Things to Do in Northwest Arkansas | Experience Fayetteville

Attractions

Surrounded by the scenic Ozark Mountains, Fayetteville is the entertainment capital of Northwest Arkansas. With our thriving arts scene, legendary live music and nightlife, culinary treasures, and events and attractions for all ages, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Fayetteville! Enjoy nearly anything you can imagine, from Razorback athletic events to winding mountain roads made for motorcycles. We’ve got enough outdoor activities to last a lifetime, and a system of cycling trails befitting of the only Bike City in the United States.  When you experience Fayetteville, brimming with historic sites, boutiques, and family-friendly activities, you’ll find enough variety to keep your entire group all smiles.

We invite you to explore our unique corner of Arkansas and immerse yourself in our thriving community. With its small town feel and big time culture, Fayetteville’s full of attractions that just might find you extending your stay!

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The Experience Fayetteville Visitors Center, located on the Historic Downtown Square, is the go-to place to learn about the best things to do and events going on while you’re in town! The Visitors Center offers a public restroom, a water bottle refilling station, a seating area, and local art on display, plus videos and wall maps showcasing attractions throughout Fayetteville. As the neon sign says, all are welcome! Be sure to make this your first stop and pick up a free Visitor’s Guide, Fayetteville Ale Trail passport, maps, and brochures to help you get around. Plus, browse a unique assortment of locally made merchandise and one-of-a-kind souvenirs!

Experience Fayetteville Visitors Center

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Spend an afternoon bonding with the family at Arkadia Retrocade, where parents can relive their arcade days on games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, and kids can ditch the PlayStation for the afternoon to enjoy the timeless strategies of games like Tetris and Asteroids. The classic, stand-up arcade machines are straight out of the ‘80s: vintage, out-of-service machines, fixed up and installed in the Retrocade! $5 - cash only - covers you for all-day game play, no quarters necessary.

Arkadia Retrocade

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You won’t want to miss this museum that flies! In a way, it’s literal -- Fayetteville’s Arkansas Air & Military Museum is an unusual one in that many of the historic aircraft on display can still take flight. Residing in an all-wood hangar listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places, this largest aviation museum in Arkansas is a fascinating glimpse into the colorful history of aviation in the state, bursting with original artifacts and aviation memorabilia. Small but mighty, this tucked-away gem is an experience the entire family can enjoy.

Arkansas Air and Military Museum

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Stroll along the iconic Dickson Street in downtown Fayetteville long enough and you’ll stumble upon ArtCourt, a one-of-a-kind destination that celebrates the intersection of art and sports! Amidst a street full of bars and shops, the space suddenly opens up along the sidewalk into a basketball court, transformed by a vibrant and colorful mural that covers every inch of the space. Look closely at the colorful patterns underfoot and you’ll hardly believe that they were painted by hand! ArtCourt is open to the public, and visitors are encouraged to come and play basketball, relax in the shade, or simply admire and explore the vibrant and dynamic art space. Be sure to snap a selfie in this oh-so-Instagrammable space and everyone you know will wish that they’d gone to Fayetteville too!

Art Court

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As if the lush landscaping and vibrant themed gardens (all twelve of them!) of our beloved Botanical Garden of the Ozarks right here in Fayetteville aren’t enough, BGO also boasts the only Butterfly House in the state of Arkansas and over 70,000 visitors annually. In true Fayetteville fashion, BGO is a lovely, whimsical, and must-see destination where you can revel in the peace of the outdoors and connect with nature - and each other! Enjoy a leisurely stroll, join a guided tour, or stop by for an event and enjoy the enchanting beauty of the Garden.

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

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Boulders & Brews is an indoor rock climbing gym and coffee shop located in downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas. The combination indoor bouldering joint and coffee shop is the perfect mix of adrenaline and relaxation, offering a full range of climbing options plus delicious coffee and snacks (all sourced locally!). Inside, you’ll find bouldering walls for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced climbers, including the first Kilter Board in Arkansas and an adjustable spray board. Boulders & Brews specifically caters to new climbers, so it’s a great place to meet new locals and challenge yourself physically! After an exhilarating climb on the gym wall’s slabs, vertical faces, overhangs, and roof, you can unwind in the coffee shop and enjoy a delicious latte or snack in the sunny, airy facility. Boulders & Brews is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a fun and challenging workout, a brand new experience to bring back home, or a place to gather with friends. Whether you're a seasoned climber or a complete beginner, Boulders & Brews is for you!

Learn more and see pricing

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Not only did a future United States President and Secretary of State call this now-museum in Fayetteville, Arkansas their first home, they got married right in the middle of the living room!

The Clinton House is a small, unassuming house museum situated just south of the University of Arkansas campus. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the home located at 930 West Clinton Drive holds a special place in American history that reaches far beyond the bounds of Fayetteville.

Admission to the Clinton House Museum is free and includes access to the First Ladies Garden, oodles of campaign memorabilia, and a full-scale replicaa of Hillary's 1975 wedding dress (the orginal was purchased at Dillard's in the Northwest Arkansas Mall).

Plan a visit to the Clinton House Museum

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Fay Jones was an internationally known architect who lived and worked in Fayetteville. His works, including the acclaimed Thorncrown Chapel, can be found throughout Northwest Arkansas and beyond. An apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright, Jones received the AIA Gold Medal, the highest honor awarded by the American Institute of Architects.

Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, the Fay and Gus Jones House is a living expression of Jones' architectural ideals. Designed in 1956 as his family home, it reflects his ability to merge structure with landscape. The home features a large boulder and a spring-like waterfall in the entryway, which also served as Jones' home studio.

Guided tours of the Fay and Gus Jones House offer a unique opportunity to experience Jones’ world firsthand. Tours are by reservation only.

Fay & Gus Jones House

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This self-guided beer tour gives both visitors and locals a glimpse into the unique craft brewery culture of Northwest Arkansas. The Fayetteville Ale Trail currently features 9 stops, each of which will commemorate your visit with a personalized stamp in your passport! Passports are available for no cost at any Ale Trail location or at the Experience Fayetteville Visitors Center. Completed passports can be redeemed for a free prize!

Fayetteville Ale Trail

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If you're a bookworm, a history buff, or just looking for a unique destination to explore in Fayetteville, give the Fayetteville Public Library a second look! While a public library may not be your typical vacation destination, FPL is truly in a class of its own. This modern, spacious library offers a wide variety of resources and services for visitors of all ages and interests, while the building - including an impressive standalone event center - is architecturally interesting and the programming unique. From its extensive collection of books and multimedia materials to its state-of-the-art technology and community programs, the Fayetteville Public Library is the perfect place to discover something new and exciting. While you’re there, see if you can spot the bees on the rooftop, twirl from swings on the terrace, and discover the airplane hanging from the ceiling! Conveniently located in downtown Fayetteville, the library is also just a short walk away from some of the city's best restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Fayetteville Public Library

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Sometimes known as simply “The Square” to locals, Fayetteville’s Historic Square is a popular walkable, history-filled, family friendly location where you’ll never run out of things to do, places to shop, or food to eat! Two hours of free parking will afford you enough time to stroll the gardens, drop by our Experience Fayetteville Visitors Center, grab a local beer and a bite to eat - with time to spare! Make a day of it and enjoy a classic Fayetteville experience by picking up local produce at the Farmers’ Market, taking in the holiday spectacle that is Lights of the Ozarks, soaking in the local culture at First Thursday, or stopping by the annual Block Street Block Party.

Fayetteville Farmer’s Market

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For a unique and exciting way to release some tension in Fayetteville, check out the NWA Smash Lab, located at 1585 S. West Ave. Here, you'll find a one-of-a-kind destination to let loose and unleash whatever needs releasing in a safe, controlled and wickedly fun environment! With a wide range of items to destroy, from plates to electronics to furniture, the NWA Smash Lab offers the ultimate stress-relief experience. An afternoon of letting off some steam at the Smash Lab is both an unconventional way to unwind and an unforgettable Fay-cation experience!

NWA Smash Lab

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A unique experience for groups up to eight people. This house museum was created by two folk musicians who provide a delightful story and song experience along with a quirky collection. Kelly and Donna Mulhollan are accomplished musicians who perform as the duo Still on the Hill. They also host the Ozark Instrument Museum and Exotic Instrument Museum, including dozens of handmade instruments, each with a story more delightful than the last. The museum is free, but donations are welcome. To arrange a visit, call 479-582-2291 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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This family-friendly wonderland of art is home to the iconic Bluebird of Happiness and houses a six-acre art park, gallery, art classes and demonstrations. Replete with sculpture gardens, large-scale murals, sparkling glasswork, fantastical creatures, and playful fountains that are loved by visitors of all ages, Terra Studios inspires creativity in all who visit. Even your dog friends are welcome - when accompanied by conscientious owners prepared to clean up after them, of course! Terra Studios is a wildly popular Northwest Arkansas tourist attraction, and the non-profit welcomes you to visit - for free! - all year round.

Terra Studios

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Nestled in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the Wilson Park Castle is a whimsical and captivating landmark that has been enchanting visitors for decades! Completed in 1981, the charming stone structure boasts intricate details, medieval vibes, and a fantastic sensory experience. The castle and its surrounding structures are built from native stone, with pops of color provided by bits of ceramic tile, colorful rocks, and natural shells. The intricate, imagination-inspiring Castle at Wilson Park is surrounded by detailed gardens and overlooks a spring-fed pond. The unique structural piece is completely interactive and invites kids and adults alike to walk, wonder, play, climb, explore, and peer through its many nooks and notches. It's honestly irresistable! 

Learn more about the Wilson Park Castle

June 27, 2026

Firefly Fling

Firefly Fling, one of Northwest Arkansas’ most anticipated summer outings, returns to the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Come dressed as your favorite fairy, superhero, pirate, fantasy or woodland creature and experience a magical night of fun for the whole family! Each summer, the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks transforms into a whimsical wonderland where attendees can be swept away into a world of imagination and make-believe. Drawing thousands of families from the area to Fayetteville each year, the Firefly Fling Festival offers engaging activites and enchanting experiences for all ages.   Before dark, the event bustles with fairy house building, interactive nature stations, giant bubbles, and captivating roaming performers! Enjoy food trucks and sweet treats as you stroll through the Garden and discover something new around every corner. Alcohol will be available for purchase for guests 21 & up. Everything at the Firefly Fling is set to a background of live music, perfect for singing, dancing, and twirling on the Great Lawn! Once the sun begins to set, gather in the grass for an incredible laser light show unlike anything else in Northwest Arkansas. There will be dinner options available on site, but guests also have the option to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics. This event will be held rain or shine, so come prepared! The BGO does not permit any glass, smoking, vaping or firearms inside the garden and kindly asks guests to leave pets at home. Tickets and additional information for the Firefly Fling are available at bgozarks.com.

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Black Owned Businesses in Fayetteville

We're proud to share this community-sourced roundup of Black-owned businesses in Fayetteville in celebration of National Black-Owned Business Month and every day! There are MANY Black-owned businesses outside of Fayetteville to support as well. A great resource for the greater Northwest Arkansas area is Black Owned NWA. You can find them on Facebook at Black-Owned NWA and on Instagram at @blackownednwa. If you have an addition or correction, please let us know by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or messaging us on social media.

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11 of the Best Things To Do in Fayetteville

There's no shortage of things to see and do in northwest Arkansas. From historic sites to boutiques, nightlife, and family friendly activities, we are proud to offer a variety of activities. Regardless of your speed of entertainment, Fayetteville has an experience for all ages. We invite you to explore our unique corner of Arkansas and immerse yourself in our thriving community. With an abundance of culture and attractions, you may even need to extend your stay!

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New Hotels, Hot Dining, and Can’t-Miss Culture in Fayetteville Fall 2025

If you’re dreaming of a fall getaway that mixes outdoor adventure, vibrant culture, and seriously good eats, welcome to Fayetteville, Arkansas. Tucked into the Ozark Mountains and buzzing with energy, our city is rolling out a fresh wave of new openings and milestone celebrations this season. Here’s what’s waiting for you. Stay: Relaxation Meets Trailhead at Two New Hotels StonebreakerSet among woodland trails, yet just minutes from downtown and the game-day energy near Razorback Stadium, Stonebreaker is a beautifully renovated farmhouse-meets-lodge that gives you the best of both worlds: peaceful retreat and adventure access. With a food and beverage program led by a beloved local chef and direct access to mountain-biking trails, it’s perfect for travelers who want to relax and ride. Tip: Ride from Stonebreaker to Centennial Park via a tunnel under Interstate 49. Moxy Hotel FayettevilleLocated in the revitalized South Yard neighborhood (once a farmers' co-op!), the Moxy brings industrial-chic style, social-first vibes, and a direct connection to the outdoors via the Razorback Greenway. Check in over a drink at the bar, join daily lobby programming if you’re game, and slip out into the fresh air for a stroll or bike ride. Stylish, fun, and ready for adventure. Tip: Moxy is within Fayetteville’s Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA), so you can take a drink to go as you stroll along the Greenway and explore the Upper Ramble. Dine + Drink: Fresh Flavors & Local Finds Onyx Coffee Lab’s stunning café/flower-shop hybrid that blends caffeine, blooms, and light bites into one inspiring space in partnership with Northwest Arkansas Florist. Bloom Cheese Collective anchors a block of women-owned businesses and is shaping up to be a go-to for cheese lovers and community supporters. Sicaru Coffee Roasters, Café Lavande, El Mezcal Mexican Bar & Grill, Plomo Quesadillas, and Goat Lab Brewery (a new stop on the Fayetteville Ale Trail) round out a dynamic lineup of local flavors. Coming Soon: Get ready for Sweetgreen in South Yard, Savory Hibachi, Fuego Tortilla Grill, Benny’s Bagels, and Fayetteville Tea House – all bringing fresh options for your next meal out. Shop + See: Explore with Purpose SonrisaA curated boutique known for unique finds and lively night markets. Great for picking up a one-of-a-kind souvenir or simply browsing something different. World-Class MuralsLook for new murals by Dutch artist Leon Keer, a global street-art heavyweight whose pieces bring big international flair to Fayetteville’s creative scene. A playful cache of toy cars at Fayetteville Public Library comes alive with virtual reality and the Fayetteville Town Center mural is a giant vending machine full of expressive bouncy balls. Anthony Timberlands CenterArchitecturally striking and thoughtfully built, this massive six-storey, glulam-columned timber structure is more than a campus building, it’s a visual statement, with barn-like folds and a vast glazed “shop window” facade that showcase high-tech timber engineering in action. Designed by Grafton Architects with Modus Studio, it’s a “heroic, Roman-quality” building that rewrites how timber shapes the future of architecture. Ideal for design- and photo-lovers. Alexander Gallery at Porter Art WarehouseAfter exterior restoration work by the city of Fayetteville and interior renovations by Walton Arts Center, the Alexander Gallery at Porter Art Warehouse is now open to the public. Named for Bob and Becky Alexander, the gallery has more than 2,500 square feet with movable walls to create flexible exhibition spaces. Overlook at Mount SequoyahOne of Fayetteville’s favorite viewpoints for more than 100 years, the Mount Sequoyah overlook got a glow-up this year, with a new observation deck, an expanded seating area, and a painstaking refurbishment of the historic cross. Celebrate: Events & Milestones National Cyclocross ChampionshipsComing in December: the home stretch for cyclocross fans and athletes alike. Fayetteville welcomes riders and fans nationwide, proving our city is a year-round cycling destination. Milestones to Mark: TheatreSquared is celebrating 20 years of boundary-pushing live performance and is now Arkansas’ largest professional theatre company. Terra Studios hit its 50th anniversary as a beloved arts destination (and home of the iconic Bluebird of Happiness). From trail-to-table stays to cafés with as much character as your tastebuds, to architecture that inspires and festivals that thrill, Fayetteville is evolving quickly and staying true to our laid-back Ozark charm. Ready to plan your next visit? Let us know, and we’ll connect you with local contacts, images, insider details, and everything you need to turn this into an unforgettable trip. See you soon in your Favoriteville!

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Visitor’s Guide

Check out our Fayetteville Visitor’s Guide full of insider tips and guides to hotels, dining, entertainment, the arts, and more

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