October 2021 Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events
There are a few Halloween-themed events listed in October’s calendar, but for a complete list, click here to see the 2021 Halloween Events Guide for Northwest Arkansas.
For a more general list of Fall activities that includes pumpkin patches and mazes, click HERE to see the 2021 Fall Fun Guide for Northwest Arkansas.
Spotlight event: As you know, ALL of the content on nwaMotherlode.com is free and has been for nearly 13 years now. Sponsorship and advertising from local sponsors makes it possible for us to provide all the content for free to local moms and their families. This month’s calendar is sponsored by YumYo’s Frozen Treats, which will be offering a “Thirsty Thursday” deal every Thursday during October, when you can get any frozen drink for $5. To check out the whole Yum Yo’s menu, click here.
Super Saturday: Magician Aaron Acosta
Aaron Acosta will present a fun and mystifying magic show. Audience involvement and a real bird make this magic show entertaining for the whole family.
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Date: October 2
Location: Fayetteville Public Library event center 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info on this magic show.
Square to Square
Welcome back to the Square 2 Square Bike Ride! This fall, there will be both in person and virtual options for riders. The in-person bike ride features a 30 mile course along Razorback Greenway that connects the Bentonville Square to Walker Park in Fayetteville, and will take place October 2. The virtual ride will take place between October 3, 2021 – October 31, 2021 and will also feature a 15 mile option. Suggested routes will be provided to help with your planning. For more information or to register, visit playbentonville.com.
Time: 7 a.m.
Date: October 2, or choose a virtual ride between October 3-31
Location: Razorback Greenway, starting from Bentonville Square to Walker Park
Click here for more info about this community bike ride.
19th Annual Kiss a Pig Gala: the Boaring Twenties
The Northwest Arkansas Kiss a Pig Gala is the top black-tie fundraiser in the nation for the American Diabetes Association. This formal affair hosts guests for an evening of dinner, dancing, live entertainment, auctions and the infamous pig kissing ceremony. The event’s 18-year history of success is largely due to the support of business leaders who serve as candidates. The top fundraisers earn the privilege of kissing the pig at the gala to show appreciation for the animal’s heroic role in diabetes research and treatment as an early source of insulin. Event proceeds are used to fund diabetes research, advocacy, and support for all individuals living with pre-diabetes and type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Time: 6 p.m.
Date: October 2
Location: 400 S. Walton Blvd. Bentonville
Click here for more info about the Kiss a Pig Gala event.
Van Rally
This car-show-style event pulls together regional van owners and builders to meet each other, share travel stories, and see everyone’s unique builds. The event is free. Enter to win raffles and awards. Awards are given for categories like, “Best DIY project” or “Best Multipurpose Design”.
Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Date: October 3
Location: 1320 N College Avenue Fayetteville
Click here for more info about the Van Rally.
FPL Fright Nights
Stop by the Fayetteville Public Library Event Center every Monday night of October at 5:30 p.m. for a free movie. FPL Fright Nights continues with the 1998 animated mystery film Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (NR – scary and intense creature action and images, and mild fantasy violence). This event is free and open to the public and will follow current city health ordinances. Seating is first-come, first-served. No food or drink will be allowed in the Event Center. In keeping with the City of Fayetteville Ordinance 6465, all persons visiting the library are required to wear masks covering their nostrils and mouth.
FPL Fright Nights Schedule: Oct. 4 Goosebumps (2015, PG) Oct. 11 Scooby-Doo on Zombie Island (1998, NR) Oct. 18 Frankenweenie (2012, PG) Oct. 25 Monster House (2006, PG)
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Date: October 4, 11, 18, 25
Location: event center at the Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about the FPL Fright Night events.
Outdoor Family Movie at the Fayetteville Public Library
In partnership with Arkansas Cinema Society + Experience Fayetteville, families and children are invited to enjoy a Spanish film screening of “The Book of Life” in celebration of Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month in The Gathering Glade. The first 50 families and children to arrive at the Fayetteville Public Library will receive a goodie bag which includes Experience Fayetteville and Fayetteville Public Library materials. All who attend will have a chance to be entered into a raffle to win a “weekend in Fayetteville” package, sponsored by Experience Fayetteville. Prior to the movie screening, families and children can enjoy a slushie and popcorn in The Gathering Glade at the Fayetteville Public Library at 6:30pm. Be sure to bring blankets and lawn chairs. This program is free and open to the public. In keeping with the City of Fayetteville Ordinance 6465, all persons visiting the library are required to wear masks covering their nostrils and mouth. For more information or questions regarding this program, please contact Diana at 479.856.7116.
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
Date: October 6
Location: J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Gathering Glade at the Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about the Outdoor Family Movie night at Fayetteville Public Library.
Sensory Friendly Day
Everyone is welcome to attend a day of celebration and fun as the Amazeum focuses on guests with special needs. Small-scale groups of special education students will be able to reserve Unfield Trips and families with or without members with special needs are invited to join in the fun. The Amazeum team will have sensory-friendly activities, facilitate play across all abilities, and provide an opportunity for guests to connect to one another in an understanding environment.
Time: all day
Date: October 6
Location: Scott Family Amazeum 1009 Museum Way Bentonville
Click here for more info about this Sensory Friendly Day at the Amazeum.
Barks and Books
This outdoor event will include live music, an open bar, silent auction and some delicious food. Help celebrate another year of rescuing dogs and raise money to continue to do so for years to come. Live Music Provided by Cresent City Combo and free parking provided. Inclement weather notice: The event will move indoors at the same location if needed and if the event is postponed due to COVID or unforeseen circumstances, ticket sales will roll over to a new, rescheduled date.
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Date: October 7
Location: Fayetteville Public Library
Click here for more info about the Barks and Books event at Fayetteville Public Library.
Fifth Annual Native American Cultural Celebration
A three-day celebration of Indigenuity: Building a Bridge to the Future. This event brings together indigenous people who are leaders in their fields to share the importance of connecting tradition and innovation. There will be astronauts, scholars, artists, authors, music and more. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the diversity of indigenous culture and join in on the celebration. Register now for free.
Time: events beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Date: October 7-9
Location: 202 Southwest O Street Bentonville
Click here for more info about the Native American Cultural Celebration.
Tween Night: That 70s Party
Calling all 5th – 9th graders: Join Crystal Bridges for a retro-themed party night created just for tweens. Come get dressed up, dance, break out the creative vibes, and explore the galleries with other tweens. Presented by the Crystal Bridges Teen Council, this free 70s party promises to be an evening of classic fun. Free, no registration required.
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Date: October 8
Location: Great Hall of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 600 Museum Way Bentonville
Click here for more info about the Tween Night 70s Party at Crystal Bridges.
Vintage Market Days
Fall and holiday shopping event, over 120+ premiere vendors from more than 15 states showcase their unique vintage and antique finds, handmade goods, and the latest fashion trends from the cutest trendy boutiques. Food trucks or try a snack from a specialty maker: from BBQ sandwiches and stir fry to fried pies, gourmet fudge and chocolates, coffees and more. The market is 90% indoors, so weather is not a factor. Come shop two large barns at the Benton County Fairgrounds.
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Date: October 8-10
Click here for more info about Vintage Market Days at the Benton County Fairgrounds.
Super Saturday: Artsy Craftsy
Get crafty at the library. Kids can visit multiple stations to create spooky fun crafts. All supplies will be provided. Registration is required and will begin September 18th at 9 a.m. Each child attending will need to sign up individually. Due to the limited number of spaces available, please sign up for one session only.
Time: 9-10 a.m., another at 10-11 a.m. and a third from 11 a.m.-noon
Date: October 9
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click Session 1, Session 2, or Session 3 for more info about the Artsy Craftsy event.
Art on the Bricks Art Walk
Visit pop-up art exhibits from regional artists between 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. and take in live music from 7 – 9 p.m. the 2nd Thursday of every month. Enjoy a broad mix of talented artists, craftsmen and musicians sharing their talent in indoor and outdoor locations.
Time: 4:30-9 p.m.
Date: October 14
Location: downtown Rogers
Click here for more info about the Art on the Bricks Art Walk in Rogers.
Preschool Playdate: Itty Bitty Bom Bom
An afternoon of kid-friendly fun to craft, explore, and play through the museum. From a kick-off performance by Shannon Wurst in the Great Hall, to kid-friendly Zumba, to bilingual storytelling in the Studio, there are a variety of creative activities for your growing artist to enjoy. Inspired by the Selena Forever/ Siempre Selena exhibition. Free, no registration required.
Time: 11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Date: October 14
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 600 Museum Way Bentonville
Click here for more info about the Preschool Playdate at Crystal Bridges.
Art Trail at Night
Come experience an evening of drop-in, creative fun under the stars with music, food, artmaking, and more. From light racers to shadow puppets on the South Lawn, Crystal Bridges is transforming the Art Trail into a glowing garden of light and imagination that’s fun for all ages. Kick off the night with a one-of-a-kind sunset view at Skyspace, then mosey over to a themed artmaking stationsto flex those creative muscles. There will also be live music and a pop-up concessions and bar area serving late-night snacks, sips, and brews for those wanting a little refreshment. So grab your glow gear and come explore in starlit style. Free, no registration required.
Time: 7-10 p.m.
Date: October 15
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 600 Museum Way Bentonville
Click here for more info about the Art Trail at Night event at Crystal Bridges.
Super Saturday: LEGO Free Play
Walmart Story Time Room for LEGO free play. LEGOs will be provided. Registration is required and will open on September 25th at 9 a.m. Each child attending will need to sign up individually. Due to the limited number of spaces available, please sign up for one session only. Register for the 10 a.m. session here. Register for the 11 a.m. session here.
Time: 10 and 11 a.m.
Date: October 16
Location: Walmart Story Time Room Fayetteville Public Library 401 W. Mountain St. Fayetteville
Click here for more info about the LEGO Free Play event in Fayetteville.
Ghost Hunting at the Library (grades 5-12)
Did you know the library was built over the location of an old hospital built in 1912? In this after-hours event, NWA Ghost Connection will show teens the tools and techniques for paranormal investigation. Afterwards, teens will examine the library for paranormal activity.
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Date: October 16
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W. Mountain St. Fayetteville
Click here for more info about the Ghost Hunting event at the Fayetteville Library.
Super Saturday music
Kids, parents and caregivers alike will enjoy award-winning songwriter Shannon Wurst and local favorite Brad Helm’s lighthearted singalongs for families. Inspired to bring classic country and roots music to audiences of all ages, this duo is sure to put a smile on your face. You may recognize Shannon’s voice from the end of day parade at the Scott Family Amazeum where they feature her talents at the close of each day. For more information: shannonwurst.com
Time: 11 a.m.- noon
Date: October 23
Location: Fayetteville Public Library 401 W. Mountain St. Fayetteville
Click here for more info about the Super Saturday music event.
Teen Night: Fright at the Museum
Students, grades 9-12, from all over Northwest Arkansas are invited to attend the annual Halloween-themed Teen Night, featuring live music, a costume contest, murder mystery, and artmaking. Presented by the Crystal Bridges Teen Council. Free, no registration required.
Time: 7-9 p.m.
Date: October 23
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art 600 Museum Way Bentonville
Click here for more info about the Fright at the Museum event at Crystal Bridges.
12th Annual Fresh Start
Party boxes are back. With your ticket purchase in the Northwest Arkansas area, you will receive a party box with Mexican inspired food by IDK Cafe, drinks provided by 21 Seeds Tequila, and a variety of gifts and treats so that you can enjoy all the festivities from the comfort of your own home. A beautiful selection of art by local artists to purchase via online auction and some fun zoom events. Digital events and auction will be accessible for free for anyone who wants to participate. Every dollar raised helps to provide emergency shelter, counseling, children’s programming and legal advocacy services.
Time: 7 p.m.
Date: October 23
Location: Rogers
Click here for more info about the 12th Annual Fresh Start event.
HallowZing
HallowZing is back! Join us at the Amazeum on October 29, 2021 for a special night for children with special needs, their siblings, and grownups to have the Amazeum to themselves! Explore the Amazeum’s twist on Halloween-themed activities and play in your favorite exhibit areas. Be sure to wear your family-friendly costume (or play clothes) so you can show it off during our glowing dance party. There’s so much to discover during HallowZing…there’s no need for trick-or-treating for candy. Advanced registration required. Free for Amazeum members, $2 per non-member, 2 and under free.
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Date: October 29
Location: Scott Family Amazeum 1009 Museum Way Bentonville
Click here for more info about the HallowZing event at the Amazeum.
Super Saturday: A Toy Story and Costume Parade
A brief program experience where everyone’s favorite Round Up Cowboy and Space Ranger come to life to spend an afternoon with their fans; singing songs, playing games and sharing fun stories from the past! It will be an experience you won’t want to miss. Join us after the program to participate in a Book Character Costume Parade around the expanded library. Come to the library dressed as your favorite book character. The costume parade will be livestreamed on FPL’s Facebook and YouTube pages so friends at home can share in the fun. All costume parade participants will leave with a sweet treat.
Time: 3-4 p.m.
Date: October 30
Location: Event Center at the Fayetteville Public Library 401 W Mountain St, Fayetteville
Click here for more info about the Toy Story and Costume Parade event.
Goblin Run 5K
Calling all ghosts, pirates, divas, ballerinas and all kinds of characters to join us for the 2021 Goblin Run in Downtown Bentonville. Our annual 5k is a fun and festive race – perfect for the entire family. You don’t want to miss it. All runners receive a race shirt and finisher medal. Cost is $30 in person and $35 for virtual. To register or learn more, visit runbentonville.com.
Time: 7 am.
Date: October 30
Location: start and finish will be on 2nd St. in Downtown Bentonville
Click here for more info about the Goblin Run 5K in Bentonville.
