After months of packing lists and trunk-loading Tetris, it’s finally time to help your student settle into their new home at the University of Arkansas. We can’t wait to welcome them to their new Favoriteville. Don't sweat the farewell too much; you'll be back before you know it. Family Weekend is right around the corner on September 25–27, packed with parent-student events culminating in an old regional rivalry as our Hogs host the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. To make the most of your time in town, we’ve got your off-campus itinerary covered for both trips. Follow us to the stays, the eats, and the spots that turn visitors into lifelong Razorbacks. The Campus Hand-Off: What to Know With so many families arriving at once, campus gets busy fast. Not to worry—the University of Arkansas has move-in down to a science. While you can find the official logistics in the U of A Move-In 2026 Guide, here are a few tips to help you and your student navigate the big move smoothly. Pick Your Window Rather than assigning you an arrival time, the university lets families choose their own move-in slot. Keep in mind that students participating in early arrival groups (like Sorority Recruitment, Razorback Marching Band, Lead Hogs, Path, Spirit Squad, or ASAP) will have unique registration pages. Bookmark the Official Packing List Instead of guessing how many storage bins fit under a lofted bed, head straight to the U of A Ready to Arrive Guide. It breaks down exact mattress sizes, what’s already provided in the room, what’s off-limits, and how bathroom setups work across different halls. It covers questions like: What does University Housing already provide? What items should students bring? What items should stay home? What size is the mattress? How does lofting work? What are the bathroom setups like? Prepare to Pitch In While campus volunteers will be on-site to lend a hand with boxes, outside commercial moving crews aren't allowed in the residence hall unloading lots. Unpacking is a hands-on, family effort, so come prepared with comfy clothes and shoes. Park Once and Catch the Shuttle Once the car is unloaded and moved to long-term parking, you don't have to keep fighting traffic. Campus runs dedicated move-in shuttles from Wednesday through Saturday, looping between key residence halls and major parking lots. What is Family Weekend at the University of Arkansas? Family Weekend is the perfect reason to head back to Fayetteville, hang out with your student, and pretend you’re in college again for a few days. The weekend hosts events like Cardinal Nights: Casino Night, the traditional Family Tailgate, and Sunday Brunch together in the dining hall. Registration is $100 per person and includes: A Family Weekend t-shirt and other memorabilia Entrance to Cardinal Nights (food available at the event) Entrance to the family tailgate (food available at the event) Sunday family brunch Link to purchase discounted football tickets Log in to the Razorback Family Portal to register for Family Weekend 2026. Check-In Times & Locations You'll need to stop by check-in to pick up your Family Weekend packages. Head over to the Arkansas Union International Connections Lounge during these times: Thursday, September 24: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Early Pick-Up) Friday, September 25: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Saturday, September 26: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Check out the full Family Weekend 2026 schedule for all the event times and locations. Game Day: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Tulsa Golden Hurricane No doubt about it: the main event of Family Weekend is watching the Razorbacks under the lights at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. This year features a renewed regional rivalry as Arkansas hosts the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with a 7:00 p.m. kickoff. The Hogs bring a commanding 19-game winning streak into this matchup, marking their first showdown with Tulsa since a 23-0 shutout back in 2018. Get your regular tickets or register for Family Weekend to receive a specialized link for discounted game tickets as part of your package. Make the Most of Your Weekend in Fayetteville Move-in or game day, Fayetteville's always worth an extra stop or two before you head out. In August, those student mixers are your gentle nudge to bow out gracefully (read: stop hovering) so your student can make friends. In September, the gaps in the Family Weekend schedule are your green light to steal them away for a few hours. Tour the Town The Fayetteville Square & Farmers Market The downtown Fayetteville Square is completely pedestrian-friendly so you can park and explore everything on foot. It’s full of character, packed with some of the best local shopping in Northwest Arkansas on Block Street, and home to the outdoor Fayetteville Farmers Market on Saturdays. Take Advantage of Peak Outdoor Season August heat is no joke, but early mornings and cooler September evenings are prime time for outdoor adventures. Hop on the Razorback Greenway (the paved trail running right past campus) for a stroll or bike ride between events. If you're looking for a view (or family photo), you can also drive up Mount Sequoyah for a sunset look over campus. If you’re thinking of extending your visit and exploring further out of town, we've got a guide for you: Fayetteville & Beyond: Single-Day Road Trips. Dickson Street Bookshop & Pearl’s Books We’ve got a soft spot for good stories, and you’ll find plenty of those around here. Wander Dickson Street Bookshop’s maze of used books or browse the shelves at Pearl’s Books near the Square to pick up a little parting gift for your student. Ozark Music Hall & George’s Majestic Lounge Who says nightlife is only for the kids? Catching a live show is a great way to wrap up a day. Check the schedules at George’s Majestic Lounge (the oldest music venue in Arkansas!) or Ozark Music Hall to see who’s in town during your trip dates. Looking for more ideas? Explore our guides to: University of Arkansas Sights Things Every University of Arkansas Freshman Should Do Things to Do in Fayetteville, Arkansas on Razorback Football Weekends Taste the Town Fuel Up on Local Coffee On busy weekends, good mornings are made great with local coffee. Treat your student to a cup from one of Fayetteville’s favorites: Onyx Coffee Lab, Arsaga’s, Puritan Coffee & Beer, Doomsday Coffee & Roasterie, Little Bread Co., The Meteor, and so many more. Toast the Send-Off Grab a passport and hop your way through Northwest Arkansas’s craft beer scene along the Fayetteville Ale Trail, or take advantage of Fayetteville’s Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA). It’s a real Fayetteville novelty: grab a designated cup from participating downtown spots and sip while you stroll. Dine at Local Mainstays Treat yourself to a meal at the iconic spots your student will be raving about for the next several years. Descend into the cozy basement at Hugo’s for a legendary burger, hit Hammontree’s for gourmet grilled cheese, sit down for farm-to-table comfort food at Mockingbird Kitchen, or have dinner in the heart of campus at Ella’s Table at Inn at Carnal Hall. Where to Stay During Move-In & Family Weekends Trust us: you do not want to start move-in day or a Razorback game day after an hours-long morning drive. Get into town the day before, sleep in just a little, and grab a cup of coffee before the day really kicks off (literally or figuratively). Even better, downtown Fayetteville is right next to campus, which keeps you close to everything. Stay nearby at Graduate Fayetteville (extra Razorback spirit included), Moxy Fayetteville, The Stonebreaker Hotel, Inn at Carnall Hall right on campus, and plenty more. Find your Fayetteville home base for move-in and Family Weekends. Frequently Asked Questions: Move-In & Family Weekend 2026 When is University of Arkansas Move-In Weekend 2026? Main move-in 2026 runs from Thursday, August 6 through Saturday, August 8. Additional move-in windows are available from August 10 through August 14, though residence hall parking lots are no longer protected or restricted during that secondary week. When is University of Arkansas Family Weekend 2026? University of Arkansas Family Weekend 2026 takes place from Friday, September 25 through Sunday, September 27, 2026. Where can I shop for last-minute dorm supplies in Fayetteville? Head to the Target on Shiloh Drive or the Walmart Supercenter on Mall Avenue for dorm essentials, or stop by the U of A Campus Bookstore right in the Garland Center for quick study supplies and Razorback gear. What is the closest airport to the University of Arkansas? Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is the primary commercial airport serving Fayetteville. It’s located about 45 minutes northwest of campus and downtown Fayetteville via AR-112 or I-49. Who do the Razorbacks play during Family Weekend 2026? The Arkansas Razorbacks play the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

Few traditions in Fayetteville match the excitement of Razorback football Saturdays. From the first Hog Call to the final whistle, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium becomes the center of Razorback Nation as fans from across Arkansas and beyond gather to cheer on the Hogs. Whether you're planning a season of home games or making the trip for a single weekend, here's the 2026 Arkansas Razorback football schedule to help you plan your visit. Arkansas opens a new chapter this season under head coach Ryan Silverfield with seven home games, including five SEC matchups in Fayetteville. 2026 Home Games Sept. 5 – North Alabama (nonconference) Sept. 19 – Georgia (SEC) Sept. 26 – Tulsa (nonconference) Oct. 10 – Tennessee (SEC) Oct. 31 – Missouri (SEC) Nov. 14 – South Carolina (SEC) Nov. 28 – LSU (SEC) Away Games Sept. 12 – at University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah) (nonconference) Oct. 3 – at Texas A&M University (College Station, Texas) (SEC) Oct. 17 – at Vanderbilt University (Nashville, Tennessee) (SEC) Nov. 7 – at Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama) (SEC) Nov. 21 – at The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, Texas) (SEC) Plan Your Football Weekend Planning a trip to Fayetteville for a Razorback game? Reserve your hotel early, especially for SEC weekends, and be sure to check out this great resource for restaurants, parking, campus attractions and game day activities to make the most of your stay. Frequently Asked Questions Where do the Arkansas Razorbacks play home football games? The Arkansas Razorbacks play all home football games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville. Located just steps from Dickson Street and downtown, the stadium is within walking distance of restaurants, hotels and entertainment. How many home games do the Razorbacks have in 2026? Arkansas will play seven home games during the 2026 regular season, including five SEC matchups against Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, South Carolina and LSU, along with nonconference games against North Alabama and Tulsa. When is Homecoming at the University of Arkansas? Homecoming is Saturday, October 31, 2026, when the Razorbacks host Missouri in the annual Battle Line Rivalry. Homecoming weekend features traditions, alumni events and one of the season's most spirited atmospheres in Fayetteville. Where can I buy Arkansas Razorback football tickets? Single-game and season tickets are available through the official Arkansas Razorbacks Ticket Center. Purchasing through the official ticket office is the best way to secure verified seats for home games. When should I book a hotel for a Razorback football weekend? As soon as you know you're coming. Hotels in Fayetteville fill quickly for SEC games and special weekends like Homecoming, so booking several months in advance gives you the best selection and rates.

Best Things to Do in Fayetteville on Razorback Football Weekends Every fall, Razorback fans travel to Fayetteville to watch the Hogs play football! College game day is a staple of American culture, especially in the South and SEC, but here, the options for weekend fun go beyond the Saturday battle on the gridiron. Visitors in town for the football game often stay Friday through Sunday for the best experience - and leave wishing they had more time. When you aren’t tailgating and cheering at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, make the most of your weekend trip by trying some of these popular traditions and things to do in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Best Restaurants in Fayetteville for Razorback Game Day Weekends If you’re talking football, you’ve got to think about food! Along with anticipating the delicious snacks and barbecue at the game itself, many fans return to town eager for another meal at their favorite Fayetteville restaurants. Staples such as Sassy's Red House, Hugo’s, Penguin Ed’s and the Catfish Hole are always popular and never disappoint, which is why so many people continue to make time to visit on game day weekends. For breakfast, try Farmer’s Table Cafe or Little Bread Company, both favorites for locals and visitors alike. Hammontree’s, Feed and Folly, and Loafin Joes are great lunch options for groups near the stadium, and you can enjoy delicious and incredible dinners at Theo’s, Geraldi's, and Mockingbird Kitchen. New restaurants pop up in Fayetteville regularly, and some of those dining options have quickly become new traditions for Hog fans. If you’re looking to try something different, explore the options at Cheers at the OPO, Bocca, or City Park! No matter what you’re craving, there’s a restaurant in Fayetteville that’s serving it. For a more complete list, check out the Experience Fayetteville Restaurant Guide. Fayetteville Breweries and the Fayetteville Ale Trail Like food, beer always seems to come up when football plans are being made! As a college town, Fayetteville has always had (and continues to have) a plethora of great watering holes. If you’re a beer drinker, however, conquering the Fayetteville Ale Trail will quickly become a favorite activity for football weekends. With 9 stops in Fayetteville, there’s a nearby brewery stop on the Fayetteville Ale Trail no matter where you’re staying! The tour is self-guided, acting as a taproom roadmap that gives visitors an easy glimpse into the craft beer culture in Northwest Arkansas. Participants can pick up a passport at any brewery location and then collect stamps at each stop for a keepsake. Once you’ve finished your “flight”, show your passport at the Experience Fayetteville Visitors Center to claim a special bonus prize. Arts and Entertainment in Fayetteville Of course football fans appreciate the arts, especially when the works are as diverse and fun as they are here! Fayetteville has historically been known as a “funky” mountain town with a thriving arts scene. The beauty of the surrounding Ozark Mountains acts as a muse for a number of local artists, shaping their eventual masterpieces. With public art, large-scale murals, and galleries sprinkled throughout town, one visit to Fayetteville is all you need to see great works by local painters, sculptors and craftsmen — and sometimes, to bring a piece of art back home! Live arts are a must-experience in Fayetteville, too. From a sprawling list of live music venues where you can see a concert any weekend night to unforgettable performances by artists and entertainers, we’ve got it all. Downtown Fayetteville is home to Obie Award winning TheatreSquared in addition to the Walton Arts Center, the largest and most-booked venue of its kind in all of Arkansas. Together, they’ve made the Downtown & Dickson Street Entertainment District the performing arts capital of Northwest Arkansas. Dickson Street Nightlife After Razorback Games When the game is over, this is where Razorback fans go to celebrate. Dickson Street serves as the epicenter for fun throughout Northwest Arkansas — and it’s right next to campus! Home to many of Fayetteville’s most popular bars and restaurants, Dickson Street is quite literally lined with a huge variety of options. A few favorite places to grab drinks for visitors are 21st Amendment, Kingfish, Sideways, JJ's Grill, Dickson Street Pub and Brewski’s. Dining spots range from late-night food trucks, to sports bar fare, to fine dining. A few favorites are Los Bobos Taqueria, Farrell’s Lounge, The Leroy Lounge, Doe’s Eat Place, and Bordinos.  Dickson Street also offers live music almost every night of the week. Legendary names of the music industry have passed through Fayetteville and played here, particularly at George’s Majestic Lounge, the oldest and longest-running club and live music venue in Arkansas. Must-See University of Arkansas Attractions Along with attending the game at Razorback Stadium, any alumni in town for the weekend should visit the University of Arkansas campus for a stroll down memory lane, and to see the amazing growth that’s taken place! Even if you’re just here for the football, the campus is beautiful and a great place to stroll. As new buildings crop up at the University of Arkansas, Old Main remains the cornerstone of campus. Completed in 1875, Old Main is the most recognizable symbol of the university (and the most Instagrammed landmark in Arkansas, if you’re looking for a great selfie). Behind Old Main is a statue of U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright, namesake of the Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences. The dedication ceremony included special guest President Bill Clinton, whose first home with Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton (now the Clinton House Museum) is located just off the other side of campus. The lawn, or arboretum, is home to one of every native tree in Arkansas, with a few exceptions. While you're there, another must-do on game weekends is finding names on Senior Walk. Each year, all graduates have their name carved into the sidewalk that circles and cuts through campus. The walk begins directly in front of Old Main with the first graduating class of 1876. This season, make sure to find the names of your friends and family! Why Fayetteville Is One of the Best SEC Cities to Visit Did you know that in the newly released U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Live rankings (2026), Fayetteville ranked higher than every other Southeastern Conference city evaluated? For visitors, the ranking confirms something locals have known for years: the qualities that make Fayetteville one of the best places to live in America are the same reasons people love spending time here. Read about the cities of the SEC here.  Go Your Own Way There's always something happening in Fayetteville! If none of these options are what you're looking for, check out the Experience Fayetteville Event Calendar for things to do on the weekends or browse some of the most popular attractions in Northwest Arkansas. Frequently Asked Questions About Fayetteville Football Weekends What should I do in Fayetteville besides attending the Razorback game? Visitors can explore Dickson Street, enjoy local restaurants, tour the University of Arkansas campus, visit breweries along the Fayetteville Ale Trail, and attend arts and entertainment events throughout the city. Where should Razorback fans eat on game weekends? Popular local favorites include Hugo's, Penguin Ed's, Catfish Hole, Hammontree's, Cheer's at the OPO, City Park, Mockingbird Kitchen and many other delicious restaurants listed in the restaurant guide. Where should I park on Razorback football game weekends? Public parking is available in downtown Fayetteville garages, and many fans walk or take the free game day shuttle to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arrive early, and check the University of Arkansas' official game day parking guide for the latest parking and shuttle information. Is Dickson Street walkable from the University of Arkansas? Yes. Dickson Street is located adjacent to campus and is one of the most popular entertainment districts in Northwest Arkansas. What is the Fayetteville Ale Trail? The Fayetteville Ale Trail is a self-guided brewery experience that allows visitors to collect stamps at participating breweries and earn a commemorative prize.

When people debate the best cities in the SEC, the conversation usually starts with game days, rivalries and traditions. But a new national ranking looked beyond the stadiums and asked a different question: Where do people actually want to live? The answer was Fayetteville, Arkansas. In the newly released U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Live rankings, Fayetteville ranked higher than every other Southeastern Conference city evaluated, finishing ahead of destinations such as Nashville, Athens, Knoxville, Lexington, Columbia, Auburn, Baton Rouge, Oxford, Starkville and College Station. For visitors, the ranking confirms something locals have known for years: the qualities that make Fayetteville one of the best places to live in America are the same reasons people love spending time here. The SEC's Best-Kept Secret Isn't a Secret Anymore College towns are known for their energy. Fayetteville has that. What sets Fayetteville apart is everything that happens between game days. This is a city where you can spend the morning riding mountain bike trails, grab lunch on the Downtown Square, explore local shops and public art, and finish the evening cheering on the Razorbacks alongside thousands of passionate fans. Across the SEC, plenty of cities have college sports. Plenty have outdoor recreation. Fayetteville is one of the few places where those experiences are woven together into everyday life. That combination of outdoor adventure, Razorback spirit, local culture and quality of life continues to attract both visitors and new residents from across the country. Why Fayetteville Ranked Above Every Other SEC City The U.S. News rankings evaluate communities based on factors including quality of life, desirability, value and job market strength. Fayetteville's high ranking reflects what people experience when they visit: a city that is growing thoughtfully while maintaining the character that makes it unique. Walkable neighborhoods, a thriving local business community, nationally recognized outdoor recreation, a strong arts and culture scene, and access to career opportunities all contribute to Fayetteville's appeal. That momentum extends across Northwest Arkansas, which continues to receive national recognition for economic growth and quality of life. Earlier this year, the Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers metro was named the No. 1 Best-Performing Large Metro Area in the United States, highlighting the region's strong job growth, expanding technology sector and economic opportunity. For travelers, that growth means a destination that continues to invest in new experiences while staying true to its roots. A City Built for Exploring One of Fayetteville's biggest advantages is how easy it is to experience so much in a single day. You can start the morning with coffee on the Downtown Square, hop on the Razorback Greenway for a bike ride, spend the afternoon exploring local boutiques and attractions, and be in a packed Razorback venue by evening. The city's trail network connects parks, neighborhoods and entertainment districts, making it easy to experience Fayetteville on foot or by bike. Just beyond downtown, the Ozark Mountains provide endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, paddling, fishing and scenic drives, giving visitors direct access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. It's a lifestyle that increasingly appeals to travelers looking for destinations that combine outdoor access, culture, convenience, and authenticity. Where Razorback Tradition Meets Everyday Life Of course, no conversation about Fayetteville is complete without the University of Arkansas. Razorback athletics help define the city's identity, creating an atmosphere that visitors can feel throughout the year. Whether it's football on The Hill, basketball inside Bud Walton Arena or baseball at Baum-Walker Stadium, Fayetteville delivers some of the most memorable game-day experiences in college sports. National recognition continues to follow. Bud Walton Arena was recently recognized among the top 15 toughest arenas to play at in college basketball, while Baum-Walker Stadium has been nominated for USA TODAY's 2026 Readers' Choice Award for best college baseball stadium. For visitors, these aren't just sporting events. They're opportunities to experience one of the most passionate fan cultures in the SEC. More Than a College Town What makes Fayetteville special is that it never fits neatly into a single category. It's an outdoor recreation destination. It's a thriving college town. It's a growing business hub. It's an arts and entertainment center. And increasingly, it's becoming known as one of the most desirable places to live in America. The latest U.S. News ranking reinforces what visitors often discover after a few days here: Fayetteville offers something that many destinations spend years trying to create—a genuine sense of place. Experience America's Top-Ranked SEC City Whether you're planning a Razorback game weekend, a cycling trip, a live music getaway, a family vacation or your first ever visit to Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville offers experiences that go far beyond expectations. The city's combination of SEC traditions, outdoor adventure, local flavor and exceptional quality of life has earned national recognition—and continues to win over visitors every day. Come see why Fayetteville ranked above every other SEC city on the list of America's Best Places to Live.

In Northwest Arkansas, we love to call the Hogs and fill the stands for home games! So, whether you're visiting with an opposing team or you're in town to cheer on the Razorbacks, welcome to Fayetteville. We can't wait for you to experience game day in our beautiful Ozark Mountain surroundings. Arkansas has a long tradition of backing its Razorbacks, whether it's football, baseball, basketball, volleyball or any of the other eight sports at the University of Arkansas. Hog fans come out in full force to root on their team.

Fayetteville, Arkansas and the rowdy Razorback fans that join us each fall make each game day the experience of a lifetime. Visitors flock to the University of Arkansas to take part in one of the most vibrant and celebrated tailgating scenes in the country each Razorback football home game day - and it just got easier for you to do the same!