Where Fayetteville Takes the Stage

Some nights in Fayetteville are made for live performance. You can feel it as people make their way downtown, grabbing dinner before the lights dim at Walton Arts Center or meeting friends at The Commons before a play at TheatreSquared. Whether it's a Broadway musical, a new play, a family performance or a live concert, Fayetteville offers a seat for you.

From nationally touring Broadway productions to award-winning theatre, community performances and family-friendly shows, Fayetteville's stages stay busy throughout the year. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or looking for a memorable night out, it's easy to make live performance part of your time in Fayetteville.

See Broadway in Northwest Arkansas

For many visitors, a trip to Fayetteville starts with a show at Walton Arts Center.

For more than three decades, Walton Arts Center has welcomed Broadway tours, internationally acclaimed musicians, comedians, dance companies and family entertainment to Northwest Arkansas. The annual Broadway Series continues to bring some of the biggest productions on tour to Fayetteville, while year-round programming includes concerts, jazz performances, family shows and special events that fill the calendar long after Broadway season ends.

Whether you've been waiting months for a Tony Award-winning musical or simply want a memorable night out, Walton Arts Center offers performances that draw audiences from across the region.

Experience Award-Winning Theater

Just a short walk away, TheatreSquared has earned a national reputation for producing powerful, thought-provoking theater in an intimate setting.

Named one of the country's leading regional theaters, TheatreSquared has received national recognition, including a 2022 Obie Award, while remaining deeply connected to the Fayetteville community. Each season features a mix of classic plays, contemporary works and new productions, giving audiences plenty of reasons to come back throughout the year.

Before the curtain rises, enjoy dinner or drinks at The Commons Bar & Café, located inside the theatre. Throughout the year, TheatreSquared also hosts community events, conversations and special programs that make the space feel like more than a theater—it's a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Beyond the Big Stage

The performing arts in Fayetteville extend well beyond the professional stage.

The University of Arkansas Department of Theatre presents a variety of student productions each year, giving audiences a chance to see emerging performers, directors and designers in action. Arts Live Theatre introduces young performers to the stage while producing family-friendly shows the community has come to love. Smokehouse Players continues a long tradition of community theater, bringing local talent together for productions that entertain audiences of all ages.

These organizations help make Fayetteville's arts community feel approachable, welcoming, and connected.

A Stage for Every Performance

No two weekends in Fayetteville look exactly the same. One weekend might bring a Broadway musical, while the next features a student production, a children's performance or a live jazz concert. That's one of the things locals love most about the city's performing arts scene—there's always something new to experience.

Make It a Night Downtown

One of the best things about Fayetteville's performing arts scene is how easily it blends into the rest of your visit.

Enjoy dinner before the show, stroll through the Downtown Square, explore Dickson Street or stop for dessert after the curtain falls.

One of the greatest parts? You can park once and spend the evening on foot. Most of Fayetteville's major performing arts venues are located within easy walking distance of several hotels, many restaurants, local breweries, downtown public art, and nightlife.

If you're planning a weekend getaway, catch a show on Friday night, spend Saturday exploring Fayetteville's trails, shops and galleries, then wrap up your visit with brunch before heading home.

It's the kind of trip that reminds you that a great performance is only part of the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I see live theater in Fayetteville?

Fayetteville is home to several performing arts organizations, including Walton Arts Center, TheatreSquared, the University of Arkansas Department of Theatre, Arts Live Theatre and Smokehouse Players, with performances taking place throughout the year.

Does Fayetteville have Broadway shows?

Yes. Walton Arts Center's Broadway Series brings nationally touring Broadway productions to downtown Fayetteville each season, along with concerts, dance performances, comedy and family entertainment.

What makes TheatreSquared unique?

TheatreSquared is Arkansas' largest professional nonprofit theater and has earned national recognition for its productions. Visitors can also enjoy dinner or drinks at The Commons Bar & Café before the show and attend community events throughout the year.

Are there family-friendly performances in Fayetteville?

Absolutely. Walton Arts Center presents a variety of family programming throughout the year, while TheatreSquared's Family Series, Arts Live Theatre and other local organizations offer performances designed for younger audiences and families.

Can I make a weekend out of Fayetteville's performing arts scene?

Definitely. Many of Fayetteville's theaters are located downtown, within walking distance or a short drive from restaurants, hotels, shopping and entertainment, making it easy to build an entire weekend around a performance.