Welcoming Week NWA, a celebration of community and belonging across the region, returns this September with a full month of events for people of all ages. Themed “The Places We Share,” the 2026 program celebrates the schools, libraries, parks, workplaces, neighborhoods and community spaces where residents come together to learn, serve and build lasting relationships.
Organized by EngageNWA at the Northwest Arkansas Council, Welcoming Week NWA 2026 highlights the many ways residents connect to community life and bolster civic participation. From volunteer service and youth leadership to cultural exchanges and social hours, the programming slate features dozens of partner-led gatherings across Benton and Washington counties throughout the month.
New this year, two events mark the National Day of Service and Remembrance. On Sept. 11, a veteran-focused coffee and collection event salutes those who have served. The Regional Day of Service on Sept. 12 highlights the recently announced GoodWorks, Volunteer Center for Northwest Arkansas, bringing together 14 partner organizations for a single day of coordinated volunteer service at participating sites across Northwest Arkansas.
“Welcoming Week NWA has always been about the same thing: neighbors meeting neighbors,” said Margot Lemaster, executive director of EngageNWA. “Neighbors who know one another are more likely to volunteer, serve and show up when it counts. That is how a region becomes somewhere people choose to live and build their futures.”
EngageNWA has organized Welcoming Week NWA each September since 2014, growing it from a single week to a month of programming. Six featured events anchor the 2026 slate, built for teens seeking community service hours, newcomers looking for a cause to join and longtime residents ready to make new friends.
FEATURED EVENTS
Teen Volunteer Fair
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 2
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Location: Bentonville Public Library
Designed to help teens explore local volunteer and internship opportunities and learn how to make a difference, this kickoff to Welcoming Week NWA 2026 invites teens, parents and families to learn the joy of service.
Veterans Appreciation Drive
Date: Friday, Sept. 11
Time: 8 to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Springdale Public Library
Gather with community members for coffee and conversation in observance of the National Day of Service and Remembrance. Guests are encouraged to bring toiletry items to support Arkansas Veterans Village, including soap, razors, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Regional Day of Service
Date: Saturday, Sept. 12
Time: 9 a.m. to noon
Location: Various locations across Northwest Arkansas
GoodWorks, Volunteer Center for Northwest Arkansas, will bring together 14 partner organizations for a day of coordinated volunteer service across the region. Residents can choose from projects at participating sites and contribute a few hours of their time.
Join a Club Crawl
Date: Thursday, Sept. 17
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Location: Rogers Public Library
Rooted in the simple idea that clubs are social infrastructure, this twist on a club crawl assembles associations and community groups from across the region for an evening of laughter, learning and engagement. Light refreshments provided.
Board Service Q&A
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 23
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual
For those looking to make a meaningful impact, this online session hosted in partnership with the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce NWA Emerging Leaders program helps participants learn about the Chamber’s Board Service Certification Program. The certification is designed to build the knowledge, skills and connections needed to pursue meaningful board service opportunities across Northwest Arkansas. Registration required.
Speed Friending
Date: Thursday, Sept. 24
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Location: Fayetteville Public Library
In partnership with Fayetteville Public Library, this event will be a fun, low-pressure hour of conversation designed for individuals 18 and older who are new to the area or simply looking to make a new connection and expand their social circle. Conversation starters keep the connections flowing.
All Welcoming Week NWA events are free and open to the public. Some require registration. A full calendar is available at welcomingweeknwa.org.
Welcoming Week NWA 2026 is made possible through the generous support of the Walton Family Foundation; Tyson Foods; Signature Bank of Arkansas | Banco Si!; Visit Bentonville; Contractors, Closers & Connections; Springdale Chamber of Commerce and KUAF, along with many community partners. Their commitment keeps events accessible to all, creating opportunities for connection and belonging across Northwest Arkansas.
