Good morning, Fort Smith.

Over the weekend, Rocky the Rock—dressed in a Santa hat and googly eyes—became a local sensation in the Central Mall parking lot as residents took photos and shared the cheer.

The holiday display brought joy to many in Fort Smith.

Several new restaurants opened across Fort Smith and the River Valley in 2025, expanding local dining options with Chick-fil-A's second location on Old Greenwood Road + unique spots like Wildflower Cafe on Main Street in Mulberry and KPOT Korean BBQ on Phoenix Avenue offering varied menus.

Several local dining spots ended operations in 2025 - including Hooters, Vinnie's Pies, Taliano's, Bricktown, Nara Chicken, Sakuu, Mr. Kluck’s, and Pig Barn Barbecue; a new Magnolia Social House is set to open in Taliano's former space in 2026.

$5 Movie Night at King Opera House

12-2 p.m. — King Opera House — $5 entry — Enjoy a budget-friendly movie screening in a historic venue.

Wiggle Worms Storytime

10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes, songs, and stories in a delightful interactive storytime for babies and caregivers.

Children's Storytime

10-11 a.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Enjoy stories, songs, and puppetry in a delightful weekly gathering for kids and caregivers.

STEAM Team: Snowflakes Workshop

3:30-5:00 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Explore science and art by creating snowflake designs with marshmallows and toothpicks.

Growing Little Readers: Everyday Literacy for Every Family

5:30-7 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — Discover practical tools to foster children's literacy and love for reading through everyday activities.

Open Mic Night

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library — Free entry — A casual evening for poets and musicians to showcase their talent or enjoy performances.

Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles

8:30-9:30 p.m. — United States Marshals Museum — Ticketed event — Experience the timeless music of The Beatles performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Once Upon a Stitch Crochet Club

4:30-5:30 p.m. — Fort Smith Public Library (Main Library) — Free entry — A creative space for school age children and teens to learn and enjoy crochet together.