“Where the past pours into the future” — Adult beverage festival to support museum programs and preservation efforts
FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Fort Smith Museum of History is pleased to announce the inaugural Brew on the Border, a new fundraiser benefiting the museum’s programs and preservation efforts. The event will take place Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Fort Smith Museum of History, 320 Rogers Avenue in Fort Smith.
With the exception of food trucks parked alongside the museum, the event will take place entirely indoors. Guests will be able to explore exhibits while sampling beverages from around the world in a comfortable, climate-controlled setting.
Designed as a lively evening for the community, Brew on the Border will welcome guests ages 21 and older, including beverage enthusiasts, foodies, and local history lovers. Featured beverages include beer, wine, and spirits. Non-alcoholic options will also be available, including non-alcoholic beer, energy drinks, bottled water, and soft drinks for those who choose not to drink alcohol. Organizers expect the event to draw 300 to 500 attendees in its first year.
Proceeds from Brew on the Border will directly benefit the Fort Smith Museum of History, helping sustain the museum’s educational programming and ongoing preservation work.
Tickets will be available at two levels: general admission for $50 and VIP admission for $100. Live music and exhibits will be featured throughout the first and second floors, with the second floor reserved exclusively for VIP ticketholders. The event will also feature sponsorship opportunities for businesses and community partners who want to support the museum while gaining visibility through the festival’s website, signage, social media, and event communications.
Featured sponsorship opportunities include the Presenting Sponsor, which offers premier recognition throughout the festival, and the VIP Lounge Sponsor, which will create an exclusive second-floor experience in Judge Parker’s Courthouse Lounge, complete with a private bar, live music, and special performance of “The Western District” play by Dr. Brandon Chase Goldsmith.
“Brew on the Border is an exciting new way for the community to support the Fort Smith Museum of History while enjoying a memorable evening in one of the city’s most historic settings,” said Museum Executive Director Caroline Speir. “We are thrilled to launch what we hope will become a signature annual event for Fort Smith.”
Sponsors, supporters, and community members interested in learning more about Brew on the Border may contact the event team at brewontheborder@gmail.com.
About the Fort Smith Museum of History
The Fort Smith Museum of History preserves and shares the rich history of Fort Smith and the surrounding region through exhibits, collections, educational programming, and community engagement.