As another steamy summer begins to fade into the horizon, the creative pulse of the city begins to beat a little stronger. From the hush before a stage curtain rises to the quiet awe of a freshly curated gallery wall, the 2025–26 arts season for local nonprofits is ready to dazzle, inspire and stir the soul.     

Whether patrons are season-ticket holders or simply looking for a night out centered on the arts, there’s never been a better time to support the local arts community and the talented creators who bring the arts to life. We hope you will consider this your official invitation to explore, applaud and immerse yourself in the local arts.

The spotlight is on, and the season starts now.

Bradbury Art Museum (BAM)

Visit Bradbury Art Museum (BAM) to explore the vibrant world of contemporary art – artwork made by artists who are alive and creating today. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year, and admission is always free.

Located in Fowler Center on the campus of Arkansas State University, BAM is the only art museum in Northeast Arkansas. Its mission is to holistically support the arts and art education in the community through exhibitions from both local and national contemporary artists alongside accessible arts programming. The museum first opened as Bradbury Gallery in January 2001 and will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2026.  

Recurring Monthly Events

Game Night: Magic at the Museum, First Thursday of each month, 5-9 p.m., Grab your Magic the Gathering deck and join other players for a casual commander game at Bradbury Art Museum.

YOGA at BAM with Bethany Davis Wellness, Second Tuesday of each month, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Join instructor Bethany Davis for half an hour of yoga designed to be accessible for all levels of experience.

FALL 2025 Exhibitions

“Stil/Leven, Still/Even," Aug. 21 – Nov 5., Opening reception: Aug. 21, 5-7 p.m., A curated group exhibition of contemporary still life, this exhibit will feature artists Mary Claire Becker, Nakeya Brown, Chenxi Gao, Kay S. Healy, Ryan Horvath, Audrey Rodriguez and Shelby Shadwell.

“Taking Up Space," This exhibition of work by Memphis-based women from the 6 Points artist group includes Sharon Havelka, Mary Jo Karimnia, Paula Kovarik, Carrol Harding McTyre, Jennifer Sargent and Mary K VanGieson.

“Echoes of Silent Migration," Aug.  21 – Dec. 17, Opening Reception, Aug. 21, 5-7 p.m., A solo exhibition of interdisciplinary printmaking and sculpture, this exhibit features artist Somayeh Faal.

“Inspired 11," Nov. 13 – Dec. 17, Opening Reception: Nov. 13, 5-7 p.m., An annual competitive exhibition, this exhibit features work by regional high school students.

“ökuyü: story," An exhibition of miniature paintings by Lydia Dildilian, Arkansas State University assistant professor of painting, as informed by her research abroad in Turkey.

Workshops and Artists Talks

Artist Talk: Kay S. Healy, 6 Points Artists, Thursday, Aug.  21, 4-5 p.m.

Workshop: Still Life and Watercolor, Saturday, Aug. 23, 2-5 p.m., This workshop will explore basic approaches to watercolor painting on paper using still life as a format with instruction by Madeline Jennings McMahan. To register, visit BradburyArtMuseum.org/events.

Workshop: 99 Cent Still Life, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2-5 p.m., This workshop will be a hands-on guide to photography and composition using still life arrangements of dollar store objects with instruction by Paden DeVita. To register, visit BradburyArtMuseum.org/Events.

Live Drawing: Artist Shelby Shadwell will have a live drawing in the Humanities and Social Sciences Building., Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2-4 p.m.

Artist Talk: Shelby Shadwell, Monday, Sept. 29, 4:30-5 p.m.

Performance: This collaboration will feature Dr. Ryan Sullivan and Arkansas State University Choral Ensembles., Tuesday, Oct. 7, Time TBD, Thursday, Oct. 9, Time TBD

Workshop: Digital Collage , Saturday, Oct. 18, 2-5 p.m., This workshop will investigate Photoshop skills and methods of constructing a digital collage from photography with instruction by Paden DeVita. To register, visit BradburyArtMuseum.org/Events.

Artist Talk: Chenxi Gao, Friday, Oct. 31, 4:30-5 p.m.

Artist Talk: Somayeh Faal, Lydia Dildilian, Thursday, November 13, 4-5 p.m.

Workshop: Miniature Painting, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2-5 p.m., Join BAM for hands-on instruction on miniature painting inspired by Turkish miniatures. Instruction will be provided by Lydia Dildilian To register, visit BradburyArtMuseum.org/Events.

SPRING 2026 EXHIBITIONS

“Delta National Small Prints Exhibition," Jan. 29 – March 18, 2026, Opening reception: Jan. 29, 5-7 p.m., An annual juried exhibition of contemporary printmaking from across the country and around the world, the DNSPE will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026.

Title TBD, A solo exhibition of work by DNSPE 2026 juror and interdisciplinary printmaker Ann “Sole Sister” Johnson will be featured.

“The Dream Pool," This solo exhibition of photography will feature works by Nashville-based artist Christine Rogers.

“2026 Faculty Biennial," April 2 – June 10, 2026, Opening Reception: April 2, 5-7 p.m., A group exhibition featuring the artwork and creative research of Arkansas State University professors and instructors, this exhibition will feature the works of Nikki Arnell, Rachel Boillot, Lydia Dildilian, Andrew Fernandez, Kristen Franyutti, Jennifer Masley, Leslie Moore Parker, Natalie Pittman, Zach Tate, Kimberly Vickrey, M. Robyn Wall and Susan Whiteland.

A-State Theatre

Dallas Martinez, assistant chair of theatre, artistic producing director and assistant professor of musical direction at Arkansas State University, also serves as director of Fowler Center. Shows for the 2025-26 season include a variety of plays and musicals that will keep audiences entertained all season long.

“Emma," Adapted by Kate Hamill, Based on the novel by Jane Austen, Directed by Brianna Larson, Dates: Oct. 3, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 5 and 12 at 2:30 p.m., Location: Drama Theatre 

“Thanksgiving Play," by Larissa Fasthorse, Directed by Dallas Martinez, Suggested Rating: PG13/Teen+, Price: $10 to $15, Dates: Nov 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m., Location: Simpson Theatre

“9 to 5 the Musical," Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton, Book by Patricia Resnick, Directed by Dallas Martinez, Suggested Rating: PG-13/ Teen+, Price $15 to $20, Feb 26-28 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb 27 and March 1 at 2:30 p.m., Location: Drama Theatre

“Leading Ladies," Written by Ken Ludwig, Directed by DayDay Robinson, Suggested Rating: PG, Price: $10 to $15, April 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., April 19 and 26 at 2:30 p.m., Location: Drama Theatre

The Link Theatre Company

The Link Theatre Company’s mission is to further enrich a vibrant local arts community by creating compelling musicals, plays, concerts and other cultural experiences through innovative design and imaginative storytelling while engaging Broadway, university and local talent.

Founded by Matt Cavenaugh and Jenny Powers, a husband-and-wife team that met on Broadway and now share their passion for theater in Jonesboro, The Link recently announced plans for the upcoming season.

Audition Techniques Class, The Tony Award-winning Muny is coming to Jonesboro for an Audition Techniques Class Sept. 20-21. In conjunction with The Link, Michael Baxter, associate director of The Muny in St. Louis, will lead the audition techniques class designed for students in grades 6-12. Visit thelinktheatre.org for registration details.

Night of Stars Gala, The Link Theatre Company will host “A Wicked Night of Stars” with Kyle Dean Massey and Taylor Frey on the evening of Oct. 23 at the Cooper Alumni Center on the campus of Arkansas State University.

“The Secret Garden” (in collaboration with DSO), The Link Theatre Company and Delta Symphony Orchestra will collaborate once again this fall as they stage Broadway’s “The Secret Garden” for an evening show at 7:30 on Nov. 8 and a matinee performance at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9. Auditions will be held Aug. 15 at Studio 402. Audition appointments may be made on The Link’s Facebook page. Tickets are available at thelinktheatre.org.

Delta Symphony Orchestra

Delta Symphony Orchestra is committed to entertaining, educating and enriching lives in the Delta region by providing orchestral music of artistic excellence. For five decades, DSO has served under the leadership of Dr. Neale Bartee, founder and conductor, as the only professional symphony orchestra in Northeast Arkansas. All performances are at Riceland Hall in the Fowler Center on the A-State campus. For more information, contact the DSO office at (870) 761-8254.

Diamond of the Season: A Symphony Affair, An annual fundraising gala benefitting DSO, Diamond of the Season will be held Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at The Station at Power Plant Park in Paragould. The event will include music, elegance, fine dining and merriment in support of the arts. Black tie with a “Bridgerton” flair (empire waists, opera gloves, tiaras and tailcoats) is optional but encouraged. To purchase tickets, visit deltasymphonyorchestra.org/tickets.

“The Secret Garden,"  The Link Theatre Company and Delta Symphony Orchestra will collaborate once again this fall as they stage Broadway’s “The Secret Garden” for an evening show at 7:30 on Nov. 8 and a matinee performance at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9. Auditions will be held Aug. 15 at Studio 402. Audition appointments may be made on The Link’s Facebook page. Tickets are available at thelinktheatre.org.

“Enchanted by the Sounds of Christmas," Featuring Myrika Kyriokos and Trent Broussard, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.

Rising Stars Showcase, Young Artist Concert featuring children’s choirs from area schools., Feb. 15 at 3 p.m.

“America 250: A Musical Journey," Celebrating America’s semi-quincentennial birthday., April 11 at 7:30 pm

The Stage Theater Co.

The Stage Theater Co. is a nonprofit organization that hosts a theater program for children and adults of all ages from the community. Two shows remain on the schedule for the 2025 season. The Stage Theater Co. announced its upcoming lineup for 2026 at its season reveal on July 31. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thestagetheaterco.ludus.com.

“Willy Wonka," Roald Dahl’s timeless story of the world-famous candy man and his quest to find an heir comes to chocolate-covered life., Sept. 26 and 27 at 6 p.m., Sept. 28 at 2 p.m.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever: The Musical," See the Christmas story and the Herdman kids through new eyes in this buoyant musical adaptation of this funny and touching holiday classic., Dec. 5 and 6 at 6 p.m., Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.