Editor’s Note - Mar 15, 2026

Spring is starting to show up around the River Valley, and it’s a great time to get out and explore a few local favorites.

This week we’re looking at where locals go for coffee, highlighting a few easy hiking trails around the River Valley, and sharing several upcoming events happening across the region.

We’re also continuing to grow the River Valley Local events calendar — now with 300+ upcoming events — along with new businesses being added to the directory each week.

Thanks for being part of the River Valley Local community.

We looked through local discussions to see which coffee spots people keep recommending again and again. A few names came up repeatedly — and some might surprise you.

Looking for a quick outdoor escape? These trails near Fort Smith, Van Buren, Alma, and Greenwood are perfect for a relaxed hike or evening walk.

If you enjoy spending time outdoors around the River Valley, The Woodsman Company in Fort Smith specializes in quality outdoor gear, apparel, and equipment for hunting, camping, and outdoor adventure. It’s a great local stop for anyone preparing for time in the woods, on the trail, or exploring the natural areas around the region.

From chamber events to informal meetups, there are several ways each week for local professionals and entrepreneurs to connect.

We maintain a running list of upcoming networking opportunities around the River Valley.

Hosting a networking event? Submit it to our events calendar.

Looking for something to do this week? River Valley Local is building one of the largest collections of events and things to do across the region, gathered from community calendars, local organizations, and event listings throughout the River Valley.

Our calendar now includes 300+ upcoming events, and we’re adding new ones daily as we discover them.

Here are a few events coming up this week:

Radium Girls | Alma | Mar 19 - 20

Disney’s Descendants: The Musical | Van Buren | Mar 20-21

Craft Show and Egg Hunt | Mulberry | Mar 21

If you're planning the weekend, we also highlight just the Friday–Sunday events in one place so it’s easy to see what’s happening around the River Valley.

👉 See Things to Do This Weekend

Or browse the full calendar with 300+ upcoming events across the region:

After a hike or a day outdoors, many locals head to AJ’s Oyster House in Fort Smith for seafood, burgers, and a lively atmosphere. Located downtown, it’s a popular stop for both residents and visitors exploring the River Valley.

👉 Learn More about AJ’s Oyster House

🐾 Pet Community Event: The River Valley Gathering

Car lovers and animal supporters can come together for The River Valley Gathering, a classic car event benefiting Almost Home Dog Shelter.

The event takes place April 18 at Kay Rogers Park and features classic vehicles, community gathering, and a chance to support a local shelter that helps dogs find safe homes across the River Valley.

🕗 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🎟 Gate Admission: $10 (Kids 12 & under free)

👉 A great way to enjoy classic cars while supporting local rescue efforts.

Follow coverage from across the River Valley:

Add your Business to the River Valley Local Directory

Submit an Event to our Events calendar

Meet more Adoptable Dogs at Almost Home Shelter or Fort Smith Animal Haven

Thanks for reading River Valley Local. We’re continuing to build River Valley Local into a single place for events, local answers, and practical information.

Have something we should know about? An event, update, or story tip? Just reply to this email — we read every message.

Community note
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We’re also working toward our next community milestone — 1,000 subscribers — and when we get there, we plan to celebrate with a local giveaway. More details soon.

River Valley Local is typically sent Sunday mornings. Occasionally, we’ll send a special mid-week update if something important affects a specific area.