Downtown Fayetteville is gearing up for the region’s favorite entrepreneurial festival. On Friday, September 26, 2025, the seventh annual NWA Startup Crawl will transform the Fayetteville Square into a high-energy celebration of innovation, music, and community. Think local startups, unlimited craft beer, delicious food, and live performances, all wrapped into one unforgettable evening.
Launched in 2017 and organized by Startup Junkie, the Crawl has introduced thousands across Northwest Arkansas to the boldest startups and brightest founders in the region. What began as a night of beer and networking has grown into the marquee event celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of NWA. As Executive Director Caleb Talley says, “It’s the biggest startup party in the Heartland.”
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 5:00–9:00 p.m. (check-in opens at 5:00 p.m.)
Locations: Fayetteville Square + Pryor Center (check-in stations on/around the Square—watch for signage)
How the Crawl Works
Your night begins at check-in stations around the Square, where you’ll grab your Startup Passport and, if you’ve got a Beer Pass, a branded reusable cup and wristband. From there, set your own course. Every stop across the Square and the Pryor Center pairs innovative startups with local breweries, cideries, or kombucha makers.
Beer Passes unlock unlimited pours throughout the night, and prices are better if you buy early. An 8-ounce pass is just $20 during presale (or $25 on the day of the event), while the 16-ounce option is $30 presale (rising to $35 day-of). Valid ID necessary for Beer Pass pickup.
Bring your passport: collect 5 punches to score exclusive merch from Natural Threads (while supplies last), and 10 punches to enter for a chance to win an Apple Watch SE.
Music That Moves the Night
On the Bank of America Main Stage along Mountain Street, The Yachties open with a Hall & Oates tribute at 5:00 p.m., return as themselves at 6:00 p.m., and hand it off to headliners Me Like Bees at 7:30 p.m.
Over at B.C.’s Blues Shack at One East Center, expect grooves all evening with Greg “Big Papa” Binns, plus sets from Chyrell Stanley and Tom McFetridge, culminating in a jam to close the night.
Breweries, Drinks & the Beer Garden
This year’s beverage lineup is stacked: Social Project Brewing Co., Bike Rack Brewing Co., Bentonville Brewing Co., Black Apple Hard Cider, Core Brewery (Scarlet Letter), Ferm Kombucha (NA), New Province Brewing Company, Stoic Brews, Fossil Cove Brewing Co., GOAT Lab, Ozark Beer Co., Flyway Brewing, and Fayetteville Beer Works will keep cups full across the route.
The Beer Garden, presented by ACC Capital and Surge on East Avenue, features pours from Flyway Brewing, Fayetteville Beer Works, and Ferm Kombucha (NA).
New this year
Step into the Startup Junkie office for a curated wine tasting with Ozark Charcuterie & Wine Bar, plus live founder interviews with Go Rogue Studio.
Food, Merch & More
Refuel with favorites from Pinchos, Elote NWA, Chug NWA, Pedal Pops, Totally Loaded, Chelle’s Burger Joint, and Lively Lemon. Don’t leave without the limited-edition 2025 Startup Crawl shirt ($20) and a collectible event poster from the merch tent for $5.
To make the most of your night, arrive early to beat lines and rack up stamps, bring a valid ID for Beer Pass collection, and map your route between the Square and the Pryor Center so you can meet as many startups as possible. Stay hydrated, grab a bite between sets, and follow @StartupJunkie for any last-minute updates.
Sponsors
Stage Sponsor: Bank of America
Beer Garden Sponsors: ACC Capital & Surge
Also supported by Zenwork, Cortado Ventures, Bank OZK, The Law Group of NWA, Wright Lindsey & Jennings, Dickson & Main, Encore Bank, Trust Tree Legal, P.C., Acres, and Ox.
Startup Crawl is more than a night out, it’s a chance to see, taste, and feel the energy of Northwest Arkansas’s startup ecosystem up close. Whether you come for the craft beer, the live music, or the thrill of discovering what’s next in NWA innovation, this is one Friday night you won’t want to miss.
👉 RSVP for free admission and grab your Beer Pass before prices increase on event day.