Best Friends Pet Resource Center of Northwest Arkansas will host its Grand Opening on March 11, and they'll be rolling out the red carpet with a whole weekend of pet-related activities! 

• Who let the dogs out: The center is designed without cages and kennels, making it a one-of-a-kind pet haven that connects people with adoptable pets and offers services like grooming, a pet food and supplies pantry, and a veterinary clinic for qualifying families to ensure they can keep them.
• New tricks: During opening weekend, Mar 11-12, the center will host activities like toy and treat making, catnip planting, dog yoga, and much more. 

See the full schedule of events HERE. 

Valentine's Day is here, and if you're looking for that perfect spot to take your date, look no further! From upscale Italian spots to casual tapas bars, here are our top Date Night Spots Around NWA!

• Sweatpants: Even if you're keeping it casual at home this Valentine's, why not pick up a pizza at MJ Pizzeria or some delectable tacos from Local Lime?
• Fancy pants: Doing the holiday in style? Make a reservation at one of these fancy establishments: Vetro 1925, Bar Cleeta, or Ella's Table.

Find descriptions of these spots and more in our guide HERE.

The Fayetteville Mardi Gras Parade returns for its 30th Anniversary this Saturday, Feb 18, at 2p in Downtown Fayetteville.

• Float on: This year's parade will be led by Grand Marshall Jermmy Gawthrop and honor Michelle Hale and Jon Rose as King & Queen of Fayetteville Mardi Gras. All proceeds raised will support the work of Peace at Home Shelter.
• Dance and sing: This year's parade will be extra music-filled thanks to a partnership with Music Moves and the Black Music & Film Expo; the UAPB Marching Band will join the parade, followed by a performance by The Racy Brothers and Crescent City Combo at George's Majestic Lounge.

Hear from the parade and music expo organizers on KUAF HERE.

The former Fayetteville Roots Festival founders are carrying on their mission to connect the community through music and food with the Folk School of Fayetteville at the historic Walker-Stone house in Fayetteville.

• Cannonball cottage: Located a block from the Fayetteville Square, the Walker-Stone House was initially built in the late 1840s and restored after being hit by a cannonball during the Civil War.
• Good folks: The Folk School of Fayetteville will offer classes and workshops, weekly jam sessions, and be a collaboration space for the region's creatives and folk enthusiasts.

Read more on the story HERE. 

The No. 8 ranked Razorbacks Softball team is off to a blazing start this season, sweeping all five games of the Rebel Kickoff over the weekend at Eller Media Stadium in Las Vegas, and are predicted to finish third in the SEC by conference coaches.

• Team leadership: Back-to-back SEC Coach of the Year Courtney Deifel returns for her eighth season at the helm of Arkansas, and the team has strong leadership from SEC Pitcher of The Year Chenise Delce, who is back for her final collegiate season.
• Where to next?: The Razorbacks are headed to Clearwater, Florida, for the TaxAct Clearwater Invitational this weekend, Feb 17-19, and will return to Fayetteville the following weekend for the Razorback Invitational, Feb 23-26.

Check out the Arkansas Softball schedule and get tickets HERE.