The Friday 5: Fun things to do this weekend in Northwest Arkansas

1. OK, this is not always a FUN thing to do, but it’s tax-free weekend in Arkansas, so get out there and shop ’til you drop! You can buy back-to-school supplies (Aug. 6-7) without paying taxes!

Click here to see more details about what the tax-free weekend entails!

2. Reading Roadshow at Panera Bread, Friday morning. {Free} The Fayetteville Public Library and Panera Bread are partnering to bring an Interactive Reading Program to the Fayetteville Panera restaurant. The FPL Reading Roadshow is a 30- minute interactive reading session on last one is today (Aug. 5) from 9-9:30 a.m.

The event will be at Panera Bread, 3638 N Front Street in Fayetteville.

This is the LAST Reading Roadshow event of the summer and remember: All children will take home a fresh Panera Bread cookie and moms/dads/caretakers will take home a freshly baked baguette.

3. First Friday Bentonville, Friday night. {Free} On the First Friday of every month, Bentonville Square is transformed into a themed community block party with live music, outstanding food and family friendly activities. Thousands of members come out to celebrate the community. The theme for this First Friday is back to school.

The event is tonight (Friday, Aug. 5) from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Bentonville

Click here for more info!

4. Dog Day of Summer at the Siloam Springs Farmer’s Market, Saturday. {Free} The annual Dog Day of Summer event at the Farmers Market will have: Special Dog-Themed Vendors All Day; 9:30am – Dog Walk; 10 a.m. FREE Contests (no registration required):

• Cutest Dog
• Cutest Puppy
• Dog/Owner Look Alike
• Best Costume

10:30am – Live Music from Sam Thompson

Click here for more info on Saturday’s event in downtown Siloam!

5. Coffee & Cars, Saturday. {Free} Coffee & Cars in Downtown Springdale will be Aug. 6 from 8a.m. – noon. This family friendly event is FREE and open to the public.

Downtown Springdale will be filled with antique cars, muscle cars, show cars, motorcycles, and your favorite classics the first Saturday of the month through October across from the Shiloh Square.

You’re invited to bring your own car or motorcycle to register for FREE! Five trophies will be awarded by various community leaders including Mayor Sprouse and the Downtown Springdale Alliance.

Complimentary coffee and pastries will be available from Springdale’s own Pontiac Coffee House while supplies last. The Mill Street Market is just one block over – meaning lots of tasty treats and fantastic shopping.

The event is Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon in downtown Springdale

Click here for more info!