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Springdale is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving downtown area. The changing seasons bring new life and excitement, serving as a metaphor for the changes and revitalization Springdale experiences. There’s always something to see and do today, and even more is coming!
History of Springdale and Downtown
Springdale was founded in 1838 and quickly became a major agricultural center. Farmers from miles around would bring their crops to Springdale to be sold and distributed throughout the country. The railroad’s arrival in the late 1800s solidified Springdale’s position as a transportation hub and commercial center.
The heart of Springdale’s early development was its bustling downtown area, which grew up around the railroad tracks. As the city prospered, numerous historic buildings were constructed in the downtown area, many of which still stand today. These structures, with their intricate architectural details and charming facades, provide a glimpse into Springdale’s past.
Downtown Springdale is a place of historical significance and a vibrant hub of activity. Visitors can explore numerous shops, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and Latin businesses that mark the community’s diversity.
Downtown Springdale Alliance
The Downtown Springdale Alliance, a vibrant and passionate nonprofit organization, is committed to rejuvenating and fostering the growth of downtown Springdale. Their mission is to revitalize the historic core, enhance its economic vitality, and promote it as a vibrant and welcoming hub for residents and visitors alike.
The Downtown Springdale Alliance collaborates with local businesses, community organizations, and government entities to achieve their goals. They work tirelessly to create a thriving downtown district that embraces its unique character and rich history while providing modern amenities and opportunities for all.
One of the critical initiatives of the Downtown Springdale Alliance is the organization of various events throughout the year designed to attract visitors, showcase local talent, and foster a sense of community.
Upcoming Events in Downtown Springdale
Downtown Springdale is always full of events. The Downtown Springdale Alliance website has a calendar of upcoming events.
- Oct. 18 | Ghouls Night Out – a Halloween-themed extravaganza that transforms downtown Springdale into a spooky and festive playground. This event features trick-or-treating, costume contests, live entertainment and plenty of family-friendly activities, making it a beloved tradition for residents and visitors alike.
- Dec. 6 | International Holiday Cocoa Crawl – a delightful event that combines the warmth of cocoa with the joy of international holiday traditions. Participants embark on a cocoa-tasting adventure, sampling various cocoa recipes inspired by different cultures while exploring the charming streets of downtown Springdale.
- Dec. 30 | Christmas on the Creek – a festive celebration featuring twinkling lights, live entertainment and a vibrant holiday market. Families can enjoy activities like photos with Santa, holiday crafts and delicious seasonal treats, making it a magical experience for all ages.
- Dec. 30 | Springdale Christmas Parade – annual holiday parade featuring local businesses, churches and performing children’s groups.
- Jan. 19 | Wedding Fair at the Apollo – a fantastic event for soon-to-be-married couples, showcasing a variety of local vendors offering everything from floral arrangements to catering and photography. Attendees can explore the latest trends in wedding planning, enjoy tastings, and gather inspiration for their special day in a beautifully designed setting.
- Every Tuesday – Springdale Bike Club Taco Tuesday Ride – Cyclists of all skill levels come together each Tuesday for a group ride, followed by a taco feast at a local eatery. It’s a perfect opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow biking enthusiasts, explore scenic routes and savor tasty tacos.
- Every Monday – For the Love Neighbor Nights – a community dinner aimed at feeding the hungry and cultivating community. The invitation is open to anyone, no questions asked, to join others around the dinner table.
In addition to these marquee events, the Downtown Springdale Alliance organizes smaller gatherings, workshops, and educational programs throughout the year. These events promote local businesses, showcase local talent, and provide opportunities for residents and visitors to connect and engage with one another.
What’s Popular in Downtown Springdale
Downtown Springdale, Arkansas, is blossoming with new destinations that draw locals and visitors. One standout is the Springdale Art Center, which showcases local artists and hosts rotating exhibitions. This vibrant space offers art classes and workshops and serves as a gathering point for creative minds, making it a cultural beacon in the community.
Another exciting addition is the Springdale Farmers Market, which has gained popularity for its fresh produce and artisanal goods. The weekly market creates a lively atmosphere where people can shop while enjoying live music supporting local farmers and vendors.
Shiloh Square is gaining more attention as a destination spot and hub of activity. The square often hosts events, farmers markets and festivals, fostering a strong sense of community. Its welcoming atmosphere and attractive landscaping create an inviting place to relax, socialize and enjoy the local culture. The Todd Sanders Yellow Rose merges history and contemporary art to bring modern charm to the activity center.
Downtown Springdale is focused on developing an Arts District that serves the needs of the existing neighborhood, artists and creatives.” –
JILL DABBS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF DOWNTOWN SPRINGDALE
- Artist hub: Several local artists host studios in downtown Springdale, serving as the anchor for the Arts District and annual Art Walks. Don’t miss the opportunity to stroll on a self-guided mural tour.
- Stroll and shop – Downtown is a great spot to stop for breakfast after you drop the kids off at school and spend the rest of the morning strolling and shopping. With a couple of places for breakfast, you can sit and enjoy your meal without someone climbing over you or eating off everyone else’s plate. Then, leave your car parked and easily stroll from store to store to mark off your Christmas list or add a few items to your own.
- Gaskins on Emma brought a new tone to the center of the Emma St. District with an approachable fine dining experience. It’s the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion, meet up with friends or entertain a business client. With the recent addition of lunch hours, the possibilities are endless, so enjoy the menu and posh bar and impress your tablemate.
- Shopping at mashup experiences at Bella’s Gifts, where a local restaurant may serve lunch on a game day, or an author might launch their book from the center of Emma. Or, European market-style shopping at Maple Market with supplies and ingredients a local Arkansan will love.
- Take advantage of every chance to pop into Milk & Sugar Bath Co. The smell as you enter makes you instantly feel clean and lifts your spirits. Grab a gift for a teacher or host or restock your own bath and cleaning supplies. Plus, it’s just fun to see what new they have cooking up for each holiday, like spooky fizzes, pumpkin spice novelties, or an eggnog bubble bath!
- Hold a hand and enjoy a date. The vibe is friendly to many occasions, but don’t miss a chance to feel like you are in a larger city where you park and walk to dinner, sit and sip as the sun sets, or desire to don your sneakers and walk together where you feel safe and can enjoy the scenery!
- Meet up with classmates (old or new) for brunch at HomeGrown. The seasonal menu offers many reasons to keep returning. Who doesn’t love a piece of pumpkin bread French toast or a holiday-flavored hand pie with a side of home fries? The farm-to-table experience makes it an easy choice for a bacon breakfast on hog weekends, and it’s the kind of place where grandpa and grandkids will find something they enjoy on the menu.
- Little Emma and 202 Railside anchor revitalization projects with a multi-level apartment complex and multi-use retail and office district in the heart of all the activity
- The realignment of the Razorback Greenway across Emma brought the opportunity to enhance lighting, sidewalks, and accessibility to the trails that run through the center of Walter Turbow Park, which hosts the Live! At Turbow concert series and outdoor art experiences, like a waking mural tour.
- A brand-new Onyx Coffee Lab location with a chocolate theme will open along the corridor. Bean-to-bar production will be open for public viewing. This new concept will undoubtedly open customers’ access to new products and flavors and provide them with a level of excellence that they’ve come to expect at other locations.
Downtown Springdale is a great place to live, work and play. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and variety of things to do, there’s something for everyone in downtown Springdale!
Stay informed with all that’s happening in Downtown Springdale!
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
First Security Bank is in the middle of it all. Join us for our grand opening and ribbon cutting for our new location on 112 West Emma on Thursday, November 14.
The cover image was used with permission from Downtown Springdale. Other photos provided by First Security Bank.
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