FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — The City of Fayetteville's Arts and Culture Division is excited to announce the return of its free Weekend Starts series, an engaging array of Friday evening "compact creativity festivals" held at the Fay Jones Woods in the Lower Ramble.
This year's series will run from April 19 to Oct. 25 and include a blend of visual, musical and interactive arts each Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Fay Jones Woods.
To kick off the series, the City is partnering with the Downtown Fayetteville Coalition to present a special installment – two days of Phantasma, a laser light show and silent disco, which will be held 7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 19-20.
Arts and Culture Director Joanna Sheehan Bell said, "We are delighted to offer a platform where art and community intersect. Weekend Starts is not just an event; it's a celebration of creativity, where every Friday brings a new opportunity for cultural engagement.
“Beginning with Phantasma, this series offers a welcome to the weekend filled with art, music and light."
Weekend Starts will feature activations that span from live musical performances curated by the University of Arkansas Department of Music, featuring local and national talent, to visual art displays, classes and a new "Meet the Artist" collaboration with Mount Sequoyah Creative Spaces.
“This initiative aims to deepen the connection between artists and the community, offering insights into the creative process through artist demonstration and interaction,” Sheehan Bell said.
As part of the Lower Ramble, the series not only celebrates the arts but also invites participants to revel in the natural beauty of the area. Weekend Starts is free and open to the public; all ages are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy the performances and stay awhile. Arriving via the Razorback Greenway is encouraged, but parking is available at the Fayetteville Public Library’s south surface parking lot, as well as on-street parking along West Ave.
Also, the Lower Ramble is located within Fayetteville’s Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA), allowing participants to stop by participating establishments within the designated zone and pick up their favorite to-go beverages to enjoy during the event. However, participants must adhere to the guidelines set forth by the ORA.
In the event of inclement weather, updates regarding cancellations or rescheduling will be provided on the City’s website. Attendees are encouraged to check for updates before heading to the event.
For additional information on the Weekend Starts series, including dates, times and reservation details for Phantasma, please visit the City’s Arts and Culture page: https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/4232/Arts-and-Culture.
