Northwest Arkansas Calendar of Events: September 2023
Hello, September! We’re ready for you! Mamas, we’ve gathered some of the most fun and family-friendly events in Northwest Arkansas as we head into fall. If you’re looking for the top 10 things to do around NWA this season, visit our 2023 Fall Fun Guide (download the free printable while you’re there)!
Click on the name of any event below to find more info.
Family Day: Summer of STEAM
Special Family Day event that celebrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). You’ll explore STEAM principles through science experiments, hands-on experiences, artmaking, and more.
Date: Sept. 3
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville
Listening Forest
An interactive world of light, sound, and wonder. Become a giant of light towering over the trees. Plant a heartbeat in a field of 3,000 lightbulbs. Wade through a moving river of poetry, and more as you venture through this outdoor, nighttime experience.
Date: Aug. 30-Dec. 31, 2023
Time: Varies
Location: Crystal Bridges Museum, Bentonville
Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert
Disney Concerts presents Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back live in concert. Watch the iconic film while a live orchestra, featuring members of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas, performs John Williams’ iconic score.
Date: Friday, Sept. 8
Time: 7:30 p.m. (gates open at 6:30 p.m.)
Location: The Amp, Rogers
International Festival
This festival is a celebration of all of the cultures that make up the Northwest Arkansas community. Enjoy cultural and traditional dance and musical performances on the Great Lawn.
Date: Sept. 10
Time: 3-7 p.m.
Location: Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
Fall Art Walk
Enjoy free exhibitions with a self-guided art tour. Purchase tickets to the ART CRAWL and Comedy Show on Sept 14. Find great goods & services at The Emma Exchange and take part in the free & family friendly Monarch Flight Festival on Sept 16.
Date: Sept. 14-16
Time: Varies
Location: Downtown Springdale
Monarch Flight Festival
In downtown Springdale, celebrate the endangered Monarch Butterfly, its habitat, and yearly pit stop during its migration from Canada to Mexico during the free Monarch Flight Festival.
Date: Sept. 16, 2023
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Location: Downtown Springdale
Monthly Move: Bentonville Farmers Market
Monthly Move is an initiative to get outside and get moving. Free, fun, and active activities during the Farmers Market. You can expect things like yoga, dance sessions, music with DJs and more. Classes and demos will be in 30-minute sessions.
Date: Sept. 16
Time: The first activity will be from 10:30 – 11:00 AM. The second will be from 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM.
Location: The Bentonville Square
Tinkerfest
This one-day event brings together tinkerers, makers, artists, DIYers, and creatives from diverse backgrounds for activities that celebrate the curious, creative, and innovative spirit in everyone.
Date: Sept. 23
Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville
NWA Oktoberfest
Live music, local beer, food trucks and bounce houses for the kids. All proceeds support local nonprofits.
Date: Sept. 23
Time: 3-9 p.m.
Location: The Grove Comedy Club, Lowell
The Benton County Fair has provided family fun and education about agriculture, industry, history, and culture since 1904. Live music, rides, animals, and more.
Date: Sept. 26-30
Time: Varies
Location: Benton County Fairgrounds
PAW Patrol Live: Heroes Unite
The PAW Patrol is on the lookout for Adventure Bay’s top heroes in a brand-new live show! Calling all good citizens! The PAW Patrol is yelping for help as they face their greatest challenge yet. Mayor Humdinger has dognapped Robo Dog and cloned him, causing chaos all over the world. It’s up to the pups to catch those clones, rescue Robo Dog and show that when the going gets “ruff,” lending a paw makes you the ultimate TOP HERO!
Date: Sept. 29-Oct. 1
Time: Varies
Location: Walton Arts Center
Funk Factory at the Railyard
Live music at the Railyard in downtown Rogers.
Date: Friday, Sept. 29
Time: 8-10 p.m.
Location: The Railyard, downtown Rogers
Community Farm-to-Table Dinner
Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: The Grove at Thaden School in Bentonville
Dine under twinkle lights in The Grove at Thaden School for a farm-sourced dinner prepared by Chef Micah Klasky of The Hive, in collaboration with Thaden students, and enjoy musical entertainment by One Penny Shy. The evening will begin with passed appetizers at 5:30 pm and progress to dinner at 6:30 pm. Beer, wine, and a signature mocktail will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Thaden Annual Fund. All are welcome!
