Give Your Valentine Something They Will Love!

Searching for the perfect gift for your Valentine? Walton Arts Center is making shopping easy with special offers for two Broadway shows.

Now through Friday, Feb. 20 at 11:59 pm, buy one get on half-off tickets to Water for Elephants Feb. 23-March 1 or Some Like it Hot March 17-22. Give your Valentine something they will love – a night out that’s full of romance and Broadway glitz and glamor.  

Use promo code WILD for Water for Elephants or HOT for Some Like it Hot, then cart two tickets to get the discount. Offer good for select performances and seats only and while supplies last.  

Find the perfect match for your Valentine! Learn more about each show.

Make it a full evening of celebration by adding a cocktail class for $45 before the show and enjoy light appetizers from Fire and Lightning catering while you learn how to mix two specialty cocktails crafted by our in-house team of mixologists. You'll leave with recipes, great memories and new friends! Classes are available Feb. 26-28 and March 19-21. Your Valentine will love it!

Step Right Up and Prepare to be Amazed at Water For Elephants

Water For Elephants brings the critically acclaimed bestselling novel to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in this unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”  

After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.   

This unique and authentic musical experience is fueled by the collective artistry of world-class acrobats, innovative puppeteers and the very best of Broadway talent. Water For Elephants is a big production where you will see all the magic right in front of your eyes as circus tents are raised onstage, and the troupe travels across the country from town to town by train.

Variety call it, “A dynamic tale! It elevates the musical to new and literal heights.”

Tony Award® -nominated director Jessica Stone’s “huge, heart-filling" production (The New York Times) features a book by three-time Tony Award® -nominee Rick Elice adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co.     

The score blends contemporary musical theater sound with flavors of folk, indie, pop, bluegrass and jazz. PigPen Theatre Co.’s signature folk group sound and enchanting melodies and harmonies transform into a soaring Broadway score with a contemporary twist.

Step right up to Walton Arts Center and experience the magic of escapism, enchantment, and passion in Water For Elephants with eight shows from Feb. 24-March 1. All-in tickets start at $48.30.

Now through Friday, Feb. 20 at 11:59 pm, buy one get on half-off tickets to Water for Elephants Feb. 23-March 1 or Some Like it Hot March 17-22. Give your Valentine something they will love – a night out that’s full of romance and Broadway glitz and glamor.  

Use promo code WILD for Water for Elephants or HOT for Some Like it Hot, then cart two tickets to get the discount. Offer good for select performances and seats only and while supplies last.  

Show Dates and Times

Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 8 pm

Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7 pm

Thursday, Feb. 26 at 1:30 and 7 pm

Friday, Feb. 27 at 8 pm

Saturday, Feb. 28 at 2 and 8 pm

Sunday, March 1 at 2 pm 

“Many wonders await audiences in this gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical.”

– The New York Times, Critic’s Pick  

Step Right Up! Get Your Tickets Now.

Add On a

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Cocktail Class

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Live Music to Satisfy Any Musical Taste

Do you find yourself tapping your toes or humming along to the beat of songs? Do you find the energy of an intimate setting filled with live music absolutely captivating? Walton Arts Center has the ultimate round-up of live music opportunities this season. From artists of all genres, backgrounds and styles, there is a live performance for everybody. Who knows, you might even find your new favorite artist or musical style!  

Keep reading to learn more about some of our upcoming live artists: 

Sunny Sweeney 

Friday, March 6 at 7:30 pm in Starr Theater 

Cabaret Seating is $66.70 

Theater Seating is $43.70 

The mastery of holes in the wall, major label stint and serious songwriting chops make Sunny Sweeney something of a rarity: an artist with barroom cred, mainstream validation and songs meaty enough for listening rooms. Just as comfortable commanding a stadium stage on tour with Bob Seger as she is pouring her heart out from a listening room stool, this humble East Texas kid sings her own songs made up of equal parts wit, soul and hard truth.  

African Rhythms Alumni Quintet: A Tribute to Randy Weston 

Friday, March 13 at 7:30 pm in Starr Theater  

Cabaret Seating is $63.25 

Theater Seating is $40.25 

NEA Jazz Master Randy Weston transformed the music’s global impact. From Brooklyn, New York to Rabat, Morocco, the pianist, compose and community ambassador integrated popular sounds and folkloric traditions from across the African continent into his own legendary performances with fellow artists from across the world. Saxophonist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist T.K. Blue leads his acclaimed African Rhythms Alumni Quintet in celebration of the late artists who created new and international pathways for artistic collaboration and communion.  

Solas 

Wednesday, April 8 at 7 pm in Baum Walker Hall 

Tickets start at $34.50 

Hailed by The Boston Globe as “the finest Celtic ensemble this country has ever produced,” Solas has captivated audiences with their spellbinding musicianship and genre-defying creativity since 1995. Formed in New York City, the band quickly became a revolutionary force in Irish-American music, weaving traditional Irish tunes with elements of folk, bluegrass, Americana and contemporary songwriting. With driving rhythms and heartfelt vocals, Solas redefines the Celtic sound for a new generation.  

Get TICKETS TO these shows here!

Alexander Gallery's Newest Exhibition Features Work by UAFS Educator and Artist Harold Keller

The first Visual Arts Signature Series exhibition in the newly renovated Alexander Gallery at the Porter Art Warehouse showcases the works of artist and educator Harold Keller until March 8. Harold Keller: Portals is curated by Matthew Bailey.

The Portals exhibition celebrates the distinct art of Harold Keller (1928-2017) from the collection of the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Gallery of Art and Design, the largest repository of the artist’s work and where he taught from 1956-1962. The university’s collection is based on an extensive donation made by the artist’s family in 2024, including paintings, drawings, ceramics and artist books along with three hundred working drawings and studies the artist used to produce his finished works. 

Keller had a prodigious artistic career of over 70 years and a teaching career of 35 years. Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1928, he came to the University of Arkansas in 1946 to pursue a degree in medicine. With greater interests in the arts and humanities, he instead concentrated on studio art and philosophy, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1949. After teaching for several Arkansas high schools, he became professor of art at Fort Smith Junior College (now University of Arkansas – Fort Smith) from 1956 to 1962, when he and his family returned to New York. Earning a Master of Arts in art education from New York University during his time in Fort Smith, he continued to teach in higher education until 1985. 

Situating his uniquely playful and humorous yet thoughtful, earnest work in its art historical context and examining the artist's influences, this exhibition also explores his development through several phases of his prodigious and multifaceted career as represented in the UAFS Gallery of Art and Design’s permanent collection—his years in Arkansas, his distinct paintings of the 1970s through the 1980s, his working processes, his turn to drawings on mylar in the 1990s, and his artists books made in his later years in collaboration with his wife, June Keller. 

Harold Keller: Portals explores the artist’s unique fusion of the fantastic with the everyday, a style known as magic realism. His magical realms, however, were also critical reflections and explorations of reality, with imaginative configurations and reinterpretations of art, religion, culture, personal memories and immediate experiences—all a part of the continuum of everyday existence, his paintings suggest. They also demonstrate how his experiences in Arkansas had a lasting impact on his art. 

Click here to view the artist's website

Visit this free exhibition at Alexander Gallery at the Porter Art Warehouse located at 212 N. West Ave. Monday through Saturday 11 am-2 pm and Thursday through Saturday evenings 5-8 pm.

No ticket is required for entry.  

Try These Staff Recommendations for Your Next Night Out 

With so many great shows left in our season — music, theater, dance, shows for families and more — choosing your show lineup isn't easy. To help you pick, we’ve asked some of Walton Arts Center’s staff (the people in the know) the performances on their must-see list!

Riverdance 30: The Next Generation

Riverdance 30: The New Generation

“I remember seeing Riverdance as a young girl and it was so mesmerizing! The music alone is beautiful and the diversity and the energy from the dancing is awesome. It's not the same upbeat Irish dance music you might think of, it's so much more. I am so looking forward to the performances June 9-11.”

- Esther Cabrera, social media manager

Chris Thile

“Chris Thile is a master musician and a world leader as an artist on his instrument. I heard him at Walton Arts Center several years ago and witnessed his rapport with our audience – it's something you do not want to miss on April 12.”

- Dr. Pat Relph, arts learning specialist

Water for Elephants

“I have read the book, seen the movie and I am so excited about seeing Water for Elephants on stage Feb. 24-March 1. I am not looking forward to ugly crying in Baum Walker Hall with over 1,000 people but I will be ready with tissues!”

- Toni Douglas, employee experience manager

The Comedy Zone

“I’d recommend any upcoming show in The Comedy Zone because it’s always a great time and there is so much energy and laughter in the audience. It’s a fun, easygoing experience that appeals to a wide range of people and creates a lively atmosphere. Coming up next are Brad Upton on Thursday, March 5 and Andy Woodhull on Saturday, April 18. It’s definitely my highlight of the season!”

- Lorinda Smith, operations & executive support manager

Some Like it Hot

“Some Like it Hot, March 17-22, is everything you want in a big, beautiful Broadway musical. The music is classic Broadway at its best, supported by fun costumes and tap dance (what every great musical needs). The humor is quick and sharp, and the chase scene through doors is not to be missed. It’s a fantastic night out at the theater!”

- Jennifer Wilson, senior director of public relations


Voctave

“I’m so excited to see Voctave sing live on Friday, April 10! I've listened to their music for years, and I just know it'll be even more powerful and impressive to hear live – particularly that high soprano, Kate!”

- Sara Jones, learning programs and festivals manager

Solas

“If you love Irish music, then you must see Solas on April 8, one of the finest Celtic ensembles the U.S. has produced. This traditional Irish band hails from NYC and is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. Their music — whether a traditional ballad or one of their own compositions — is absolutely astounding.”

- Jennifer Ross, vice president of programming

Grab Tickets to These Shows & More!

Arkansas Towns As Broadway Musicals: Bentonville - Discover What Makes You Happy at Some Like It Hot

We chose a local town to perfectly describe a Broadway Musical that’s coming to Walton Arts Center this season. Get to know your NWA neighbors and learn about these shows - then make plans to experience both!

Bentonville and Some Like It Hot both know how to mix sophistication with a dash of mischief — and look fabulous doing it.

Just like Some Like It Hot’s jazzy, fast-paced energy, Bentonville buzzes with creativity, innovation and a love of rediscovery. The town’s trendy downtown scene could easily double as a glamorous backdrop for a chase scene involving two musicians in disguise – straight out of the musical.

Beneath all the polish, though, both share a deeper message about belonging and finding your true self in unexpected places.

Bentonville proves, much like this musical, that life’s a lot more fun when you mix a little chaos with charm and let the good times swing.

Fast-paced energy, big-time charm

We're coming in HOT, Northwest Arkansas! Set in Prohibition era, this hilarious musical follows two down-on-their-luck musicians who, after witnessing a mob hit, go on the run to escape the gangsters hot on their trail.

And what a trip it is! With its irresistible combination of heart and laughs, song and dance, Some Like It Hot won more theater awards than any show in its season, and was named Best Musical by the Drama Desk, The Drama League, and the Outer Critics Circle. No wonder Deadline calls it “a tap-dancing, razzle-dazzling embrace of everything you love about musical theater.”

In early scenes in the musical set in Chicago, Barnes was able to pay homage to the amazing textile patterns of the 1930s: off-center geometrics, wacky florals and anything argyle to complement Scott Pask’s industrial Deco surround.

This production was the most awarded musical in the 2022-23 Broadway season including four Tony Awards including best choreography and best costumes and a Grammy Award for best musical theater album so you know it looks beautiful and sounds amazing!

“Some Like It Hot is the kind of project I love to design. It has everything!,” said award-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes. “The costume demands include so many walks of life: Chicago gangsters, speakeasy patrons, jazz bands, an eccentric millionaire and even a quick trip south of the border—these are folks with a dream, running away from (or towards) a new destiny.

With a book by Tony-winner Matthew López (The Inheritance) and Amber Ruffin, vibrant musical score crafted by the Hairspray team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and Tony-winning choreography from director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Mean Girls, Aladdin), Some Like It Hot is a fresh adaptation that is “a super-sized all out song-and-dance spectacular” (The New York Times)!

What an assignment!” Nicholaw said. “To take a beloved film and give it a modern twist while staying true to the spirit of the original; to craft a piece that feels classic yet modern, funny yet moving. In the process of working with a great quartet of writers—Matthew, Amber, Marc & Scott—we discovered that we could go deeper into the characters and their feelings because now they could sing. And dance!”

“I wanted the choreography to serve the story. In that regard, I was lucky that it was a story about a band. So in staging numbers such as “A Darker Shade of Blue,” “Ride Out the Storm,” “Take It Up A Step,” and “He Lied When He Said Hello,” I could blend the world of our characters with the performances of Sweet Sue’s Society Syncopators. One other thing stands out as a huge joy: the creation of “Tip Tap Trouble,” the climactic dance in Act 2….I was able to take all the puzzle pieces of the story and instead of having a long dialogue scene, convey it all through choreography.“

Some Like It Hot “is a booze-soaked, boisterous good time from start to finish” (Entertainment Weekly) - a safe bet if you are looking for a fun, fabulous night out at the theater.

“A glorious, big, high-kicking musical that flips the original film on its head. Nobody’s perfect? This show is!”

–Associated Press

Don't Miss This Show!

Performance Dates and Times

Tuesday, March 17, 7 pm

Wednesday, March 18, 7 pm

Thursday March 19, 1:30 and 8 pm

Friday, March 20, 8 pm

Saturday, March 21, 2 and 8 pm

Sunday, March 22, 2 pm

Still looking for adventure? Check out Bentonville - the capital of Cool - with Quaint community events and speakeasy-style bars where you can hideaway - at least for the night!

Visit Bentonville

What is The Choir of Man, and why Should I see it?

As told by Nic Doodson - creator, producer and director

“I’ve got an idea for a show…”

It’s 2016 and Andrew Kay and I are celebrating the success of a sold-out performance of our latest collaboration when he turned to me and said these fateful words. It was at this moment that The Choir of Man began, and perhaps fittingly, it was over a pint in a beer garden.

Andrew described the genesis of the idea; it’s a group of ordinary blokes who meet up to sing a few songs over a drink or two. It isn’t only about the drinking, nor is it only about the singing. It’s about the simple act of being together. It’s about laughing together, crying together, singing, shouting, talking together… whatever it is, it’s about the pleasure of being in the same place at the same time as the people you love. “…And,” he said with a twinkle in his eye, “We should call it The Choir of Man.”

And so, an idea was born.

In the time before this conversation, I had worked for the previous 20 or so years of my career as a professional singer, so I knew a bit about singing. Also, having spent a fair amount of time in pubs during the same period, it seemed to me the simplest of ideas to combine the two experiences.

It was the perfect fit– both choirs and pubs are environments where you can raise your voices in joy or in sorrow. And they’re both places where it’s more important to listen than it is to shout. So, we set out to look for normal guys. Men who could sing, play instruments, maybe even move a bit, but most importantly, guys who seemed like they’d be at home in a pub with their mates. Our aim was to create a show about a group of friends who sang together, and we genuinely ended up with a group of friends creating a show together. It’s funny how these things work out.

“As a male voice choir, we wanted to make a show that brings joy to people - a show that is fun and frivolous and silly, but also one that speaks to some of those difficulties we face and gently questions what masculinity might look like today. It is an invitation to either forget your troubles for the evening, or to reach out to a loved one and share them.

Above all, we wanted to make a show that puts an arm around people, of all genders, and takes them on a bloody good night out. Sometimes it’s literally lifesaving.”
— Ben Norris, monologues writer

After three strenuous weeks devising and rehearsing, we presented our show at a venue in Tottenham, North London performing for an audience of friends and family for the first time. We could barely fit in the room we’d hired and ended up having to perform almost on top of the audience, but they loved every minute of it. From the free beer (of course) to the traditional choral arrangement of “Chandelier” by Sia, everything was lapped up by the crowd.

The energy was electric– I’d never experienced anything like it.

At the end of the first performance Andrew turned to me and said, “I think you may have something here…”. And we did, and here we are today. After Edinburgh, Coventry and Adelaide Fringes, three previous US national tours, three sold out seasons at the Sydney Opera House, two Cruise ships, European and Australian tours, and an Olivier Award nomination for our West End run we find ourselves here in Fayetteville for one night only, Tuesday, Jan. 27; and it can all be traced back to a pint in a beer garden.

Fitting indeed.

Grab your mates & get tickets NOW

Arkansas Towns As Broadway Musicals: Fort Smith Feels Like Water For Elephants

We chose a local town to perfectly describe a Broadway Musical that’s coming to Walton Arts Center this season. Get to know your NWA neighbors and learn about these shows - then make plans to experience both!

Come one. Come all!

Fort Smith and Water for Elephants share a bold, adventurous spirit rooted in grit, showmanship and a flair for drama.

Once a frontier town brimming with lawmen, legends and traveling entertainers, Fort Smith feels like the perfect backdrop for a circus train rumbling through the night loaded with colorful characters, high-stakes dreams and a touch of old-fashioned romance.

The city’s rich history and Wild West heritage echo the musical’s themes of resilience and reinvention, while its modern revival through murals, music and a thriving arts scene mirrors the magic and spectacle of the big top coming to life on stage.

Both Fort Smith and Water for Elephants remind you that behind every dazzling performance lies real courage, compassion and a community that refuses to give up on wonder.

Step Right Up for Benzini Brothers’ Most Spectacular Show on Earth!

The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”

After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where theroad will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age.

Welcome to the Circus! Meet the Characters

JACOB JANKOWSKI: A young man of strong values with a deep love and understanding for animals, Jacob’s pre-determined life is suddenly shattered by loss. He hops a random train out of sheer desperation, hoping to find a new reason for being somewhere, anywhere. When the train turns out to be home to a traveling circus, he becomes part of a new family, the bonds quickly become like iron, and the trajectory of his life changes forever.

MARLENA: Supremely gutsy and wildly talented, young Marlena runs away with the circus and marries the mercurial Ringmaster. In no time at all, she becomes the star attraction—a fabled equestrienne and horse whisperer. What’s more, she has the gift of “getting” people the same way she “gets” animals. Her life isn’t what she dreamed, but when Jacob Jankowski suddenly shows up at Benzini, her whole world changes again.

AUGUST: The owner and ringmaster of Benzini Brothers’ Most Spectacular Show on Earth, August is charming, bright and seductive, doling out favors and dazzling the crowd. His word is law, both inside and outside the ring. When he likes you, the sun shines on you and life is glorious. But when he darkens, the sun is gone and the world grows cold.

MR. JANKOWSKI: Slipping out of the nursing home, Mr. Jankowski attends a traveling circus show, and his story comes tumbling out of him—the story of young Jacob Jankowski, whose whole world exploded when he jumped a circus train 50 years ago.

WALTER: Master Knife-Thrower and World Famous Clown at Benzini Brothers, Walter is wary of strangers and fiercely protective of his friends. He may be slow to warm up to Jacob, but when his dog, Queenie, takes a liking to him, Walter soon follows suit.

CAMEL: A veteran roustabout, Camel is the first to show Jacob the ropes and his first friend at Benzini. He’s well-read, keenly interested in language, and a lifelong student of human behavior. Only one problem: where camels can survive long stretches with very little to drink, this Camel can barely go five minutes without a slug of his bootleg moonshine.

BARBARA: A cooch dancer by trade, Barbara is the brassy mother hen of the circus. She knows who she is and where she comes from, and if anyone’s got a problem with that, too bad. She may be loose in the hip, but she’s tight in the lip—and knows every secret in every single car on the Benzini train.

WADE: A roustabout at Benzini Brothers, Wade is August’s right-hand man and his muscle when it comes to August’s dirty work. Whenever the boss tells him to do something, his only response is “Sir, yes sir!” He’s entirely at home with violence, but sadly devoid of any sense of humor, irony, or metaphor.

NETworks Presentations announced the cast for the North American Tour of the hit Broadway musical this summer, and it includes a cast member with local ties. Grant Huneycutt from Greenwood is a 2025 graduate of Oklahoma City University with a degree in musical theater. Huneycutt will portray Wade on his first national tour. Additional cast include Zachary Keller as Jacob, Helen Krushinski as Marlena, Robert Tully as Mr. Jankowski, Connor Sullivan as August, Javier Garcia as Camel, Ruby Gibbs as Barbara and Tyler West as Walter.

Water For Elephants is based on the critically acclaimed, New York Times Bestselling novel by Sara Gruen. The Broadway musical has a book by four-time Tony Award® nominee Rick Elice (Jersey Boys, Peter and the Starcatcher), a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co. (The Tale of Despereaux), with tour direction by Ryan Emmons, recreating the original direction by Tony Award-nominee Jessica Stone (Kimberly Akimbo).

“The score by the collective PigPen Theatre Co. ranges across styles capably, from the country-flavored ‘The Road Don’t Make You Young,’ to a jubilant boogie-woogie tune, ‘The Lion Has Got No Teeth,’ describing how illusion is at the heart of any circus’s appeal, and a more traditional, moody love-cementing duet for Jacob and Marlena. The songs are flavorful and well-wrought, and perhaps the show’s most accomplished achievement,” said Charles Isherwood of the Wall Street Journal.

Critics and Audiences Agree!

“A Dynamic tale! It elevates the musical to new and literal heights.”

-Variety

"Many wonder await audiences in this gorgeously imaginative Broadway musical.”

-The New York Times

Get your tickets now and see this the musical that Variety calls, “Spellbinding entertainment!

Get Your Tickets Now!

Performance Dates and Times

Tuesday, February 24, 7 pm

Wednesday, February 25, 7 pm

Thursday February 26, 1:30 and 8 pm

Friday, February 27, 8 pm

Saturday, February 28, 2 and 8 pm

Sunday, March 1, 2 pm

Discover Fort Smith

You can jump a train and explore the past, the present and all that Fort Smith has to offer!

New Year, New Ways to Love the Arts: Resolve to Support Walton Arts Center in 2026

A new year is the perfect time to set intentions, not just for ourselves, but for the things and places that bring our community together. In 2026, consider making a few resolutions that support the arts, and help keep world-class performances thriving right here in Northwest Arkansas.

Whether you’re a lifelong arts lover or just starting to explore what Walton Arts Center has to offer, there are plenty of meaningful and fun ways to get involved.

Resolution #1: Become a Friend of Walton Arts Center

One of the easiest ways to make a lasting impact is by becoming a Friend of Walton Arts Center. Friends provide vital support that help us bring Broadway tours, dance companies, musicians, comedians and family-friendly shows to our stages. As a Friend, you’ll enjoy benefits like early access to tickets, special events and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping make the arts accessible for our community. It’s a resolution that gives back all year long.

Here's how

Resolution #2: Volunteer Your Time and Talent

We often say, “The show cannot go on without our volunteers,” and it’s true. Walton Arts Center volunteers are the smiling faces who welcome patrons, scan tickets, share programs and help create a warm, memorable experience for every guest. Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet new people, see behind the scenes and play an active role in supporting the arts you love.

Learn more

Resolution #3: Make a One-Time Donation

Sometimes the simplest resolutions can have the biggest impact. A one-time donation to Walton Arts Center helps support education programs, community initiatives and the day-to-day operations that keep our nonprofit organization thriving. Every gift — large or small — helps ensure that performances, exhibitions and events remain accessible and inspiring for audiences of all ages.

Donate now

Resolution #4: Come See a Show (or Three!)

It may sound simple, but one of the best ways to support Walton Arts Center is to attend performances and events. From Broadway or dance to music, comedy, visual art and family programming, there’s always something happening at our venues. Make it a goal to try a new genre, invite a friend or turn a night at the theater into a new tradition. Your presence in the audience helps fuel the creative energy that makes live performance so special.

Upcoming shows

In 2026, your resolutions can do more than check a box — they can help sustain the arts, strengthen our community and create moments of joy and connection. For details on how our organization positively impacted our community in 2025, view our new Community Impact Report.

However you choose to support Walton Arts Center this year, know that you’re playing an important role in keeping creativity shining bright in Northwest Arkansas. Here’s to a year filled with inspiration, applause and unforgettable experiences.

10x10 Arts Series: More Than Just a Great Deal

Walton Arts Center’s 10×10 Arts Series offers a curated selection of 10 performances each season across a variety of genres including music, dance, comedy and theater, and all are priced at just $10 per ticket.

In any give season, if you’d try to see one of the artists performing on the 10x10 Arts Series at any other venue, you’d easily have to pay two to three times as much for the tickets. Past performers include Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer, the Gilbert and Sullivan Players, Ailey II, just to name a few. But it’s about more than just a good deal.

Those $10 ticket prices dramatically lower the financial barrier to become a performing arts patron. This series helps fulfill the organization’s mission of making the arts accessible to the broader Northwest Arkansas community and aligns with a commitment toward inclusion and outreach.

Not only do these shows offer accessible ticket prices, but the series also promotes engagement between artists and audience. After each show, audiences are encouraged to share feedback via handwritten Post- It® notes, which are passed along to the artists. There are also post-show conversations with artists, giving patrons a chance to directly interact, ask questions and deepen their understanding. All of this fosters curiosity about and shared ownership of the arts.

The 10x10 Arts Series serves as a bridge to community members who might not typically be able to afford tickets and allows them to experience artistically ambitious and globally-minded performances. It’s a practical embodiment of the idea that excellence in the arts can be inclusive rather than exclusive.

Don’t miss your chance to catch a 10x10 Arts Series performance.

Get Tickets Now!

BODYTRAFFIC, March 5

Voctave, April 10

Australian Chamber Orchestra, April 18

National Geographic Live: The Wild Wolves of Yellowstone, May 12

Curtis Chamber Orchestra, May 19

Learn more

love the mission behind the 10x10 Arts Series and want to support the work that we are doing? become a Friend of Walton Arts Center.

Get Into the Groove in 2026

As you turn the page to a fresh year and start thinking about ways to embrace movement, either through fitness, creativity, or by simply shaking up our routines, several upcoming shows can inspire you. If you’re craving inspiration that gets your heart racing and your feet tapping, Walton Arts Center’s 2026 lineup of acrobat and dance performances is your perfect motivator! From fiery tango to modern contemporary dance, eloquent stage musicals and Irish step dance, there’s something to get your heart racing and your feet tapping in 2026.

🎪 Water for Elephants

8 Performances!
Feb. 24-March 1 | Standard all-in tickets are $48.30 - $120.75

The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical! Blending circus spectacle and theatrical storytelling, Water for Elephants features puppetry, acrobatics and imaginative choreography set against a backdrop of romance and adventure.

The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional, heart-filled and gorgeously imaginative.”

You’ll be inspired: Acrobatics and circus arts push the limits of physicality and can motivate you to try new activities that challenge your body and mind – think yoga, climbing or balletic stretch sessions.

💃 BODYTRAFFIC

Thursday, March 5 | All tickets are $10

If contemporary dance is more your style, don’t miss BODYTRAFFIC. This Los Angeles-based company is known for its innovative, boundary-pushing performances that blend ballet, modern, afro-Caribbean and hip-hop elements into a high-energy celebration of movement.

What to watch for: BODYTRAFFIC showcases how diverse and dynamic movement can be. Their performances remind us that dance isn’t just a set of steps; It’s a way to express emotion and connect with others through physical art. Resolve to explore your own way of moving, whether through dance classes or simply letting loose at home.

🎷Some Like It Hot

8 Performances!
March 17-22 | Standard all-in tickets are $48.30 - $120.75

This Broadway musical adaptation of the classic film isn’t strictly a dance show, but it’s filled with lively numbers, swing and choreography that celebrates rhythm and motion. With its irresistible combination of heart and laughs, song and dance, Some Like It Hot was the most awarded musical in the 2022-23 Broadway season with four Tony Awards® including best choreography and best costumes and a Grammy Award® for best musical theater album. It looks beautiful and sounds amazing!

Deadline calls it “a tap-dancing, razzle-dazzling embrace of everything you love about musical theater.”

Why it inspires movement: The show’s upbeat energy and musicality remind you how joyful movement can be whether dancing socially or just embracing a little swing in your step.

🍀 Riverdance 30: The New Generation

3 Performances!
June 9-11 | $46 - $205.85

A world phenomenon for three decades, Riverdance blends traditional Irish step-dance with powerful live music and rapid-fire footwork that has audiences on the edge of their seats. This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state-of-the-art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “the new generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.

Why it inspires movement: The precision and energy of Irish step dance are incredible ... and contagious. Watching dancers pound out rhythms with athletic flair might just inspire you to try your own footwork challenge or take up a beginner class (Irish dance, anyone?).

New Year’s Resolutions? Let These Shows Inspire You!
Here are a few creative resolutions inspired by the season’s lineup:

🎯 Don’t just watch a show, take a show-themed cocktail class. It’s the ultimate theater “experience” and available for most of our Broadway shows in the new year.
🎯 Try a new physical activity each month
🎯 Attend more live performances to fuel your creativity
🎯 Host regular dance nights with friends or family
🎯 Explore movement as self-expression, not just exercise

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Whatever show or class you pick Walton Arts Center provides inspiration and a reminder that movement can be beautiful, emotional and deeply human.

Ready to get moving into 2026? These shows are calling your name.

Shows With Music You Know and Love! Take this Quiz to see the Right Fit for You!

Music holds a special place in each of our hearts. No matter what your jam is, there’s a show that will allow you to experience your favorite tunes in new ways! Answer the questions below to see which hit show (with amazing music) you should see at Walton Arts Center this season.  

What type of music is always on rotation? 

  1. A little bit of everything! 

  2. Give me all the 2000’s classics 

  3. Pop music over everything 

Which three artists can be found in your go-to playlists? 

  1. Adele, Queen and Guns N Roses 

  2. Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and P!nk 

  3. Madonna, Lady Gaga and Outkast 

What is your pump-up anthem?  

  1. “Somebody to Love” – Queen 

  2. “Roar” - Katy Perry 

  3. "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" — Beyoncé 

How would you describe your music taste? 

  1. High-energy hits 

  2. Youthful and uplifting 

  3. Timeless classics  

What are you looking for in a show? 

  1. An exuberant atmosphere full of good ol’ fun 

  2. A witty and modern take on a classic 

  3. An elegant and sometimes dazzling adventure  

Time for the results! 

If you got mostly 1’s: 

You would love The Choir of Man  

Tuesday, Jan 27 at 7 pm 

Set in the world’s best pub, this uplifting production serves up 90 minutes of non-stop entertainment featuring a cast of extraordinary singers, dancers, musicians and a charming poet.

Enjoy everything from the anthems of Queen and Guns N’ Roses to the soulful sounds of Luther Vandross and Adele to the chart-toppers of Sia, Paul Simon, Avicii, Katy Perry and more. This show has something for everyone, including a real working bar on stage. Come ready to drink in the excitement and raise a glass with The Choir of Man. Cheers! 

 

If you got mostly 2’s: 

& JULIET is more your vibe  

Eight shows May 26-31 

& JULIET flips the script on the greatest love story ever told by asking what would happen next if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love – her way.

Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life,” “That’s The Way It Is” and “Can’t Stop This Feeling!” Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there’s life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.  

If you got mostly 3’s: 

Moulin Rouge The Musical! Is right up your alley 

Eight shows July 8-12 

Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical!

Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza featuring artists like Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, No Doubt and many more. The Musical is a theatrical celebration of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and — above all — Love.  Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.   

No matter what your score any music fan would love the opportunity to see their favorite songs come to life on stage! Don’t miss your chance to see these amazing shows. Secure your seat and live out your music dreams in a whole new way! 

Secure your tickets now!

Jay Armstrong Johnson, Arianna Rosario, Robert Petkoff and the company of the 2025 touring production of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL. Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade . Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

CJ Eldred, Fabiola Carballo Quijada and the national touring company of & JULIET. Photos by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

The Choir of Man photos by Mark Senior.

Don’t Miss Broadways Leading Men in Fayetteville

You’ve seen the musicals. You’ve listened to the soundtracks and followed their careers through television and movies. Now you can enjoy performances at Walton Arts Center in January with two of the biggest Broadway stars and leading men. Join us for a unique theatrical production with Richard Thomas on Friday, Jan. 23 and for a night of great music and stories with Mandy Patinkin on Thursday. Jan. 29. 

Emmy Award®-winning actor Richard Thomas leads a new production of Mark Twain Tonight!, as the first and only actor authorized to perform the play which was written and originally performed by Hal Holbrook. Millions have cheered for this legendary one-man show, bursting with Twain’s “uproariously funny” and “pungently wise” (Time Magazine) commentary.  

Thomas won an Emmy Award and received multiple Golden Globe Award® nominations for his starring role as John-Boy Walton in the television drama “The Waltons.” He is most recognizable to contemporary television audiences for his roles in the hit series “Ozark,” “The Americans,” “Billions” and the original Stephen King mini-series “It.” His feature film performances include The Unforgivable, Wonder Boys, Last Summer, Red Sky at Morning and Taking Woodstock.  

Photo of Richard Thomas by Julieta Cervantes. Photographed at the Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford, Connecticut.

He has been seen in acclaimed performances on stage including the revival of The Little Foxes, for which he received a Tony Award® nomination, Our Town, You Can’t Take it With You, The Great Society, Race, Democracy, Incident at Vichy (Drama Desk Award nomination), The Stendhal Syndrome (Lucille Lortel Award nomination, Outer Critics Circle Award nomination), A Naked Girl on the Appian Way, An Enemy of the People, Tiny Alice, The Front Page, The Fifth of July, innumerable Shakespeare productions and his professional debut at 8 years old in Sunrise at Campobello. Across the country he has starred in the national tours of The Humans (Elliot Norton Award), Twelve Angry Men and for three years as “Atticus Finch” in Aaron Sorkin’s To Kill a Mockingbird which stopped at Walton Arts Center in April 2023. Thomas previously served as the Honorary Chair of the National Corporate Theatre Fund, a position also held by his predecessor Hal Holbrook. He is a 2025 inductee to the Theater Hall of Fame. 

Photo credit: Joan Marcus

Mandy Patinkin has carved out a varied career including theater, the concert stage, film, television and as a recording artist, and he shares stories and songs from his past at his new show, JUKEBOX with Adam Ben-David on Piano.  

The award-winning Broadway and TV legend – renowned for creating timeless characters in movies such as The Princess Bride, Yentl and Dick Tracy – hand-picks and performs a collection of classic musical numbers, expressed as only he can through a unique mastery of word and song. This will be an unparalleled body of work from one of North America’s preeminent entertainers.  

In his 1980 Broadway debut, Patinkin won a Tony Award for his role as Che in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Evita, directed by Hal Prince, and was nominated in 1984 for his starring role as George in the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, Sunday in the Park with George. His other stage credits include Compulsion, Paradise Found, The Tempest, Enemy of the People, The Wild Party, Falsettos, The Secret Garden, The Winter's Tale, The Knife, Leave It to Beaver is Dead, Rebel Women, Hamlet, Trelawney of the ‘Wells,’ The Shadow Box, The Split, Savages and Henry IV, Part I.   

Patinkin’s feature films include Before You Know It, Life Itself, Wonder, Smurfs: The Lost Village, The Queen of Spain, Ali and Nino, Wish I Was Here, The Wind Rises, Everybody’s Hero, The Choking Man, Pinero, The Adventures of Elmo In Grouchland, Lulu on the Bridge, Men with Guns, The Princess Bride, Yentl, The Music of Chance, Daniel, Ragtime, Impromptu, The Doctor, Alien Nation, Dick Tracy, The House on Carroll Street, True Colors and Maxie.  

In television, Patinkin was recently seen as Judge Wackner in the Paramount+ series “The Good Fight.” He won a 1995 Emmy Award for his performance in the CBS series “Chicago Hope.” He starred in the CBS series “Criminal Minds,” in the Showtime Original Series “Dead Like Me” and also in “Homeland” as CIA Agent Saul Berenson.  

During COVID Patinkin found an entirely new audience when his son, Gideon Grody-Patinkin, began filming his parents interactions. Patinkin and wife Kathryn Grody's candid videos of them arguing, snuggling and discussing politics went viral and turned them into unlikely social media stars. 

spend the evening with your broadway leading man - get tickets here!

Why Walton Arts Center Tickets Make the Perfect Holiday Gift

When you’re searching for a holiday gift that feels personal, memorable and genuinely joyful, tickets to a Walton Arts Center performance check every box. Instead of adding more “stuff” to someone’s shelf, you’re giving an experience. It’s something to look forward to and something that can create lasting memories well into the new year. 

Live performance has a way of bringing people together, sparking imagination and offering a refreshing break from the everyday. Whether your loved ones are passionate theatergoers, music lovers, comedy fans or parents looking for fun outings with the kids, Walton Arts Center’s 2025–26 season offers a full lineup of gift-worthy shows to suit every taste. 

A Gift with A Personal Touch 

Tickets to shows and events let you tailor the experience to the recipient. Choose a show that reflects their interests, their personality or even a happy memory you share. It’s a way of saying, “I know you—and I know what will make you smile.” 

Plus, the anticipation becomes part of the gift. Instead of forgetting what they unwrapped last December, they’ll think of you every time they look forward to show night. 

Here are some ideas to get you started!

Great Gifts for Music Fans 

If you have a music lover on your list, Walton Arts Center offers a robust mix of concerts and music-driven theatrical experiences that feel like a night out and a celebration all in one. 

  • Voctave | Friday, April 10 – High-octane a cappella group  

  • Solas | Wednesday, April 8 – Celtic ensemble 

  • VoiceJam Competition Saturday, April 11– Head-to-head a cappella competition 

  • Chris Thile | Sunday, April 12 – Grammy®-winning mandolinist 

  • Mandy Patinkin in Concert | Friday, Jan. 23 - Tony®-winning Broadway legend and Emmy®-winning TV star  

  • Australian Chamber Orchestra | Saturday, April 18 – 50 years of invention, disruption and unforgettable music-making 

Australian Chamber Orchestra

Perfect Picks for Theater Lovers 

For the drama enthusiasts, Broadway fans and story-seekers in your life, the season includes captivating productions that showcase the best of modern touring theater. 

  • Mark Twain Tonight | Friday, Jan. 23 – one-man show by Richard Thomas 

  • Meredith Willson’s The Music Man | Jan. 16-18 – Broadway classic 

  • Disney’s Beauty and the Beast | Feb. 3-8 – 30th anniversary tour 

  • Water for Elephants | Feb. 24-March 1 – See this beautiful book come to life on stage 

  • & Juliet  | May 26-31 - Flips the script on the greatest love story ever told  

  • Some Like it Hot | March 17-22 – Musicians go on the run after witnessing a mob hit. Hilarity (and some amazing musical numbers) ensues.

Magical Shows for Kids and Families 

Families with children—and kids at heart—will love a holiday gift that gives them something to look forward to together. These shows spark imagination and make for truly memorable outings. 

  • Secrets of Space | Tuesday, March 10 – a show of intergalactic proportions 

  • Blue Man Group | April 14-15 – Music, interactive art and audience engagement in one show 

  • Dinosaur World Live | Tuesday, April 28 – Discover a pre-historic world of creatures 

  • National Geographic Live: The Wild Wolves of Yellowstone | Tuesday, May 12 – Learn about one of the best wildlife conservation efforts 

Night Out for the Adults 

Everyone needs a night out with your girls, guys or your significant other. We have the ticket to perfect night-out experiences! 

  • The Choir of Man | Tuesday, Jan. 27 – Spend the evening with your best mates in the world’s greatest pub 

  • German Cornejo’s Tango After Dark | Wednesday, Jan. 21 – The ultimate theatrical tango experience 

  • The Comedy Zone – Upcoming shows include Aida Rodriguez in January and Brad Upton in March

  • Cocktail Classes – Learn to make two cocktails while you make new friends at this interactive evening. Several dates available 

The Choir of Man

Gift Giving Made Easy 

Walton Arts Center makes the process simple, whether you want a single pair of tickets or a curated mix of shows. You can even pair tickets with: 

  • a night out at a favorite Fayetteville restaurant, 

  • a themed gift item that matches the show, or 

  • a personalized note about why you chose that performance. 


A Gift That Lasts 

When the wrapping paper is tossed and the holiday season winds down, experiential gifts continue to shine. Every time your loved one replays a favorite song from a musical, quotes a line from a comedy show or recalls the awe on a child’s face during a family performance, your gift lives on. 

This year, give something unforgettable. Give live performance. Give laughter, music, imagination and connection. Give Walton Arts Center. 

Get the perfect gift for your loved ones here!

Arkansas Towns as Broadway Musicals: A Musical as Wholesome as Siloam Springs

We chose a local town to perfectly describe a Broadway Musical that’s coming to Walton Arts Center this season. Get to know your NWA neighbors and learn about these shows - then make plans to experience both!

Siloam Springs and Meredith Willson’s The Music Man could easily be marching in the same parade because both are small-town gems bursting with charm, community spirit and a love for a good tune.

  • Just like River City, Siloam Springs thrives on its picturesque downtown, where everyone seems to know everyone and a stroll by Sager Creek feels like the overture to a wholesome musical number.

  • There’s that same sense of optimism and hustle — the kind that could make you believe a fast-talking dreamer like Harold Hill might just roll into town and sell a marching band.

Between its lively festivals, thriving arts scene and strong sense of togetherness, Siloam Springs hits all the right notes, just like The Music Man. Both are home to front-porch conversations and big-hearted dreams that create one joyful, toe-tapping melody.

A Classic Musical for the Whole Family

There's trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian.

Meredith Willson's six-time, Tony Award®-winning musical comedy The Music Man follows traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys' band that he vows to organize – this, despite the fact that he doesn't know a trombone from a treble clef.

His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain's fall.

Featuring favorite songs includuing "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Trouble," "'Til There Was You," "Pickalittle" and "Gary, Indiana," Willson’s iconic humor, wordplay, and optimism will shine in this inventive reimagination of a beloved classic.

Variety calls it, “Grand and Glorious! …Totally enchanting abso-tootin’-lutely smashing revival. It will give you new life!”

The Music Man is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation. So take advantage of the holiday break and bring your grandparents, aunts, cousins, kids and your sweetie to see this classic Broadway production.

Get Tickets Now!

You have just 4 changes to see this show!

  • Friday, Jan. 16 at 7:30 pm

  • Saturday, Jan 17 at 2 pm and 7:39 pm

  • Sunday, Jan 18 at 2 pm

After you fall in love with the musical all over again, explore all that Siloam Springs has to offer while you hum your favorite tunes from the show!

Discover Siloam Springs

Inside Look: Our Friends Lounge Renovation 

During the summer when our stages hosted fewer events and shows, we expanded and renovated the Friends lounge. This change was needed due to the popularity of the Friends program.  

Friends help Walton Arts Center share the transformative experience of the arts with our community through free school field trips, educator professional development, subsidized and free ticket programs and community outreach projects. Those who donate $1,000 or more annually receive access to the Friends Lounge all season. The space is open prior to shows in Baum Walker Hall and offers catered hors d’oeuvres, theater snacks and select complimentary drinks as well as exclusive offerings for purchase at the bar. 

Because of the popularity of the Friends program and our gratitude to these individual donors, the Sudduth Garden Room and former Joy Pratt Markham Gallery got a makeover in time for the 2025-26 season.  

The renovation expanded the lounge into the Joy Pratt Markham Gallery and included new finishes, furniture and lighting, and a dedicated entrance for Friends through the Bradberry Rose Garden and Amphitheater. Melissa Hall Simmons of Studio MH designed the new space.  

“I had spent many nights in the previous Friend’s Lounge at Walton Arts Center, and knew there was room for improvement," said Simmons, who is a donor and patron. “When Peter Lane reached out to me, I knew he was committed to elevating the experience for the patrons, and that we could deliver on that!” Studio MH typically focuses on full-scope residential design but were excited to take on this special project.  

MIXD Gallery helped curate a selection of regional artwork for the new space. The collection highlights the depth of talent in our region – artists whose practices span painting, photography, mixed media and beyond. By bringing these works into the lounge, the project bridges the performing and visual arts, offering our treasured Friends an immersive experience where creativity converges across disciplines. 

“The former gallery was an interior space, without windows so I wanted it to be dark and moody and feel celebratory and special as a night at the theater often is,” said Simmons. “The “lounge” space lacked any architectural features; it was really a white box. We decided to wrap the room in a color wash of a deep Barolo shade. My favorite feature besides the beautiful bar is the way we used fabric panels on the walls to create interest and soften sound. The Garden Room on the other hand has a connection to the outdoors with the patio and lots of glass, so we wanted to keep that feeling and go brighter and lean into the ‘garden’ name.” 

Visit the new entry and “look up!” Simmons says. In the dedicated entry vestibule, the best part is the mitered ceiling in Simmon’s opinion. Other standout moments of this new entry point are the dramatically tied-back drapery panels that offer a peak of each space when you walk in the door, the bold but classic stripe on the walls and drapery panels. 

Learn more here

Learn more about how you can enjoy this space all season long – and share the transformative experience of the arts with students, educators and community members – at waltonartscenter.org/friends.