How will you spend your time between sessions?
We asked the people who know it best how visitors can best spend their time in Northwest Arkansas, a rapidly expanding and interconnected region boasting some of the state’s top amenities; they suggested visiting these attractions during your downtime:
Day 1
7 a.m. | Start your day with local coffee and breakfast at one of the Onyx Coffee Lab locations in Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville or Springdale. The award-winning Arkansas-based coffee roasting and retail company sources its beans from around the world, and is a nationally-recognized brand.
8 a.m.-noon | Meeting time
Noon | Step out for a quick lunch at one of NWA’s food truck parks, like 8th Street Market in Bentonville, the Boardwalk Food Truck Park in Springdale or Food Trucks on College in Fayetteville. With some regional favorites like Yeyo’s El Alma de México, Dot’s Nashville Hot Chicken and El Trompo Loco, there’s something for everyone.
1-5 p.m. | Meeting time
5-6:30 p.m. | Retire after your meeting to one of the region’s premier boutique hotels, like The Compton, a new boutique hotel in Bentonville highlighting the outdoor lifestyle popular in NWA; the Moxy Fayetteville, also new this year, a modern Marriott Bonvoy property that’s close to nightlife and the city’s business district; or Hotel Vin Rogers, a new, boutique hotel opening in 2026.
6:30 p.m. | Check out some of the award-winning restaurants throughout the region, like Conifer or Yeyo’s El Alma de Mexico in Bentonville, whose chefs Matthew Cooper and Rafael Rios, respectively, were both nominated in 2025 for James Beard Awards, or Wright’s Barbecue, where Jordan Wright was also nominated for the prestigious recognition.
8 p.m. | Enjoy a concert at Fayetteville’s George’s Majestic Lounge, Arkansas’ oldest live music venue that has hosted artists from Morgan Wallen and Sturgill Simpson to the All-American Rejects and Animal Collective. Or visit The Momentary in Bentonville, a new outdoor venue that combines visual art with live performance and in 2025 hosted artists like Alabama Shakes and Japanese Breakfast.
Day 2
7 a.m. | Visit Bentonville’s Airship Coffee at Coler, a hidden gem in the Ozark Mountains that’s only accessible by foot or bike. The local roaster has locations throughout NWA, but the open-air cafe at Coler is certainly a unique stop. The trail leading to the cafe is along the Razorback Greenway, and also leads to Crystal Bridges.
8 a.m.-noon | Meeting time
Noon | Have a light lunch at Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese, a gourmet sandwich shop in Fayetteville; Crêpes Paulette, a unique fast-casual restaurant offering sweet and savory handheld, French-style crêpes in Bentonville; or El Cunado, an award-winning Mexican restaurant with locations throughout the region.
2 p.m. | Rent a mountain bike and explore NWA’s extensive trail network, which connects Fayetteville, Bentonville, Springdale, Johnson, Lowell, Bella Vista and Rogers and showcases some of the incredible natural beauty of the Ozarks. Highlights include historical routes that follow significant paths like the Trail of Tears and Civil War passages; direct access to attractions like Crystal Bridges and the University of Arkansas; and scenic routes that highlight natural resources in the region. The trail is paved, making it accessible for people of any skill level.
5 p.m. | Treat yourself to some of the fine dining available in the smaller towns of Northwest Arkansas, like Hail Fellow Well Met! in the new Johnson Square development near Springdale; the Fermentary Public House in Lowell, an elevated gastropub; or Grotto Wood Fired Grill & Wine Cave in Eureka Springs, named in 2017 to the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.
7:30 p.m. | Take in a show at TheatreSquared, a professional theater showcasing 350-plus performances annually. Or visit the Walton Arts Center, which often hosts travelling productions as well as live music and comedy.
10 p.m. | Have a nightcap at Vault, an-award winning bourbon bar in Fayetteville, offering unique, handcrafted cocktails; Callisto, a tropical-themed speakeasy in Bentonville; or The Five6, an upscale cocktail lounge in Rogers.
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