Downtown Springdale, centered on Emma Avenue, has been reborn as one of Northwest Arkansas’s most exciting districts — a walkable mix of acclaimed restaurants, taprooms, live music, public art, a historic theater, and creekside festivals. Here’s what to see and do downtown.
Dining & Drinks
Emma Avenue — along with nearby Commercial Street — has become a genuine culinary destination, packed with chef-driven restaurants, coffee shops, and bars. The area is also a craft-beverage hub, home to Black Apple, the state’s first cidery and an award-winning taproom. Because the lineup keeps growing, we keep the current restaurants and taprooms on our sister sites: browse NWA Food (Springdale) and NWA Brew (Springdale).
Live Music & Nightlife
Downtown Springdale is a great place to catch live music. District Container Park — an outdoor hangout built from shipping containers — hosts food trucks and live music on weekends, and several Emma Avenue bars feature bands on their patios. In the warm months, the free LIVE! at Turnbow outdoor concert series draws crowds with lawn chairs and blankets. For the current live-music calendar across the region, see our sister site NWA Rocks.
The Apollo on Emma
A downtown landmark, The Apollo first opened in 1949 as a movie theater — famous for its ornate lobby, velvet seats, and art-deco finishes. After a multi-year restoration, the beautifully preserved space now hosts weddings, galas, and special events, keeping a piece of Springdale history alive on Emma Avenue.
Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Excursions
Downtown Springdale’s depot is the departure point for the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, whose scenic excursion trains climb through the Boston Mountains and the historic Winslow tunnel — including a full-day trip to Van Buren. Fall-foliage rides are the highlight of the year. Read the full guide »
Walter Turnbow Park & Spring Creek
Walter Turnbow Park anchors downtown along Spring Creek, with walking paths and open green space. It’s the stage for the LIVE! at Turnbow concert series in summer and the beloved Christmas on the Creek holiday celebration in winter — making it a year-round gathering spot.
Murals & Public Art
Downtown Springdale is dotted with more than 20 murals, and the self-guided mural tour is walkable, bikeable, or drivable — with plenty of stops for food, drinks, and shopping along the way. It’s a fun, free way to experience the district’s creative side.
Festivals & Events
Downtown hosts some of Springdale’s best annual events, including the vibrant Cinco de Mayo Festival (live music, folklórico dancers, and street food), Ozarktober (bluegrass, craft beverages, and food trucks in the fall), and Christmas on the Creek at Turnbow Park. The historic Rodeo of the Ozarks and its Emma Avenue parade round out the summer.
Parking
Unlike a lot of downtowns, parking here is plentiful and free, with large public lots behind the Apollo Theater and near Walter Turnbow Park.
More in Springdale: explore parks, the Shiloh Museum, and the full Things to Do in Springdale guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is downtown Springdale?
Downtown Springdale is centered on Emma Avenue, with the nearby Commercial Street district, in the heart of the city.
Is there live music downtown?
Yes. District Container Park and several Emma Avenue bars host live music, and the free LIVE! at Turnbow concert series runs at Walter Turnbow Park in the summer.
Is parking free in downtown Springdale?
Yes. Parking is plentiful and free, with large public lots behind the Apollo Theater and near Walter Turnbow Park.
Location & Directions
📍 Open downtown Springdale in Google Maps · more at downtownspringdale.org