Last hurrah: Labor Day weekend doesn't have to be sad summer farewell

BY SANDRA COX Northwest Arkansas Times

Technically, we still have about three more weeks of summer. But for most Arkansas schools, summer ended when the first bell rang on Aug. 18. Many public swimming pools have closed -- some even drained. Halloween costumes are appearing in area stores. Students at area colleges and campuses have returned for the school year. - Friday, August 29, 2008

Clothesline Fair returns for the 57th year

In Northwest Arkansas, the Clothesline Fair and Labor Day weekend have almost become synonymous. Now in its 57th year, the event is more than just an arts and crafts fair but encompasses many things that make small-town America great -- wares made by locals, square dance performances and antique farming equipment displays, to name a few. - Friday, August 29, 2008

Working for peanuts ... and bananas: T2 starts season with comic look at making of cinema classic

BY STEVE SCHMIDT Northwest Arkansas Times

No one exactly knows what took place inside producer David O. Selznick's office for five days in late February 1939 during the rewrite of one of the most endearing movies of all time. Playwright Ron Hutchinson, though, could imagine. - Friday, August 29, 2008

Events continue to make 'Splash' During Fayetteville Arts Festival weekend

BY KEVIN KINDER Northwest Arkansas Times

It could be described as the actor’s nightmare, said local playwright Bob Ford. - Friday, August 29, 2008

As seen on TV: Natural State native heads back home for Fort Smith show

BY STEVE SCHMIDT Northwest Arkansas Times

When Buddy Jewell talks about returning to his home state, the words sound as if they could be made into another collection of verses from his well-known hit "Sweet Southern Comfort." - Friday, August 29, 2008

Second time around: Comedy troupe revisits Northwest Arkansas armed with political satire

BY KEVIN KINDER Northwest Arkansas Times

In the spirit of the topical skits, improvisation and cutting-edge satire that Second City is known for, the company’s current tour delves into the subject that dominates many newscasts, especially every four years: politics. With the elections nearing, the troupe’s “Second City: Deface the Nation” offers a funny and fresh look at presidential politics. The tour stops Sept. 5 at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. The group last appeared in Fayetteville in August 2006. - Friday, August 29, 2008

Simply Mexican: Venue's popularity sizzles along with its fajitas

BY STEVE SCHMIDT Northwest Arkansas Times

Gabriela Gonzalez arrived in the Northwest Arkansas area about 10 years ago from Mexico City, waiting for the right opportunity to open her own Mexican restaurant. - Friday, August 29, 2008

Live Music

What's Up! Staff

The following is a list of live performances in Northwest Arkansas. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For details, call venues directly. To add listings, e-mail schedules to whatsup@nwarktimes.com, fax them to 442-1714, or call 571-6447. - Friday, August 29, 2008

Upcoming Concerts

What's Up! Staff

The following is a list of performances within a day's driving distance of Northwest Arkansas. Tickets for all events are currently on sale. Readers are encouraged to verify times and admission prices. For more information, call venues directly. - Friday, August 29, 2008

Road Trip

What's Up! Staff

Austin, Texas: DINO-MITE Anyone heading south for the Arkansas-Texas football game the weekend of Sept. 13-14 might want to check out the DinoLand exhibit at Zilker Botanical Garden at 2220 Barton Springs Road. The exhibit, which will run from Sept. 6 to Nov. 30, will feature 30 life-like dinosaur models of various shapes and sizes. They will be stationed next to the Hartman Prehistoric Garden, a 2-acre habitat filled with Cretaceous plants. Admission to the gardens is free, but admission to the exhibit is $5/adults and $3/children ages 3-13. Children 2 and younger get in free. The gardens are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. For details, call (512) 477-8672 or visit www.zilkergarden.org. - Friday, August 29, 2008