CitiScapes Magazine

09/18/2026

CASA of Northwest Arkansas’s “26 in 2026” Campaign Swears In 7 New Advocates as Training Continues

Nonprofit fell short of serving every child in foster care last year; campaign push to recruit 26 new advocates by year’s end continues

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — CASA of Northwest Arkansas (CASA of NWA) has sworn in seven new volunteer advocates since launching “26 in 2026,” a campaign to train, graduate, and swear in 26 new volunteer advocates by the end of the year, enough to ensure every child in foster care across Benton, Washington, Madison, and Carroll counties has someone speaking up for them. Eight more volunteers are currently enrolled in training, with one final training cycle starting October 21 before the end of the calendar year.

The campaign comes after CASA of NWA fell short last year of its goal to provide a trained volunteer advocate for every child in the local foster care system. Between July 2025 and June 2026, the organization's 272 volunteer advocates served 525 children, teens, and young adults in foster care. Despite that effort, 27 children were left without an advocate and forced to navigate the complexities of the foster care system without a dedicated volunteer to hear their questions, find answers, and speak up for their best interests.

“Every one of those 27 children is a child who needs someone in their corner and doesn’t have one. That’s not a statistic to us; it’s a name, a face, a kid who deserved better. We can close that gap, but only with more volunteers.” said Crystal Vickmark, Executive Director of CASA of NWA.

The first step to becoming a volunteer is attending a free CASA 101 information session. CASA of NWA is offering two virtual sessions this month:

● Tuesday, September 22 at 12 p.m.
● Thursday, September 24 at 10 a.m.

Community members can register for a session, or reach out to CASA of NWA directly, at www.nwacasa.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer

No legal or social work background is required — CASA of NWA provides full training.

For those ready to move forward after an info session, CASA of NWA’s current training cohort — eight volunteers strong — is underway and set to graduate October 8. One final training cycle this year, held over the lunch hour via Zoom, offers a last chance to become a sworn-in advocate before 2027:

● Training Cycle: Begins October 21, 2026, Graduates November 18, 2026 (lunchtime Zoom)

Learn how to become a CASA volunteer in Northwest Arkansas. Explore the requirements, training process, and how you can advocate for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. You can make a difference with CASA of NWA!

09/17/2026

UAMS Launches Convenient Telehealth Booth
at Northwest Arkansas National Airport

FAYETTEVILLE — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Northwest Regional Campus has installed a new telehealth booth at Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), giving travelers, airport staff, and the public access to on-demand healthcare, no ticket required.

The private, soundproof booth is located near the baggage claim, outside the security checkpoint, so anyone visiting the airport can use it. A boarding pass is not required. This service is also available to surrounding communities that wish to seamlessly connect with a UAMS provider.

Inside, users can speak face-to-face with a healthcare professional through UAMS E-Link and UAMS HealthNow, UAMS’ digital health platforms that connect patients to providers for a range of nonemergency medical needs. There is no upfront cost to use the booth, and visits are billed the same as an in-person doctor’s appointment, including most major insurance.

Travelers and visitors experiencing nonemergent health concerns, such as cold and flu symptoms or minor injuries, can step into the private booth to consult with a UAMS provider without leaving the terminal.

“Healthcare shouldn’t stop just because someone is traveling,” said Ryan Cork, MSHA, vice chancellor of UAMS Northwest. “Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and XNA is a front door for thousands of travelers, business leaders, outdoor enthusiasts, and families every day. In placing this booth at XNA, we’re meeting people where they are and making sure a healthcare provider is never more than a few minutes away, no matter their travel schedule.”

“We’re always thinking about how we can create an exceptional travel experience at XNA. We’re proud to partner with UAMS to bring this valuable healthcare option to the airport and offer an additional resource for travelers, visitors, and our community,” said Andrew Branch, chief operating officer.

The booth is the largest privacy solution from booth manufacturer TalkBox. It was designed with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in mind and features a no-step, floorless entry, an automatic sliding door, a 360-degree wheelchair turn radius, rearrangeable seating, and a height-adjustable desk, making it accessible to all travelers.

The installation comes as XNA, the state’s busiest commercial airport, continues to grow. The airport served 1.26 million departing passengers last year and recently completed a terminal expansion.

09/17/2026

Beyond Wellness Expands to Northwest Arkansas with Rogers Location

Fourth Arkansas clinic provides access to custom health, wellness and aesthetic care

ROGERS, Ark. — Beyond Wellness celebrated the grand opening of its first Northwest Arkansas location with the community yesterday. Located at 4100 W. Oak St. in Rogers, this marks the company’s fourth clinic in the state and extends its personalized approach to health, wellness and aesthetics to a new region. The Rogers clinic is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and is accepting appointments now. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 501-476-7171.

“Northwest Arkansas has a strong community of people who are proactive about their health and want care that considers the full picture,” said Ashley Huneycutt, CEO and co-owner of Beyond Wellness. “The Rogers clinic allows us the opportunity to bring Beyond Wellness’ personalized model closer to clients in this region, part of the state and build lasting relationships in a community we have admired for years.”

Beyond Wellness’ services include bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, medical weight management, regenerative medicine and joint therapy, in-office lab services, IV therapy, cryotherapy, red light therapy, lymphatic compression, head spa treatments, injectables and esthetician services such as laser and skin treatments, body contouring, medical-grade skincare and more. Membership options are also available for clients seeking ongoing access and benefits.

The Rogers location brings functional wellness, women’s and men’s health, advanced wellness therapies, skin health and aesthetic services together in one setting, allowing clients to build individualized plans around their health and personal goals.

Beyond Wellness marked the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, guided clinic tours and a community celebration. Guests met the Rogers team and viewed demonstrations of technologies, including Sofwave, Exomind, Emsculpt Neo and the cryotherapy chamber.

The Rogers opening follows Beyond Wellness’ continued growth across Arkansas. The company also operates clinics in Hot Springs, west Little Rock and Little Rock’s Hillcrest neighborhood.

Additional information about the new location, services and memberships is available at beyondwellnessar.com.

09/16/2026

Monarch Flight Festival Celebrates Migration, Conservation and Community in Downtown Springdale

Free, family-friendly festival returns to Luther George Park on Saturday, September 19

SPRINGDALE, Ark. — Every year, monarch butterflies embark on one of nature’s most extraordinary journeys, traveling thousands of miles from across Canada and the United States toward the mountains of Michoacán, Mexico.

And every fall, that remarkable north-to-south migration brings them right through our region.

This September, Downtown Springdale Alliance invites the community to celebrate their return to Springdale at the Monarch Flight Festival, taking place Saturday, September 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Luther George Park.

The free, family-friendly festival brings together conservation, environmental education, culture, migration and community for a day inspired by the monarch butterfly and the remarkable journey that connects communities across a continent.

At the heart of the festival is an opportunity to better understand the monarch's migration and the shared responsibility of protecting the habitats that make its journey possible. Environmental and conservation organizations from across the region will offer hands-on activities, demonstrations and interactive learning experiences designed to make conservation approachable and engaging for all ages.

But the story of the monarch is about more than where its journey begins and ends.

As monarchs travel across borders, landscapes and communities, their migration offers a powerful reminder of the connections between people and places. Northwest Arkansas is one of those places, a community shaped by people, cultures and stories from across the world who have come together to call Northwest Arkansas home.

Through food, music, performances, storytelling and family activities, the Monarch Flight Festival will celebrate the cultures and communities connected along the monarch's migratory path while creating opportunities for people to learn from one another.

Children and families will also be invited to take flight during one of the festival's signature traditions. Thousands of free monarch wings will be distributed to children while supplies last before participants come together for the Monarch Flight March, transforming Luther George Park into a celebration of nature, movement and migration.

The festival will feature environmental and conservation organizations, arts and crafts, interactive educational experiences, cultural programming, food, music, performances and activities for the entire family.

The monarch may be the festival's honored guest, but its journey tells a story that belongs to all of us: different places, different journeys, and one community coming together.

Vendor applications and volunteer sign-ups are now open for the Monarch Flight Festival! Local businesses, nonprofits, community organizations, food vendors, makers, and more are invited to be part of this special celebration. We’re also seeking volunteers to help bring the festival to life and welcome thousands of community members to Downtown Springdale. Whether you participate as a vendor or lend a hand as a volunteer, there are plenty of ways to get involved and help make this year’s festival a memorable one. Applications and volunteer sign-ups are available now through the links on Downtown Springdale’s website and social media.

09/15/2026

Week is back for its 20th anniversary, celebrating everything our community offers. From Sept. 25-27, Pinnacle Country Club will host the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G. ⛳️☀️

Whether you’re a golf fan, seeking an affordable family outing or planning a fun weekend with friends, there’s something for everyone at this annual community event. Mark your calendars for one of the best weeks of the year!

Read more about the tournament at www.citiscapes.com/sports-nwa-championship-week !💚

Text and photos courtesy of Outlyr

A Milestone 20th Anniversary Community Celebration at Pinnacle Country Club

09/14/2026

En Fuego NWA Hosts Night of Latin Dancing Inspired by Buena Vista Social Club™

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS – Join En Fuego Dance and Fitness at Walton Arts Center for Sunset Latino, an evening of Latin dance 7-11 pm on Saturday, Oct. 17. Inspired by the next musical in the Procter & Gamble Broadway series, Buena Vista Social Club™, this night of musical celebration starts with an hour of dance lessons followed by an open social dance.

No previous dance experience is necessary. En Fuego Dance and Fitness frequently hosts dance classes and events across Northwest Arkansas for all skill and fitness levels. Come ready to move, meet new people and discover the rhythms that make Buena Vista Social Club™ such a beloved celebration of Cuban music.
Tickets are $15 in advance at waltonartscenter.org or by phone at 479.443.5600 or $20 at the door. Participants are encouraged to dress to match the Sunset Latino theme: terracotta, orange, golden yellow, coral and burgundy—the colors of a Latin sunset.

Dance the night away—then get tickets to the Tony Award®-winning musical Buena Vista Social Club™, and experience a journey through music and memory into the beating heart of Havana, here Dec. 15-20. Music like this moves you!

It’s been years since legendary singer Omara Portuondo last entered a recording studio. Once known as the “Queen of Feeling,” her voice was celebrated throughout Cuba – until she vanished from the spotlight. But when an ambitious young record producer brings her a rare opportunity, the elusive diva must finally reckon with her past.

Hailed as a "jaw-dropping, soul-stirring must see" (The Washington Post), the Grammy Award®-winning Buena Vista Social Club™ is a journey through music and memory into the beating heart of Havana. A world-class company brings the story of the iconic album to thrilling life in this tale of big dreams, second chances and music that needs no translation.

Show dates and times
Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 7 pm
Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 7 pm
Thursday, Dec. 17 at 1:30 and 7 pm
Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 pm
Saturday, Dec. 19 at 2 and 7:30 pm
Sunday, Dec. 20 at 2 pm

09/14/2026

Trout Fishing in America Kicks off 50th Anniversary Tour
at Walton Arts Center

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS – Hailed as “The Lennon and McCartney of kids’ music” (National Public Radio), musical duo and Northwest Arkansas-residents Trout Fishing in America will kick off their 50th Anniversary Tour at Walton Arts Center on Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 pm.

Come out and show these legends some Fayetteville love! Standard all-in ticket prices are $20. Tickets are available for purchase online at waltonartscenter.org or by calling the box office at 479.443.5600

Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet formed Trout Fishing in America in 1979 as a means of survival. They had joined St. Elmo’s Fire, a Texas-based five-piece band and traveled to California with hopes of being discovered and signed by a major record label. When no such opportunity arose and the promising tour dissolved, Grimwood and Idlet peeled off from their bandmates to fend for themselves. Busking on the streets of Santa Cruz with an acoustic guitar and an upright bass, the pair quickly learned that engaging listeners instantly was the only path towards dollars and coins in the open guitar case.

Rather than waiting for a record label’s attention, they formed their own Trout Records label in the 1980s and released two vinyl albums and two cassettes. Drawing inspiration from childhoods spent listening to top 40 AM radio, the two songwriters seasoned their music with stylings from rock and roll, blues, folk, country, bluegrass, funk, Latin and reggae ... whatever sound would best bring out the flavor of the lyrics they wrote. Grimwood and Idlet have always been road warriors, driving tens of thousands of miles throughout the U.S. every year. Through hard work, strong musicianship, solid friendship, supportive families and a genuine ability to connect with their audience, Trout’s homegrown success and appeal exploded in the 1990s.

It is not unusual for three or four generations of a family to show up at a Trout performance and this is a point of pride for both performers. It may still be impossible to tell you what kind of music Trout plays, but after attending a show, you’ll know exactly what you’ve witnessed: two guys who still love what they do and are excited to share it.

09/14/2026

Every year, AMP Up the Arts brings together supporters who believe creativity belongs in every classroom. Their generosity helps Walton Arts Center provide transformative arts experiences that inspire learning, build confidence and expand opportunities for thousands of students throughout Northwest Arkansas. ✏️🎭

Few people have demonstrated the lasting power of that investment more than this year’s Dr. Patricia C. Relph Arts Advocacy Award recipient, Kassie Misiewicz.

Read more about her educational vision at www.citiscapes.com/arts-culture-auta !🍎

By Jennifer Wilson | Photos courtesy of Walton Arts Center

Investing in the Next Generation

09/11/2026

There is magic that happens when high-level culinary artistry meets the soulful, convivial spirit of a traditional Japanese gathering place. 🪭🍣

Enter Chūō Izakaya, a stunning new triumph in Rogers from chef-owner Darwin Beyer of Fayetteville’s legendary Meiji fame. Translating to “center tavern,” Chūō doesn’t just live up to its name, it immediately anchors itself as the vibrant heart of the region’s evolving food scene.

Read more about this iconic restaurant at www.citiscapes.com/eats-drinks-chuo-izakaya ! 🥢

By Case Dighero | Photos by Meredith Mashburn

3939 S. Grand Ave., D102, Rogers | (479) 553-7034 | www.chuonwa.com