The Northwest Arkansas Gridiron was established 45 years ago in the tradition of the Washington Gridiron Club, providing performances that satirize the politics and cultural trends of the day.
It has nothing to do with football, save that the writers occasionally find ample reason to rib the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The NWA Gridiron is written, directed and performed by regional journalists each October, although the emcee is usually a well known civic, political or community leader. The show began in 1978 and continued for 13 seasons, using a variety of venues such as the Rodeo Community Center and the Arts Center of the Ozarks, both in Springdale.
It was on hiatus for the next 13 seasons and returned in 2004 with the help of members of the American Association of University Women, with shows for several years at the Arkansas Public Theatre in Rogers. Live shows were temporarily discontinued during the Covid period, and resumed in 2022 at the Butterfield Trail Village in Fayetteville.
Politicians from local mayors to state representatives, senators, governors and even a president-in-the-making have attended the show to watch themselves be lampooned and skewered. And that’s half the fun for the audience.
About the Butterfield Trail Village Theatre
The Butterfield Trail Village theatre, known as the Commons, is at the heart of the retirement community on the north side of Fayetteville. The address is of the village is 1923 E. Joyce Blvd., Fayetteville, AR 72703. Parking for the show is most easily accessed from Old Missouri Road via Fargo Road. The lot is immediately on the left after turning into the village. A shuttle will provide easy access from the parking lot to the main building’s theatre.