News & Press Releases

EVENT • Nov 15, 2026

The Jackson County Historical Society will continue its 2026–2027 program series on November 15 with a presentation on “Black Women’s Activism in Rural Arkansas,” featuring Dr. Cherisse Jones-Branch of Arkansas State University. Join the Historical Society at Jacksonport State Park starting at 2:00 p.m. for this engaging program exploring an important part of Arkansas history. Be sure to follow the Jackson County Historical Society on Facebook for event details, updates, and information about future programs.

EVENT • Nov 12, 2026

Join St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Women (ECW) for their Food Fair Lunch Fundraiser on Tuesday, November 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 301 Hazel Street in Newport. Enjoy a delicious lunch of soup, cornbread, and dessert, with donations accepted as payment. Casseroles and sweets will also be available for purchase. Proceeds help ECW support several local organizations and programs, including Newport Service League, Jackson County Humane Society, School Backpack Program, Manna Food Pantry, and more. Come enjoy a great meal while supporting a great cause!

EVENT • Nov 6, 2026

Come out and support the Newport High School Band at its Annual Chili Supper on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Newport High School Cafeteria! Tickets are just $10 each, and proceeds will help support band students with supplies, travel, and program needs. Enjoy a delicious meal while supporting our talented Greyhound Band! Checks can be made payable to Newport Band Boosters.

EVENT • Nov 5, 2026

The Downtown Newport Farmers Market will host its first Flea Market on Thursday, November 5, at 201 Malcolm Avenue in Newport! Bring your treasures to sell or come shop for great bargains while supporting downtown Newport. Vendor setup begins at 3 p.m., with shopping officially starting at 5 p.m. Vendors may begin selling earlier once set up. Vendor spaces are FREE for this first event! Anyone interested in participating can call or text (630) 723-7469 to reserve a space. Come out and help make this new downtown event a success!

EVENT • Oct 31, 2026

EVENT • Oct 29, 2026

The Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign is returning to Jackson County for 2026! Last year, the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and community members helped provide toys and smiles to more than 230 children in Jackson County. Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate again this year by serving as a toy collection site, sponsoring a fundraising event, or making a donation. Collection boxes are scheduled to be delivered on Thursday, October 29, and picked up on Monday, December 7. To participate or learn more, call (870) 686-7216 and help make Christmas brighter for children in our community.

EVENT • Oct 26, 2026

Unity Health – Newport invites the community to be part of the conversation about the future of healthcare in Newport on Monday, October 26, at noon in Conference Room 1 at Unity Health Newport Hospital, 1205 McLain Street. Attendees will hear from Unity Health leaders and providers about current services, future plans, and ways the community can help support quality healthcare close to home. Lunch will be provided to the first 30 attendees. For more information, call 501-278-3191 or email foundation@unity-health.org.

EVENT • Oct 21, 2026

Experience America’s history, freedom, and future with the Freedom Truck America 250, hosted by the Jackson County Library. The exhibit will be parked at 117 Hazel Street across from M&P Bank in downtown Newport. The traveling exhibit will be open October 21 from 1:00–6:00 p.m. and October 22–24 from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Bring the family and take advantage of this special opportunity to explore an interactive celebration of America’s history and its 250th anniversary.

EVENT • Oct 18, 2026

EVENT • Oct 17, 2026

The Jackson County Community Theatre proudly presents On Golden Pond, a classic play by Ernest Thompson, October 17–25 at the ASUN Center for the Arts. Performances will be held on Saturdays at 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Directed by Jake Eddington, the production features a talented local cast. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased online or at the door.

EVENT • Oct 15, 2026

Celebrate fall with ASU-Newport’s Fall Festival on Thursday, October 15, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at 7648 Victory Boulevard in Newport. This free family event will feature bounce houses, food, pumpkin painting, snow cones, hayrides, carnival games, cotton candy, a cake walk, live music, cash prizes, and more. Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening of fall fun at ASU-Newport!

EVENT • Oct 15, 2026

First Baptist Church Newport will host a Blood Drive on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 217 Main Street in Newport. Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visiting RedCrossBlood.org.