A souper night, murder mysteries, and Texas-style BBQ on campus


Hey, it's Lynn –

Happy Friday!

A Little Change of Plans...

I know I mentioned on Wednesday that I was working on something new and hoped to have it ready for you today. Well, as it turns out, that project is still in the "low and slow" phase—much like a good brisket. It’s not quite ready for the table yet, but I promise it’ll be worth the wait.

In the meantime, there is something big that is ready.

If you’ve driven near the new Walmart Campus in Bentonville lately, you probably smelled it before you saw it. Wright’s BBQ has officially opened its newest location right there on campus.

I was there for the Wright’s BBQ Grand Opening on the Walmart Campus, and let me tell you—it levels up the campus dining scene. It’s got all the barbecue goodness we’ve come to expect, but the setup is impressive: tons of seating, big-screen TVs for the games, and a dedicated takeout counter for when you’re on the move. Plus, you won't have to circle the block looking for a spot—there’s plenty of parking available in the nearby garages.

With this new addition, Wright’s now has two locations in Bentonville (the Square and the Campus), plus their spots in Johnson, Rogers, and Little Rock. I put together a quick video of the new space so you can see the layout for yourself.

Watch the Wright’s BBQ Reel here

Now, let’s get into a weekend full of murder mysteries, country dancing, and cozy soup nights.

In Today’s Issue:

  • Highlighted Events For This Weekend
  • Latest Videos
  • Full Calendar of Events For All of NWA

WEEKEND EVENTS
Catch The Fun

BENTONVILLE
🎶🍸 Live Acoustic Folk Night at Stoic Brews Alternative | Fri, Jan 9 | 7:30–9:30 PM | Cozy live acoustic folk sets by Summer Meeting Autumn and March to August in an intimate, laid-back setting. Half-price cocktails 6:30–7:30 PM, plus craft beer and cocktails. Free event.
🕵️‍♂️🍝 Murder Mystery Dinner at Isabella's Italian | Sun, Jan 11 | 5:30 PM | Interactive murder mystery dinner with cocktail hour, hors d’oeuvres, salad, entrée, and dessert. Guests receive character roles and solve a 1958-era whodunit led by Lost Valley Mysteries. Dress in 1950s formal attire. $100 total ($30 deposit to reserve, $70 due at event). Reservations required.

EUREKA SPRINGS
📚🍺 BYOBook Reading Night at Gotahold Brewing | Sun, Jan 11 | 3–5 PM | Bring any book (ebook, audiobook, textbook, comics welcome), grab a drink, and enjoy a relaxed reading session. Come solo or with friends, meet fellow readers, and support a local brewery. All are welcome.

FAYETTEVILLE
🥣❤️ A Souper Night on the Mountain at Mount Sequoyah Center | Sat, Jan 10 | 5:30–7:30 PM | Cozy soup supper by Fire & Lightning Catering featuring chicken & dumplings, Thai red curry soup, and tomato basil with grilled cheese croutons, plus baguettes and beverages. $25 adults | $10 kids (14 & under). $5 from each adult ticket supports Rainbow Arts Camp.

LOWELL
🪵🎨 Epoxy River Workshop at GOAT LAB Brewery | Sun, Jan 11 | 2–4 PM | Hands-on epoxy class crafting a river charcuterie board, lazy susan, clock, key holder shelf, coasters, or mini set using black walnut and hardwoods. Choose up to two epoxy colors. Finished pieces ship after curing and finishing (6–8 weeks). Tickets required; 12+ need a ticket.

ROGERS
🕹️🎯 Free Play Friday at NWA Pinball Club | Fri, Jan 9 | 7:30–11:30 PM | Open play night with 40+ pinball machines (classic ’80s–’90s to latest Stern), plus arcade games, air hockey, and 6-player shuffle bowling. All games on free play. $20 entry. Outside food & drinks allowed (including alcohol). Optional pinball tournament at 8 PM (no extra cost).
🚤🌲 NWA Boat & Outdoor Expo at John Q. Hammons Convention Center | Jan 8–11 |Four-day expo showcasing boats, lake-life gear, and outdoor essentials, plus local vendors and a family-friendly atmosphere. Tickets $10 | Kids 10 & under free.

SILOAM SPRINGS
🤠💃 Country Dancing Night at Stompin’ Ground | Fri, Jan 9 | 6–11 PM | Monthly country dance night with line dancing, two-stepping, and classic country hits. All levels welcome. 18+ | $10 cover (cash or Venmo). No alcohol or smoking

🍁 Full List of Events in NWA This Weekend
🎶 Full List of NWA Live Music This Weekend
Upcoming Events in Northwest Arkansas

🎥 This Week’s Watchlist

🍳 Wright's Barbecue - Opened a new location on the Walmart Campusin Bentonville- Watch the reel.

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Before you go:

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Where to Eat, Play & Stay in NWA? - Check out the Top 10 Lists For Local Places To Eat, Play & Stay in Northwest Arkansas (that businesses can't pay to be on). Get the inside scoop here!

All good things,

— Lynn West

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