Founded in Little Rock, The Arkansas Cinema Society has announced it will be expanding operations to NWA as an effort to create more of a presence around the state.

• Kathryn Tucker, a co-founder of the society, explains that one of the main goals of the group is to bring films to Arkansas that wouldn't normally be recognized on a larger stage.
• The ACS, in partnership with A24, the Bentonville Film Festival, and the Fayetteville Film Festival premiered the critically acclaimed Minari, directed by Lincoln native Lee Isaac Chung in Fayetteville this week. "Minari is a great example... it's absolutely in-line with our mission, it gives me chills," Tucker said.
• The ACS encourages those interested in filmmaking to pursue those dreams. "You see Lee Isaac Chung, a Lincoln native, winning Sundance" she said. "It's inspiring." -KUAF

Officials announced Tuesday that 58 Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies across the Natural state will be administering COVID-19 vaccinations beginning today (Friday, Feb. 12).

• The retail giants are scheduled to receive about 10,000 shots per week as part of a new federal program to get as many Arkansans vaccinated as possible, Gov. Hutchinson announced last week.
• The pharmacies will vaccinate eligible Arkansans in Phase 1A and 1B groups identified by the state, which include healthcare workers, educators, and residents aged 70+.
• A total of 58 locations will receive the vaccinations. No locations in Fayetteville will be receiving vaccines initially, but three Washington County locations in Springdale (4870 Elm Springs Road, 1517 Gene George Blvd, and 2004 S. Pleasant St.) are on the list. -Fayetteville Flyer
• The press release also states that those eligible do not need to be a Sam's Club member to sign up for an appointment. Appointments will be available seven days a week, but times are subject to vary. -40/29 News

HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous, based in Bentonville, is now casting in NWA for the 3rd season of the hit program.

• Bentonville couple Dave and Jenny Marrs host the series and are looking for people who live in older homes with plans to renovate the kitchen or other rooms. - DBI
• Interested in having your home flipped by the best in the biz? To be eligible, your home must be within 30 minutes of the Bentonville area and your reno budget must be over $100,000. Applicants from Fayetteville will not be considered.
• According to the application, renovations will occur from March 10 to November 10 and families will be asked to move out for 5-7 weeks during the process. Where do we sign up? HERE, actually.

Walmart and NWA's Core Brewing are teaming up to give the people what they want - bringing back their signature Black is Beautiful brew. AND when you purchase a beer, a portion of the sales will go towards nonprofits working in diversity and inclusion.

• The initiative was started by Weathered Souls Brewery in San Antonio, Texas. This year, Walmart and Core Breweries, along with eight regional craft beer breweries across the county, are participating. The Black is Beautiful brew will be in about 300 stores nationwide.
• "Promoting supplier diversity is a priority," Walmart's craft beer merchant Adrienne Freeman said. -KNWA/Fox24

Whether you're celebrating with someone special, with the gals, or enjoying the single life, there are a number of events across NWA that are sure to spread the love this Valentine's Day. Calling out a few of our favorites...

• February 12:
• Virtual Beer and Chocolate - Support the Rampy MS Research Foundation this Valentine's Day with a Tri-inspired Beer & Chocolate Tasting. Tickets start at $35 depending on the package you select.
• Virtual Cheese and Chocolate Pairing Class - Join Ozark Natural Foods and Graduate Fayetteville for another tasting event. Tickets are $20 and include a sampling kit with 5 cheeses, 5 chocolates, and a complementary drink pairing. The class will take place 6-7pm via Zoom.
• Singles Night at The Foreman Bar - Celebrating you with self-care cocktails, wine and treats. Come alone or reserve your group by texting 479-633-7357 or DMing @theforemanbar.

• February 13:
• Valentines 5k in Downtown Bentonville - This race gives participants the opportunity to test themselves at the 5k or 8k distance. Couples that register together get a discounted rate.
• A Valentine's Soiree with The Mixtapes at George's Majestic Lounge - The Mixtapes are back at George's for a Valentine's show! Go back in time and reminisce with music from the 90s! Doors open at 7, must be 18+.
• Galentine's Day at Imagine Studios - Don't have a special someone this Valentine's Day? Go to Imagine Studios for a BYOB painting event. Refreshments provided for in-studio painters. For take-home kits, contact the studio!

• February 14: Valentine's Day
• Valentine's Day Goat Hike + Winery - Hit the trails with a pack of goats! You will do a 3.5 mile loop hike around Devil's Den State Park where you will fall in love with the views. After the hike, head Sassafras Winery for some wine tasting and social relaxation. Tickets HERE.
• Beer My Valentine Dessert Pairing at New Province Brewing Company - New Province is partnering with Alexander Baking Co. to create 4 unique desserts that perfectly pair with 4 of their beers. V-day dessert pairing flights will be available 2/13 & 2/14 beginning at 1PM until sold out! No reservations required.
• Bradford Smith LIVE for Valentine's Day at Wanderoo Lodge & Gravel Bar (Eureka Springs) - Stop by for a different kind of Sunday Funday on Valentine's Day with a live jazz show from local saxophone player, Bradford Smith.

For more events, special dinner packages and floral providers, head over to Leisurlist for the full V-Day rundown. 💘