Fayetteville, Arkansas is the vibrant heart of Northwest Arkansas — a lively college town home to the University of Arkansas and the Razorbacks, a legendary entertainment district on Dickson Street, one of the oldest farmers markets in the country, and miles of Ozark trails. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Fayetteville.
University of Arkansas & Razorback Sports
Fayetteville is Razorback country. The University of Arkansas campus, crowned by the historic Old Main building, is beautiful to stroll, and game day is a spectacle. Cheer on the Hogs at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium (football), Bud Walton Arena (basketball), and Baum-Walker Stadium (baseball) — some of the best college sports atmospheres in the country. See our full guide to the University of Arkansas & Razorback sports »
Dickson Street: Entertainment & Nightlife
Dickson Street is the entertainment and nightlife capital of Northwest Arkansas — a walkable strip of live music, bars, restaurants, and theaters that comes alive on weekends and after Razorback games. It’s the region’s go-to destination for young nightlife-goers and music fans alike. The street is anchored by the Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared, two of the state’s premier performing-arts venues. See our full guide to Dickson Street » For the current live music lineup across the area, check our sister site NWA Rocks.
The Fayetteville Square & Farmers Market
The historic Fayetteville Square is the soul of downtown — a green, walkable gathering place ringed by restaurants, shops, and cafes. It hosts the beloved Fayetteville Farmers Market, one of the oldest continuously running markets in the country, where local growers and makers gather several mornings a week in the warmer months. The square is also a top dining destination. See our full guide to the Fayetteville Square & Farmers Market » For current restaurants and breweries, browse NWA Food (Fayetteville) and NWA Brew (Fayetteville).
Mountain Biking & Trails
Fayetteville is a serious trail town. Kessler Mountain Regional Park and Mount Sequoyah offer excellent singletrack, while Lake Fayetteville has a popular multi-use loop. The paved Razorback Regional Greenway runs right through the city, connecting campus, downtown, and the trail network, and it all ties into the wider OZ Trails system. For maps, difficulty ratings, and trail conditions, see our sister site NWA Bike Trails.
Parks, Lakes & Outdoor Recreation
Wilson Park, with its whimsical castle and swimming pool, is a Fayetteville favorite, and Gulley Park hosts a beloved summer concert series. Lake Fayetteville adds a marina, trails, and one of the region’s best disc golf courses, while Mount Sequoyah rewards a short drive with sweeping views over the city, and Kessler Mountain offers 10+ miles of mountain biking. See our full guide to parks, trails & outdoor recreation in Fayetteville »
Gardens, Museums & Landmarks
The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks is a stunning spot for a stroll, with themed gardens and a butterfly house. History buffs can visit the Clinton House Museum — the first home of Bill and Hillary Clinton — and the University of Arkansas is home to several museums and galleries. The Old Main building on campus remains Fayetteville’s most iconic landmark. See our full guide to museums, gardens & landmarks in Fayetteville »
Plan Your Visit
Fayetteville anchors the south end of Northwest Arkansas and pairs well with the rest of the region. Combine it with our guides to Bentonville, Rogers, and Bella Vista, or explore the Ozarks with our complete guide to Northwest Arkansas outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fayetteville, Arkansas known for?
Fayetteville is known as the home of the University of Arkansas and the Razorbacks, the Dickson Street entertainment district, the historic downtown square and farmers market, and excellent Ozark hiking and biking trails.
What is there to do on Dickson Street?
Dickson Street is Fayetteville’s entertainment district, packed with live music, bars, restaurants, and theaters including the Walton Arts Center and TheatreSquared. It’s the region’s main nightlife destination.
Are there hiking and biking trails in Fayetteville?
Yes. Kessler Mountain, Mount Sequoyah, and Lake Fayetteville offer trails, and the paved Razorback Greenway runs through the city as part of the OZ Trails network. See NWA Bike Trails for maps.