November is the last First Friday every year. Thats when we get ready for events like the Lighting of the Square & the Christmas Parade. first Friday's will start back up again in April and hopefully next year it won't get rained out again!
The application is closed right now, but will open up again in March. The way it works is you apply for each event one month in advance. So April's application will be live in early March etc.... You can't apply for the whole year. It's month by month and nobody is guaranteed a spot. This keeps it fair. They fill up extremely quickly so make sure to apply the first day.
To help your chances of being accepted try to think of something really unique you can do at your booth that will create a fun atmosphere for the people. (If you just hand out pamphlets, you probably won't make the cut.)
Food truck requirements can be a little different than the average booth, so you'll see the application here below or on our Apply page. Check back in March.
That is seriously the best news we've heard! We can't do these events without amazing sponsors. We all know that a great way to promote your brand is to sponsor something awesome. Any of these events will be no exception. If you'd like to support the community by lending us a financial helping hand, talk to our Executive Director Andrew Heath. No pressure, but we really can't do them without you.
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Whether we are discussing food, waste, energy, or even fashion, our community desires to be more ‘green.’ Sustainability in all areas of our lives is important and Downtown Bentonville Inc. is dedicated to assisting our communities in achieving sustainability goals. We’re celebrating Earth Day a bit early with this First Friday and hopping on board to bring local green initiatives to our lives.
Music can stir the soul and bring people together in incredible ways. This is why we are partnering with The Power of Music Festival to bring the best songwriters in the world to the region. Learn more about how the festival brings the best in sound to Bentonville.
Downtown Bentonville Inc. prides itself on supporting our local community. This First Friday is a celebration of all things local – our history, our food, our crafts, our music, and our businesses. Come stroll the Square, support our local talents, and see how amazing our locals make this community.
When you think of Arkansas in the summer, you may think of heat and humidity. Here in downtown Bentonville, we think of hiking and biking on our incredible trails, swimming and boating in our amazing lakes, and camping at some beautiful outdoor sites! Come check out how we’re turning the Square into a place that brings all these outdoor opportunities to life.
It’s back – bigger and better than ever! The largest International Festival in the area, all happening right here on the Square. Come enjoy a variety of different performances, food, and vendors all celebrating the diversity found here in Northwest Arkansas.
Downtown Bentonville Inc. understands the importance of art in our community. This is why we are turning the Square into a celebration of art and all it brings with it -- local chalk artists, painters, musicians, chefs, and more!
Walmart fills the Square with their toy vendors wanting to show you the the latest toys. Some of them give out toys and all of them let you play with them!
This is the first day of the Bentonville Farmers Market and it's a big deal. We're cooking up some really neat ways to start it off right, but we'll have more on that soon.
The first day of the midweek market located on the Bentonville Square this year.
Join us for the most popular kid event of the year! 7th Annual KidsFest headlined by Peppa Pig! Come to a meet-and-greet with Peppa, and stay for photos, crafts with the whole gang, great giveaways, and be the first to watch brand new episodes to be streamed for the first time anywhere! This is in addition to the wonderful birthday party venues and kid focused vendors that will be set up at the event offering fun activities and giveaways!
This is the first Dog Days of the year, a simple event where people bring dogs to the square for competitions and the dog parade. There are literally dog's everywhere! There are free dog treats and you can win some serious prizes for you and your dog.
Hundreds of kids bring their bikes and their parents for one epic ride around the square. Before-hand we set up a station to decorate your bike with the stars and stripes. Afterwards we hand out free ice cream until it's gone!
Decorating | 9am
Bike Parade | 10am
Ice Cream Party | 10:30am
People pack the Square for free Yarnell's ice cream on a hot day! There are competitions on the hour and whoever eats the most ice cream wins it free for life! It's messy and awesome.
Join us for Dr. Compton Day! It is a FREE educational event for all ages to learn about conservation, environmental stewardship and recreational activities in NWA - all issues that were championed by our founder, the late Dr. Neil Compton. Interactive Conservation Stations, Rock Painting, Music, Ice Cream, Food Trucks & more!
Dog Days is so fun that we do it twice a year. It's a simple event where people bring dogs to the square for competitions and the dog parade. There are literally dog's everywhere! There are free dog treats and you can win some serious prizes for you and your dog.
As a nonprofit ourselves, we think it's important to highlight all the organizations doing great things in the area. We gather as many nonprofits as we can on 2nd Street so you can learn more from them and support one if possible.
In addition to all our great farmers and crafters, artists decorate their booths with the art they work so hard on. Come browse or buy something incredible and support local artists.
APPLY HERE
Halloween isn't far and this is another chance to wear your costume and hunt down some candy. All our vendors will have some and we're all excited to see the costumes. The Square is usually packed with trick or treaters. Bring a big bag!
Starting near the Library, the parade will go north on Main Street until it gets to the Square. Then around the square and backdown 2nd Street.
