Arkansas Music Week
Get ready for a week-long celebration of the sounds, stories, and spirit of Arkansas music!
Presented by Arkansas Music Experience, in partnership with Experience Fayetteville and the Downtown Fayetteville Coalition, the inaugural Arkansas Music Week will spotlight the rich musical culture of our state through live music showcases, exhibits, and special events across downtown Fayetteville. Set for September 14-21, 2025, Highlights include local and regional artist performances, immersive music exhibitions, and the internationally recognized Music Cities Convention—all happening in one unforgettable week. Come celebrate the past, present, and future of Arkansas music!
Sunday
Sunday on The Square : Arkansas Music Week Pre-Party Kickoff!
Fayetteville Square | September 14 | 12-4pm
Kick off Arkansas Music Week with a vibrant, family-friendly celebration in the heart of downtown Fayetteville! This FREE event, presented by Experience Fayetteville and organized by the Downtown Fayetteville Coalition and On The Map, features live music from Stepmom, Tristen, and Malibu Moon, along with artist demonstrations, installations, a bustling arts market filled with local makers and creators, food trucks, and more.
Don’t miss the Rock & Roll Yard Sale, where local musicians, venues, and music industry pros will be selling merch, used instruments, records, and other musical treasures. Dive into Arkansas’s rich musical legacy at the Arkansas Music History Listening Station, featuring a curated selection of records spun by a DJ. Plus, enjoy special appearances from community partners including Ozark Regional Transit, TheatreSquared, Walton Arts Center, Community Creative Center, The Jones Center, and the City of Fayetteville’s Parks & Recreation Department.
Grab lunch from a local restaurant or food truck, shop in local boutiques or the pop-up art market, and sip a to-go drink from a nearby bar thanks to the Outdoor Refreshment Area (ORA). Sundays on the Square wouldn’t be possible without generous support from sponsors like University of Arkansas Razorback Athletics, South by Northwest Hospitality, On the Map Shows, Renewal by Andersen, First Security Bank, and Beaver Water District. For more details, visit experiencefayetteville.com or downtownfay.org. Come out for an unforgettable Sunday afternoon full of music, creativity, and community vibes!
Monday
Song Swap at Kingfish Featuring Sam Fagan, Charlie Jones and Pete Masri
Kingfish | September 15 | 8pm
Fayetteville Music Cities Convention
Fayetteville Town Center, Fayetteville Public Library | September 15-18th
Experience Fayetteville and Music Cities Events proudly present the Fayetteville Music Cities Convention—a global gathering of thought leaders, creatives, and industry professionals exploring how music shapes thriving communities. Join us for dynamic conversations, forward-thinking panels, and invaluable networking as we examine how music can strengthen local identity, boost economic vitality, and foster social connection. Be part of the movement shaping the future of music cities around the world.
Tuesday
Arkansas Music Experience presents The Music Industry Meetup
Georges Majestic Lounge | September 16 | 6pm
The premier networking event for music professionals, creatives, and industry leaders returns to Fayetteville! Join us for an inspiring evening of meaningful dialogue, fresh collaborations, and real business connections at the heart of Arkansas's music scene.
Connect with representatives from:
AEnimate Media · Arkansas Folklife Festival · Arkansas Music Office · Arkansas Podcast Collaborative · Big Red Dog Productions · BEAR Creative Studios · East Hall Recording · Dead Party Media · Fayetteville Pop Festival · Fayetteville Public Television · George’s Majestic Lounge · Guitar Center • Hill Records • Holy Anvil Recording · Kikit Ticketing • KUAF 91.3 Public Radio · Lineup Booking · My Open Mic • Northwest Arkansas Open Mic Association • On The Map · The Shed Rehearsal • Travis Smith Productions · Valhalla Media
This event is FREE and open to all music lovers, makers, and movers. Let’s build Arkansas music—together.
Wednesday
Jake Hertzog Trio Live at The Pryor Center
BC's Blues Shack at The Pryor Center | September 17 | 6:30pm
Enjoy Music from one of the finest Jazz Trio's in Arkansas Live on the Pryor Center Stage.
Oak Street Live
Kingfish | September 17 | 9pm
Thurdsday
Music Cities Convention Closing Reception
Georges Majestic Lounge | September 18 | 5:30pm
The Boyhood Home of Johnny Cash is proud to present two outstanding Arkansas musicians, Dylan Earl and Erin Enderlin, both of whom have been deeply inspired by Johnny Cash’s legacy. They will be performing during the closing reception of the Music Cities Convention.
Explore Pine Bluff is proud to present the official closing event of the Music Cities Convention—Naturally, Arkansas!—hosted by The Music Education Initiative. This special celebration will feature an incredible lineup of Arkansas talent, including Paige Johnsey, March to August, Michael Hosier, Rev. Greg Spradlin, Baang, and Pura Coco.
Jam Etiquette: Improv Workshop
Prairie Street Live | September 18 | 7-10pm
Jamming doesn’t have to feel like cracking a complicated math equation! With the right tips and tricks, improv can be fun, fluid, and unforgettable—for both the band and the audience. Join Jonathan DerGazarian (Deep Sequence) as he leads an all-star jam session and hands-on workshop, diving into the ins and outs of jam music. We’ll have amps backlined and ready to go, and there will be plenty of opportunities for you to jump in and play alongside seasoned musicians.
Bring your instrument and let’s make some magic—together.
Friday
Darren Ray Memorial Happy Hour
George’s Majestic Lounge | September 19 | 5pm
The second annual Darren Ray Memorial Celebration Concert featuring The Uncrowned Kings, Leah Spears-Blackmon, Dawn Cate, Diane Rudolph and many more!
Payton Joy
Jammin Java | September 19 | 7pm
All-Star Tribute to The Last Waltz
Walton Arts Center | September 19 | 7:30pm
An all-star group of local and regional musicians, led by The 1 Oz. Jig, performs a tribute to The Band’s legendary 1976 farewell concert The Last Waltz. Just as in the original, this show will feature improvisations and appearances by guest musicians Rochelle Bradshaw, Candy Lee and Earl Cate among others. Take a load off and join the celebration of a transcendent era of American rock. This event is featured as part of the West Street Live Series.
Saturday
Dead Horse Mountain Band
Jammin Java | September 20 | 9am
The Non-Profit Picnic with Melissa Carper & Friends
Prairie Street Live | September 20 | 6pm
Join us for a heart-centered afternoon of music, community, and purpose, dedicated to raising funds for Natural State of Being—a nonprofit founded by Melissa Carper that provides lodging, rehabilitation, and healing support for individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges.
Featuring live music from: Melissa Carper, Chucky Waggs & the Company of Raggs, Sophia Clark, Bonnie Montgomery. Let’s come together to support healing, hope, and a more compassionate Arkansas.
$15 in advance · $20 at the door.
Sally Jo
Jammin Java | September 20 | 7pm
Ozark 808 Presents: Groove Control with Danny Grooves
West End Fay | September 20 | 9pm