CitiScapes Magazine

05/29/2026

Celebrate National Best Friends Day with a Ticket Deal for
Irish Dance Phenomenon Riverdance

A Good Friend is Like a Four-Leaf Clover, Hard to Find and Lucky to Have. - Irish Saying


NORTHWEST ARKANSAS – Riverdance 30 – The New Generation comes to Walton Arts Center for three performances June 9-11. In celebration of National Best Friends Day on June 8, use code BESTIE and get 30% off tickets for you and your best friends to see the show. Offer good now through Tuesday, June 9.

Standard all-in ticket prices are $63.25-$97.75 and can be purchased by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am – 5 pm or anytime at waltonartscenter.org. Performances are Tuesday, June 9 and Wednesday, June 10 at 7 pm and Thursday, June 11 at 1:30 pm.

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy®-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerizing choreography and breathtaking performances have left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.

This brand-new production refreshes the much-loved original show with innovative choreography, costumes and state-of-the-art lighting, projection and motion graphics. Audiences will enjoy a performance that blends traditional and contemporary elements while showcasing the skill and passion of the musicians and singers in the new Riverdance ensemble.

“It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of Riverdance and the unique journey it has taken us on,” said John McColgan, director of Riverdance. “In those 30 years the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon – continuously evolving yet remaining true to its Irish roots.”

Riverdance began as the interval act in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, produced for television by Moya Doherty. This electrifying and innovative seven-minute dance piece was then developed into a full-length stage show by Doherty, composer Bill Whelan and McColgan. The show broke all box office records during its premiere run in Dublin in early 1995. When it transferred to London, the reaction was unprecedented. There followed a hugely successful tour starting in New York in March 1996 that heralded the start of more than two decades of touring by Riverdance companies throughout North America, Oceania, Asia, Europe, South Africa and South America.

05/28/2026

Washington Regional Announces Strategic Restructuring to Strengthen Long-Term Sustainability

Fayetteville, Ark. — Washington Regional Medical System today announced a strategic organizational restructuring designed to streamline operations while strengthening long-term stability.

Hospitals and health systems across Arkansas and the nation continue to face mounting financial pressures driven by rising labor and supply costs, as well as continued reimbursement challenges. According to the Arkansas Hospital Association (AHA), the cost of uncompensated care at Arkansas hospitals increased 14.9% during the 2025 fiscal year compared to the previous year. The AHA has also reported that, as of June 2025, approximately 40% of Arkansas hospitals were operating at a loss.

“The current health care environment continues down an increasingly difficult path. We are all evaluating our business and implementing significant operational changes,” said Washington Regional President and CEO Lucas Campbell, M.D. “By restructuring our management operations and consolidating roles, Washington Regional will reduce redundancies and optimize efficiency while still providing the high-quality care our community has come to expect.”

These challenges are not unique to Arkansas or Washington Regional — hospitals and health systems nationwide are facing similar financial and operational pressures. According to the American Hospital Association, hospital expenses increased 7.5% in 2025 — more than twice the rate of growth in hospital prices during the same period. Additionally, between 2022 and 2024, general inflation in the United States rose 14.1%, while net Medicare inpatient payment rates increased only 5.1%.

As part of the restructuring, Washington Regional will redesign workflows to reduce administrative burdens to better support bedside and clinical teams. Changes will include consolidation of select management and support functions, resulting in the elimination of positions as the organization works to strengthen its long-term financial stability. The workforce reduction will impact 86 staff members and is one of numerous operational changes the leadership team is actively working to implement to improve financial performance. Patients will not experience a disruption in the care they receive.

05/28/2026

Lake Wedington Reopens for One-Day Community Event After 7-Year Closure

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Lake Wedington will reopen to the public for one day on Saturday, May 30, during “Free Lake Day,” a community event hosted by Darling Retreats in partnership with Friends of Lake Wedington. The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and invites families, outdoor enthusiasts, and longtime visitors back to the lake for a full day of outdoor recreation in the Ozark National Forest.

The day’s schedule includes children’s activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., community yoga, an open mic from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., and live music from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Free hot dogs will be available at noon while supplies last, along with afternoon coffee and cake. Kayaks and fishing poles will also be available to borrow throughout the day.

Organizers recently confirmed the lake passed three recent water quality tests — two conducted by the Arkansas Department of Health and one by the University of Arkansas Water Quality Laboratory — allowing for public swimming during the Free Lake Day event.

Attendees are encouraged to swim at their own risk, as no lifeguards will be present, and are welcome to bring floats, fishing gear, kayaks, coolers, and picnic supplies. Organizers ask guests to leave alcohol and dogs at home in accordance with U.S. Forest Service guidelines and for the safety and comfort of all attendees.

The event is supported by community sponsors including the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, Ozarks Electric Cooperative, Tyler Dees for Senate, Annedella for Justice of the Peace, Gypsy Camp & Canoe, Arkansas Portable Toilets, and Macaroni KID- Fayetteville, with additional support from Hogeye Marathon and Relays, Walmart Neighborhood Market Store #5737, Just Us Printing, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and Sam’s Club Fayetteville.

Lake Wedington Recreation Area was established in 1938 and is located in the Ozark National Forest approximately 13 miles from Farmington, Fayetteville, and Siloam Springs. Friends of Lake Wedington was established in 1988 to help preserve the region’s historic treasure.

For updates and event information, visit DarlingRetreats.com or the Lake Wedington Free Lake Day event page on Facebook.

05/27/2026

Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G
Launches Tickets on Sale and Volunteer Registration; Announces 20th Anniversary Initiatives

Tickets and volunteer registration are now available for the 2026 , taking place Sept. 21 - 27 at Pinnacle Country Club

Milestone year to bring new fan experiences, community events and expanded on-site offerings

ROGERS, Ark. – Tournament officials announced today that tickets and volunteer registration are now available for the 2026 Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G. The event returns to Pinnacle Country Club this fall, taking place Sept. 21-27. Ticket options remain affordable and family-friendly, with daily grounds tickets priced at $10 and weekly passes available for $25. Complimentary admission is available for children 17 and under, courtesy of Nestlé, and for military members, first responders, and their families, courtesy of 3M.

“As we gear up for the 20th anniversary celebration of the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G, we are thrilled to welcome the community back to Pinnacle Country Club for this milestone year,” said Annye DeGrand Fox, Executive Director of the . “With new and expanded events and initiatives, we look forward to celebrating 20 years of world-class golf and community impact across Northwest Arkansas.”

The tournament’s signature food festival, the BITE Experience @ the LPGA, will once again take place on-site at Pinnacle Country Club from Friday, Sept. 25 to Sunday, Sept. 27. A $50 daily ticket includes access to a golf-viewing deck overlooking the 16th hole and unlimited food and beverage tastings from over 30 local restaurants. Each day will spotlight a variety of locally-owned eateries in partnership with local community organizations. To learn more about the BITE Experience and purchase tickets to the event, visit BITENWA.com.

Fans looking for an elevated experience can opt for daily tickets to the Choctaw Club, an upgraded hospitality area on-site at the . The $75 ticket offers attendees a lively atmosphere featuring premier golf viewing of Pinnacle Country Club’s 15th hole, along with food and beverage offerings, table games, photo opportunities, and more. Tickets are available now at NWAChampionship.com.

The tournament’s Volunteer Program presented by Signature Bank is seeking approximately 750 volunteers across a variety of committees with positions available for all ages. Volunteers are needed Monday, Sept. 21 – Sunday, Sept. 27 in various areas such as hole marshals, standard bearers, and golf cart shuttle drivers. Volunteers will receive two official tournament polos, headwear, complimentary grounds tickets and meals on scheduled volunteer days. Registration is now available at NWAChampionship.com/Volunteers.

As part of the 20th anniversary celebration, the will introduce several new and expanded fan initiatives leading up to and during tournament week. Highlights include:

A fan favorite event kicking off Week, the 5k @ the LPGA benefiting Mercy, will debut at a new location in 2026 at the Walmart Home Office in Bentonville on Saturday, Sept. 19. More details and registration information will be shared later this summer.

As part of the celebrations, a new Opening Ceremony will be hosted on the 1st tee on Friday, Sept. 25 to begin Round 1 of official tournament play, with a free community breakfast for attendees.

New in 2026, fans will be able to shop commemorative 20th anniversary merchandise and exclusive tournament-branded gear at a new on-site merchandise tent located near the ’s 9th hole.

fans are encouraged to submit their favorite tournament memories and photos to the 20th Anniversary Community Capsule for a chance to see those photos and stories brought to life on-site at the tournament.

Tournament officials recently unveiled a commemorative anniversary logo for the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G, which will be displayed throughout the event in September and across community and promotional activations.

Community members looking to get a preview of the tournament and BITE Experience ahead of September are invited to join festivities at the Upper Ramble in Downtown Fayetteville on Friday, July 3, in celebration of Experience Fayetteville’s American 250th Celebration and the tournament’s 20th anniversary. Along with a ticketed BITE pop-up experience, the free community event will feature live music, golf-focused activities, local vendors, tournament-branded giveaways including a P&G product gift bag, and more. A $50 ticket for the on-site BITE pop-up experience includes unlimited food and beverage tastings from over 15 Fayetteville restaurants and breweries and exclusive BITE-branded items. Tickets for the upgraded BITE pop-up are on sale now at www.BITENWA.com.

Further tournament updates will be announced in the months ahead. For more information on the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G, visit www.NWAChampionship.com and follow on X, Facebook and Instagram.

The region's premier event returns the last week of September for a week-long celebration of the unique spirit found only in Northwest Arkansas. Week offers a wide variety of events and activities at affordable prices for the whole community.

05/18/2026

Dan + Shay Hit the Road this Fall with The Young Tour, Including Stop at the Walmart AMP

Tickets Go On Sale to the Public Friday, May 22 at 10 am

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS – Today, three-time Grammy Award®-winning country duo Dan + Shay announced The Young Tour across North America this fall, in support of their forthcoming studio album, Young, arriving August 21 via Warner Records Nashville. The 26-date run includes a stop at the Walmart AMP on Friday, Oct. 23 with Josh Ross & Tyler Hubbard as part of the 2026 Synchrony Concert Series. Gates open at 5:30 pm. Show starts at 7 pm.
Presales start on Tuesday, May 19 at 10 am. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, May 22 at 10 am. Standard all-in ticket prices range from $49.78 - $199.56 plus taxes. Prices are subject to change.

Three-time Grammy Award-winning duo Dan + Shay have entered one of the most prolific seasons of their storied 13-year career thus far. The global superstars have amassed more than 14 billion streams globally and 139 worldwide career Multi-Platinum®, Platinum® and Gold® sales certifications to date, including 60 US RIAA® and 81 international awards. They have also garnered significant recognition, being honored with eight American Music Awards for favorite country duo, four ACM Awards for duo of the year, two CMA Awards for duo of the year, two PCCA group/duo of the year awards, and three Billboard Music Awards for top country duo/group.

Dan + Shay became the first-ever coaching duo on NBC’s Emmy®-winning program The Voice in 2024. The celebrated duo brought a wealth of experience to their team, with impressive accolades that include becoming the first and only artist to win the Grammy Award for best country duo/group performance three times consecutively since the category’s inception (2021 – “10,000 Hours,” 2020 – “Speechless,” 2019 – “Tequila”).

They recently celebrated their eleventh No. 1 single at country radio with the Grammy nominated title track of their fifth studio album, Bigger Houses (2023). Co-produced by the band’s Dan Smyers and Scott Hendricks, Bigger Houses helped the duo further etch their permanent mark on country music.

Its success was fueled by the duo’s Platinum-certified, critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning album, Good Things. Also co-produced by Smyers, the LP featured the two-time Platinum-certified hits “I Should Probably Go To Bed” and “Glad You Exist,” which marked the duo’s sixth consecutive No. 1 and ninth career No. 1, as well as the five-time multi-Platinum global smash “10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber which crossed the 1 billion streams mark on Spotify.

With an impressive track record and a clear dedication to their craft, Dan + Shay continue to be a dominant force in country music and beyond. With new music on the horizon in 2026, the celebrated hitmakers are certain to further solidify their impressive musical legacy.

Add-ons for the 2026 season include reserved parking, AMP Underground, Fast Track, collectible tickets and lawn chair rentals. Concert tickets and add-ons for this show will be delivered digitally. Purchase tickets and add-ons at walmartamp.com or ticketmaster.com.

05/15/2026

Opera in the Ozarks Partners with Bentonville Film Festival
for Special Film Screening at Inspiration Point June 18
Featuring Live Performances and Filmmaker Conversation

EUREKA SPRINGS, ARK. — Opera in the Ozarks is partnering with the Bentonville Film Festival to present a special screening of Aria – Opera on the Edge on Thursday, June 18, at 3 p.m. at Inspiration Point Center for the Arts in Eureka Springs (16311 Hwy. 62 West). The event will include the film screening, a live performance by two of the film’s featured artists, and a post-screening talk-back with the filmmaker.

Presented as part of the 2026 Bentonville Film Festival, the event offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience both cinema and live opera in Opera in the Ozarks’ new Inspiration Point theater located five miles west of historic Eureka Springs. While Bentonville Film Festival pass-holders will already have access to the screening, the event is also open to the public through separate ticket purchases available via Opera in the Ozarks.

General admission tickets are $25 and may be purchased online at opera.org.

Aria – Opera on the Edge is a documentary film that follows four emerging opera artists as they navigate the challenges and opportunities of bringing new relevance, representation, and visibility to the centuries-old art form. Following the screening, audiences will also enjoy a short concert featuring acclaimed tenor Ben Gulley and soprano Cecilia Violetta López, both who are featured in the film.

Tenor Ben Gulley, an Opera in the Ozarks alumnus from 2007, has been praised by Opera News as “outstanding” and by San Francisco Classical Voice as “startlingly gifted.” His recent and upcoming engagements include leading roles with Knoxville Opera, Anchorage Opera, Opera San José, and Opera Las Vegas, along with concert appearances with orchestras and festivals across the country.

Soprano Cecilia Violetta López has earned national acclaim for her signature portrayal of Violetta in La traviata, performing the role with major companies throughout North America including Houston Grand Opera, Minnesota Opera, Pacific Symphony, and Florida Grand Opera. She currently serves as General Director and CEO of Opera Las Vegas while also maintaining an active performing career.

Filmmaker Karen Day will also attend the event and participate in a brief audience talk-back following the screening. An award-winning journalist, photographer, and filmmaker, Day has reported internationally from Afghanistan, Iraq, Myanmar, Rwanda, and South Sudan, with work appearing in publications including Newsweek, Elle, Los Angeles Times, and Mother Jones. Her independently produced reports from Iraq have aired on NBC, CNN, and BBC.

“This event beautifully reflects the spirit of collaboration and artistic exploration that defines Opera in the Ozarks,” said Nancy Preis, General Director of Opera in the Ozarks. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Bentonville Film Festival to bring this inspiring film and filmmaker to our audiences while also showcasing two extraordinary artists in live performance inside our new theater.”

Founded by Academy Award-winning actor Geena Davis, the Bentonville Film Festival champions inclusion in media by amplifying female, non-binary, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and people with disabilities’ voices in entertainment. The 2026 festival takes place June 15-21 across multiple venues in Northwest Arkansas, including Inspiration Point Center for the Arts for the first time.

The June 18 screening continues Opera in the Ozarks’ growing opera film series, which launched last fall with a screening of Goodbye, Mr. Chips featuring Opera in the Ozarks alumnus Nathan Granner.

The special event takes place just days before the opening of Opera in the Ozarks’ 2026 summer season at Inspiration Point, featuring 41 singers from across the nation in 22 mainstage performances of four operas from June 26 through July 24.

For tickets and additional information, visit opera.org.

05/15/2026

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick to Attend Opening Night Film “Family Movie” at the 12th Annual Bentonville Film Festival Led by Geena Davis

Festival to Close with Netflix’s "Little House on the Prairie" and present Showrunner/Executive Producer/Writer Rebecca Sonnenshine with Rising to the Challenge Award
World Premiere of Catherine Hardwicke’s “Street Smart” Set as Centerpiece Film

BENTONVILLE, AR — BFFoundation (BFF), in collaboration with founding partner Walmart and presenting partner Coca-Cola, is thrilled to announce the narrative, documentary, homegrown, short film, and episodic selections premiering in person at the 2026 Bentonville Film Festival (BFF) competition program set for June 15-21, 2026, Bentonville, Arkansas. This year’s festival will showcase 34 feature competition films, including 5 World Premieres.

BFF 2026 will open on Tuesday, June 16 with Family Movie with directors, producers and stars Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick in attendance for a moderated conversation following the film. The film follows a filmmaking family who finds themselves in a real-life horror movie when a body turns up on the set of their low-budget slasher and chaos ensues to keep the production on track.

The closing event on Sunday, June 21 will feature a special screening of the first episode of Netflix’s Little House on the Prairie with showrunner/Executive Producer/writer Rebecca Sonnenshine and stars Crosby Fitzgerald and Alyssa Wapanatâhk participating in a Q&A following the screening. Little House on the Prairie is part hopeful family drama, part epic survival tale, and part origin story of the American West. This fresh adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s iconic semi-autobiographical Little House books offers a kaleidoscopic view of the struggles and triumphs of those who shaped the frontier.

In addition to the screening, Rebecca Sonnenshine will be honored with the Rising to the Challenge Award at BFF’s annual Festival Award Ceremony on Saturday, June 20. The award recognizes visionary artists whose work expands opportunity, challenges convention, and helps shape a more dynamic and inclusive future for storytelling.

“Rebecca Sonnenshine’s work reflects the very spirit of the Rising to the Challenge Award,” said Academy Award winner and Bentonville Film Festival Chair Geena Davis. “She creates stories with emotional depth, strength, and imagination while opening doors for broader perspectives to be seen and celebrated on screen. We’re honored to recognize her contributions to storytelling and her commitment to creating work that resonates across generations. As we enter our twelfth year, I’m incredibly proud of how Bentonville continues to grow as a place where artists, audiences, and industry leaders come together to champion bold creativity, meaningful connection, and stories that reflect the richness of the world around us.”

“We’re excited to kick off this year’s festival with Family Movie, a classic summer thriller that captures the excitement, escapism, and communal experience that make going to the movies so special,” said Wendy Guerrero, President and CEO of the Bentonville Film Festival and BFFoundation. “Closing the festival with Little House on the Prairie; a timeless story generations of families have cherished. Together, these projects celebrate imagination, resilience, and the power of storytelling to bring people together, spark new perspectives, and inspire growth through shared experiences.”

The Festival will also screen the World Premiere of Street Smart on Thursday, June 18 as their Centerpiece film with director Catherine Hardwicke in attendance for a Q&A following the film. Street Smarts follows a lively group of street kids in Venice Beach help each other chase their dreams - with humor, street-smarts, and Robin Hood larceny and stars Isabelle Fuhrman, Yara Shahidi, Michael Cimino and Marcia Gay Harden.

This year's Spotlight and Competition programs feature a lineup of industry icons, including the World Premieres of the IVF-rights documentary Show Me the Line and the road trip comedy Welcome to the Fishbowl. Audiences will be treated to personal narratives from global figures in The Brittney Griner Story and the Billie Jean King documentary Give Me the Ball! produced by Liz Garbus. Combined with the "Coffee Talk" sessions with Bobby Flay, Ree Drummond and Chef JJ Johnson, the narrative and documentary slates showcase appearances and contributions from Jessica Alba, Danielle Brooks, Hillary Clinton, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Frances Fisher, Gillian Jacobs, Rob Lowe, Isbael Sandoval, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Tony Shalhoub, Lily Tomlin, and many others.

05/14/2026

MercyMe Announces Fall Tour, Including
Stop at Walmart AMP
Tickets Go On Sale to the Public at 11 am on Friday, May 22

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS, May 14, 2026 – MercyMe is set to return to the road this fall with the MercyMe LIVE Tour, bringing a powerful night of music designed for big stages and even bigger moments. The tour will span 24 venues across the country including a stop at the Walmart AMP with Jeremy Camp, Tim Timmons and Sam Wesley on Thursday, Oct. 29 as part of the 2026 Synchrony Concert Series. Gates open at 5:30 pm. Show starts at 7 pm.

Presales start on Thursday, May 21 at 11 am. Tickets go on sale to the public at 11 am on Friday, May 22. Standard all-in ticket prices range from $46.39 - $234.07 plus taxes. Prices are subject to change.

Known for their ability to connect deeply with audiences, MercyMe will perform favorites including “I Can Only Imagine” and “Even If,” songs that have resonated for years as reminders of God’s faithfulness. Jeremy Camp adds his signature intensity with hits like “I Still Believe” and “Dead Man Walking,” while Tim Timmons and Sam Wesley open the night together, bringing a blend of energy and fresh perspective with songs like “Starts With Me” and “Holding Onto Me.”

The MercyMe LIVE Tour is positioned to be one of the most anticipated runs of the fall season. From the first note to the final encore, these shows are built to create moments that stay with fans long after they leave the venue.

Add-ons for the 2026 season include reserved parking, AMP Underground, Fast Track, collectible tickets and lawn chair rentals. Concert tickets and add-ons for this show will be delivered digitally. Purchase tickets and add-ons at walmartamp.com or ticketmaster.com.

05/14/2026

From June 6 to Jan. 25, 2027, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art presents Keith Haring in 3D, the first exhibition to highlight the iconic artist’s work in three dimensions. 👨‍🎨🐘

Opening alongside the museum’s long-awaited expansion and new temporary exhibition gallery on June 6, the exhibition features a wide range of Haring’s works, inviting visitors to move through and around his art like never before.

Read more about this special exhibition at www.citiscapes.com/arts-culture-crystal-bridges-haring! 🚗

Crystal Bridges Presents Keith Haring in 3D

05/13/2026

The introduction of Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer was met with more than a little ire from the public, with home designers being among the loudest critics. ☁️ 🛋️

The color, though, can be easily added into existing or new designs for your outdoor spaces.

Read more about how to use Cloud Dancer as design inspiration at www.citiscapes.com/outdoor-living-pantone! 🏠

By Daniel Keeley

2026 Pantone Color of the Year