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EMS Connect: Ringing in the New Year

  • Carlie Neel
  • Dec 31, 2025
  • 3 min read

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NWA Local Living
Welcome to EMS Connect, your bi-weekly look at the people, places, and happenings that make Northwest Arkansas feel like home. Each issue highlights local events, community favorites, and businesses shaping the region — all curated to help you stay connected to the heartbeat of NWA.


Local NWA Events


Promotional image for The Nutcracker ballet presented by Classical Arts Entertainment in Fayetteville, Arkansas, featuring international ballet dancers and highlighting a holiday performance at the Faulkner Performing Arts Center in Northwest Arkansas.

Black Eyed Pea New Year's Run | Jan. 1 10 AM


Start 2026 with community, movement, and a bowl of black-eyed peas at the finish line. This Fayetteville tradition invites runners and walkers of all levels for a peaceful start to the new year. 

📍1591 E Winfield Dr, Fayetteville


Santa Claus posing with two children beside a red mailbox during the Santa in the Basin Park event in historic downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

German New Year's Eve | Dec. 31, 3 - 8 PM

Ring in 2026 a little early at Bike Rack Brewing Co. with a Germany-time New Year’s Eve celebration. The early countdown makes a great option for families, early-night plans, or anyone looking to toast the New Year without staying out late. Stop by to enjoy a festive afternoon and kick off the year ahead with good company and celebratory cheers. 

📍 Bike Rack Brewing Co.


Promotional image for Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings in Fayetteville, Arkansas, featuring glowing candles and holiday décor for a festive live music performance.

2026 Vision Board Night | Jan. 1, 4:30 - 6:30 PM

Start the new year with reflection and creativity at this cozy collage workshop hosted by Best Friends Animal Society of Northwest Arkansas. Guests are invited to sip a warm drink, slow down, and create something meaningful. Attendees are encouraged to create either a 2025 memory collage honoring moments from the past year or a 2026 vision board focused on goals and intentions ahead. 

📍 Best Friends Pet Resource Center




Sip N Paint Night | Jan. 16, 7 - 9 PM Looking for a creative and entertaining night out? Join My-T-By-Design Therapeutic Art Studio at Stoic Brews Alternative for Sip N Paint Night. Guests of all ages are invited to pick up a paintbrush and enjoy a fun evening of community and art.

📍 Stoic Brews Alternative, Bentonville


Ozark Mountain Music Festival | Jan. 15 - 18 Begin the new year with four days of live music in downtown Eureka Springs! This indoor winter festival brings together folk, indie, Americana, and late-night jam sessions for a lively musical experience. 

📍 The Basin Park Hotel, Eureka Springs

NWA News, Growth, & Happenings

Scott Family Amazeum

Interactive Play Space at XNA If you’re planning any travel in 2026, make sure to keep an eye out for the new interactive play space coming to the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA). Provided through a partnership with the Scott Family Amazeum and designed for children ages 0-12, the aviation-themed play area will feature early learning zones, and hands-on STEAM activities. This new activity center turns airport downtime into a more family-friendly experience as part of XNA’s ongoing terminal improvements.  

NWA Businesses Looking for new places to support around Northwest Arkansas? Here are a few community favorites worth adding to your list:


Atlas Infrastructure Group logo featuring an orange globe-inspired “A” icon and the words “Atlas Infrastructure Group” on a dark background, representing a Northwest Arkansas construction and infrastructure company.

Fayetteville Mercantile

Searching for a cozy spot to shop local? Fayetteville Mercantile brings together dozens of small makers and vintage vendors under one roof, offering everything from handcrafted decor to unique gifts and curated treasures. It’s the perfect place to wander, discover, and support local creativity all at once.

📍 31 N Block Ave, Fayetteville


Exterior storefront of Ozark Mountain Bagel Co. in Northwest Arkansas, featuring the OMB logo and “Bagels” signage on the building.

Markham & Fitz Chocolate


Craving something sweet? Markham & Fitz creates award-winning, bean-to-bar chocolate right here in NWA. With ethically sourced cocoa and small-batch craftsmanship, they turn every dessert into a celebration of flavor, joy, and good intentions. Visit the chocolate lounge for pastries, drinks, and a little bit of magic. 

📍 801 SE 8th St, Bentonville


Interior of Yeyo’s El Alma de México restaurant in Bentonville, Arkansas, featuring warm wood tables, modern seating, and a stylish bar area in a contemporary Mexican dining space.

Sestina at The Compton Hotel


Looking for a dining experience that feels luxurious and elevated? Sestina brings a refined take on Italian-inspired cuisine to downtown Bentonville, focusing on seasonal ingredients, carefully crafted dishes, and house-made pasta meant to be shared. With an intimate atmosphere, Sestina is the perfect choice for a special occasion, relaxed dinner, or a night out close to home

📍 200 E Central Ave, Ste. 101, Bentonville 



Thanks for staying connected with us!


We appreciate you joining us for another look at the people and places that make NWA thrive. Stay connected, stay curious, and we’ll see you out in the community!



Questions?


We are always available to answer any questions you may have and provide any assistance needed.




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