First up, let’s talk about the Broadway Series and the special perks of being a Broadway Series subscriber. Here’s a look at what shows are coming our way:

• SHOW 1: The Outsiders, Sept. 1-6, 2026
• SHOW 2: Buena Vista Social Club, Dec. 15-20, 2026
• SHOW 3: The Notebook*, Feb. 24-28, 2027
• SHOW 4: The Sound of Music, April 13-18, 2027
• SHOW 5: Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical, May 25-30, 2027
• SHOW 6: Just In Time, July 6-11, 2027

PLUS: Subscribers get access to MORE Broadway Shows before tickets go on sale to the public:

• BONUS 1: Dirty Dancing: The Musical*, Oct. 21-25, 2026
• BONUS 2: Jersey Boys, Nov. 27-29, 2026
• BONUS 3: Hadestown, Feb. 5-7, 2027
• BONUS 4: Kinky Boots, April 30-May 2, 2027
• BONUS 5: Beetlejuice, June 4-6, 2027

Special note for superfans of Wicked (coming next year):

The “thrillifying” news is that if you subscribe to the 2026/27 Broadway season, you’ll be the first in line to guarantee your seats for the Northwest Arkansas debut of WICKED when renewing your subscribed seats in 2027/28.

Create Your Own Package

For more information on how to create your own package of shows to see during the 2026-2027 season, click HERE to see the complete list of show options as well as the discounts available, depending on how many shows you choose to see.

We’ve already bought our tickets for this season, and we hope to see you at the theatre soon!

For specific questions about tickets or performances, you can visit the Walton Arts Center website or call the box office at 479-443-5600.

To kick off the new season of Center Stage Comedy performances at The Jones Center in Springdale, we’re giving away two tickets to see stand-up comedian Michael Palascak at 7pm on September 25, 2026. Scroll down to put your name in the online drawing to win these tickets, which would be a fun date night or a Moms’ Night Out event.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Last year Michael Palascak appeared on Nateland Presents: The Showcase on YouTube.  Michael also released his self-produced special He’s Friendly which has garnered over 215, 000 views on YouTube and has multiple tracks streaming on Sirius XM’s comedy channels like Pure Comedy.  You can also find him on Paramount + where his debut half hour is streaming on Season 1, Episode 2 of Comedy Central’s The Half Hour and on CBS on an upcoming episode of Comics Unleashed.  Michael grew up in a small town in Indiana and began doing stand-up in Chicago after his parents moved the family to the suburbs during his formative years. 

As a clean comedian, he has racked up multiple late night credits with appearances on The Tonight Show, The Late Show,  The Late Late Show, and Conan.  Additionally, he was a Top 5 Finalist on the last season of Last Comic Standing after eliminating Taylor Tomlinson in a head-to-head stand-up competition. Michael currently resides in California and is a dad.  Every Monday night he records a podcast after his kid goes to sleep.  It is called I Just Got My Kid To Sleep.

Here’s a sneak peek video of Michael on stage:

HOW TO ENTER:

To throw your name in the online hat to win 2 tickets to see Center Stage Comedy featuring Michael Palascak at 7pm at The Jones Center on September 25, 2026, scroll down to the bottom of this post (and past the comments posted by other moms) until you see the words “Leave a Reply.”

Then, write a quick comment telling us what kinds of things (or people) make you laugh the hardest? (A funny dog video, a Ted Lasso episode, or an older Jim Carrey movie gets me every time.)

We choose winners at random using a random number generator. But if you’d rather not leave it up to the luck of the draw, click here to purchase tickets online.

CHILDCARE OPTION: If you need childcare during the show, check out the paid Parents Night Out option, which will give your kids the chance to play at the Jones Center while you see the show.

Good luck in the giveaway! Watch your inbox because we’ll email the winner soon.

For the past few years, when Tom’s work takes him somewhere I’d like to see, I get my own plane ticket and tag along so we can be weekend tourists. The writing profession might never bring in the big bucks, but you can’t beat its portability. The second I slide my laptop into my luggage, my office can go anywhere.

​So far, we’ve visited London, Toronto, Las Vegas, and Minneapolis. Much to my surprise as a certified homebody, these trips have not only been a fun way for us to see new things together, but they’ve also given me a wider range of experiences and insights to write about. (Did you hear that, IRS? They’re officially work trips now, so get ready for some write-offs.)

​I drank hot tea and ate almond croissants in London. I saw the bare butts of several wait staff at a Las Vegas pool. And in Minneapolis, I learned it’s not only okay but also advisable to have “his and hers” elements of any vacation.

​For example, while we were visiting his beloved home state of Minnesota, Tom wanted to spend an afternoon at Fort Snelling, a historic U.S. military fortification built in the early 1820s. As luck would not have it, an unusual heat wave hovered over the city that day, yet we soldiered on.

​As soon as we arrived, a Fort volunteer told us a rifle demonstration would happen in 20 minutes. So, we visited a few buildings inside the Fort and then joined the group of tourists gathered for the gun demo. Before the first shots rang out, I grabbed the AirPods I’d tucked into my purse and pushed them into my ears. Tom raised an eyebrow, but I explained that the noise-cancellation feature would help dampen the loud sounds.

​Once the shooting ended, the rifleman dove into a long explanation of the inner workings of an obsolete musket — information I doubted I would need in 2026. So, since the AirPods were already in my ears, I covertly reached into my purse, found my iPhone, and hit the play button on an audiobook.

​For the next few hours, Tom and I leisurely walked all the way through the dusty old fort and its gift shop and museum. To an outside observer, I looked like a woman riveted by history. What appeared to be careful reading of historic plaques and thoughtful pondering of American history was actually me listening with rapt attention to the plot twist in Chapter 22. I did, however, pause the book for five minutes when we spotted a gopher roaming the grounds. He held still just long enough for me to snap his picture.

​In the end, we both got what we wanted. Tom had plenty of time to soak up all the stories of gun battles and dysentery, and I got to see a gopher in person and read on vacation. Everybody won (except for the former Fort residents who tragically died of dysentery).

​Since I’d been a good sport about touring a Fort on a 95-degree day, Tom suggested we go to the nearby Mall of America for some air-conditioned shopping. Twenty minutes later, we stepped through the doors of the largest indoor shopping and entertainment complex in the entire country — one so large that there’s an actual theme park with rides and roller coasters located at the center of it.

​I wanted to roam around a makeup store in search of the perfect lipstick. Then I wanted to spend too much time inside the stationery shop, looking at fancy paper and pretty pens. Knowing these activities would likely put Tom into a coma, I released him to walk around the three-story mall so he could hit his daily goal of 10,000 steps. Fortunately, he had his own AirPods with him, so he could listen to history podcasts while he walked.

​After we’d enjoyed our solo activities, we regrouped for dinner. We’d both had just enough time on our own to look forward to being together again during drinks and appetizers. It made me realize that traveling is so much better when you’re willing to carve out time for his, hers, and ours.

​Gwen Rockwood is a syndicated freelance columnist. Email her at gwenrockwood5@gmail.com. Her books are available on Amazon.

This week we’re giving one local mom 4 tickets so she and her famly or friends can attend the opening night performance of the 50th Anniversary Tour of Trout Fishing in America. It’s happening on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Walton Arts Center. Scroll down for details on how to put your name in the online drawing for tickets.

ABOUT THE SHOW:

Trout Fishing in America’s Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet have been friends and songwriting partners for five decades. They write music for people who take their fun seriously, and their dynamic sound, relatable lyrics and unique stage presence offer something for everyone.

The nationally touring duo has traveled over a million miles and performed in all 50 states plus parts of Canada and Europe. Now, they’re hitting the road on their 50th Anniversary Tour, kicking it off right here in their hometown. Come out and show these legends some Fayetteville love!

HOW TO ENTER:

To throw your name in the online hat to win 4 tickets to see Trout Fishing in America on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at Walton Arts Center, scroll down to the bottom of this post (and past the comments posted by other moms) until you see the words “Leave a Reply.”

Then, write a quick comment telling us about something you’d love to be able to do with a great friend for 50 years, just as Keith and Ezra have done with their music careers. For example, my buddy Shannon and I would love to write stories together for 50 years!

We choose winners at random using a random number generator. But if you’d rather not leave it up to the luck of the draw, click here to purchase tickets online. 

Good luck in the online drawing for tickets! We’ll email the winners soon so keep an eye on your inbox. 

Click on the name of any of these events for more information.

Movies in the Parks

Enjoy the movie Matilda under the stars at Lewis Park. The screening is free and open to the public. Scooby Doo is coming to the Upper Ramble on Oct. 9.

Date: Sept. 4

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: Lewis Park, Fayetteville

Movie Night on the Square

Save the date for a fun movie night on the Bentonville Square!

Head to Downtown Bentonville for a free, family-friendly movie night (they’ll also have movies on Oct. 8 and 21). This one is Ratatouille. Bring your own lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and your favorite theater snacks.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 10

Time: 5:30-8 p.m.

Location: Bentonville Square

Community Campout

Sleep out under the stars with your family at Jones Center’s third annual Community Campout. This event is perfect for those new to camping and eager to learn how to pitch a tent and survive in the wilderness. There will be educational pop-ups featuring kids’ crafts and nature exploration. Jones Center staff will be there to assist you and ensure your camping experience is enjoyable. Your camping adventure will include campfire cooking, outdoor games, live music and more. $50 or $40 for members per campsite (up to six people)

Dates: Sept. 11-12

Time: From 6 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday

Location: North Community Park, the Jones Center, Springdale

Grandma Moses: A Good Day’s Work

Celebrate one of America’s most beloved folk artists and the many ways she shaped culture with her popular influence. On Saturday, September 12, an Opening Celebration will feature a full day of art and craft demonstrations, storytelling, farm animals, and live music performances. Additional programs throughout the exhibition’s run will include gallery talks, artmaking workshops, cocktail tours, listening sessions, and drop-in tours.

Date: Opening celebration, Sept. 12

Time: Museum hours

Location: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville

Cane Hill Harvest Festival

The Harvest Festival offers visitors an experience combining history, Ozark culture, and a natural setting with modern amenities and entertainment. Visitors to the 2026 Festival can enjoy a country breakfast,  live pie auction, food truck provisions, live music, an Arts and Eats market, sorghum pressing demonstrations, craft demonstrations, tours of historic buildings and a quilt show.

Date: Sept. 19

Time: 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Location: Cane Hill

Monarch Flight Festival

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 incredible north-to-south migration brings them right through our region. This free, family-friendly celebration of conservation, environmental education, culture, migration, and community celebrates their return.

Date: Sept. 19

Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Luther George Park, Springdale

Trout Fishing in America

Trout Fishing in America’s Keith Grimwood and Ezra Idlet have been friends and songwriting partners for five decades. They write music for people who take their fun seriously, and their dynamic sound, relatable lyrics and unique stage presence offer something for everyone. The nationally touring duo has traveled over a million miles and performed in all 50 states plus parts of Canada and Europe. Now, they’re hitting the road on their 50th Anniversary Tour, kicking it off right here in their hometown.

Date: Thursday, Sept. 24

Time: 7 p.m.

Location: Walton Arts Center

NWA Plant Festival

Shop from over 35 local plant vendors featuring everything from rare collector plants to beginner-friendly favorites, handmade plant accessories, plant-themed art, and more.

Date: Saturday, Sept. 26

Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Location: Gather Bentonville

Back-to-school season has a way of filling calendars quickly. Soccer. Dance. Music lessons. Clubs. Tutoring. With so many choices—and only so many hours between the final school bell and bedtime—how do parents decide which experiences are worth their family’s time?

One place to start is by changing the question. Instead of asking, “What activities should fill my child’s time?” try asking, “What will my child get to explore?”

At the Scott Family Amazeum, we think about that question constantly. When we create a learning experience, we want children to have something to figure out, choices to make and enough freedom to follow an idea somewhere we may not have anticipated.

Research supports that approach. The American Academy of Pediatrics points to play as an important way children develop skills such as problem-solving, self-regulation, collaboration and creativity. In “guided play,” adults create conditions for learning while children retain the freedom to explore and make discoveries themselves. That same thinking can help families evaluate activities.

Look for opportunities to make choices

Children are more deeply engaged when they have some ownership of an experience. A great coach, teacher or facilitator provides guidance while still giving children room to make decisions and bring their own ideas.

At the Amazeum’s Water Amazements area, kids experiment with flowing water and explore what happens when they redirect, block or release it. The environment offers possibilities, but there isn’t one prescribed way to use them.

That’s a good question to ask about any activity: Is my child only being told what to do, or do they have opportunities to explore and make choices, ask questions and make sense of the world around them?

Make room for failure 

Some of the best learning happens when the first idea doesn’t work. Experiences that leave room to discover, adjust and try again help children practice problem-solving and get more comfortable taking risks.

Think about creating something in the Amazeum’s Materials Lab. A material might not behave as expected. An idea might turn into something completely different once you start making it. For adults, the instinct can be to jump in with the answer. Try a question instead: “What could you try next?”

That cycle—plan, test, adapt, repeat—is learning in action. It exercises executive-function skills: the mental processes children use to focus, shift their thinking and work toward a goal. Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child notes that children develop these skills through interaction and practice. In a safe, low-stakes environment, a flop isn’t the end. It’s an invitation to try something new.

Pay attention to what happens afterward

One of our favorite signs of a meaningful experience is when it follows a child home.

Maybe a cardboard box becomes an invention. A walk turns into an investigation of bugs or rocks. A question from science club becomes a dinner-table conversation. When an experience is meaningful, rigorous, and sparks continued curiosity, that matters.

And meaningful learning doesn’t require another scheduled activity. Play is how children explore and make sense of the world. It can happen at a museum, but also while building a blanket fort, helping make dinner, digging in the dirt or inventing a game.

Our job as adults isn’t always to provide the answer. Sometimes it’s to be curious, ask questions, create the space for exploration, and resist the urge to take over.

So as the school year begins, ask:

• Does my child get to make choices?
• Is there room to try, fail and try again?
• Does the experience leave them wanting to know more?

Those are signs of an activity worth the time. 

We hope you and your family make time for curiosity and play at the Amazeum soon. For a full list of programs and happenings, visit amazeum.org.

If you’ve never considered a theatre class as an after-school activity for your child, this is the year to help your kids discover something new. Arts Live Theatre has a huge line-up of after-school theatre classes available this fall for ages 4-5, 6-8, 9-12, and 13-18 years old.

Class themes include: Fairy Tale Wonders, Percy Jackson’s Quest, Pinocchio Escapades, Dinosaur
Adventures, Magic School Bus, Hogwarts Hidden Mysteries, Acting Creates Character, and Minions & Monsters.

Classes begin the week of August 31st and run for eight weeks.

Arts Live Theatre Teaching Artists are theatre professionals and educators. For more information and to register, please visit www.artslivetheatre.com today. Space is limited, so register early!

CLASS LOCATION: Arts Live Theatre, 818 N. Sang Avenue, Fayetteville
WHEN: Weekly, August-October
COST: Prices range from $110-$190
CONTACT: info@artslivetheatre.com; 479-521-4932

Upcoming productions:

“ANNE OF GREEN GABLES” – production dates, September 10-13 at ALT

“DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS: THE MUSICAL” – the fall musical at THE MEDIUM, October 29 – November 1

“CLUE” – production December 10-13 at ALT

“PINOCCHIO” mini production at FPL Super Saturday, 10am on October 10

Upcoming auditions:

“DISNEY’S DESCENDANTS: THE MUSICAL” – auditions on Saturday, August 22 and August 29. Visit www.artslivetheatre.com for audition details.

”CLUE” & “PINOCCHIO”, Visit www.artslivetheatre.com for audition dates, times & details.

For more information or to get on the Arts Live Theatre email list, please call 479 521-4932 or email the theatre at this address: info@artslivetheatre.com

At our house, back-to-school looks like Moving Day. We’ve evolved from cute lunchboxes to U-Haul trailers. By my count, we’ve moved a kid to a dorm or apartment 12 times over the past seven years, all during the sweltering month of August.

Thankfully, those moves paid off because two of our three kids have now graduated from college and joined the working world. This year we’re only moving our youngest kid back to campus to finish her last two years.

I say the same five words to each of my adult kids every time a moving day is over, right before we leave them: “Take care of my kid.” If I’m lucky, I can say the whole sentence before the tears come. A tidal wave of sadness swamps me every time because, even though their bodies are grown and sometimes taller than mine, part of me feels like I’m leaving my swaddled newborn on the side of a busy road.

But here’s something I’ve learned from the years of moving and leaving. Even when you ask them to take care of your kid, sometimes they won’t. Instead, they’ll eat greasy chicken wings and Skittles at midnight. They’ll scroll on their phones until 3 am. They’ll skip breakfast, forget the sunscreen, not drink enough water, and act as if fiber doesn’t matter at all.

They’ll get hurt, occasionally by others and sometimes by their own recklessness. Often, their willful neglect or avoidance will land them in bad situations. They’ll forget a test. Miss classes. Procrastinate the big project to the point of misery. Their dorm room or apartment might look like a gas station bathroom you’d walk straight back out of, insisting you can hold it for another 50 miles.

And if you’re a stronger, wiser person than me, you’ll keep your paternal or maternal mouth shut. Believe me, you’ll be bursting at the seams with strongly-worded opinions and directions, and they’ll all be based in love and the best intentions. But, most of the time, they won’t help.

Because at this point in their development, hearing a parent say something about what they “should” do will feel like you’re poking a hole in their newfound independence, the precious freedom they’re hard-wired to protect. What you mean as a helpful suggestion will raise their suspicion that you’re still trying to control them, even when you’re not in the same zip code.

If I’m honest, I probably felt that way, too. I went away to college believing that turning 18 meant I finally got to do whatever I wanted. For most of us, it takes months or years before we realize that being a functioning adult means you do things that help make your life run smoother, even when those things aren’t fun or convenient.

In many ways, having a young adult is harder than raising a toddler who has zero interest in their own safety and a laser focus on the next risky adventure. At least with the toddler, you can scoop them up off their feet and distract them with ice cream. By the time they’ve reached 18, they’re way past the age of scooping.

Maybe all we can do is listen, love them, offer guidance (only when asked), and then wait on the sidelines as their lives play out. This is particularly tricky for those of us who are doers — people who love with actions and fixes. And it’s terrifying for those of us who need our own fears eased by making sure our college kid is being safe and responsible.

Parenting can be a rough business, no matter what the age. It feels ridiculous to tell an 18-year-old kid to take care of your kid as they step out into the world. And yet, they’re the only ones who can do it now. The mistakes and struggles are part of their journey, and maybe they’re the prerequisite to real growth.

Godspeed to all the big kids in young adult bodies. Go live your messy lives and figure it out. We love you, and we’ll do our best not to yell from the sidelines.

Gwen Rockwood is a syndicated freelance columnist. Email her at gwenrockwood5@gmail.com. Her books are available on Amazon. 

This concert could be a fun double-date night, a moms’ night out, or a great event for the whole family.

ABOUT THE CONCERT:

NEED TO BREATHE is the multi-Platinum Grammy-nominated band known for hits including “Brother,” “The Outsiders,” “Hard Love,” and so many more. Their distinctive sound and spiritual depth is instantly recognizable, and they’ve earned five No. 1 albums as well as sold-out tours and a global following. Their newest studio album is titled “The Long Surrender.”

Here’s a video sneak peek of the band performing one of their top hits, “Brother.”

HOW TO ENTER:

To throw your name in the online hat to win 4 tickets to see NEED TO BREATHE in concert on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Walmart AMP in Rogers, scroll down to the bottom of this post (and past the comments posted by other moms) until you see the words “Leave a Reply.”

Then, write a quick comment telling us one of your favorite songs by this band.

We choose winners at random using a random number generator. But if you’d rather not leave it up to the luck of the draw, click here to purchase tickets online. 

Good luck in the online drawing for tickets! We’ll email the winners soon so keep an eye on your inbox.