Top 5 (Free) Things to Do While Roots Festival is in Town

Fayetteville Roots Festival is here, once again gracing our town with an array of locally curated music + food. A festival dedicated to showcasing exactly what makes the Ozarks so very special, Roots Fest combines urban + small town feels, over ten music stages, and culinary showcases to create a one of a kind experience. This year's festival kicks off August 24, and features musicians include Iron & Wine, The Wood Brothers, Nick Offerman, and Elephant Revival, while featured chefs include Chef Matthew Barclay of Bordino's, Chef Anne Carrol of Farmer's Table Cafe, and many more.

Given its efficacy and well-earned notability, Roots Festival tickets tend to sell out hot & fast, well in advance!

For that reason, we're happy to bring you a Roots Festival first-- five ways to stay involved in the Roots Festival hype without an actual ticket. That's right, join the vibe and take part in the fest without any strings (or tickets) attached. 

1. Free Music

Join the scene at Maxine's Tap Room, Roots Festival's curated, free stage. No cover midday & late night shows (+ 3 featured "farm to bar" cocktails) will be going down at Fayetteville's favorite cocktail bar Friday through Sunday. Schedule below or more info here.

Free shows at Maxine's Tap Room include:

2. Free Film

Word on the street is that producer, comedian, actor, and musician Nick Offerman is roaming around the streets of Northwest Arkansas ready to share his new film, "Look & See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry". A free screening & discussion, will take place at Fayetteville's Walton Art's Center (free tickets available for reservation here while suppliles lasts). Roots Fest will also be hosting free film screenings of "The Verdigris, in Search of Will Rogers" at both Crystal Bridges or the Fayetteville Public Library (reserve your tickets).

3. Free Art

Not technically a part of Roots Festival, but we love that they're here the same weekend, #greencandy, a street art project curated by Just Kids for Fayetteville, AR is well underway. Featuring 6 crews of local and world-traveling artists alike, these installations can be found all around downtown. Join the excitement during their free celebration, scheduled from 1-4p at the Walker-Stone House this Friday, 8/25. Guests are encouraged to bring their own tees to be upcycled with live screenprinting that aligns with the street art. 

4. Free Yoga

Join the free Roots scene with the festival's first ever yoga class! Taught just outside the festival's main venue, local studios Trailside Yoga + Yoga Deza join Saturday 8/26 from 9 -10a to offer downtown yoga inside the Pryor Center just off the Fayetteville square. First fifty get a spot. More info here!

5. aaand More Free Music!

NPR is scheduled to host their annual Roots Fest x Ozarks at Large broadcasting on Friday, August 25th at the Fayetteville Public Library. This special program is free both in person and via 91.3, featuring 5 of the bands that will be playing solo shows throughout the festival.

For more information on the Fayetteville Roots Fest or to see the full schedule visit their website at therootsfest.org.

Words by Ashleigh Rose | Photos by Jeremy Scott