist Steve Wilson serves as the 2025 Artist-in-Residence—performing with the UARK Jazz Orchestra and leading workshops. All free events will be held at multiple venues across the region and are supported by the Moye Family Jazz Residency program and Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society.

Today, the musical version of Back to the Future opens at Walton Arts Center where actor Mike Bindeman plays George McFly in an eight-show run through April 13.

The production will offer familiar movie twists and surprises (including a stage DeLorean) for local fans.

The LISA Academy charter school system will host its 11th annual Arkansas Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Festival on Friday at Fayetteville’s Arkansas Union from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy hands-on STEM stations that focus on climate challenges, greener transportation and artificial intelligence—connecting key fields through interactive exhibits.

AR STEM Festival at University of Arkansas

2:30-5:30 p.m. — Arkansas Union — Free entry — Assist ONSC's interactive booth and explore STEM activities at this community festival.

Chase Rice Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — JJ's Live — Tickets available online or at the door — Enjoy a night of live music from Chase Rice & Tyler Halverson with your favorite drinks.

Iron & Wine Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — JJ's Live — $52 general admission — Experience an evening of soulful music with Iron & Wine in Fayetteville's vibrant venue.

Woven Harmonies Night

7-9 p.m. — Six Twelve Coffeehouse & Bar — Enjoyable event — Experience a delightful evening of woven harmonies with treats and libations in a cozy atmosphere.

NWA Arts, Crafts & Drafts

6-8 p.m. — Six Twelve Coffeehouse & Bar — $1 off drinks and snacks during Happy Hour — Relax and get creative with fellow artists while enjoying live music.

Umphrey's McGee Live Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — George's Majestic Lounge — Tickets from $39.50 — Enjoy Umphrey's McGee's electrifying music during their Cruising Altitude tour.

DoNot Stop Half Marathon

8-11 a.m. — Walker Park — Youth pricing starts at $15 — A fun donut-themed race for families featuring multiple distances and delicious treats at the finish line.

Nothing More Concert

7-10 p.m. — JJ's Live — Tickets available online or at the door — Enjoy an evening of great music from Nothing More and Kingdom Collapse.

Rob Schneider's You Can Dooooo It Tour

7:30-9:00 p.m. — JJ's Live — Cost Info — Comedy legend Rob Schneider brings his full band for a night of nonstop laughs.

Mat Kearney & Augustana Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — JJ's Live — Tickets available online or at the door — Enjoy drinks and great music in a lively atmosphere.