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- 🏙️ FORT SMITH WEEKLY #19
🏙️ FORT SMITH WEEKLY #19
In partnership with
Hi Neighbors!
Think of this email as your motivational coach… but for fun stuff. We’re talking theater, concerts, festivals, and a dash of civic gossip to keep it spicy. You’ll either end the week with sore legs from running 5Ks or sore cheeks from laughing too hard — both count as cardio.
What to Expect in Today’s Edition
Center Stage – From Waiting for Godot to a symphony “dance party,” your cultured side called — it’s thrilled.
Live Music Lineup – Vandoliers, The Dead South, Eli Young Band, and more gigs to keep your evenings loud.
Events & Festivals – Book signings, charity banquets, foodie fundraisers, and even a car show to stroll through.
News You Can Actually Use – City property sales, water restrictions, tourism highs, and a few “wait, what?!” local headlines.
Did someone forward this to you? Subscribe here to get your weekly dose of Fort Smith goodness.
—Your Neighbour
📅 THIS WEEK IN FORT SMITH
🎭 THEATER & PERFORMING ARTS
🎭 Fort Smith Little Theatre: Waiting for Godot | August 14-16, 2025 | 7:30 PM | By Samuel Beckett | Fort Smith Little Theatre | $8 per person at the door | Doors open 6:45 PM | Link to Event Pagea
🎭 Fort Smith Symphony: Dance Party | September 6th, 2025 | 7:00 PM | ArcBest Performing Arts Center | Features Aaron Copland, Astor Piazzola, Sergei Prokofiev works | Link to EventPage
🎵 MUSIC & CONCERTS
🎵 Vandoliers: Life Behind Bars Tour (with Nate Bergman, Canyon Sons) | August 15th, 2025 | 8:00 PM | The Majestic | Doors 7:00 PM | Tickets from $114 | Majestic Fort Smith
🎵 WyndRider (with The Salesman, Grand Inquisitor, Crimson Cathedral) | August 16th, 2025 | 8:00 PM | The Majestic | Doors 7:00 PM | Majestic Fort Smith
🎵 Tyler Halverson (with Bottomland) | August 29th, 2025 | 8:00 PM | The Majestic | Doors 7:00 PM | Majestic Fort Smith
🎵 The Dead South | August 30th, 2025 | 8:00 PM | TempleLive | Doors 6:30 PM | Tickets from $72 | TempleLive
🎵 Eli Young Band (with Austin Brown, Jeffrey East) | September 4th, 2025 | 8:00 PM | TempleLive | From $57
🎵 David Nail | September 19th, 2025 | 8:00 PM | The Majestic | Doors 7:00 PM | Majestic Fort Smith
😂 COMEDY
😂 Chris D'Elia: Straight Outta the Multiverse | September 21st, 2025 | 7:00 PM | TempleLive | From $59
🏃 SPORTS & FITNESS
🏃 Ninja 5K, 10K & Half Marathon | August 16th, 2025 | Ben Geren Regional Park | $34–$71
🏃 Project Hope Arkansas Black Sheep 5K & 1 Mile | September 6th, 2025 | Fort Smith | $17–$38
🏃 MJ's Stampede (5K/10K/Walk) | September 20th, 2025 | 8:00 AM | Greg Smith River Trail | $30-45 | Benefits Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
🎪 FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
📚 Book Me Romance Author Event 2025 | August 16th, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Fort Smith Convention Center | Romance author signing | General admission $15, VIP $30 | Link to Event
🎗️ Boys & Girls Club of South Logan County 25th Annual Banquet | August 16th, 2025 | 5:30 PM | First Baptist Church, Booneville | Link to Event
🍽️ Plates with a Purpose (Arkansas Family Alliance) | August 26th, 2025 | Piatto's at The Hub | Link to Event
🎪 The Apraxia Foundation Festival | September 6th, 2025 | 2:00 PM | Creekmore Park | Free event
🚗 Fort Smith Boys Home Car, Truck, and Jeep Show | September 13th, 2025 | 8:00 AM - Noon | Ben Geren Storm Shelter | Link to Event
Recurring Events I Like
⛺️ Chaffee Crossing food and Artisan Market | Aug 16th | Free to attend | 8:00 AM 1:00 PM | Link to the Event | Link to Add to google Calender
🛒 Fort Smith Downtown Farmers Market | Saturdays year-round | 7am–noon | All ages | 201 Garrison Ave, Fort Smith | Free entry | Details
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💡 FORT SMITH FACT OF THE WEEK
In the 1830s, Fort Smith served as a vital military post during the Trail of Tears, where Native American tribes were forcibly relocated west. As a hub for the U.S. Army, the fort oversaw the difficult journey through Indian Territory, marking a somber but pivotal role in the city’s complex past.
This highlights Fort Smith’s deep connection to a profound national story of displacement and resilience.
🔍 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT (NEW IN TOWN): DIGS FS
Why We Love It: Why we love it: This place nails brunch. Drinks are legit, the space is roomy with tons of seating, and the build out feels thoughtful and coz]y great vibes all around. Service was friendly and fast even with a crowd. Perfect spot for lingering over coffee or grabbing cocktails with friends.
Visit Them: 70 S 7th Suite C, Fort Smith, AR| Mon-Tue Closed; Wed 8am-9pm; Thu-Fri 8am-10pm; Sat 9am-10pm; Sun 9am-3pm | Website | Email: [email protected] | (479) 709-3447
📰 FORT SMITH NEWS YOU CAN USE
Municipal Affairs
Fort Smith Board to consider internal auditor appointment
City leadership moves to strengthen financial oversight with key Tuesday vote Board of Directors will decide on internal auditor position Tuesday, part of ongoing departmental reviews and efforts to improve city operations and accountability measures.
Municipal Affairs
City explores selling 18 properties, police fleet modernization
Board study session reveals plans to optimize city assets and upgrade public safety equipment Fort Smith directors will discuss potential sale of 18 city-owned properties and a proposal for police fleet leasing program through Enterprise Fleet Management during upcoming study session.
Infrastructure
Water conservation measures continue after major line break
Residents still under usage restrictions following Aug. 3 infrastructure failure Water conservation rules remain in effect following break in 24-inch water main on August 3rd, affecting city-wide water pressure and requiring ongoing usage monitoring.
Economic Development
Tourism sector hits employment record in June
Fort Smith metro area tourism jobs reach all-time high, boosting local economy June tourism employment set new record for the sector with 65% gain compared to June 2020 and 6% increase over previous year, signaling strong recovery.
Quick updates
Emergency response at Garrison Avenue Bridge - Person jumped from bridge into Arkansas River, required medical assistance after swimming to shore - Read more
Healthcare expansion continues - Mercy begins cancer care expansion with Cherokee Nation partnership at Fort Smith facility - Read more
Film festival celebrates Oklahoma filmmaker - "Surviving the Spectrum" autism documentary wins Best Overall Film at Fort Smith International Film Festival - Read more
Public safety investigation ongoing - Fort Smith police continue investigation into Sunday morning shooting on South 17th Street with non-life-threatening injuries - Read more
👋 UNTIL NEXT WEEK
Thanks for spending a few minutes with me exploring the best of Fort Smith! If you enjoyed this week's edition, I'd love for you to:
Forward to a neighbor who might enjoy it
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Share your own Fort Smith discoveries
Coming next week: Summer festival preview, a spotlight on Fort Smith's historic theaters, and seasonal gardening tips from local experts.
Connect With Fort Smith Weekly
📸 Photo of the Week: [Submit your Fort Smith photos for a chance to be featured!]
💌 Got news or events? Reply to this email or submit through our [online form].
See you around town,
Your Neighbor
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