Experience Fayetteville has announced the launch of the Favoriteville Festival Fund, a new initiative designed to support festivals and events that enrich the cultural life of Fayetteville, Arkansas while strengthening the local tourism economy — particularly during traditionally slower travel seasons. The Favoriteville Festival Fund will provide post-event financial support for up to two qualifying festivals each year. The program is designed to reduce financial risk for organizers who bring bold ideas, strong planning, and a demonstrated commitment to community impact. By encouraging innovation, inclusivity, and long-term sustainability, the initiative further reinforces Fayetteville’s reputation as a vibrant, year-round destination. A Strategic Investment in Creativity and Community Unique community events are central to Fayetteville’s identity. They create memorable visitor experiences, support local businesses, and showcase the city’s creative energy. The Favoriteville Festival Fund reflects a strategic investment in those experiences — particularly during periods when tourism activity typically slows. The initiative directly supports Experience Fayetteville’s mission to elevate quality of life through tourism promotion, partnerships, and strategic programs. It also aligns with the “Bring Out the Best” imperative outlined in the organization’s master plan, affirming its role as a champion of Fayetteville’s most dynamic cultural assets. A Responsible, Performance-Based Model Unlike traditional grant programs that provide upfront funding, the Favoriteville Festival Fund operates as a margin protection model. This post-event support mechanism is structured to encourage thoughtful planning and financial responsibility while reducing the risk associated with producing ambitious events. This performance-based structure ensures accountability and transparency while supporting high-quality events that contribute meaningfully to the city’s tourism ecosystem. Prioritizing Seasonal Activation and Community Impact The program is specifically designed to activate quieter times of year and create new reasons for both visitors and residents to experience Fayetteville. Priority consideration will be given to events that: Take place during slower tourism periods, including late January through early February and late June through early August Demonstrate measurable economic impact and sound financial management Celebrate Fayetteville’s unique identity, creativity, and sense of place Application and Review Process The Favoriteville Festival Fund is administered through an annual application process. Proposals are evaluated using a transparent scoring framework that considers event viability, projected economic and cultural impact, financial responsibility, organizer experience, access and inclusion efforts, and seasonal timing. During the application process, organizers submit a projected event budget and establish a reasonable target profit margin. Following the event, Experience Fayetteville staff review actual revenues and expenses. If the agreed-upon margin is not achieved, the Fund may reimburse up to 30% of eligible expenses, with a maximum reimbursement of $30,000, to help close the gap. By lowering financial barriers and encouraging bold, community-focused ideas, the Favoriteville Festival Fund supports the continued growth of Fayetteville, Arkansas as a place of connection, creativity, and celebration — in every season.  FAVORITEVILLE FUNDING REQUEST FORM

Annual list of outstanding professionals named In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week, Experience Fayetteville, the city’s destination marketing organization, recognized hotel and restaurant workers and professionals from local attractions for outstanding work in welcoming visitors. Experience Fayetteville Vice President of Destination Services Julie Pennington surprised 18 hospitality professionals with the honor of Hospitality Hero. In addition to individual awards, Terra Studios – celebrating its 50th anniversary – was named Attraction of the Year. “Tourism is the second largest industry in Arkansas, and the hospitality you feel in Fayetteville is second to none,” Pennington said. “This award recognizes the professionals who make Fayetteville our Favoriteville by embodying the highest standards of hospitality every day.” Justin West – Fayetteville Town CenterMicah Welsh – Terra StudiosJulie Sill – Feral PigKim Sharpe – Citiscapes MagazineWade Ogle – Block Street RecordsEmily Gentry – Mount Sequoyah CenterElvis Moya – Razorback AthleticsMike Wiederkehr – Fayetteville City CouncilKristin Rogers – City of FayettevilleDavid Wright – Fayetteville Public LibraryCarlye Dennis – Fayetteville Public LibraryTrey Smith – TheatreSquaredKrista Garraway – Calle RestaurantDanielle McGrath – Inn at Carnall HallKelly Way – U of A HospitalityNick Johnston – U of A HospitalityLobat Siahmakoun – U of A HospitalityCollin Brunner – U of A Alumni RelationsTerra Studios – Attraction of the Year   Justin West – Fayetteville Town Center Micah Welsh – Terra Studios Julie Sill – Feral Pig Kim Sharpe – Citiscapes Magazine Wade Ogle – Block Street Records Emily Gentry – Mount Sequoyah Center Elvis Moya – Razorback Athletics Mike Wiederkehr – Fayetteville City Council Kristin Rogers – City of Fayetteville David Wright – Fayetteville Public Library Carlye Dennis – Fayetteville Public Library Trey Smith – TheatreSquared Krista Garraway – Calle Restaurant Danielle McGrath – Inn at Carnall Hall U of A Hospitality Collin Brunner – U of A Alumni Relations Terra Studios – Attraction of the Year jQuery('[data-showtime-renderer="lightgallery"][data-showtime-id="4"] a[data-showtime-caption]').each(function() { var el = jQuery(this); el.attr('data-sub-html', el.attr('data-showtime-caption')); }); jQuery('[data-showtime-renderer="lightgallery"][data-showtime-id="4"]').lightGallery({"selector":"a[data-showtime-width]","galleryId":4}); jQuery('[data-showtime-id="4"]').slick({ dots: false, arrows: true, autoplay: true, autoplaySpeed: 3000, slidesToScroll: 2, slidesToShow: 3, centerMode: false, responsive: [{"breakpoint":768,"settings":{"slidesToShow":1,"slidesToScroll":1,"centerMode":false,"dots":true,"arrows":true}},{"breakpoint":992,"settings":{"slidesToShow":2,"slidesToScroll":2,"centerMode":false,"dots":true,"arrows":true}},{"breakpoint":1200,"settings":{"slidesToShow":3,"slidesToScroll":3,"centerMode":false,"dots":true,"arrows":true}}] });  

Throughout Fayetteville’s Downtown this summer, you’ll see a series of banners celebrating attractions throughout the city, including some brand new ones! Have you experienced these standout attractions?

Hotel and Restaurant Professionals Honored

In her 20th year of service, Pennington focuses on local tourism businesses