Venue Spotlight: Walton Arts Center

Miles Witt Boyer

After undergoing a huge renovation and expansion, the Walton Arts Center in downtown Fayetteville is back and better than ever.

The History

The Walton Arts Center was originally built in 1992 and was the result of a public-private partnership between the city of Fayetteville and the University of Arkansas to create a performing arts center for northwest Arkansas.

Then, in November 2016, the Walton Arts Center completed a massive $23 million renovation and expansion. More than 30,000 square feet were added and improvements were made all across the venue.

"Flexibility was key in the design," says Shannon Thomas, Events Manager at the Walton Arts Center. "We wanted to develop spaces that can be configured to fit different size audiences and events. We’re a non-traditional venue in the sense that we were not constructed with just shows or meetings in mind, but rather we sought to extend the beauty of the stage, beyond the stage and into our other spaces."

What Sets it Apart

The Walton Arts Center is a hidden gem when it comes to wedding venues in Arkansas. The space is unique, it's in a prime location in downtown Fayetteville and booking with the Walton Arts Center means you get access to plenty of perks.

The modern design of the space is perfect for those brides looking for something different than barns or typical ballrooms. The architecture of the building is stunning and features beautiful additions such as floor-to-ceiling windows, a signature chandelier, a grand staircase, an art gallery, a rose garden amphitheater and a black box theater — just imagine the photo ops!

As any Razorback knows, Dickson Street is the place to be in Fayetteville. Since the Walton Arts Center is on the corner of Dickson, it's within walking distance to some of the best restaurants, shopping and hotels the city has to offer.

What Brides Can Expect

A venue booking with the Walton Arts Center costs anywhere between $5,000 to $15,000. Within the venue, brides have three great options for ceremony and reception locations.

The Walker Atrium and Pace Balcony make for a grand entrance for any bride, with beautiful natural light and a grand staircase leading to guests below. The Bradberry Amphitheater and Rose Garden is a beautiful outdoor space featuring climbing roses on trellises and twinkle lights. And of course, the Starr Theater is a black box theater that can be configured in a variety of ways.

Other venue perks include:

Multiple dressing rooms that can accommodate up to 30 people
Prime location in the heart of Fayetteville
The Walton Arts Center's production team are on-hand to make a bride's lighting, sound and staging dreams come true
Bar services are available with licensed bartenders and specialty drink options
Bookings also include tables, chairs, set-up and teardown.

To find out more about how to have your wedding at the Walton Arts Center, call (479) 443-5600 or head to their website.