CitiScapes Magazine

12/15/2025

Styx is Coming to the Walmart AMP May 17
Tickets On Sale to the Public, Friday, Dec. 19

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS, December 15, 2025 – Styx announced today they are head to the Walmart AMP with Cheap Trick on Sunday, May 17 as part of the 2026 Synchrony Concert Series. Gates open at 5:30 pm. Show starts at 7 pm.

Presales start on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 10 am. Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 am on Friday, Dec. 19. Standard all-in ticket prices range from $49.78 - $199.64 plus taxes. Prices are subject to change.

The seven men comprising Styx - James “JY” Young (lead vocals, guitars), Tommy Shaw (lead vocals, guitars), Chuck Panozzo (bass, vocals), Todd Sucherman (drums, percussion), Lawrence Gowan (lead vocals, keyboards), Crash of the Crown producer and co-writer Will Evankovich (guitars), Terry Gowan (bass, vocals) - are entering their second decade of averaging 100 shows a year, and each one is committed to making the next show better than the last.

Styx draws from over five decades of barn-burning chart hits, joyous singalongs and hard-driving deep cuts. Like a symphony that builds to a satisfying crescendo, a Styx set covers a wide range of stylistic cornerstones. From the progressively sweeping splendor that is “The Grand Illusion” to the hunker-down fortitude of all that is the “Blue Collar Man,” from the regal reach-for-the-stars bravado of “Come Sail Away” to the grainy all-in gallop of that rugged “Renegade” who had it made, the band draws on an unlimited cache of ways to immerse one’s mind and body in their signature sound.

Styx released their 17th studio album in 2021, Crash of the Crown, which was written pre-pandemic and recorded during the trying times of the pandemic. Styx’s holy mission for cutting Crash of the Crown, hailed by critics as a “masterpiece,” was crystal-clear to its co-creator from the get-go. “Absolutely no obstacles were going to get in the way of how we approached creating this album,” Shaw concludes about the herculean recording efforts of his fellow COTC makers. “And everything came out exactly the way we wanted to hear it.”

After more than two decades together on the road, this incarnation of Styx is looking forward to performing as many shows as it can as long as it can. “Music is this amazing force that comes from a higher place. I'm humbled for this band to have the great success that it has,” says Young. “The legacy of this band will be that it brought joy to millions of people,” notes drummer Todd Sucherman. Observes keyboardist/vocalist Lawrence Gowan, “We’ve always tried to explain why this is this happening. It’s obviously a multitude of factors, but the main one is that our show is really good! And if it’s really good, they’re going to come to see it again.” Styx hopes it’s a wave that never crests. “Every night, we go on that magic carpet ride together,” observes original bassist Chuck Panozzo, who joins the band on tour as often as he can. “We just want to keep on doing this,” asserts Tommy. “We want to let life take its course and let this music continue to be the soundtrack to it. And this band will continue to evolve as long as we live and play this music.”

Add-ons for the 2026 season include reserved parking, AMP Underground, Fast Track, collectible tickets and lawn chair rentals. Concert tickets and add-ons for this show will be delivered digitally. Purchase tickets and add-ons at walmartamp.com or ticketmaster.com.

12/15/2025

The Nutcracker, presented by NWA Conservatory of Classical Ballet, returns to the Arend Arts Center stage Dec. 19 and 20 for the 13th annual production of the heartwarming classic set to the famed Tchaikovsky score. 🩰🤍

This performance is one of Northwest Arkansas’ most beloved holiday traditions. Featuring a community cast of 192, including 168 regional dance students, 15 adult character artists and nine professional guest artists, the 2025 production is estimated to involve an additional 190 behind-the-scenes volunteers.

Read more about this special holiday performance at www.citiscapes.com/arts-culture-nutcracker! 🎵

Text courtesy of NWA Conservatory of Classical Ballet | Photo by Katie Cole Photography

The Nutcracker Returns to Arend Arts Center

12/12/2025

Walton Arts Center celebrated the grand opening of the Alexander Gallery at Porter Art Warehouse on Oct. 29. ✂️ 🖼️

Community members gathered for a ceremony in the Upper Ramble across the street from the Alexander Gallery at Porter Art Warehouse, followed by a ribbon cutting. Attendees were able to view the gallery’s inaugural exhibition, Our Art, Our Region, Our Time, and enjoy live music in the Underwood Garden by Ashtyn Barbaree as well as live screen printing of a commemorative design on free shirts and personal totes and tops.

Read more about the art gallery’s opening at www.citiscapes.com/arts-culture-wac-gallery! 🎨

Text and photos courtesy of Walton Arts Center

Grand Opening of Alexander Gallery at Porter Art Warehouse

12/11/2025

Make this a holiday break to remember when you relive the magic of and introduce your family to The Music Man. This is a classic musical so “grand and glorious!...it will give you new life,” according to Variety. 🎶🪄

Meredith Willson’s musical comedy, winner of six Tony Awards, follows traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he vows to organize — despite the fact he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. But will he get his heart stolen by Marian the librarian before he can skip town with the cash?

Read more about when to catch this show-stopping performance at www.citiscapes.com/arts-culture-wac! ⭐️

By Kaydith Maddox | Photos courtesy of Walton Arts Center

Spend Winter Break Together at the Theater

12/10/2025

RING IN THE NEW YEAR AT DOWNTOWN BENTONVILLE’S 3RD ANNUAL NYE PARTY

Bentonville, AR — Downtown Bentonville Inc. (DBI) is hosting a party to ring in 2026 in unforgettable style at its Third Annual New Year’s Eve Party, with tickets on sale now. The nonprofit’s only fundraiser of the year is taking place on December 31 at 8:00 p.m. at Ledger in Downtown Bentonville. This year’s theme, “Around the World at Ledger,” promises an immersive, high-energy evening filled with music, dancing, casino-like games, and plenty of surprises. Tickets are $150 per person and include signature drinks, beer, and wine in addition to heavy hors d'oeuvres.

This year’s event is proudly chaired by Andrew Melsness of Walmart and Todd Garner of Walmart/Sam’s Club, whose leadership and support help make this signature celebration—plus DBI’s year of programming and community events—possible.

The event, presented by Liquid IV, takes guests on a trip across the globe through themed décor and experiences, complete with live music, a vibrant dance floor, an exciting casino room, and a raffle featuring amazing prizes. The celebration offers something for everyone—whether you’re ready to dance the night away, try your luck at the tables, or simply toast to the new year with friends and neighbors.

Proceeds from the New Year’s Eve Party directly support Downtown Bentonville Inc.’s mission to enhance and promote a thriving, welcoming, and economically strong downtown. As DBI’s sole fundraiser of the year, the event plays a critical role in funding programs, events, and initiatives that bring the community together throughout the year.

“This night isn’t just about celebrating a new year—it’s about investing in the heart of our city,” said Kirk Gober, Downtown Bentonville Inc’s Board President. “Every ticket helps fuel the events and experiences that make Downtown Bentonville such a special place.”

The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor Liquid I.V. Additional sponsors include Cadillac of Bentonville, Premier Dermatology, Oaklawn, Pudgy Penguins, Schlumberger Scherer Construction, Motto by Hilton Bentonville Downtown, Voss Water, American Licorice, Fever-Tree, BUF Studio, Paschal Heat and Air, Molson Coors, Trinchero Family Estates, Cowboy Catering Company, Guess Who, Pigs Brand, Jack Daniel's and Walmart.

Tickets are limited and will sell-out and. Attendees are encouraged to secure theirs early.

For more information about Downtown Bentonville Inc. or the New Year’s Eve celebration, follow on social media.

12/10/2025

Bentonville Christmas Parade Returns With Plenty of Holiday Cheer

Bentonville, AR - The magic of the season comes alive in Northwest Arkansas as the 2025 Bentonville Christmas Parade kicks off at 6:00 p.m on Saturday December 13! Families can enjoy more than 100 local floats, musical performances, and beloved holiday characters as they travel down Main Street, ending on the historic Downtown Bentonville Square.

DBI recommends arriving early for the best spots along the parade route—parking downtown can be tricky, so check this link for tips. Roads around the Bentonville Square and along the parade route will begin closing at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, and will reopen as the parade makes its way through town. Don’t miss a moment of the festive action!

“Producing the Bentonville Christmas Parade on behalf of the city is a true privilege for our nonprofit. Watching families return year after year — alongside new faces experiencing it for the first time — is a powerful reminder of why this tradition holds such a special place in our community,” said Downtown Bentonville Inc. Executive Director Dana Schlagenhaft.
New this year, Brock Entertainment will be stationed on the veranda at the Bentonville Public Library, making announcements and spinning holiday music to enhance the parade experience.

As a gift to the community, Downtown Bentonville Inc.'s TV show, DWTN Now, will be on location to capture all the sparkle and excitement of the parade! From dazzling floats to lively holiday performances and family fun, the special program brings the magic right into your living room. Tune in on Arkansas CW on Christmas Eve from 9:30-10:30 p.m. and again on Christmas morning from 8:00–9:00 a.m. on 40/29 News—the perfect way to kick off the holiday celebrations with joy and cheer.

Complete with lights, cameras, and a full production setup, a Mainstage will be located at the corner of North Main Street and NW 2nd Street. For guests hoping to make an appearance on the 2025 Bentonville Christmas Parade Highlight Show, this is the place to be. Before the parade, three special performances will be filmed at the Mainstage: Lasya Rasa School of Dance, LADD Squad Steppers, and local musician Payton Joy.

The 2025 Bentonville Christmas Parade is proudly co-presented by Superior Automotive Group and PepsiCo, whose support helps make this cherished community tradition possible. Thanks to their generosity, families can enjoy a safe, fun-filled evening full of holiday cheer, music, and festive surprises for all ages.

The 2025 Bentonville Christmas Parade Highlight Show is made possible thanks to our sponsors, Albanese, The OP Games, Hershey’s, Benebone, and Motto by Hilton, Bentonville.

The Bentonville Christmas Parade is produced by the non-profit organization Downtown Bentonville Incorporated, with support from community partners: the Walton Family Foundation, the City of Bentonville, and Visit Bentonville.

12/10/2025

Northwest Arkansas will welcome back the Light the World Giving Machine to the Bentonville Square this month. These famous “vending machines” collect donations for the items most needed by the eight participating local and global charities and will be open to the public Dec. 11 through Dec. 28, located at 201 NE A St. in Bentonville. 💌✨

Since 2017, the Light the World Giving Machine initiative has helped raise nearly $50 million in donations for global and local charities from more than 2 million donors.

Read more about how you can give back to the community at www.citiscapes.com/giving-back-giving-machine! 📮

Text and photos courtesy of Giving Machine NWA

Light the World Giving Machine to Return to Northwest Arkansas

12/09/2025

Handshake Café Opens Tomorrow Inside Fayetteville Public Library New all-day restaurant brings local flavor, community connection, and culinary creativity to FPL

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Dec. 8, 2025 – Fayetteville Public Library is excited to announce that Handshake, a new café and gathering space created by Northwest Arkansas culinary duo Hope Ray and Chef Jameson Hall, will open for full service tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 9. Located on the library’s first floor near the Teaching Kitchen, Handshake will serve guests Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Anchored in local ingredients and community connection, Handshake expands the all-day experience available at FPL — offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, pastries, coffee, and rotating weekend pop-ups featuring regional bakers, artisans, and chefs.

“Our goal has always been to create a place where people can spend the entire day exploring everything the library offers. Handshake helps us do that. They’re not just a tenant — they’re already integrating into our culture, expanding our programming possibilities, and becoming a seamless extension of the library experience.”
— David Johnson, Executive Director, Fayetteville Public Library

Ray and Hall, both well-known in the NWA food community, bring experience from celebrated restaurants across the region. Ray previously worked with Conifer in Bentonville, while Hall brings his culinary background from Fayetteville’s Mockingbird Kitchen.

“From the beginning, our partnership with the library has been incredibly collaborative. We want Handshake to feel like a destination within this community resource — a place where people discover something new, support local makers, and feel welcomed. Every bit of encouragement we’ve received reminds us we’re building something meaningful together.”
— Hope Ray, Co-Owner, Handshake

Handshake’s menu is designed to be both creative and accessible, emphasizing flavor, seasonality, and local partnerships.

“I’m excited to show people how creative we can get with a menu that’s rooted in local resources and still totally accessible. You can spend ten or fifteen dollars and get something that truly blows your mind. And being open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. gives us space to keep surprising people — from a great breakfast all the way into an elevated dinner service.”
— Jameson Hall, Co-Owner & Chef, Handshake

In addition to Tuesday through Saturday service, Handshake will host a variety of Sunday pop-ups from time to time featuring local makers and collectives, starting with a December 21 collaboration with A Crumb, a regional bakers’ collective.

Handshake Details
Opening: Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025
Hours: 8 a.m.–9 p.m. daily
Location: First floor, School Ave. entrance, Fayetteville Public Library
Website: handshakefayetteville.com
Instagram:

12/09/2025

When Taylor Speegle talks about hunger, he doesn’t focus on numbers or charts. Instead, he talks about people — neighbors, children and seniors who often go unseen in one of the fastest-growing regions of the country. 🥫📦

The last few months have certainly put organizations such as the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank in the spotlight. They are, without a doubt, filling a need and saving lives in our community.

Read more about Taylor’s dedication to supporting those who struggle with food insecurity at www.citiscapes.com/profile-taylor-speegle! ❤️

By Glenda Graves | Portrait photo by Keith Branch

Feeding the Future

12/09/2025

Washington Regional Named a Best Hospital for Maternity Care for a Fourth Consecutive Year

Fayetteville, Ark. — For a fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report has named Washington Regional a High Performing hospital for Maternity Care. This is the highest award a hospital can earn as part of U.S. News’ Best Hospitals for Maternity Care annual survey. The ratings help expectant parents and their care team make informed decisions about where to receive maternity services that best meet their needs.

Washington Regional earned a High Performing designation based on objective measures including C-section rates in lower-risk pregnancies, severe unexpected newborn complication rates, exclusive breast milk feeding rates, and birthing-friendly practices. U.S. News, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, evaluated 901 hospitals nationwide. Only 495 achieved a High Performing designation.

“Washington Regional is proud to once again be named a High Performing Hospital for Maternity Care. This achievement underscores our commitment to providing exceptional care during one of life’s most meaningful experiences,” said Washington Regional President and CEO Larry Shackelford. “Washington Regional Women and Infants Center team members make maternity care their top priority every day. Their expertise and dedication ensure that mothers and newborns receive safe, compassionate care right here in Northwest Arkansas.”

The Washington Regional Women and Infants Center is committed to serving families with dedicated labor and delivery and mother/baby units, the region’s largest neonatal intensive care unit, the area’s only Ronald McDonald House, an infant nutrition lab, human milk depot location and two leading women’s health clinics and a maternal fetal medicine clinic.

“Hospitals designated as a U.S. News Best Hospital for Maternity Care are national leaders. This recognition means they are consistently hitting crucial patient safety benchmarks compared to other hospitals,” said Jennifer Winston, Ph.D., health data scientist at U.S. News. “It's a clear signal to expectant parents about where the highest standards of care are being practiced – when parents see this designation, they can be assured they are choosing a hospital dedicated to exceptional, evidence-based maternity care.”

For more information, visit

Compare hospital ratings for Maternity and Perinatal Care. Find hospitals that provide high-quality labor & delivery services for uncomplicated pregnancies.

12/09/2025

Whitney Cummings Expands Tour into 2026
Includes Rescheduled Performance at Walton Arts Center

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS, December 9, 2025 – Comedian, writer, producer and director Whitney Cummings will now bring her Big Baby Tour to Walton Arts Center on Saturday, May 9 at 7 pm. This performance was originally scheduled for October 2025, but postponed due to scheduling conflicts.

All previously purchased tickets for the original show date will be honored on the new date. Tickets are still available for this performance. Standard ticket prices range from $46.86-$69.86 and can be purchased at waltonartscenter.org, by calling 479.443.5600 weekdays 10 am-5 pm.

If you cannot attend the new date, you have until end of day Sunday, Jan. 11 to request a refund by contacting the box office at 479.443.5600.

The Northwest Arkansas performance is part of her extended Big Baby Tour. After a wildly successful 2025 run with sold-out shows nationwide, Cummings' new dates ensure she remains at the forefront as one of the most influential voices in comedy.

“The response to the Big Baby tour has been so overwhelming, I'm excited to extend it," said Cummings. "I thought maybe I’d take a break, but once you’ve navigated postpartum depression, your bar for exhaustion changes, so I’m ready to go back on tour, this time bringing my son so he can see America, and by that I mean every Buc-ee's in America. Thank you to everyone who came out to the sold-out shows so far and for pulling your weight in truly insane crowd work clips.”

On her Big Baby North American tour, Cummings delivers her signature sharp wit and fearless perspective navigating our wild world as a single mom. Fans can expect her laugh-out-loud takes on the chaos of personal growth, owning her mistakes and her humorous reflections on raising a son. With her unfiltered, relatable style, Big Baby promises an unforgettable comedy experience, brimming with the insight and energy that have made Cummings a standout performer.

Lauded by Variety as “one of the sharpest minds in comedy,” Cummings continues to redefine the genre with her bold storytelling and dynamic presence, cementing her status as a trailblazer in the entertainment industry. Celebrated for her incisive wit and razor-sharp delivery, she masterfully dissects modern life’s absurdities with unparalleled humor and charm. Cummings continues to push boundaries and redefine comedy, making her a powerful and enduring force in the industry.

Beyond comedy, Cummings is a bestselling author, with her 2017 memoir I’m Fine…And Other Lies, offering an honest look at mental health and resilience with unflinching honesty and humor. That same year, she made her directorial debut with The Female Brain, which she co-wrote and starred in. Cummings continues to star in numerous television series and films and remains a driving force behind innovative projects in entertainment. She also hosts the hit podcast Good For You, interviewing fellow comedians, cultural icons, and industry experts. When she’s not touring, Cummings lives in Los Angeles with her son, her pack of rescued dogs, and her horse.

12/08/2025

Arvest Foundation Donates $25,000 to the Scott Family Amazeum’s Expanding Futures Capital Campaign

Bentonville, Arkansas – December 8, 2025 - The Scott Family Amazeum announced that the Arvest Foundation has contributed $25,000 to support the museum’s Exp&ing Futures (Expanding Futures) capital campaign, a $25 million initiative designed to increase access to hands-on learning and create new spaces for early childhood education, community programs, and outdoor exploration.

The Expanding Futures campaign focuses on the development of three major new areas: the Early Learning Advancement Center, The Hangout + The Porch, and The Backyard, expanding the museum’s indoor and outdoor footprint to welcome more children, families, and educators across Northwest Arkansas. Construction began June 2025, with the opening anticipated in late 2026.

A central focus of the expansion is supporting children in their earliest years, a period when they learn best through exploration, play, and meaningful interaction with the adults around them. Educational research shows that when young children have opportunities to play, investigate, and share discoveries with a responsive adult nearby, they build the early thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that form the foundation for future learning. The new spaces are intentionally designed to encourage these kinds of moments, giving families room to explore together in environments that spark curiosity and connection without pressure or expectation.

“We are deeply grateful for the Arvest Foundation's continued investment in creating environments where children and families can learn, play, and explore together,” said Jennifer Martinez Belt, Chief Philanthropy Officer at the Scott Family Amazeum. “Their support advances new spaces designed specifically for early learners, caregivers, and the educators who support them.”

“On behalf of the Arvest Foundation, we are proud to support the Expanding Futures campaign and the Amazeum’s core purpose of inspiring young learners,” said Benton County Arvest President Chad Evans. “This grant reflects our commitment to education and community development across the region. We believe this expansion will offer meaningful opportunities for children and families throughout Northwest Arkansas, and we’re honored to be a part of the effort.”