Community Calendar

Join us for three inspiring days celebrating art, nature, architecture, and community through the lens of well-being!

Our theme for 2025, Well Being Here, invites us to reflect not only on the idea of well-being, but on what it means to be truly well—here, in this place, in this moment.

The festival features a dynamic mix of free and ticketed talks, workshops, in-gallery and on-trail experiences, and family-friendly engagements led by community partners and leaders in art and wellness. Together, we’ll explore the powerful connections between creativity and well-being.

Tickets and times vary by event.

Book your event tickets together and save! Bundle your keynote tickets together to save on the full festival experience, or explore individual events to plan your own wellness adventure.

From August 1992 to April 1995, three tragic and high-profile events—Ruby Ridge, Waco, and the Oklahoma City bombing— captured the attention of the nation, as federal forces clashed with U.S. civilians. These incidents, often tied together in media coverage, are marked by themes of freedom, religion, and guns. John Powers, a Lifelong Learning program educator, will delve deeper into the individuals involved and the decision-making processes that escalated these confrontations, leading to devastating loss and destruction in the heart of America. With the benefit of 30 years of perspective, we’ll move beyond the headlines and explore the complexities of these events, uncovering the broader social and political forces at play. Join us for a thought-provoking examination of a pivotal period in U.S. history, where we seek to understand the true causes and consequences of these tragic moments.

Most of us live in Fayetteville but know little about the city’s early history— its founding, its growth, and the people who helped shape it. In this program, retired history professor and former academic dean Georgena Duncan returns to her roots in historical research with a focus on early Fayetteville. Drawing from her current research, she will guide participants through the city’s development from 1828 to 1865.

The program will introduce the fascinating and often complex individuals who played key roles in Fayetteville’s early years—settlers, slave owners, farmers, merchants, and politicians—many of whom helped establish the Fayetteville Square as a center of community life. Participants will also learn how the city grew steadily through the antebellum period, only to be devastated by the Civil War.

Settle in and discover the early story of Fayetteville from someone passionate about both the subject and the city itself.

Irish Slow Session is for those who would like to learn Irish tunes and songs. The hour before each Irish Session we’ll learn a few new tunes and tips on how to jam in the Irish Sessions.
Every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Check the Folk School calendar for more information.

Do you know people, possibly family members, who have dyslexia? Have
you ever wondered what this truly means? Join
staff from the Nelms Foundation and the Nelms
Dyslexia Center to learn about this fascinating,
challenging, heartbreaking, and yet inspiring
world of dyslexia. Dyslexia is a language-based
learning difference that affects a person’s ability to read, spell, and write. It is neurological in
origin, unrelated to intelligence, and often runs in families. Students with dyslexia face extreme
challenges that significantly impact their selfesteem. Yet, many people with dyslexia have
made monumental achievements in society.
In this session, we will learn the science behind
dyslexia, how it’s identified, and why effective
instruction, called Academic Language Therapy,
can rewire the brain for reading. We will discuss
the support students need, Arkansas’s strong
laws yet challenging loopholes, and the very
different trajectories of those students who receive effective dyslexia support and those who
do not. This session includes a dyslexia immersion activity, which offers a firsthand glimpse
into the challenges of learning with dyslexia.
Finally, we’ll tour the Nelms Dyslexia Center to
learn more about its mission and how it’s supporting students and families throughout their
dyslexia journey. Activity Level: 1

Spring is a time of new life, as we watch the world around us change from dormant to full of life. This course is an introduction to film movements and styles. We will watch several classic films all of which have a theme of change. We will begin by discussing film genres, film history, and how films are made. We will also explore what to look for as you watch the films selected for the course. Films are watched on your own outside of the classroom (at least one film will be assigned per week beginning week 2) and are available on Plex with a free account, through Turner Classic Movies, or with a Max subscription. Some titles may also be available through your local public library. During each class session, we will unpack the film in terms of its style, story, filmmaking technique, and how it fits with the theme of change. During this course, we will discover great films that help us see and think about change in our world.

This program provides an
interdisciplinary approach to understanding
and preventing falls, with a focus on the role
of occupational therapy in promoting safety
and independence. Guided by Dr. Kandy Salter,
UAMS Clinical Assistant Professor, participants
will examine the multifactorial causes of falls -- including physical, environmental, and cognitive
factors -- and explore intervention strategies and
evidence-based practices that aid in fall prevention. Through case studies, simulations, and collaborative learning, students will gain practical
skills in risk identification, home safety modification, and client-centered care planning. This
program is ideal for individuals who seek to enhance their knowledge and skills in fall prevention and functional mobility.

Embark on a captivating exploration of the architectural wonders of the Romanesque and Gothic periods. This course offers a fascinating insight into the evolution of architectural styles, from the sturdy simplicity of Romanesque structures to the soaring heights and intricate details of Gothic cathedrals. Uncover the historical context, technological innovations, and cultural influences that shaped these magnificent edifices. Engage in enriching discussions, immersive experiences, and insightful lectures that unveil the craftsmanship and symbolism inherent in these masterpieces of stone and glass. Whether you are an avid history buff, an art aficionado, or simply curious about the past, join us on this exhilarating journey through the architectural marvels of the medieval era

Come face to face with rescued wildlife at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge—459 acres of sanctuary near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Home to over 100 animals, this accredited refuge provides a safe, lifelong home to abused, neglected, and abandoned big cats and bears. On this guided visit, you’ll learn the stories of tigers, lions, leopards, and more, while exploring how the refuge rescues and rehabilitates animals in need. Obtain exclusive educational insights from trained staff and the chance to ask questions about animal care, conservation efforts, and sanctuary operations. Turpentine Creek is one of the few sanctuaries in the US to earn Verified Status from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, ensuring top tier ethical care. Discover the power of rescue, the importance of advocacy, and the beauty of these incredible animals in a setting where their well-being comes first.

Lunch will be on your own at a local Eureka Springs restaurant following the tour. Meeting location and tour information will be sent in the class reminder.

Travel time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm / Tour time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.

Activity Level: 1

Class members will explore the culture of Arkansas and the Ozarks through four thoughtfully selected books by regional authors. The reading schedule includes The Last Independence Day by Raymond Niblock on March 5; Broiler by Eli Cranor on April 2; Forgotten Girls by Monica Potts on May 7; and Blood in Their Eyes by Grif Stockley on June 4. Participants are responsible for obtaining and reading each book before class. (Recommended: Pearl’s Books will give a discount to OLLI Book Club members). The class meets on the first Wednesday of each month. (Current OLLI Members Only)