Fayetteville, Arkansas – A new five-year agreement between Northwest Arkansas Pride and Experience Fayetteville is setting the stage for long-term growth, stability, and national visibility for Pride celebrations in the city, while also strengthening Fayetteville’s reputation as an inclusive and welcoming destination.
The extended partnership is designed to support the continued expansion of Pride Week, an annual event that has steadily grown into one of the region’s most recognizable celebrations. Organizers say the agreement allows for better planning, stronger collaboration, and a more sustainable approach to hosting large-scale events that welcome visitors from across the country.
At the heart of the partnership is a shared mission to promote diversity and inclusion while highlighting what Fayetteville has to offer. Ryan Hauck, CEO of Experience Fayetteville, said the relationship was built on common values and a mutual belief in the city’s identity.
“The partnership really kind of spurred from just a shared commitment from us and NWA Equality of really promoting Fayetteville as a place that celebrates diversity,” Hauck said.
Over the years, Pride Week has evolved from a local gathering into a major regional draw. The event now attracts more than 40,000 attendees annually, a number that reflects both its growing popularity and its careful, intentional development. Hauck credited Northwest Arkansas Pride with building an event that balances scale with purpose.
“They just have a long-standing proven track record of producing this high-level event that’s really grown sustainably and intentionally,” Hauck said.
That growth has translated into measurable benefits for the city’s economy. Pride Week brings a steady influx of visitors who fill hotels, dine at local restaurants, and explore shops and attractions throughout Fayetteville. According to Hauck, the impact goes beyond attendance numbers.
“We’re not just getting sheer numbers of people, but we’re getting the right type of people, the ones that want to stay here for a few extra nights, the ones that want to experience Fayetteville, and the ones that actually spend money in our restaurants, our retail stores, and our attractions as well,” said Hauck.
The visibility generated by Pride events has also helped put Fayetteville on the national map. Last year, the city received attention from Vogue magazine, which featured Fayetteville in a spread highlighting the community and its Pride celebrations. Leaders say that kind of exposure reinforces the city’s image as a progressive and welcoming place.
The Advertising & Promotion Commission also played a key role in evaluating and supporting the long-term agreement. Elvis Moya, CEO of the A&P Commission, said the decision was guided by both economic performance and the event’s proven success.
“The A&P Commission evaluated the five-year plan based on the event’s ability to attract visitors, generate hotel stays, and create positive economic impact for Fayetteville. We also considered NWA Equality’s proven track record of producing a successful Pride Week. The multi-year agreement provides stability for the event and long-term value for the city,” Moya said.
For organizers, the agreement offers peace of mind and room to focus on programming rather than funding concerns. Richard Gathright, Director of NWA Pride, said the guaranteed support removes a major source of annual stress.
“It allows me to worry about other things in terms of what is executed during Pride, and then I don’t have to worry so much about where this $30,000 a year is going to come from,” Gathright said.
Gathright also emphasized the broader message the partnership sends about Fayetteville and its role within the state. He said the city challenges common perceptions and offers a different narrative for LGBTQ+ individuals considering where to live or visit.
“It shows that while some people may think Arkansas is about one of the worst places that you could move or live in being an LGBTQ individual, I think Fayetteville shows that it’s not,” he said.
Looking ahead, the five-year agreement is expected to strengthen partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and community groups. Organizers say the goal is to create events that not only celebrate Pride, but also reflect Fayetteville’s inclusive spirit year after year, ensuring the city remains a vibrant and welcoming destination well into the future.
