New and Notable in Fayetteville
January 2026 Updates on Openings, Arts, Events, and Razorback Athletics

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Fayetteville is starting 2026 with momentum across culture, dining, events, and athletics. From new restaurants and creative spaces to community festivals and Razorback sports accomplishments, the city continues to grow as a dynamic place to live, work, visit, and play.

Arts and Culture Highlights

• Harold Keller Exhibition Opens – A major exhibition celebrating the work of Arkansas artist Harold Keller has opened at the newly renovated Porter Art Warehouse Gallery, showcasing a compelling vision and contributing to Fayetteville's vibrant arts scene.
• Temperance Lounge All-Ages Venue – Fayetteville's creative and performance scene will soon welcome Temperance Lounge, an all-ages venue and arts space that will host live music, art, and community programming.
• Winter Film Series at Puritan Breezeway – A curated winter film series pairs repertory cinema screenings with craft beverages at the Puritan Coffee & Beer breezeway, blending culture with convivial downtown energy.

New and Now Open Dining and Experiences

• Sweetgreen Now Open – The popular fast-casual restaurant known for fresh, seasonal salads and bowls is now open in Fayetteville, serving healthy options to residents and visitors.
• Fuego Tortilla Grill Now Open – The first Fuego location in Arkansas has officially opened, bringing flavorful Tex-Mex cuisine to the Fayetteville dining landscape.
• Firecat Coffee Now Open – The city's coffee scene expands with Firecat Coffee, offering local roasts and a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.
• Handshake Full Menu at Fayetteville Public Library – Handshake has unveiled its first full café menu inside the Fayetteville Public Library, giving downtown patrons more reasons to gather and linger.
• Fayetteville Tea House Open Downtown – Tea enthusiasts have a new dedicated spot in the heart of downtown Fayetteville.

Festivals, Sports  and Community Events

• Frost Fest Winter Beer Festival – Returning to the Washington County Fairgrounds on Saturday, February 7, 2026, Frost Fest will bring craft beer sampling from more than 40 regional breweries, live music, food trucks, local vendors, and outdoor community fun to Fayetteville.
• Fayetteville Mardi Gras Festivities – The city's annual Mardi Gras celebrations are scheduled for February 14–17, featuring parades, music, and cultural activities throughout downtown.
• Fayetteville Ale Trail Introduces New Prizes and Passport — The Fayetteville Ale Trail has launched a new passport and updated prize structure for 2026, featuring Fayetteville breweries and encouraging visitors and locals to explore the city's craft beer scene while earning rewards along the way.
• USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships – Fayetteville continues to serve as a premier cyclocross destination, having hosted the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships in December 2025 and set to welcome the event again in December 2026, bringing elite competitors and fans back to Northwest Arkansas. 

Razorback Athletics

• • Men's Basketball – The Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team continues to earn national attention this season, ranked No. 17 in the Associated Press Top 25 poll during the 2025–26 campaign. Home games at Bud Walton Arena have featured significant SEC matchups, and fans can look forward to more conference action in the weeks ahead.
  • Gymnastics – The Arkansas Razorbacks gymnastics team began the 2026 season ranked No. 10 in the WCGA preseason poll, continuing the program's strong national presence. The Gymbacks opened the season on the road on January 10 and will host their home opener on Sunday, January 18, welcoming Auburn to Bud Walton Arena. The home schedule also features marquee SEC matchups against Georgia, Kentucky, and defending national champion Oklahoma, making Fayetteville a destination for top-tier collegiate gymnastics throughout the winter.
  • Baseball Season – The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team will begin its 2026 campaign in mid-February, opening with the Shriners Children's College Showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, before returning to Baum–Walker Stadium for its home opener on February 20.

• Track and Field – Arkansas continues its legacy as a national powerhouse under head coach Chris Bucknam, with standout performances from athletes like Doug Case, who has earned national recognition in distance events. The program regularly produces NCAA qualifiers and All-Americans, reinforcing Fayetteville's reputation as a premier college sports town. Arkansas is also hosting the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships on March 13–14.

• Football – The Arkansas Razorbacks have ushered in a new chapter in football with the hiring of Ryan Silverfield as the 35th head coach of the program. Silverfield arrives in Fayetteville with a strong head-coaching record and a reputation for emphasizing discipline, laying the groundwork for future competitiveness in the SEC.

What's Next for Fayetteville

• More Major Moments Ahead — With continued momentum around large-scale sporting events and international visibility, Experience Fayetteville is preparing to share additional updates soon related to America's 250 and FIFA-related initiatives, signaling more major opportunities on the horizon for the city.

“Fayetteville is having a moment,” said Ryan Hauck, CEO of Experience Fayetteville. “From nationally recognized arts and new dining concepts to signature festivals and top-10 Razorback gymnastics, the energy across our city this winter is undeniable. These experiences reflect what makes Fayetteville special: creativity, community, and a sense of place that continues to draw people here to visit, compete, and stay.

For more information on events, dining, and experiences in Fayetteville, visit experiencefayetteville.com.

###

About Experience Fayetteville
Experience Fayetteville is the destination marketing organization for the city of Fayetteville, Arkansas. We elevate the quality of life for our community through tourism promotion, partnerships, and programs. We are the first point of contact for convention and meeting planners, sports tournament coordinators and tour operators. Experience Fayetteville oversees Experience Fayetteville Visitors Center, Fayetteville Town Center and the historic Walker Stone House. We produce Sundays on the Square festivals, Lights of the Ozarks, Fayetteville Ale Trail, Fayetteville Bikepacking Routes Network, and Fayetteville Restaurant Week. The Fayetteville Advertising & Promotion Commission is the governing body of Experience Fayetteville. For more information on Fayetteville, visit experiencefayetteville.com