On The Stage
“A Wrinkle in Time” — This one-act adaptation of the beloved novel by Madeleine L’Engle is showing 7 p.m. May 22 & 23 and 2 p.m May 23 & 24 at the King Opera House, 427 Main St., Van Buren. Tickets are $12-$15 at kingoperahouse.ludus.com.
“The Western District” — The one-act historical play continues with its tour of venues in the River Valley. Next show is noon to 1:30 p.m. May 23 at Arts On Main, 415 Main St. in Van Buren. Written and produced by Brandon Chase Goldsmith, the production brings to life a forgotten and controversial chapter of Fort Smith’s history. Tickets are $18.59 at ozarkstix.com.
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Try Something New
Make Italian Loaf Cakes — Under the guidance of Italian baker Chiara Bellante, participants will learn how to bake three cakes: a lemon loaf, pistachio & raspberry loaf and a classic marble loaf. The Culinary course at Arts On Main is for ages 18 and older. Tickets are $55 per person. 1-3 p.m. May 23 at 415 Main St., Van Buren. artsonmainvb.com/adult-culinary.
Plant and Seed Swap — A swap table will be set up at the Fort Smith Public Library near the main desk for the month of May. Visitors can bring plants or seeds and swap them out for new ones. Plants must be pest free and healthy, and all items should be labeled and in secure containers. Available during open hours through May 24 at 3201 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith. (479) 783-0229.
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Walk & Talk Art
Night at the Museum! — On select Thursdays in May and June, the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum extends its hours until 7:30 p.m. Guests can explore the five galleries or, for those with an artistic flair, participate in the offered figure drawing class, guided by Amy Holmes Scoggins. Both museum admission and drawing class are free. Open 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. May 21 at 1601 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith. For more details on the drawing class, visit fsram.org/education.
“Painting the Arkansas Parks” — A traveling exhibition showcasing artworks created outdoors and highlighting the natural beauty and character of the state’s landscapes. The exhibit is on display through June 27 at Arts On Main, 415 Main St. in Van Buren. artsonmainvb.com/exhibitions-and-gallery-events.
“In Full Color” — This exhibition at Arts On Main showcases works by members of the Ozark Pastel Society and Arkansas Pastel Society, featuring work by artists ranging from those new to the pastel medium to those who have earned the highest honors from pastel society groups. Exhibit opens 6-8 p.m. May 15 at 415 Main St., Van Buren and is on display until June 27.
“Peeking Inside the Imagination” — An exhibition at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum featuring student artwork from Southside High School. This showcase presents a diverse array of media and styles from the art classes. The exhibit is on display through June 14 at 1601 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith. fsram.org/southside-high-school.
“Soul Taking Shape” — An exhibition by Arkansas Living Treasure and artist Longhua Xu. On display until June 21 at the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, 1601 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith. fsram.org/longhua-xu.
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Under The Open Sky
Ride Your Damn Bike Fest — The four-day cycling festival highlights Northwest Arkansas as a premiere destination for gravel riding, bikepacking and endurance mountain biking. The second annual event returns to Fayetteville for Memorial Day weekend, May 21-24. Nearly all events are free and open to the public, with registration required for the Community Overnighter and Fayetteville Ultra Circuit. ozarkgravelcyclists.com/rydb-fest.
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‘Absolute Cinema’
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Hands-On Fun
Maker Lab — Carve out some creative time at the Fort Smith Public Library with rubber stamp-making for adults. Learn the basics of designing and carving your own custom stamp, then take home a handmade creation. 6-7:30 p.m. May 19 at 3201 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith.
— Dustin Staggs
features@nwaonline.com
Dustin Staggs is a features writer for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, where he covers arts, entertainment and community stories that showcase the vibrant culture of Northwest Arkansas. Dustin, a University of Arkansas graduate, joined the Democrat-Gazette features team in July 2024. During his time at the university, Dustin’s magazine story was named a Story of the Year finalist in the “In-Depth News Story” category by the Associated Collegiate Press, making him the only Arkansas college student to earn this recognition that year. At the Democrat-Gazette, Dustin has cultivated strong connections within the local arts and entertainment community and finds joy in spotlighting the creative talents and inspiring stories of the region.