From a free film screening to a conversation with a former president, the National Cold War Center has a full week of events planned for Nov. 4-7. Some events are sold out, but there are still ways to explore Cold War history in Blytheville.
Wednesday, Nov. 4: The Brink of War
Cold War Week begins at 7 p.m. with a free public screening of The Brink of War at the Ritz Civic Center, 306 W. Main St. in downtown Blytheville. Sponsored by Tenaris, the film stars Jeff Daniels and tells the story of the 1986 Reykjavík summit between President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
After the screening, Pavel Palazhchenko, Gorbachev’s translator at the summit, will share his firsthand perspective in a Q&A led by National Cold War Center Executive Director Dr. Christian Ostermann. Admission is free.
Thursday, Nov. 5: A new look at Cold War life
At 4 p.m., the BAFB Exhibition will celebrate the opening of Casseroles, Can Openers, and Jell-O: American Food and the Early Cold War. Presented by Pattern Energy and curated by Elizabeth Aldrich, the exhibit explores how processed foods, advertising and changing ideas about family life shaped American kitchens during the early Cold War.
The exhibition offers a different way into the era’s history, connecting familiar foods and household images to the larger ideas Americans encountered in everyday life. The BAFB Exhibition is at Building 202, 3711 Idaho St. in Blytheville.
Friday, Nov. 6: Cold War Conversation
Former Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa will join Arkansas author John Grisham for the Cold War Conversation at 7 p.m. at the Ritz Civic Center. Wałęsa rose to prominence as a leader of Poland’s Solidarity movement, which helped bring an end to communist rule in the country. Their conversation will explore his role in that movement and the events that reshaped Europe near the end of the Cold War.
The Cold War Conversation is sold out.
Saturday, Nov. 7: Cold War Gala
Cold War Week concludes at 6 p.m. with the National Cold War Center’s annual gala in Hangar 207 at the Arkansas Aeroplex. Presented by Nucor, the evening will bring supporters together for dinner, drinks and dancing in support of the center’s development. Wałęsa will be the guest of honor.
The week also marks the public debut of the center’s collection of 36 original Berlin Wall segments. The gala is sold out.
Even without a gala or conversation ticket, visitors can take part in Cold War Week through Wednesday’s free screening and the new exhibition at the former air base. Find the latest event information on the National Cold War Center’s 2026 event page.
