Good morning, Fayetteville.

Several Fayetteville streets are closed today for the NWA Pride Festival and Parade, with closures starting at 7 a.m. on Dickson, West, and School avenues and additional staging closures beginning at noon on East and Highland avenues—motorists should take alternate routes as the parade starts at 5 p.m. and moves west from Dickson to University Avenue.

Fayetteville’s 21st annual Pride weekend began on June 27 with a trans march and rally.

Organizers say thousands will attend events tonight and 40,000 will join celebrations tomorrow.

Fayetteville will close several streets today for the NWA Pride Festival and Parade.

The city said closures begin at 7 a.m. for some routes and at noon for parade staging, with the parade starting at 5 p.m. — motorists should use alternate routes.

Arkansas Repertory Theatre presents God of Carnage through June 29 — a play where two families meet to discuss a fight between their sons and discover how polite talk turns into anger and hidden bias.

The production uses sharp dialogue and strong acting to reveal tensions that go deeper than a simple dispute — giving audiences a fresh look at conflict.

Lauren Selby, a two-time U of A graduate from southeast Arkansas, has been named associate director of development at the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences—she will use her farming background and strong record of fundraising to help guide the college’s efforts. She secured over $4 million in donations at the College of Education and Health Professions and is set to build on that success to support local student initiatives.

Faculty member Elizabeth Lorah was elected to the Association for Behavior Analysis International Science Board, and her three-year term will run until May 2028—she was recognized for her vast expertise in behavior analysis.

Fayetteville’s Public Works Fleet Operations was named the No. 1 Mid-Sized Fleet in the nation for the second year in a row on June 24 at the Government Fleet Expo and Conference in Charlotte—showing its strong management of over 800 vehicles and equipment.

Fleet Operations Superintendent Ross Jackson was also named a top three finalist for the Public Sector Fleet Manager of the Year award.

Today, the Washington County Election Commission met in Fayetteville and welcomed new commissioner Alexis Ward—who brings over 15 years of legal experience—to boost voter education and update registration processes amid new state laws.

Director of Elections Jennifer Price said the county will prepare for a November special election and the 2026 primary while also reaching out to young voters.

Arkansas and 19 other states asked a federal appeals court to bring back an Iowa law that stops school libraries from offering books that describe sex acts.

Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a 32-page brief filed Wednesday that letting libraries offer these books violates free speech rules — local officials should decide what books to stock.

Banjo Brunch with Clarke Buehling's Carousel Orchestra

10:30 a.m. — Nomads Trailside — Free entry — Enjoy lively tunes and delicious food at a toe-tappin' musical experience.

A FAYETTEVILLE FAMILY AND FRIENDS MUSIC CELEBRATION

SAVE THE DATE! Featuring 9 artists and 5 acts! • The DEAD HORSE MOUNTAIN BAND • DAUGHTERS of MADONNA • WOVEN • ARLAN and the PROFESSOR • CASANDRA. Including Performers: Professor Nathan Kemper, Regina Caeli, Talina Madonna, Jessica Hawk, Honnah Heartsong, Casandra Purtle, Van McClane, Sean Key, Bob Wasiluk, and Arlan!

Switchfoot Live Concert

8:00-9:30 PM — JJ's Live — Tickets available online or at the door — Enjoy drinks while catching Switchfoot with support from Fox Royale on their 2025 tour.

Happy Hour Concert with Earl & Them

6-8 p.m. — George's Majestic Lounge — Cost TBD — Enjoy an evening of uplifting live music in a beloved local venue.

Folk Music Workshop: Makin' Progress

1-2:30 p.m. — Folk School of Fayetteville — Cost info not provided — Explore and update folk songs for modern themes with Simon Flory.

Ozark Enduro Lite Race 2

9 a.m. — Centennial Park — Registration required — Test your skills in a friendly Enduro mountain bike race designed for beginners.

Song Camp 2025

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Folk School of Fayetteville — Cost varies — A week-long day camp for kids to explore singing and music-making through cultural songs and fun activities.