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 celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit of NWA. As Executive Director Caleb Talley puts it, “It\u2019s the biggest startup party in the Heartland.”<\/span><\/p>\n Date: <\/b>Friday, September 25, 2026<\/span><\/p>\n Time: <\/b>5:00 to 9:00 p.m., check-in opens at 5:00 p.m.<\/span><\/p>\n Location: <\/b>Fayetteville Square and the Pryor Center, 1 East Center Street. Watch for check-in signage around the Square.<\/span><\/p>\n Admission:<\/b> Free and open to the public. Beer Passes sold separately.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/sjcrawl2.png” title_text=”sjcrawl2″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”2px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Startup-Crawl-2025-Hype-Ad.mp4″ src_webm=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Startup-Crawl-2025-Hype-Ad.mp4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” min_height=”388.5px” custom_padding=”22px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Start at a check-in station on the Square. You will pick up your Treasure Map, and if you bought a Beer Pass, your Silipint souvenir cup, wristband, and tote bag of swag. From there the route is yours. Every stop pairs a business from around the Square with a local brewery, cidery, or kombucha maker, so you drink your way through the ecosystem one founder at a time.<\/span><\/p>\n Inside the Pryor Center, more than 70 startups are spread across the lower floor, with the Resource Pavilion upstairs on the second floor where the entrepreneurial support organizations set up shop.<\/span><\/p>\n Outside, startups set up in Chamber Alley on the Town Center plaza, right alongside the Chamber of Fayetteville and Urban Cellar Winery stops. Breweries, food trucks, and live music fill in around the Square.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ link_font=”||||on|||#F1CD3D|” link_text_color=”#F1CD3D” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||40px|||” custom_padding=”9px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Two passes, both unlimited pours all night. The Low Tide Sampler Kit pours 6 ounces at a time and runs $20 presale, $25 day of. The High Tide Full Pour Pass gets you 16 ounces and runs $30 presale, $35 day of. Both include a custom Silipint souvenir cup and a tote bag with swag.<\/span><\/p>\n Prices go up on event day, so buy early. Bring a valid ID for Beer Pass pickup.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/cups-reveal-2026.png” alt=”Two colorful gradient cups with tropical designs sit on a sunlit rock outdoors; one says Startup Crawl 26 with a hibiscus, the other has a floral pattern. A blurred waterfall and greenery are in the background.” title_text=”cups-reveal-2026″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”27px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ link_font=”||||on|||#F1CD3D|” link_text_color=”#F1CD3D” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_padding=”33px||15px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This year\u2019s passport is the Treasure Map. Collect the official stamp at each stop marked on it. Hit 7 stops and you can claim the 2026 Crawl t-shirt, a different design than the tee for sale at the merch tent, free while supplies last and limited to the first 500 participants. Fill all 13 and you are entered to win $1,500 toward the costs and fees of a custom vacation curated by Fisher & Stout Travel.<\/span><\/p>\n Turn in your map on the second floor of the Pryor Center, by the Startup Junkie office, and redeem your prize while supplies last.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/passsssss.png” alt=”Map with numbered stops for a treasure hunt event in Fayettevilles downtown, pirate-themed with icons for music, drinks, and exhibition stops. Includes directions, a prize note, and pirate graphics on the corners.” title_text=”passsssss” align=”center” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” width=”70%” min_height=”607.4px” custom_margin=”||40px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ link_font=”|700|||on|||#F1CD3D|” link_text_color=”#F1CD3D” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”1px||16px|||” custom_padding=”28px||21px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Main Stage sits on Mountain Street and runs all evening. Malibu Moon opens at 5:00 p.m., Irie Lions follow, and the Memphis Ukulele Band closes the night out. Live music, sunshine, and a cold pour in your hand.<\/span><\/p>\n Thirteen stops, thirteen pours:<\/span><\/p>\n The Beer Garden adds Ferm Kombucha (non-alcoholic), Retro, and Bentonville Brewing Co.<\/span><\/p>\n Refuel between stops with Tasty Waves Co., BeaverTails, Pinchos, KDK\u2019s Soul Kitchen, Taqueria El Jefe, and Sobroso. Trucks are parked around the Square, so eat between sets and pace yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n The limited-edition 2026 Crawl tee is $20 at the merch tent. Once they are gone, they are gone.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/5.png” alt=”Three people stand outside, facing away, wearing matching white T-shirts that say Explore 2026 in blue and green. They point at the designs on their backs on a paved walkway in front of a building.” title_text=”5″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.8″ link_font=”|700|||on|||#F1CD3D|” link_text_color=”#F1CD3D” background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”1px||16px|||” custom_padding=”28px||21px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Arrive early to beat the check-in line and start stamping. Bring a valid ID for your Beer Pass. Chart your course between the Square, Chamber Alley, and the Pryor Center so you can meet as many founders as possible. Stay hydrated, grab a bite between sets, and follow @StartupJunkie for last-minute updates.<\/span><\/p>\n Beer Garden: <\/b>Bank of America, ACC Capital, and Ritter Communications<\/span><\/p>\n Cup: <\/b>Ox and Chambers Bank<\/span><\/p>\n Passport: <\/b>Wright, Lindsey & Jennings<\/span><\/p>\n Shirt: <\/b>Swarm Aero<\/span><\/p>\n Also supported by The Law Group of NWA, Century Bank of the Ozarks, Zenwork, Teslar Software, Trust Tree Legal, P.C., Experience Fayetteville, Acre Hedge, Sage Partners, Encore Bank, Fuel, Kiva, Upstart Thrift, the Startup Junkies Podcast, Natural Threads, Go Rogue Studio, and Product Connections.<\/span><\/p>\n Startup Crawl is more than a night out. It is your chance to see, taste, and feel the energy of the Northwest Arkansas startup ecosystem up close. Come for the craft beer, the live music, or the thrill of finding out what is next in NWA innovation. Either way, clear your Friday and ride the wave.<\/span><\/p>\n Admission is free, but <\/span>grab your Beer Pass<\/span><\/a> before prices go up on event day.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/startup-crawl-2026-making-waves-tickets-1991789434817?aff=oddtdtcreator” button_text=”Learn More, RSVP, and Snag Beer Passes.” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.8″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" One night a year, the Fayetteville Square turns into the front door of the Northwest Arkansas startup scene. On Friday, September 25, 2026, the eighth annual NWA Startup Crawl does it with a beach theme: thirteen stops, unlimited craft beer, food trucks, live music on the Main Stage, and more than 70 startups showing thousands […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5315,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" The world of entrepreneurship is filled with stories of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. One such inspiring story comes from Lindsay Neely, founder of Pink Fern, a charming plant shop off College Avenue in Fayetteville, in a row of other woman-owned businesses. In this month\u2019s <\/span>Startup Stories<\/span><\/i>, Lindsay shared her entrepreneurial journey from humble roots to a blossoming business\u2014plant puns intended.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> Lindsay's love for plants and vintage decor began at a young age, fostered by childhood memories of frequenting garage sales and estate sales with her parents. \"I grew up going to second-hand sales with my mom and dad. We loved frequenting garage sales. We\u2019d shop on the side of the road, at estate sales, thrifting\u2026 I love a good deal. And then I started incorporating my love for plants with some of those finds.\"<\/span><\/p> Her passion for plants expanded during her college years when she transitioned from traditional gardening to nurturing houseplants. \"I grew up gardening with my parents, but then in college, in between dorms and apartments, there's not really a good place to garden. So I got more into houseplants at that point, and that was really where that hobby started.\"<\/span><\/p> In 2021, Lindsay took the leap and launched Pink Fern as a part-time venture, initially selling vintage home decor through Instagram. As her business evolved, she began incorporating her love for plants, crafting unique planters and terrariums. \"I started taking plant cuttings and putting them in brass vessels or vintage pottery, taking those to markets, and people really liked it.\"<\/span><\/p> Participating in local events like First Thursday in downtown Fayetteville played a crucial role in Lindsay's journey, helping her gain confidence and connect with the community. \"Doing those events really helped build my confidence. It was a great way to earn a little side money to teaching, and really just bring me out of my shell because I used to be more introverted, and it really helped bring out a more extroverted side to me, which I think is easy when you get to talk about things you love.\"<\/span><\/p> From the outset, Lindsay recognized the importance of strong branding for her budding business. \"One of my first tasks that I wanted to do was to really nail down some branding from the get-go, because I knew it was always at least going to be a side hustle. And I think for me, as a consumer, seeing a business that makes a statement with their branding and a consistent aesthetic really, really makes a statement.\"<\/span><\/p> Lindsay also tapped into the wealth of resources available in Northwest Arkansas, including <\/span>Kiva NWA<\/span><\/a>, a microloan organization that provided her with valuable consulting and financial assistance. \"I also got help from Kiva. They helped me. They have a lot of great free resources. And so I did a Zoom meeting with Martha Londagin, and she took a look at my business, heard my story, and had some great feedback on what I should be doing.\"<\/span><\/p> As the demands of her teaching career and Pink Fern grew, Lindsay found herself at a crossroads. \"The more I thought about it, and knowing myself, I knew that if I didn't at least try, I'd always play that <\/span>What if\u2026<\/span><\/i> game, right? I\u2019d always wonder, <\/span>What if I had gone all in? What if I had tried harder? What if I hadn't been so scared? <\/span><\/i>So I went all in.\"<\/span><\/p>How the Crawl Works<\/span><\/h2>\n
Beer Passes and the Cup<\/span><\/h2>\n
Your Treasure Map, Your Prizes<\/span><\/h2>\n
Music That Moves the Night<\/span><\/h2>\n
The Route and the Beer<\/span><\/h2>\n
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Food Around the Square<\/span><\/h2>\n
Merch You Can Actually Buy<\/span><\/h2>\n
Make the Most of the Night<\/span><\/h2>\n
Thank You, Sponsors<\/span><\/h2>\n
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