night

After years of waiting, we're happy to announce
The night parade is back! We're stoked.

THE THEME

for April is Growing Greener

Did you say night parade?!

We sure did. Spread the word! We've been waiting years to bring back the night parade  and the stars have finally aligned. Get ready to get cold and watch as Main Street and the Square are lit up with floats. This'll be awesome. We recommend a thermos of hot chocolate and coffee.

Parade Route

The floats will be getting get ready at the Fire Station early in the afternoon and at 6pm make their way over to Main Street. They head north to the square and then wrap around the East side, then back down second street. There's lots of viewing space on the square now. It's nice, but get there pretty early cause it'll be packed.

I'd like to sponsor this event.

We all know that a great way to promote your brand is to sponsor something awesome. This event 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.

Download Info Booklet

Application is Closed

Applications are closed. They always close about a month before the event so we can get everyone in place. If you've been selected to participate, remember to attend the Parade Participant's Meeting. You'll be getting more info about that soon if you haven't already. Please contact Tracie for more information.

Will there be handicap parking?

Definitely! It's right off the square and along the parade route too! There's a square patch of grass where the Chamber was and you'll find parking in the SE corner, along side Dave Peel Park. It will be marked with some signs on the day of the parade.

GET DIRECTIONS

Information for Parade Participants

Parade starts at 6PM.

Don't show up at six in the morning. You'd be very very early.

Download Staging Map

Load In & Staging Grounds

Float Entrance, 3:30-4:30pm

3:30-4:30pm - Equipment drop off

5pm - Walker drop off

Staging Grounds

Fire station parking lot at 8th & A

Parade Route

Go up Main Street to the square. Turn right on Central & left on NE A Street around the east side of the Square. Take a left on 2nd Street.

Parade Exit

Floats will turn left on SW A Street to return to staging grounds.
Walking groups will continue on 2nd Street past Onyx.

HOSTED BY

DIRECTIONS

PARTICIPANTS

Airship Coffee

Bike Rack Brewing Co. at 8th St

Bike Rack Brewing Co. at A St

Butcher & Pint

Core Pub

First National Bank

Markham & Fitz

Onyx Coffe Lab

Oven & Tap

Pedaler's Pub

Pressroom

Ramo d'Olivo

Skylight Cinema

Sweet Freedom Cheese

The Forge

The Hive

The Holler

The Nines

Yeyo's Mexican Grill

Art Exhibits

The Schedule

Serrano Torres

March 21, 2019

Fiamma Ristorante

Adam Johnston

April 18, 2019

Ramo d' Olivo

Shaun Munday

May 16, 2019

Bike Rack Brewing Co.

Devanee Williams

June 20, 2019

Rooftop at Preachers Son

Will Gunselman

July 18, 2019

Louise

Aricka Lews feat. The Honey Collective

August 15, 2019

Yeyo's El Alma De Mexico

Olivia Ballard

September 19, 2019

Undercroft

Route 358

October 17, 2019

Ramo d' Olivo

Jon Dooly

November 21, 2019

Bike Rack Brewing Co.

Melody Pond

December 19, 2019

The Hive

The Schedule

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Let's Play

blackjack
poker
roulette
craps
Coming Soon
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Local
Chef
Recipes

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Cinema

See it for yourself.

Media

See it for yourself.

2019 Schedule

05
APR

Growing Greener

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.

03
MAY

The Power of Music

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.

07
JUN

Living Local

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.

05
JUL

Great Outdoors

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.

06
SEP

International Celebration

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.

04
OCT

Chalktober Fest

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!

01
NOV

Toyland

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!

Special Events

20
APR

Sat Market Opens

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.

24
APR

Wed Market Opens

The first day of the midweek market located on the Bentonville Square this year.

11
MAY

Kid's Fest

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.

10
AUG

Dr. Compton Day

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.

28
SEP

Nonprofit Day

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!

The Route

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.

WITH SUPPORT FROM