Good morning, Springdale.

Keesa Smith-Brantley, executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, spoke Friday at the Hispanic Women's Organization of Arkansas annual conference (held at The Jones Center in Springdale) and said Arkansas offers many chances to help kids while facing challenges in supporting them.

Walmart debuted its first Auto Care Center of the Future in Fayetteville yesterday, letting customers use the Walmart app to schedule service and drop off keys in a smart locker—nine more pilot centers will open at select locations, including Texas, Georgia, West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania, by year end.

The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas has announced nine additional free or low-cost performances as part of its SoNA Beyond music series scheduled through June, with events set to bring classical music into local community spaces.

The series resumes today with SoNA Beyond: The Planets at the Fayetteville Public Library and will include concerts by Sequoyah Strings and other ensembles—aiming to reach new audiences.

Warehouse of Fear in Siloam Springs hosts a haunted house with 54 rooms that can take up to 45 minutes to complete, and owner Charla Reed said the scares build as guests move deeper inside.

The attraction is open every Friday and Saturday through October while visitors can also try Swamp Walker—a zombie-themed ride on a military-style bus—and opt for no scare nights on Thursday, Oct. 16 and Oct. 23.

Springdale Public School District students are taking part in a statewide biliteracy program — which recognizes high school students proficient in two or more languages — to boost their future opportunities.

The program has certified over 3,300 students statewide and 24% are from Springdale, a fact teacher Melissa Meyers said reinforces college and job readiness — a key advantage for graduates.

Arkansas Scholarship Lottery reported that strong Powerball ticket sales boosted its September revenue from $45.6 million in 2024 to $54.7 million as a nearly $1.8 billion jackpot drew many players+ the 20 percent increase highlights growing lottery interest.

A 42-unit apartment complex on Huntsville Avenue in downtown Springdale sold for $4.8 million at $114,285 per unit — purchased by Fayetteville-based Berry Street Collection LLC from Berry Street Partners LLC.

Built in 2000 and recently renovated, the property may draw further local interest — marking a notable shift in the neighborhood market.

The Banana Ball Championship League announced its 2026 schedule with six teams set to play in 75 stadiums across 45 states, but Northwest Arkansas was left out despite earlier sold-out events at Baum-Walker Stadium.

Fans can catch the Loco Beach Coconuts against The Firefighters on March 14, 2026 and March 15, 2026 at Dickey-Stephens Park—tickets will be available through a lottery by Oct. 31.

Interim coach Bobby Petrino returned to lead Arkansas' football team by instituting longer practice sessions and a revised travel plan ahead of today's 3:15 p.m. game at No. 12 Tennessee — he said the changes are designed to keep players focused and reduce mistakes.

Georgia beat Arkansas 3—1 Friday night at Barnhill Arena in Southeastern Conference volleyball; the Bulldogs built an 8—2 lead in the fourth set to secure the win.

Arkansas will host South Carolina on Sunday with first serve at 3 p.m.—a chance to break its four-game losing streak.

Fall Fun at Farmland Adventures

3-9 p.m. — Farmland Adventures — Ticket required — Enjoy a giant corn maze, pumpkin picking, pony rides, and family-friendly activities this fall.

35th Annual Ozark Regional Arts & Crafts Festival

9 AM – 8 PM — Northwest Arkansas Convention Center — $18.6M predicted spend — Celebrate local artistry with a wide array of handcrafted goods at this beloved festival.

Halloween Boxing Show

6-10:30 p.m. — Springdale Civic Center — Costumes encouraged — Experience a night of boxing, community fun, and trick-or-treat festivities.

Gobbler Race Series 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon

8 a.m. — Shaw Family Park, Springdale, AR — Registration required — Lace up your running shoes for a festive community challenge with 5K, 10K, and half marathon options.