Good morning, Fayetteville.

Kathy Warren placed her late husband's military dog tags on her grandson Charlie Leslie during the Veterans Day program on November 11— marking a moment that honored the family's military legacy.

Fayetteville will kick off its annual Lights of the Ozarks display with a Light Night ceremony on Nov.

21 at 6 p.m. on the Fayetteville square that features a countdown, switch flipping, music and food trucks; the display will be visible every evening until Jan. 1 with a parade on Dec. 4 and a Festivus event on Dec. 12.

Zips Car Wash was named the No. 1 car wash in Newsweek's America's Best Customer Service rankings after 200,000 customer evaluations and earned the honor for the third consecutive year— the chain started in 2004 in Arkansas, now has over 200 locations in 20 states, and continues to operate in Northwest Arkansas and Little Rock despite moving its headquarters to Plano, Texas in 2021.

The U of A Department of Music announced that auditions for spring 2026 jazz ensembles will be held in person and virtually.

Students must complete an audition form and attend on Dec. 4 in the Music Building and Dec. 7 in the Epley Band Building room 123 — all majors and instruments are welcome.

Six U of A students presented their creative projects in graphic design, history, literature, music and communications at the first Arkansas Liberal Arts and Humanities Day held at the State Capitol.

The event showcased research and live woodwind and choir performances—bringing together students, faculty and community members.

Grace Helmers, a Master of Professional Accounting student at Walton College, secured a prestigious postgraduate technical assistantship with the Financial Accounting Standards Board – she will start her role in January after graduating in December, marking the first time a U of A student has earned the honor since 2012.

The U of A Department of Horticulture will hold its first annual Holiday Poinsettia Sale Dec.

4-5 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hort Greenhouse, 1005 W. Meade St. Students grow a range of poinsettia varieties (including Freedom Red, Freedom White, and Jack Frost) to raise funds for next year's class and teaching activities (customers can pre-order online or buy in person).

The Advertising and Promotion Commission approved $786,000 on Monday for marketing and public relations for Experience Fayetteville.

The commission voted 6-0 and selected agency VERB for 2026 campaigns with a cap of $700,000 plus AM Group for local PR with a cap of $86,000 while also setting aside funds for a local restaurant alliance and an arts center.

After more than three hours of discussion, the City Council did not decide on rezoning the 26.7-acre site for the new Ramay Junior High School and will revisit the issue at their next meeting on Dec.

2 at City Hall—simultaneously, the council named the newly created city park at South Yard Park from 1.2 acres dedicated by a real estate group in a 6—2 vote.

Experience Fayetteville set aside $10,000 in next year's budget to help hospitality workers facing rising housing costs, the Fayetteville Independent Restaurant Alliance said during a commission meeting on Monday — a decision that doubles last year's funding.

CEO Ryan Hauck said the move aligns with the city's tourism strategy and that the full 2026 budget will be finalized in December — pending a final commission vote.

Local restaurants in Fayetteville will be open on Thanksgiving Day to offer meal options for the holiday.

Stonebreaker Hotel will serve a three-course prix fixe menu and Ella's Table will host a buffet from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.—others like Golden Corral, Black Bear Diner, and IHOP will provide dine-in or carryout services.

Sassafras Succulent Pumpkin Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery — $40 — Create a stunning succulent pumpkin while enjoying wine and snacks in an immersive workshop.

ARKAST Podcast Festival

10 a.m.-8 p.m. — Mount Sequoya Center — General Admission — Celebrate podcasting achievements and learn from top creators at this annual festival.

Fayetteville Family Event

2-4 p.m. — Northwest Arkansas Mall — General Admission 40% off — Enjoy a family-friendly experience with discounted admission options and comfortable seating.

Missouri Tigers vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Football

1-4 p.m. — Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium — An exciting SEC showdown between two fierce rivals.

Cirque Italia: Water Circus

1:30-3:00 p.m. — Pinnacle Hills Promenade — Tickets start at $74 — Experience a mesmerizing performance under the water-themed circus tent.

Postmodern Jukebox: Magic, Moonlight, and Mistletoe Tour

7-9:30 p.m. — Ozark Music Hall — Ticketed event — Experience a vintage musical journey featuring genre-twisting covers of holiday classics and pop hits.

Kimberly Akimbo Musical

7:00–8:30 p.m. — Walton Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the five-time Tony-winning musical featuring an engaging story and stunning performances.

Super Saturday: Ozark Ballet Theater's The Nutcracker

10-11 a.m. — Fayetteville Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy delightful excerpts from The Nutcracker performed by the Ozark Ballet Theater.

The Nutcracker: International Ballet Stars

7 p.m. — Jim & Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center — Tickets required — Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a delightful performance of The Nutcracker.