The end of the Bella Vista bypass construction is near with a ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for Sep. 30 at the Arkansas Missouri border. 

• Speed and accessibility: After the Bella Vista bypass corridor is complete, Interstate 49 will provide a faster and safer way in and out of Arkansas. The direct access to the business and residential parts of Bella Vista and Bentonville will provide more connectivity in Northwest Arkansas.
• Joint effort: The Arkansas Department of Transportation and the Missouri Department of Transportation are jointly planning the ribbon cutting at the state line at the end of September, though the new Interstate segment is set to open to traffic in either late September or early October. 

Read more about the highway projects HERE. 

As you begin to plan out your weekend here are some events happening around town...

• All aboard: The 36th Annual Frisco Festival is bringing live music, great food, and rich history to Rogers' Railyard Park.
• Pop and shop: Stop by the Small Business Pop-Up Shop in downtown Springdale this weekend to support local businesses.
• Party on the block: Bentonville's Neighborhood Concert Series is back tonight with live music right outside your door.
• Family fun: CBMAA is continuing its Nature Weekends series with a water-themed Family Day this Sunday on the south lawn.
• Short and sweet: The Rogers Short Film Festival is putting on some shows this weekend, highlighting filmmakers of the region.
• Play ball: Arvest Ballpark is hosting a free movie night tonight, and the movie selection is a homerun.
• Bakery reborn: This weekend only, Chef Vince Pianalto is reviving some French bakery classics at a food truck in Bentonville.
• Dog days: Summer may be winding down, but live music is turning up in venues across the region.

See you Monday!

In the mood to upgrade your outdoor apparel? In the mood for that outdoor apparel to be up to 80% off normal prices?

• Cleared out: Today and tomorrow (Aug 20-21) at the Fayetteville Town Center, beardedgoat will be hosting its summer's end sale in an effort to clear out the old and make room for the new. Get ready to find beardedgoat classics for $15 and other items for brilliantly low prices.
• For the experience: Bring your friends to vibe to some good tunes and kick back with a beer and some grub too.

For event details click HERE.

The Northwest Arkansas Council has collaborated with the community to develop a user-friendly tool to help more than two dozen cities in Benton, Washington and Madison counties recycle more effectively. 

• Info central: The NWA Recycles website hosts up to date information about local recycling systems, events, and changes.
• Optimized and organized: The website outlines how to sort items and what to do with non-recyclable items. By participating in this new program NWA “can help preserve limited landfill space.” 

Start exploring the online hub HERE.