Ever wondered what happens when you mix high fashion, premium bourbon, and fighting cancer? The Suits and Sneakers charity event delivers a uniquely exhilarating experience that's changing the fundraising landscape in Northwest Arkansas.

This fifth annual celebration, scheduled for Friday, October 17th at the Fayetteville Town Center, brings together bourbon enthusiasts, sneakerheads, and philanthropists for an unforgettable night of giving. As Lisa Bores of Sazerac and Catherine Tapp from the American Cancer Society share with the B-Team crew, this year's theme, "Cheers to Five Years", promises a birthday party atmosphere on a grand scale, complete with new surprises that build on the event's stellar reputation.

Bourbon takes center stage thanks to Sazerac's exceptional offerings. This year's whiskey pool allows attendees to enjoy unlimited pours of allocated bourbon throughout the evening, take home a commemorative glass, and receive a surprise bottle, all for a $100 contribution. The signature auction will feature an exclusive Eagle Rare barrel experience, following last year's Buffalo Trace barrel that raised an impressive $30,000.

What truly sets Suits and Sneakers apart is its fashion component. "Sneaker police" roam the event, issuing "citations" to guests with exceptional footwear, directing them to a sneaker stage for recognition. Categories include most innovative, most spirited, and most sparkly, with winners receiving coveted prizes. The event has even spawned a thriving custom sneaker industry in Northwest Arkansas, with artists creating one-of-a-kind designs specifically for the occasion.

Beyond the bourbon and fashion, entertainment abounds with a human slot machine featuring Buzz Balls, a fashion show showcasing cancer survivors alongside athletes, and Buffalo Trace root beer floats during the dance party. All proceeds support the American Cancer Society's critical mission of funding cancer research and providing essential services like transportation and lodging for patients.

Don't miss your chance to participate in this extraordinary event where doing good feels this good. Tickets and sponsorships are available now at suitsandsneakersAR.com. Secure yours before they're gone!

More About this Episode

Suits and Sneakers 2025: Bentonville, Bourbon, and Beating Cancer Together

In Bentonville, we’ve always believed in bringing people together over good conversation, a shared drink, and a cause worth fighting for. On the B-Team Podcast, we talk about Bentonville, bourbon, and business every week, but this week, the conversation is about something bigger.

We’re counting down to Friday, October 17th, when one of our favorite community events, Suits and Sneakers, takes over the Fayetteville Town Center. It’s a night where coaches, business leaders, bourbon lovers, and sneakerheads come together for one mission: fighting cancer through the American Cancer Society’s Coaches vs. Cancer initiative.

What Makes Suits and Sneakers So Special?

This isn’t your typical slow-moving gala where everyone sits down for hours. At Suits and Sneakers, guests show up in jackets or cocktail dresses paired with standout sneakers, then spend the evening moving, grabbing drinks from different stations, catching the DJ, bidding in the auction, and chatting with people all over the room. It’s designed to feel lively and social instead of formal and stiff.

The sneakers are a big deal here. During the VIP reception, the Sneaker Squad works the crowd, flagging the most eye-catching pairs. If you get tagged, you’ll head to the Sneaker Stage for a photo and a shot at one of six style awards, from “Most Innovative” to “Best Overall”. People plan months ahead, often choosing their shoes first and the outfit second. Some sponsors even show up in custom, brand-themed sneakers made by local artists, giving the night an extra creative edge.

Coaches, Cancer, and a Cause Worth Fighting For

This year’s theme, “Cheers to Five Years,”  marks a half-decade of Suits and Sneakers raising critical funds for cancer research and patient support. Originally launched in partnership with Coach Musselman, the event has since evolved into an “All Coaches, One Cause” gathering. Every head and assistant coach from the University of Arkansas is invited, along with athletes, community leaders, and cancer survivors.

The goal isn’t just awareness. The American Cancer Society is the largest funder of cancer research outside the federal government. Dollars raised at Suits and Sneakers directly support:

  • Cutting-edge research into prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
  • Access to care programs, including 23,000+ free rides to treatment in Arkansas last year alone.
  • Lodging assistance, with over 7,000 room nights provided for patients and caregivers.

And the urgency is real; every 15 seconds, someone in the U.S. is diagnosed with cancer. That means dozens of families’ lives will change between now and the end of this article.

Bourbon, Biggie Smalls, and Buzz Balls

Of course, we can’t talk about this event without talking about bourbon. Thanks to our friends at Sazerac, the Buffalo Trace Bourbon Bar is back, and this year, it’s better than ever.

Here’s how it works: For $100, you buy into the bourbon experience. That gets you:

  • A limited-edition Suits and Sneakers bourbon glass (yours to keep).
  • Unlimited pours of highly allocated bourbons all night.
  • A surprise bottle of bourbon to take home.

And when the dance party kicks off? Expect Buffalo Trace Bourbon Cream Root Beer Floats because dessert should be fun, and yes, a little dangerous.

Auctions, Fashion, and $900,000 

The live and silent auctions are intentionally kept small but mighty; each item is unique, exclusive, and capable of drawing serious bids. Last year’s showstopper? A Buffalo Trace barrel pick experience that raised $30,000. This year’s highlight is an Eagle Rare barrel pick, complete with a trip to the distillery to choose your barrel and take home around 220 bottles.

Other prizes range from luxury jewelry to custom truck packages, and, of course, sneakers you won’t find anywhere else. Between auctions, sponsorships, and ticket sales, the goal is to raise $800,000 to $900,000, and the community’s track record suggests it’s entirely possible.

Event Details

  • Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
  • Location: Fayetteville Town Center, Fayetteville, AR
  • Theme: “Cheers to Five Years” – a birthday celebration for the event’s fifth anniversary
  • Tickets & Sponsorships: Available now at suitsandsneakersar.com
  • Attire: Suits or cocktail wear paired with your best sneakers.
  • Beneficiary: American Cancer Society – Coaches vs. Cancer

Whether you come for the bourbon, the sneakers, the music, or the cause, you’ll leave knowing you were part of something bigger a night that proves Bentonville knows how to rally, give back, and have a great time doing it.

So mark your calendar, clean up those kicks, and we’ll see you there!