Good morning, Fayetteville.

Downtown streets along Fayetteville Square are closed on Friday as the nonprofit Startup Junkie Foundation hosts Startup Crawl 2025: Built to Launch, offering live music, craft beer tastings and food trucks.

City officials closed Mountain Street and East Avenue at 9 a.m. and Center Street and Block Avenue at 1 p.m., with roads reopening by 11 p.m. after cleanup.

Downtown streets along Fayetteville Square will be closed for most of today for Startup Crawl 2025—Built to Launch, a nonprofit event that runs from 5-9 p.m. and features live music, craft beer tastings, food trucks, and surprise activities; the closures start at 9 a.m. on Mountain and East and at 1 p.m. on Center and Block with all streets reopening by 11 p.m. while motorists are urged to use alternate routes.

Theo’s at 318 Campbell Ave near Dickson Street in downtown Fayetteville will celebrate 20 years in business on Sunday, Oct.

12 with a five course tasting menu prepared by current chef Serrgio Cesenas and four former chefs—only two seatings are offered at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. for $150 per person while 15% of proceeds will go to FIRA.

The former moving walkway at the airport will soon be transformed into a play space for kids thanks to a new partnership with Scott Family Amazeum—this $250,000 project will feature interactive exhibits, a kid-sized air traffic control tower and toddler zones for children ages 0—12.

Fayetteville’s School District has set the maximum price for constructing the new Woodland Junior High School at just under $100 million—officials said this budget limit will guide future construction plans.

University of Arkansas honors undergraduate Darren Blount contributed to a research paper on the QUADRO framework—an innovative method that combines quantum and classical computing to optimize drone delivery routing.

The paper was presented at IEEE Quantum Week at the Albuquerque Convention Center after a highly competitive review process.

Award-winning journalist Jacque Smith—who led CNN’s digital video team until her July retirement—will visit the campus this week to speak to students, faculty and local professionals at the School of Journalism and Strategic Media and the Center for Media Ethics and Literacy.

She will host a roundtable on digital storytelling in Kimpel 102 at 12:30 p.m. and a Q&A in Gearhart 258 at 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 2 while also leading workshops for student media and local journalists at KUAF.

Fayetteville City Council received a rough list on Tuesday of nine bond items totaling $320.1 million that include $146 million for water and sewer upgrades, $60 million for an aquatics center, and over $54 million for transportation improvements.

The referendum will be presented to voters in March with early voting beginning Feb. 14 and each item appearing as its own measure—meaning the city plans to address long overdue infrastructure improvements.

Arkansas Children’s Northwest in Springdale is expanding with an $82.7 million project that will add 50,000 square feet of new space, more operating rooms and inpatient beds—reducing the need for children to travel to Little Rock.

Hospital leaders hosted a tour on Wednesday to share details as the project progresses with further work scheduled until late 2026.

Brandon Marcello from CBS Sports discussed Arkansas football at the Hawgs Illustrated Sports Club with Matt Jones, Christina Long, and Ethan Westerman on a Razorback panel.

The experts provided analysis and insights into the game—offering local fans key perspectives on Arkansas football.

Arkansas will host up to 50 football prospects for the Notre Dame game tomorrow at 11 a.m., including key recruits like quarterback Joaquin Kavouklis and quarterback Caden Jones in their visit to Fayetteville.

Boundless Book Society Meeting

5-6 p.m. — Fayetteville Public Library — Free entry — A pressure-free book club exploring diverse titles with the opportunity to meet the author next month.

Cut Worms Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Ozark Music Hall — Tickets available — Enjoy an evening with Cut Worms as they bring their music to Fayetteville.

Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — The Momentary — $72 General Admission — Experience the legends of reggae live on stage in an outdoor setting with unforgettable music.

Yoke Lore Concert

8:30-11:30 p.m. — George's Majestic Lounge — Tickets available online or at the door — Enjoy great music from Yoke Lore and Wells Ferrari with your favorite drinks.

Fayetteville Tequila Fest

3-7 p.m. — Mount Sequoyah Center, Inc. — VIP tickets required — Discover agave spirits and enjoy live music at the 2nd Annual Fayetteville Tequila Fest.

Preschool Story Time with Zeke Peña

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Fayetteville Public Library — Free entry — Explore the world of comics and illustration with award-winning artist Zeke Peña.

Heart of the Ozarks Craft Fair & Fall Festival

9 AM – 6 PM — Washington County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Explore over 300 booths, enjoy live music, delicious food, and family fun.

Lily Rose: I Know What I Want Tour

7-9:30 p.m. — Ozark Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with Lily Rose as she performs her latest tour hits.

Heart of the Ozarks Craft Fair & Fall Festival

9 AM – 6 PM — Washington County Fairgrounds — Free entry — Celebrate local crafts and enjoy food, music, and family fun.

Irie Lions & My Nextdoor Neighbor Sunday Show

5:30-9 p.m. — Prairie Street Live! — General Admission + Fees — Experience an evening of original reggae vibes and dynamic prog rock performances.