The NWA NAACP will host its first Equality Now 5K, Fun Run, and Health Fair at Veterans Memorial Park in Fayetteville this Saturday, Apr 8, at 9a.

• Community: The Equality Now 5K will gather the community to raise awareness of health inequities experienced by our BIPOC neighbors through community building, exercise, and a health care fair. Race packet pick-up is Apr 7 from 12-8p at Conley Fitness in Fayetteville.
• Health check: Mana Medical Associates has partnered to offer free glucose and cholesterol screenings from 9-11:30a.

The event is free, but a $25 donation is suggested for registrants to support the NWA NAACP’s programming. Register HERE.

Northwest Arkansas welcomed endurance athletes from 13 countries for Expedition Ozark, part of the Adventure Race World Series, which began Monday and will lead teams on a 390-mi course through parts of Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas from Apr 3-8.

• Extreme endurance: For five days, teams will run, bike, paddle, and repel through a series of checkpoints with nothing but a map and a compass to navigate. To hit the most checkpoints, the winning team will likely only get 4-5 hrs of sleep all week.
• Follow the trail: Teams can be tracked online, and the HUB Bike Lounge in Bentonville is hosting a watch party at 6:30p each night to gather and cheer on your favorite teams.

Follow along for Facebook coverage of Expedition Ozark HERE.

Downtown Bentonville will spring back to life this weekend for First Friday and the Farmers Market on the Square.

• Birthday party: April's First Friday theme is Celebrate Bentonville in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Bentonville. Entertainment will kick off with the first-ever Bentonville's Got Talent at 4p, followed by headliner Madison Watkins.
• Back to back: On Saturday from 7:30a-1p, visit the first Farmers Market of the year and pick up fresh local fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and crafts. Also, on the Square, the Art Market will feature unique fine art for sale by local artists.

Find all the information about First Friday HERE.

Whether you're an experienced equestrian or looking to enter the world of horses, NWA Stables and Equestrian Center provides world-class amenities and programs for all.

• Horse heaven: Located on 75 pristine acres in Bentonville, the equestrian facility offers stall and pasture boarding and multiple venues for riding, like their indoor arena with GGT footing, an outdoor arena, and riding trails.
• Saddle up: The team at NWA Stables offers English riding lessons for adults and kids at all levels, so whether you're a beginner or an expert, all are welcome to jump in the saddle.

The property is also available for hosting team-building events, volunteer work, and weddings. Follow NWA Stables on Instagram HERE.

Registration is open for Natural State Criterium Series, a three-race series scheduled for May 31, Jun 28, and Jul 26 in Downtown Springdale. 

• Take a lap: Registration fees range from $15-$25 per race or $60-$75 for the overall series. New to the sport? Join the First Chance category for a coached clinic, where you can learn handling skills, proper racing etiquette, and tactics.
• The purse: $4,000 of cash prizes, products, and gift certificates will be awarded to top performers throughout the series and across all categories.

Register to race HERE.