What's Open on Thanksgiving Day in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley?
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious meals. But if you’re looking to skip the cooking this year, Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley have plenty of options for you. Here’s what’s open on Thanksgiving Day:
Places to Enjoy a Meal
If you prefer dining out, several restaurants are open on Thanksgiving Day. In Rogers alone, you can find:
- Applebee’s
- Cracker Barrel
- Denny’s
- Ruth’s Chris Steak House
- Slim Chickens
- Starbucks
- Taqueria Real Jacona
- The Hive
- TxAR House
- Village Inn
- Waffle House
- Whataburger
- Workman’s Travel Center
In addition to these local favorites, other spots like Outback Steakhouse, Chick-fil-A, and Hardee’s or Carl’s Jr. are open for your convenience[3].
Stores Open for Last-Minute Shoppers
If you’re in need of some last-minute gifts or just want to explore local shops, several stores are open on Thanksgiving Day:
- Bass Pro Shops
- Michaels (open from 6 PM to 12 AM)
- Old Navy (open from 3 PM)
- Walgreens
These retail stores offer a chance to shop without the crowds that often come with Black Friday.
Community Events
Thanksgiving Day isn’t just about food and shopping; it’s also a time for community gatherings. In Fort Smith, downtown businesses are hosting their annual Small Business Saturday events:
- Cocoa Crawl with free hot cocoa and warm apple cider at participating businesses from 2 PM to 5 PM
- Northside and Southside High School choirs performing at Cisterna Park from 5 PM to 6 PM
- Tree lighting ceremony at Cisterna Park at 6 PM
In Van Buren, “Shop Small — Plaid Friday” kicks off the weekend with sales and discounts on historic Main Street, while Old Town Van Buren celebrates Small Business Saturday with over 30 participating merchants offering exclusive discounts and unique finds.
Whether you’re in Rogers, Fort Smith, or Van Buren, there’s something for everyone on Thanksgiving Day in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley. So take a break from cooking and enjoy the local flavors and festivities available to you.
