Hello, Conway neighbors! 👋
It’s mid-August, backpacks are packed, and our local schools and campuses are buzzing with activity.
Kids, teens, and college students across Faulkner County are returning to classrooms this week and this week’s newsletter is specially education focused.
Let’s find out what’s happening in our corner of Central Arkansas this week!
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Hendrix College President Contract Extended & Chamber Honor
The Hendrix College Board of Trustees has approved a five-year contract extension for President Karen Petersen.
Since taking office, President Petersen has driven more than $45 million in philanthropic support to Hendrix.
Key highlights under her leadership include overseeing the multi-million-dollar restoration of Galloway Hall, and securing city approval for the officially designated entertainment district in The Village at Hendrix.
This contract extension ensures strong, vision-driven stability as Hendrix continues to integrate deeply with Conway’s cultural and economic growth.
📅 Your Weekend Guide
Here’s what’s happening in Conway this weekend.
📅 Friday, August 14
🎨 Life In 3D - Conway Art Walk | Downtown Conway
🎶 Coffeehouse Concert Series | Faulkner County Library
🎴 Commander Night | Game Goblins
🎮 Friday Night Modern! | Trainer J’s
🤠 Boots & Beats Contra Night (Tanq Dogs Food Truck Onsite) | CrossFit Conway
🎤 Friday Night Karaoke | Bear’s Den Pizza
🎸 Psychic Roots LIVE | Kings Live Music
🎤 Bad Hipz LIVE | JJ’s Grill
🎸 Joseph Logue Band LIVE | TC’s Midtown Grill
🎤Jonivan Jones LIVE | The Rogue Roundabout
📅 Saturday, August 15
🌿 Community Garden Work Group | Faulkner County Library
👨🌾 Downtown Conway Farmers Market | 718 Parkway St
🌱 Chicken Paw Plantery Pop Up | The Rogue Roundabout
🚜 Farmers Market | Antioch Baptist Church
🃏 Pokemon Standard Tournament | Trainer J’s
🎤 Trivia Night & Karaoke | Bear’s Den Pizza
🎸 Henry Cruz Band Live | Kings Live Music
🎤 Defrance LIVE | TC’s Midtown Grill
🎶 March Of Iron Tour | Full Moon Records
📅 Sunday, August 16
🎶 Rock of Pages (after hours jam session) | Faulkner County Library
🎨 “Life in 3D” Downtown Art Walk Rescheduled After Postponement.
After last weeks rescheduling due to possible bad weather, the popular Art Walk has been moved to this Friday.
This month’s theme, features interactive 3D art installations, live sculpting, pop-up gallery displays, and local artisan demonstrations.
Storefronts and local boutiques throughout the downtown grid will offer small-batch treats and shopping specials.
Head downtown tomorrow, and stroll along Front and Oak Street to participate in this exciting city event.
It’s a completely free, family-friendly way to support our creative community and celebrate local small businesses.
Don’t miss it!
📡New Leadership at UCA Veterans & Military Resource Center
In more higher education news, the University of Central Arkansas recently appointed John “Jay” Faulkner as the new Director of the UCA Veterans and Military Resource Center.
Faulkner steps into the role to lead campus initiatives specifically designed to assist student veterans, active-duty service members, and military dependents.
Under his guidance, the center is expanding its academic advising, transition counseling, and specialized mental health support programs.
This strengthens UCA’s long-standing commitment to ensuring military-connected students have every tool necessary to succeed in higher education.
🍚 Food Spotlight Kelley’s Kettle Corn
If you’re looking for a small-batch popcorn treat, look no further than Kelley’s Kettle Corn.
With flavors like Cinnamon Roll, Caramel, Cheese, and Ranch this is the perfect sweet, salty - or sweet AND salty treat if that’s the way your tastebuds lean!
Find Kelley’s regularly at local events like Night Owl Vendor Market and Conway Art Walk to get a chance to sample their freshly-popped popcorn treats.
Check their Facebook page for upcoming event details and more information.
👨👩👧👦 Community Happenings: Public Schools Kickoff & Safety Patrols
Following district-wide “PD Palooza” workshops and a Special School Board session, CPSD is also launching its brand-new “Little Cats Kinder Camp” on August 17 to help kindergarteners transition into elementary school life.
The Conway Police Department and the Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office have launched a dedicated School-Zone Safety Campaign.
Extra traffic enforcement patrols are stationed in school zones and along major arterial routes across Conway to manage back-to-school traffic and protect students at crosswalks.
👀 Looking Ahead
Mark your calendars for these events happening in the next couple of weeks.
August 17: Conway Public Schools First Day of School – Wampus Cats return to campus for the 2026–2027 academic year!
August 20: Bridgerton Trivia Night – Themed trivia evening at Kings Live Music starting at 6:30 PM.
August 21: Slip To Dust, Seeing Hell, Entrenched, Skyrift - A great night for music fans at Full Moon Records.
August 28–30: Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market – Massive vintage shopping event featuring hundreds of booths at the Conway Expo Center.
⭐ Thats a Wrap, Conway!
Thanks for tuning in to this week’s edition of Roundabout Conway!
Have a fantastic back-to-school week, remember to drive slowly through neighborhood school zones, and enjoy everything our city has to offer.
We’ll be back next Thursday with more!