Good morning, Springdale.

The 5NEWS Weekend Guide details events across Northwest Arkansas from today until November 16—featuring the Arkansas Country Blues and String-Band Festival in Springdale held at multiple local parks—and lists other family-friendly activities.

Bentonville will host the A Street Promenade grand opening on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with additional markets and live music in Rogers and Siloam Springs.

On November 13, the Sam M.

Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas was ranked No. 20 in Princeton Review’s Top 50 Entrepreneurship Graduate Programs based on evaluations of 400 schools. The ranking improved from last year’s 22nd spot and reflects strong campus-wide collaboration—Dean Brent Williams said it confirmed the college’s commitment to hands-on learning and preparing future business leaders.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services began paying full SNAP benefits for November late Thursday evening—after the USDA issued new guidelines to end a 35% cut imposed during the shutdown.

About half of the furloughed employees returned to work as DHS worked to restore full services.

Martha White, a 64-year-old retiree in Northwest Arkansas, learned her ACA premium will jump from about $500 to over $1,053 per month next year as pandemic subsidies end—she will drop her plan at the end of 2025 and go eight months without insurance until she qualifies for Medicare in September. White urged residents to contact their lawmakers to address rising health care costs that are forcing tough budget choices.

Multiple hospitals in Northwest Arkansas earned an A Hospital Safety Grade for fall, with Washington Regional in Fayetteville, Northwest Medical Center in Springdale, and Siloam Springs Regional Hospital scoring high.

The Leapfrog Group updates scores twice a year to review hospital safety measures—ensuring patients are protected from errors, injuries and infections.

Tom and Steuart Walton’s Blue Crane company is planning a mixed-use project called Via on 2.54 acres in downtown Springdale—an integral part of the area's ongoing revitalization.

Johnny Molina in Concert

9 p.m. — VIBRA NIGHT CLUB — Tickets available — Experience a night of live music featuring Johnny Molina and his father Aniceto's hits.

Sassafras Succulent Pumpkin Workshop

6-7:30 p.m. — Sassafras Springs Vineyard and Winery — $40 per person — Create your own succulent pumpkin while enjoying a complimentary glass of wine.

The Pickleball DRS Christmas Classic 2025

3 AM – 8 AM — Springdale Recreation Center — Cost not specified — Compete in an exciting all-ages pickleball tournament in Springdale.

15th Annual Downtown Springdale Turkey Trot

8-10 a.m. — Walter Turnbow Park at Shiloh Square — Registration fee varies — Support the Springdale High School Bulldog Football program through a fun 5K and 1-mile run.

PERREOLAND Reggaeton Party

8:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m. — Springdale Civic Center — Ticketed event — Dance the night away at the ultimate Old School VS New School Reggaeton Party filled with rhythm and excitement.