It's like a sibling rivalry on national television. Head Coach Sam Pittman’s Hogs will host the Longhorns at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 11 at 6p, and the game will be aired at primetime on ESPN.

• 78: The number of times Texas has faced Arkansas in football since 1894. This will be the first game between the rivals since the 2014 Texas Bowl. Currently, Texas dominates the rivalry with a win-loss ratio of 56-22.
• In other news: Pittman's contract was extended. The contract was originally five years when he signed it ahead of the 2020 season. The reset simply means those five years start now, securing an extra year with him as the head Hog.

We're expecting a lot of jukebox playing this fall.

Somehow we're already talking about the 4th of July when it feels like we just came out of a deep freeze...

• 4th at the Field: The Northwest Arkansas Naturals have announced the 4th at the Field fireworks show will return this summer. Gates open at 5p for the event, and you can reserve tickets here.
• More works: The Walmart AMP announced yesterday they're hosting the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular, which includes the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas. You can find more details to plan your evening and purchase tickets here.

We will remind you about these events as the 4th approaches but didn't want you to miss out if they sell out.

It's not too often we present news that falls outside of the region, but when the announcement is this cool it's tough to keep a secret...

• Canopy Trails: If you're looking for a unique way to spend a day outside of NWA, we might have an idea for you just an hour south on I-49. Last week Fort Smith Parks and Recreation Commission was presented with a concept plan for a 0.85 mile canopy trail system just off the river in Fort Smith.
• Quote: "Fort Smith’s Canopy and Soft-Surface trails will enhance the opportunities for recreation for residents and tourists." Frontier Engineering

You can read more about the development and its potential HERE.

Local artist and creativity hub, CACHE, has partnered with hip-hop artist and West Coast rapper Murs to launch Groundwaves(AR), a hip-hop open mic program in NWA.

• Tell me more: The Groundwaves originated in Colorado in conjunction with the Music District, and with the help of Tyson Family Foundation, the program was able to expand here.
• The free six-month NWA program will develop, support, and amplify the region's music scene through performance and mentorship opportunities. Groundwaves(AR) had its first program last night, and it runs through October 20.

If you're looking to fine tune your hip-hop skills and get some realtime feedback, this is for you. You can find the list of events and register HERE.

Thaden Field, named after the 1905 Bentonville native and aviator, Louise M. Thaden, is located near the heart of Bentonville and is a basecamp for adventure.

• Tell me about Louise: She began flying in 1927, and by 1928 she was setting records in the air and breaking barriers for women on the ground. Louise was the first woman to win a National Air Race and was a recipient of a Bendix Trophy.
• Thaden Fieldhouse is unlike other municipal airports. It holds a flight school, an exhibition hangar, an FAA knowledge testing center, scenic flights, discovery flights, lawn games, fuel, provisions, bikes, and is home to a cafe (one of our favorites). 

You can hear the new and exciting events happening this year at VBT HERE.