Get Ready to Jam: Your Guide to Arkansas Music Week in NWA!

Northwest Arkansas is known for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant arts scene, but get ready for the volume to be turned up! We're thrilled to announce the inaugural Arkansas Music Week, a week-long, city-wide celebration of our state's incredible sounds, stories, and spirit, happening right here in Fayetteville from September 14-21, 2025.

Presented by the Arkansas Music Experience in partnership with Experience Fayetteville and the Downtown Fayetteville Coalition, this event is a must for any music lover. It's the perfect opportunity to discover your new favorite band, support local venues, and soak in the rich musical culture that defines The NWA Life. The week is packed with live showcases, immersive exhibits, special events, and even the internationally recognized Music Cities Convention, bringing a global spotlight to our thriving local scene.

Whether you're into indie rock, soulful tributes, Latin heritage celebrations, or hands-on jam sessions, there is truly something for everyone. To help you plan your week, we’ve compiled a list of the can't-miss events happening around town.

Mark your calendars, and get ready to celebrate the past, present, and future of Arkansas music!

Arkansas Music Week - NWA Highlights & Schedule

Sunday, September 14

• Sunday on The Square: Arkansas Music Week Kickoff!

  • What: A free, family-friendly celebration with live music from Stepmom, Tristen, and Malibu Moon, plus an arts market, food trucks, a Rock & Roll Yard Sale, and more!

  • Where: Fayetteville Square

  • Time: 12 PM - 4 PM

  • Cost: Free

Monday, September 15

• FayPop Presents: Cliff & Susan, Whoa Dakota and Ashtyn Barbaree

  • Where: George's Majestic Lounge

  • Time: 6 PM

  • Cost: Free

• Song Swap ft. Sam Fagan, Charlie Jones & Pete Masri

  • Where: Kingfish

  • Time: 8 PM

• Fayetteville Music Cities Convention (Continues through Sept. 18)

  • What: A global gathering of industry professionals exploring how music shapes thriving communities.

  • Where: Fayetteville Town Center & Fayetteville Public Library

  • Cost: Tickets Required

Tuesday, September 16

• Arkansas Music Experience presents: The Music Industry Meetup

  • What: A premier networking event for music professionals, creatives, and industry leaders.

  • Where: George's Majestic Lounge

  • Time: 6 PM

  • Cost: Free

• Hop-Out DIY & Stay Swinky Presents: Frailstate and FRAWG!

  • Where: Kingfish

  • Time: 9 PM

  • Cost: Free

Wednesday, September 17

• Olivia Wu, Brian Gerald Bulger, and Summer Meeting Autumn

  • Where: Nomads Trailside

  • Time: 7 PM

  • Cost: $10 at the door

• Music To Life Presents: Making Music, Making Change Showcase

  • Where: Prairie Street Live

  • Time: 8:30 PM

• Oak Street Live

  • Where: Kingfish

  • Time: 9 PM

  • Cost: Free

Thursday, September 18

• Music Cities Convention Closing Reception

  • What: Featuring performances from Dylan Earl and Erin Enderlin, followed by the "Naturally, Arkansas!" closing event with a lineup of incredible Arkansas talent.

  • Where: George's Majestic Lounge

  • Time: 5:30 PM

  • Cost: Open to the industry

• Jam Etiquette: Improv Workshop

  • What: A hands-on workshop on the ins and outs of jam music. Bring your instrument!

  • Where: Prairie Street Live

  • Time: 7 PM - 10 PM

  • Cost: Free

• Film Fest Presents: Tomorrows Too Late - Screening & Performance

  • What: A documentary screening about transgender artist Dylan Holloway's journey.

  • Where: Fayetteville Public Library Event Center

  • Time: 8 PM

  • Cost: Tickets Required

Friday, September 19

• Darren Ray Memorial Happy Hour

  • Where: George’s Majestic Lounge

  • Time: 5 PM

• All-Star Tribute to The Last Waltz

  • What: A tribute to The Band’s legendary farewell concert, led by The 1 Oz. Jig and featuring special guests.

  • Where: Walton Arts Center

  • Time: 7:30 PM

  • Cost: Tickets Required

• Arkansas Homegrown Showcase

  • What: Featuring Buckshot Princess, Monsterboy LIVES, Roll Cage Mary, and Madaline Collins Duo.

  • Where: Prairie Street Live

  • Time: 8 PM

  • Cost: $10 at the door

• Haus of Untz Presents: Bailongo - A Latin Heritage Celebration

  • Where: West End

  • Time: 9 PM

  • Cost: Tickets Required (Link assumed)

Saturday, September 20

• The Non-Profit Picnic with Melissa Carper & Friends

  • What: A benefit concert for Natural State of Being featuring Melissa Carper, Chucky Waggs, and more.

  • Where: Prairie Street Live

  • Time: 6 PM

  • Cost: $15 Advance / $20 Door

• STS Presents: The Cryptid Disco

  • What: Featuring I The Killer, Scars Tell Stories, and Dissentious.

  • Where: Nomads Trailside

  • Time: 7 PM

  • Cost: $10 at the door

• Groove Control with Danny Grooves

  • Where: West End Fay

  • Time: 9 PM

  • Cost: $20 at the door

Sunday, September 21

• Uke on The Ramble

  • What: A big group ukulele strum-along led by the Sequoyah Ukulele Society.

  • Where: Upper Ramble

  • Time: 2 PM

• The Ahhfugyeahs

  • Where: Kingfish

  • Time: 4 PM

  • Cost: Free