Vaccinated summer: 9 things to put on your calendar across NWA

COVID-19 is still a problem, but the vaccines have lowered the threat level. And that means much of the summer fun that got canceled, postponed or was only offered in condensed or online versions last year — is (mostly) back!

To celebrate, Alex rounded up some of this summer's can't-miss, back-to-normal events so you can get the most out of the next few months.

• Of note: Look, this list does not include every NWA event going on this summer — just some staples we missed out on last year that we thought you could use a reminder about.

The rundown:

June 24-July 29: Gulley Park concert series — Fayetteville's free, chill (dog-friendly!) neighborhood concerts are back on Thursday nights.

June 25-Oct. 26: Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion concert series — The AMP had just expanded, adding more seating and several other amenities, in preparation for the 2020 concert series that never happened.

July 2-Oct. 1: First Friday Bentonville — This outdoor community event with music already has two festivals under its belt this year.

Aug. 3-7: Tontitown Grape Festival — This one's been around for more than 120 years. Those spaghetti dinners aren't going anywhere.

Aug. 5-Oct. 7: First Thursday Fayetteville — Family-friendly festival at the Square with food, music and more. It normally runs April through October, but we'll take what we can get.

Aug. 26-28: Fayetteville Roots Festival — Food, music, Fayetteville. You know the drill.

Sept. 22-25: Bikes, Blues & BBQ — Love it or hate it, but unavoidable motorcycles, vendors, music, the smell of barbecue and so much leather will once again take over Fayetteville.

Sept. 24-26: BITE Experience — The food festival in Bentonville previously known as BITE NWA.

All year: Participation Events — For those who like cycling challenges, marathons and triathlons, you can get back to it. All Sports productions has a good starting list of events.

Yes, but: Still no Lowell Mudtown Days this year.

Our thought bubble: Alex, your friendly neighborhood extrovert here. It's been so refreshing to be out doing things with friends. Thanks, science.

Y'all have fun. And be safe.