Some of our old, everyday activities just seem like a distant memory at this point, but slowly, those activities are becoming a reality once again. Local creative community hub, CACHE, recently united with a nationwide initiative aimed at reopening music venues safely across the US.

• Why does this matter? NWA recently took up arms with Music Policy Forum's Reopen Every Venue Safely (REVS) initiative to work with live music enthusiasts (aka all of us) to safely open up venues again.
• Domino effect: This comes shortly after CACHE hosted a panel consisting of regional experts and leaders to discuss reopening and allowing gathering in certain venues.

What to know more? Read the full story HERE.

Governor Asa Hutchinson is looking to have over 50 percent of Arkansans vaccinated with at least the first dose (preferably both) of the COVID-19 vaccine within the next 90 days.

• Way ahead of you: About 1/3 of Arkansans have already received the first dose, leaving around 500,000 others still to be vaccinated by August 2 - 90 days from now - to hit 50%.
• Quote: “We’re going to have to work hard. It’s going to be a big challenge for us. … We’re going to have to pick up our rate of vaccination,” Gov. Hutchinson said Tuesday during his weekly COVID press briefing.

This will be the Gov's last weekly COVID briefing, as he is transitioning to a news update moving forward. You can find more info HERE.

Happy Cinco de Mayo! NWA restaurants do May 5th right, offering all sorts of specials to their menus for the day.

As if the specials weren't enough, your Guac is on "The Rock" tonight...yes, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. He's supporting local restaurants by paying for customers' guac when they order a Teremana cocktail. Check out the full details to make sure you get your guac paid for.

Here are some of the Cinco de Mayo deals and specials available tonight in NWA:

• Tula Restaurant (Fayetteville) - Tula will be serving a special cocktail just for Guac on the Rock and a street food-inspired menu just for today to celebrate!
• Xuma Kitchens (Fayetteville) - Xuma will be featuring a signature dish, the Especial Esteban, for Cinco de Mayo ONLY. Here for a good time...not for a long time.
• La Huerta (Fayetteville) - Giving the people what they want... $12 margarita pitchers and $2 Coronas starting at 11am. First 200 people receive a free party t-shirt.
• Azul Tequila (Bentonville & Springdale) - They will have beer and food specials running all day and live music at the Bentonville location.
• Mojitos Mexican Grill (Fayetteville) - The Uptown Mexican joint will have select fajitas specials, beer, and margarita specials all day long.
• Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant (Rogers) - Drink specials including the Flag Margarita and El Jefe.
• Table Mesa (Bentonville) - $10 (per person) tequila flights and $30 p/p family style meals, which includes starters, salad, entree, sides, and Mexican dessert - bring the friends!
• Chuy's (Rogers) - Drink specials including discounts on beers, Texas 'Tinis, and 'Ritas with a limited Blackberry 'Rita.

¡Salud!

What's better than a farmer's market on the weekend? A mid-week farmer's market! It's like a bonus episode of your favorite podcast.

• Downtown Bentonville Inc. is launching a midweek farmer's market starting May 6. The market will be held on Thursdays from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and is meant to complement the Saturday market (which is not going anywhere).
• During the Thursday Farmers Market, shoppers will have an opportunity to browse 10-12 vendors on the Main Street side of the Bentonville Square. The market will feature a rotating schedule of local musicians and live painting exhibitions.

Want to know more? Find it all HERE.