There is something happening all the time in NW Arkansas. It’s no wonder our corner of the Ozarks is known for its high quality of life. Many of the offerings are free or low cost.

Tonight, for example, is the first of a 6-concert chamber music series sponsored by the university and KUAF, the local public radio station. Like all of the concerts in the series, it is free and starts at 7:30. Tonite’s concert is at the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall at the University, as are all of the concerts except next week, when it is at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Dickson St. For a glimpse on works to be played and map on how to get to the concerts, click here.

Here’s a brief rundown of some other upcoming events so you won’t miss anything:

The First Friday of every month through November, beautiful Bentonville Square has activities for the whole family. June 1st and 2nd will be a two-day affair in conjunction with ArtFest (see below). July 6th and 7th will feature arts and music – both Blues and Rock. August will celebrate back-to-school time with toys and a meet-and-greet session with teachers.

Bentonville is hosting Artfest during the month of June. It starts May 31 with Art Fete at Peel Mansion. Activities continue through June 30 with music, food, art presentations and a film festival.

No mention of Bentonville would be complete without a nod to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Open every day except Tuesdays, the museum is a must see. One exhibit costs $5; all the other galleries are free. Beautiful trails surround outstanding architecture.

Fayetteville’s Artosphere has many unique events throughout May and June at a wide variety of locations, including Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville. There will be six days of chamber music concerts in renowned chapels such as Thornecrown Chapel in Eureka Springs and Cooper Chapel in Bella Vista. Dates are June 14th to 21st. The Artosphere Festival Orchestra will perform classical works June 17th, 18th and 22st at various NW Arkansas venues. Some concerts are free and prices for others will be $10-$25.

August 23rd to 26th will be four days of music and food by the Fayetteville Roots Festival. Their slogan is “A mountain town in its natural state” and it promises to be a great time in the Ozarks. Walton Arts Center will be the main stage with happenings all around Fayetteville.

Outdoor musical presentations will continue throughout the summer at Arkansas Music Pavilion (“The AMP”) in Fayetteville. Be sure to note a temporary change of location this year. While awaiting completion of the new pavilion at NW Arkansas Mall, the venue is Washington County Fairgrounds. There is a great lineup of artists including Ted Nugent, Luke Bryant, Gavin DeGraw and Pat Benatar.

Downtown Fayetteville welcomes everyone to the town square on the First Thursday of each month, except in the winter. The square becomes a vibrant scene celebrating art, artists, music and fun for all members of the family. Best part, it’s all free.

And finally, the Gulley Park Summer Concert series begins May 31 with free entertainment, as always. The presentations are extremely popular family fun. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

There's probably more that I haven't thought of, but this will give you a start. Have a happy, safe , and fun summer.