There’s no slow start to 2026 in Fayetteville. Razorback athletics are in full swing, new arts and music spaces are opening their doors, and long-awaited restaurant debuts and events are filling the calendar.

Now’s the perfect time to map out your must-sees for the season. After all, there’s usually more than one thing happening at once, and always more than one good reason to go. From the historic downtown square to Dickson Street, here’s what’s new (and what’s next) in Fayetteville.

Arts & Culture: Creative Spaces Reimagined

If you're looking for art in the heart of the city, consider this your cue. This winter, our newest cultural hubs are popping up in revamped warehouses and performance spaces, welcoming all ages.

Harold Keller: Portals Exhibition
Through March 8, the recently-renovated Alexander Gallery at Porter Art Warehouse is hosting a major retrospective of Arkansas artist Harold Keller. Take a deep dive into the visual legacy of Fayetteville through paintings, drawings, ceramics, and artist books.

Artemis Temperance Lounge
This highly anticipated all-ages venue fills a vital niche in the local music scene, providing a dedicated space for live performances, community programming, and creative workshops for all generations.

Winter Film Series at Puritan Coffee & Beer
Catch a classic at the Puritan Coffee & Beer breezeway. This curated series pairs repertory cinema with local craft brews, creating the perfect "cozy-cool" downtown vibe.

New Fayetteville Dining: Tea, Tacos, and New Library Eats

It’s a great time to be hungry. A fresh batch of flavors has landed in Fayetteville, from national arrivals to independent local roasters. Come pull up a seat.

Now Open: Sweetgreen at South Yard
Fayetteville’s South Yard development just got a lot greener. Sweetgreen, the popular fast-casual restaurant known for fresh, seasonal salads and bowls, is now open for business.

Now Open: Fuego Tortilla Grill
The first Fuego location in Arkansas has officially opened, bringing flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine to the Fayetteville dining landscape with handmade tortillas and creative taco combinations.

Now Open: Firecat Coffee
The city’s coffee scene expands with Firecat Coffee, a drive-thru serving no-nonsense quality coffee, including 20 flavored local roasts.

Now Open: Fayetteville Tea House
Tea enthusiasts have a new dedicated spot in the heart of downtown Fayetteville. This cozy escape offers handcrafted tea blends, matcha lattes, and a private event space.

Now Serving: Handshake Full Menu at Fayetteville Public Library
Community-focused Handshake has unveiled its first full café menu inside the Fayetteville Public Library. You’ll find fresh and creative breakfast, lunch, evening, and grab-and-go offerings.

Your 2026 Arkansas Event Guide

Mark your calendars! 2026 is packed with reasons to get outside, even if you still need a coat.

Saturday, February 7, 2026: Frost Fest Winter Beer Festival
Catch the Yeti at the Washington County Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 7, for Arkansas’s largest outdoor beer festival. Frost Fest 2026 is bringing over 50 regional breweries, live music, and the city’s top food trucks together for one day of winter craft culture.

Psst! While you’re in the spirit, grab your 2026 Fayetteville Ale Trail Passport. We’ve made it easier than ever to complete. You now only need to visit 9 breweries (instead of 23) to claim your prize. Happy sipping.

February 14–17: Fayetteville Mardi Gras
Laissez les bons temps rouler! For Mardi Gras weekend, downtown Fayetteville transforms with a vibrant parade, pub crawl, and live music. It’s a bit of the Bayou right here in the hills.

March 28, 2026: Club América Golden Clash 2026
Razorback Stadium will host its first-ever international soccer match when two Liga MX powerhouses—Club América and Tigres UANL—face off in the Golden Clash, a historic double-header event.

Tickets on sale now! Discover what to do, where to stay, and how to plan your Golden Clash experience in Fayetteville.

July 11, 2026: Post Malone & Jelly Roll Hit Razorback Stadium
Post Malone and Jelly Roll are set to take over Razorback Stadium this summer as The BIG ASS Stadium Tour Part 2 rolls through town, with Carter Faith joining the show. Make a weekend of it by exploring our world-class trail network and patio hopping your way through the Dickson Street entertainment district. Tickets go on sale February 10.

Arkansas Razorback Sports: New & Newsworthy

Fayetteville’s sports scene is hitting 2026 at a full sprint. With multiple programs ranked nationally and major championships on the calendar, Razorback athletics continue to give the city plenty to rally around.

• Men’s Basketball: Now sitting at No. 21 in the AP poll, the Hogs are entering the heart of SEC play as one of the most efficient scoring teams in the country.
• Gymnastics: Currently ranked No. 6 nationally, the Gymbacks are fresh off a string of individual event titles and season-high scores.
• Track & Field: We aren't called the "Track Capital of the World" for nothing. Catch the best in the business at the NCAA Indoor Championships on March 13–14.
• Baseball: The Road to Omaha begins at home. After a stint in Texas, the Diamond Hogs return to Baum–Walker Stadium for their home opener on February 20.
• Football: A new era begins under Ryan Silverfield, the 35th head coach in program history. The buzz around spring practice is already building.

On the Horizon: FIFA Buzz and America’s 250

The winter momentum is just a warm-up. As spring turns to summer, Fayetteville is preparing for what’s next: a series of initiatives tied to America’s 250 and international FIFA-related events across the region.

Whether you’re mapping out a weekend or thinking further down the road, 2026 is shaping up to be a good year to put Fayetteville on your calendar. Start planning your adventure.

Fayetteville Trip Planning FAQs

Where should I stay in Fayetteville, Arkansas, for an event or weekend visit?
Choose a hotel near Dickson Street to be steps from the nightlife, a quaint B&B near the Historic Square for charm, or a vacation rental to live like a local. Find your perfect place to stay.

How does parking work downtown?
The easiest way is the ParkMobile app. Just enter your zone number and pay from your phone. You’ll also find pay stations throughout the Entertainment District that accept cash or credit. Find out more about parking in Fayetteville.

Where can I find upcoming events in Fayetteville, Arkansas?
If you’re planning a trip around a game, festival, concert, or seasonal celebration, the best place to start is our events calendar.

What are some other things to do in Fayetteville, Arkansas, while visiting for an event?
Surrounded by the scenic Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville is the entertainment capital of Northwest Arkansas. Our city offers a thriving arts scene, live music and nightlife, farm-to-table dining, and attractions for all ages.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find miles of cycling trails—befitting the only U.S. city recognized as a UCI Bike City—along with hiking, scenic drives, and year-round recreation. Add historic sites, local boutiques, family-friendly activities, and Razorback athletics, and you’ll find plenty to fill a weekend (or more).