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Monday Munchies: Must-try sandwich food truck

Songbirds Sandwiches is at 8th Street Market in Bentonville.

Food and Drink

Congrats to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Songbirds Sandwiches" data-vars-click-url="https://songbirdssandwiches.com" data-vars-content-id="5998853f-1f36-46dc-8b96-2e0107ca0bb3" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Must-try sandwich food truck" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://songbirdssandwiches.com" target="_blank">Songbirds Sandwiches</a>, which opened this spring and is already one of the best sandwich restaurants in Northwest Arkansas.🥪 State of play: This food truck at 8th Street Market in Bentonville is serving up hefty portions smushed between two slices of house-made focaccia.

Fewer Arkansas kids are getting vaccinated

Nationally, vaccine exemptions are rising.

News

Vaccination rates among American kindergartners decreased during the 2025–2026 school year for all tracked <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/trump-vaccines-midterms-measles-order" data-vars-content-id="e55ce6d6-2c1a-459b-9b0e-c96a2687bbc4" data-vars-headline="Fewer Arkansas kids are getting vaccinated" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/11/trump-vaccines-midterms-measles-order" target="_self">vaccines</a>, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" data-vars-content-id="e55ce6d6-2c1a-459b-9b0e-c96a2687bbc4" data-vars-headline="Fewer Arkansas kids are getting vaccinated" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/schoolvaxview/data/index.html" target="_blank">reported</a> on Monday.Why it matters: The drop-off coincided with continued efforts by the Trump administration to make controversial <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vaccine policy changes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/26/mmr-mmrv-vaccine-shot-schedule-cdc-trump" data-vars-content-id="e55ce6d6-2c1a-459b-9b0e-c96a2687bbc4" data-vars-headline="Fewer Arkansas kids are getting vaccinated" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/26/mmr-mmrv-vaccine-shot-schedule-cdc-trump" target="_self">vaccine policy changes</a> and with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="measles cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/measles-cases-surge-past-last-year" data-vars-content-id="e55ce6d6-2c1a-459b-9b0e-c96a2687bbc4" data-vars-headline="Fewer Arkansas kids are getting vaccinated" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/22/measles-cases-surge-past-last-year" target="_self">measles cases</a> hitting levels not seen in more than three decades.

Report: Real estate inventory stabilizes pricing 

New construction accounted for 35.7% of total sales, the third-highest count of new-home sales in the report's history.

Business

It could be a buyer&#x27;s market again. For the first time since 2023, Northwest Arkansas&#x27; average home sale prices dipped slightly from the previous six months, per Arvest Skyline Report data.Why it matters: Lower prices and more supply give residents and businesses more choices after years of tight inventory and steep price increases.

Advocates push to extend postpartum Medicaid

Arkansas is the last state without one-year postpartum Medicaid.

Advocates are urging Arkansas to extend postpartum Medicaid coverage from the current 60 days to a full year like all 49 other states.Why it matters: Physical and mental health problems can still occur more than 60 days after giving birth, says Camille Richoux, health policy director for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

Your weekend plans: Cocktails, free movie, music fest

Things to Do

Have a great weekend, NWA.🍸 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bentonville Cocktail Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://pourtaste.com/pages/bentonville-cocktail-festival?srsltid=AfmBOoqwNVPpRKY2QFYp1i5W4hRdORxPaCyL31Q2PJJOtEF_FOTRpwL8" data-vars-content-id="3ee2a395-500b-46b2-b16d-52b23e463903" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Cocktails, free movie, music fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pourtaste.com/pages/bentonville-cocktail-festival?srsltid=AfmBOoqwNVPpRKY2QFYp1i5W4hRdORxPaCyL31Q2PJJOtEF_FOTRpwL8" target="_blank">Bentonville Cocktail Festival</a> — More than 40 cocktails will be available to try from 6-10pm Saturday at The Record in downtown Bentonville. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Get tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://pourtaste.com/pages/bentonville-cocktail-festival?srsltid=AfmBOoqwNVPpRKY2QFYp1i5W4hRdORxPaCyL31Q2PJJOtEF_FOTRpwL8#tickets" data-vars-content-id="3ee2a395-500b-46b2-b16d-52b23e463903" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Cocktails, free movie, music fest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pourtaste.com/pages/bentonville-cocktail-festival?srsltid=AfmBOoqwNVPpRKY2QFYp1i5W4hRdORxPaCyL31Q2PJJOtEF_FOTRpwL8#tickets" target="_blank">Get tickets</a> for $75.

Your weekend plans: Music, balloons, art market

The annual Soar NWA festival is this weekend.

Get out this weekend.🎈 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soar NWA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.soarnwa.com/" data-vars-content-id="bf9ed943-15c9-45f1-9682-6b39ad816869" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Music, balloons, art market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.soarnwa.com/" target="_blank">Soar NWA</a> — The hot air balloon festival includes tethered rides, helicopter rides, live music, food and a car exhibit.

Monday Munchies: Pizza Lottie's

Pizza Lottie's in Bentonville is a sister concept to Pizzeria Ruby in Johnson.

I&#x27;ve seen it happen many times: A restaurant is a hit, develops a following and expands, and then the quality eventually tanks.<ul><li>So I was glad to hear that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pizza Lottie&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pizzalotties.com/" data-vars-content-id="799b64b3-13a5-4304-af8a-be0b35a63ed2" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Pizza Lottie&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pizzalotties.com/" target="_blank">Pizza Lottie&#x27;s</a> in Bentonville would be a sister concept to — but have a different menu from — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pizzeria Ruby" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pizzeriaruby.com/" data-vars-content-id="799b64b3-13a5-4304-af8a-be0b35a63ed2" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Pizza Lottie&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pizzeriaruby.com/" target="_blank">Pizzeria Ruby</a> in Johnson.</li></ul>

Your weekend plans: Free community events

You don't need to break the bank to have a good time this weekend.

You don&#x27;t need to break the bank to have a good time this weekend.🎷 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Weekend Starts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/event-detail/?event_id=weekend-starts-in-the-upper-ramble&amp;theme=fayetteville&amp;date=2026-08-07-17-30&amp;cities=fayetteville&amp;clipToBounds=0&amp;embedded=1&amp;radius=100000&amp;tags=Fayetteville&amp;theme=fayetteville" data-vars-content-id="4e45ff06-68a0-4aaf-af18-511355edabef" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Free community events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/event-detail/?event_id=weekend-starts-in-the-upper-ramble&amp;theme=fayetteville&amp;date=2026-08-07-17-30&amp;cities=fayetteville&amp;clipToBounds=0&amp;embedded=1&amp;radius=100000&amp;tags=Fayetteville&amp;theme=fayetteville" target="_blank">Weekend Starts</a> — This free festival series at the Upper Ramble in downtown Fayetteville includes art and music. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="5:30-7:30pm today" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=11749" data-vars-content-id="4e45ff06-68a0-4aaf-af18-511355edabef" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Free community events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=11749" target="_blank">5:30-7:30pm today</a>.

Fayetteville's Overland Hotel eyes opening

The hotel will keep exterior room entrances but add new finishes, a pool courtyard and a grill area.

A former Motel 6 on North College Avenue is being transformed into the independent, boutique Overland Hotel Fayetteville, which is expected to open in late fall.Why it matters: The project revives a prominent 2.8-acre property and adds a boutique option as Northwest Arkansas&#x27; hotel supply expands.

Your weekend plans: Listen, watch and dance

Make the first weekend of August count.🎤 Music festivals — A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reggae festival" data-vars-click-url="https://stubs.net/event/7792/reggae-fest" data-vars-content-id="0f4bd06a-e84a-4b00-817c-56078b1fddc5" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Listen, watch and dance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stubs.net/event/7792/reggae-fest" target="_blank">reggae festival</a> tonight and a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="funk festival" data-vars-click-url="https://stubs.net/event/7793/funk-fest" data-vars-content-id="0f4bd06a-e84a-4b00-817c-56078b1fddc5" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Listen, watch and dance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stubs.net/event/7793/funk-fest" target="_blank">funk festival</a> Saturday night are set for downtown Rogers as part of the Railyard Live lineup at Butterfield Stage. General admission is free.

Monday Munchies: Hook, Line and Smoker

It's a combo seafood and barbecue spot offering everything from catfish to ribs.

Most NWA barbecue aficionados will remember that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wright&#x27;s Barbecue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wrightsbbq.com/" data-vars-content-id="b8ec9799-8870-4310-971e-538c2567259a" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Hook, Line and Smoker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wrightsbbq.com/" target="_blank">Wright&#x27;s Barbecue</a> started as a food truck and that one of Jordan Wright&#x27;s top locations was at the corner of North Crossover Road and Joyce Boulevard in Fayetteville.<ul><li>A new truck recently settled in the same space, and the aroma from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hook, Line and Smoker" data-vars-click-url="https://hooklinesmoker.com/" data-vars-content-id="b8ec9799-8870-4310-971e-538c2567259a" data-vars-headline="Monday Munchies: Hook, Line and Smoker" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hooklinesmoker.com/" target="_blank">Hook, Line and Smoker</a> enticed me to check it out.</li></ul>

Your weekend plans: Wine, art, restaurants

Make the most of this weekend.🍔 Fayetteville Restaurant Week — Deals and specials at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="participating restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/restaurant-week" data-vars-content-id="9f67b45c-4d0c-4b5f-834c-fd6515a96a20" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Wine, art, restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.experiencefayetteville.com/restaurant-week" target="_blank">participating restaurants</a> continue through Sunday. Use the opportunity to try a new place.

Your weekend: Music, food and felt

See how to fill up your weekend with food and fun.

There&#x27;s never a dull moment in NWA:🎸<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" The Australian Pink Floyd Show" data-vars-click-url="https://walmartamp.com/performance/the-australian-pink-floyd-show-2026" data-vars-content-id="bc9fcb02-d73c-4a69-808b-9c040af90526" data-vars-headline="Your weekend: Music, food and felt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://walmartamp.com/performance/the-australian-pink-floyd-show-2026" target="_blank"> The Australian Pink Floyd Show</a> — The long-running tribute act brings Pink Floyd&#x27;s catalog and large-scale visual production to Walmart AMP in Rogers at 8pm tonight. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets start" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B006445867BA554" data-vars-content-id="bc9fcb02-d73c-4a69-808b-9c040af90526" data-vars-headline="Your weekend: Music, food and felt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B006445867BA554" target="_blank">Tickets start</a> at $26.

Record Arkansas visits don't lift spending

The total economic impact of the tourism industry was $17.4 billion, unchanged from 2024.

Arkansas&#x27; record 54.3 million visitors in 2025 didn&#x27;t pay off — they collectively spent $10.2 billion, down <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="0.9% from 2024" data-vars-click-url="https://adpht.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024-Arkansas-Tourism-Economic-Impact-Report.pdf" data-vars-content-id="4cf40490-0abb-4249-a56e-5c2f5116f59e" data-vars-headline="Record Arkansas visits don&#x27;t lift spending" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://adpht.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024-Arkansas-Tourism-Economic-Impact-Report.pdf" target="_blank">0.9% from 2024</a>.Why it matters: Though there were 2.3 million more visitors in 2025, they spent less, leaving the industry&#x27;s statewide economic impact flat at $17.4 billion, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state tourism report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.arkansas.com/sites/default/files/2026-07/2025-FY26%20Economic%20Impact%20Report.pdf" data-vars-content-id="4cf40490-0abb-4249-a56e-5c2f5116f59e" data-vars-headline="Record Arkansas visits don&#x27;t lift spending" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.arkansas.com/sites/default/files/2026-07/2025-FY26%20Economic%20Impact%20Report.pdf" target="_blank">state tourism report</a>.

Things to Do 🗓

Your weekend plans: Cocktails, free movie, music fest

Your weekend plans: Music, balloons, art market

Monday Munchies: Pizza Lottie's

Your weekend plans: Free community events

Fayetteville's Overland Hotel eyes opening