Affordability, job prospects and quality of life are among the reasons U.S. News and World Report has ranked Fayetteville as one of the top 5 places to live in America for three consecutive years.
Quality of high schools and hospitals also plays a role in the rankings.
But when it comes to quality of life enhancers, Fayetteville has more than its share, starting with the Gulley Park Summer Concert Series, First Thursday on the Square and the Square 2 Square bike ride.
The Gulley Park series features local and regional bands on six designated evenings, with a schedule starting on May 30 to Aug. 8.
The tradition of spreading blankets and lawn chairs on the green has been taking place for 23 years, and it is sponsored by local businesses, which help keep it as a free event.
Another outdoor festival, First Thursday on the Square, takes place on the first Thursday for six months starting in May and ending in October.
Fayetteville’s downtown square transforms into an outdoor festival district featuring more than 20 local artists. There is also live music, street performances, children’s activities, local food trucks and a craft beer garden.
Local, regional, national and international bands have played on the First Thursday Stage over the past few years.
Similar to the Gulley Park series, First Thursday on the Square is a family friendly event, and there is no admission charged to the more than 5,000 visitors estimated to take part.
The Square 2 Square bike ride, meanwhile, takes place twice a year in a collaboration between Fayetteville and Bentonville parks and recreation departments.
Each city serves as the starting spot once and as the finish line of a 32-mile trek that takes riders along the Razorback Greenway.
More than 2,000 cyclists took part in the two 2019 rides, with adults paying $35 to enter and children 9-13 getting to ride for $25.
The Square 2 Square bike ride promotes fitness while encouraging locals and tourists to take advantage of the area’s extensive network of parks and trails.
Festive pit stops feature entertainment and refreshments and bike maintenance assistance is available.
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