Good morning, Fayetteville.

Famous Hamish, the cat from Crystal Bridges museum, greets staff and visitors daily with a friendly meow — his owner Cara Upton said his adventures have united the community.

The tabby, adopted in 2015 from a local shelter, now stars in a children’s book project to share his story.

Fayetteville’s weekend starts with the Cate Brothers’ holiday show Friday at George’s and Saturday’s punk rock benefit, Punks Feed People, plus a cartoon screening at The Momentary and a Candlelight Concert at TheatreSquared.

Sunday features an African food pop-up at Crisis Brewing along with a show at Nomad’s Trailside.

The Walton Arts Center will host cocktail classes linked to Water for Elephants from Feb.

26 to Feb. 28, 2026, scheduled at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday and 6:30 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. The classes offer a hands-on space for theatergoers to connect beyond traditional seating.

Arkansas Arts Academy offers arts-integrated PreK–12 education with creative classes & workshops and a downtown gallery for real-world experience.

Families across northwest Arkansas can choose this inclusive program to help children succeed academically and creatively.

Northwest Technical Institute in Springdale is urging state officials to fill a board vacancy that has hindered its ability to act + the board says appointing someone is critical for maintaining effective operations.

Peter MacKeith, dean of the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design, will step down on June 30, 2026 + focus on timber innovations while UA launches a national search for his successor.

His tenure saw enrollment rise and the award-winning Anthony Timberlands Center constructed.

Starting Jan. 1, Arkansas student-athletes will be exempt from state income taxes on NIL earnings received directly from colleges and universities under a new law signed by the governor.

Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins — citing dangerously dry conditions — has issued a countywide burn ban effective immediately to reduce wildfire risk.

The order prohibits all outdoor burning and will be enforced by local officials until further notice.

The state Department of Health projects Arkansas will report over 500 whooping cough cases this year for the first time in sixteen years despite a slowdown from earlier in the year.

New winter-hardy camellias are thriving in northwest Arkansas as gardeners welcome bright, resilient blooms this winter — one variety, Camellia Eudora, honors writer Eudora Welty and showcases vivid color against the winter chill.

Lady is a sweet nine-month-old pit mix weighing about 45 lbs and waiting for a new home at Washington County Animal Shelter on 2859 S.

Tim Helder Drive in Fayetteville. Interested adopters can complete an application online or call 479-695-3450.

Janet B. Carson, a veteran gardening writer, noted that native sumac features bright red foliage and plumes of red berries in the fall and asked for transplanting or planting advice to help homeowners enjoy its beauty.

The column offers a chance for locals to share their gardening tips.

Time Travel Half-Marathon and 5k/10k

9 AM — MY-T-BY-DESIGN Therapeutic Art Studio — Family-friendly race — Lace up for a race that promises a dash through time and fun.

The Music Man

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Walton Arts Center — Family-friendly show — Watch Harold Hill's charming antics as he attempts to con a town into believing in music.

Vanderbilt Commodores vs Arkansas Razorbacks Basketball

8-10 p.m. — Bud Walton Arena — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience a thrilling college basketball showdown as the Razorbacks take on the Commodores.

Frozen Toes 5K / 15K Trail Run

9 AM – 1 PM — Kessler Mountain Regional Park — Registration fees apply — Experience Fayetteville's annual trail running race in the cold weather at Kessler Mountain.

Fayetteville Wheelmen Group Ride

1:30 p.m. — Columbus House Brewery and Tap Room — Free — Enjoy a no-drop group ride around Fayetteville with fellow cycling enthusiasts.