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Each month, Downtown Bentonville celebrates with a huge, family-friendly block party!

Apr - Oct
3 PM - 9 PM
Bentonville Square

Thursdays

5pm-8pm
EAST SIDE OF SQUARE
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PRESS RELEASE
Here's 9 things you can expect at First Friday.
Applications
Vendor applications for 2024 First Friday are now CLOSED! They will open FEB 2025.

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Themes

for 2024

05
Apr
The Eclipse
03
May
Outdoor Adventure
07
Jun
Fashion
05
Jul
A Salute To Service
02
Aug
Going For The Gold
06
Sep
Adrenaline
04
Oct
Spooktacular

Schedule

of events

12
PM

ICE RINK OPENS

4
PM

Crafts & Games

4
PM

Multicultural Performances

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.

Head over to the DBI booth in front of the Five and Dime to sign up for competitions like: Best Costume, Most Creative Name, and a Pet/Owner Look-a-like Contest. We have an awesome prize for each winner that you don't want to miss!

SCHEDULE
Dog Parade / 10am
Dog Competitions / 10:30am

4
PM

Food Trucks Open

6
PM

LIGHTS ON

6:30
PM

SkATE SHOW at Lawrence Plaza

Activities

Around the SquaRE

4PM
Mainstage Opens

Last year we combined all the cultures we could into performances for the MainStage, but this year we're going a step further and bringing food & art into the celebration.

7:30PM
PARTY WITH JUKEBOXX

Last year we combined all the cultures we could into performances for the MainStage, but this year we're going a step further and bringing food & art into the celebration.

Upcoming

Events

20
AUG

Red BarN

Jamie Lou Connolly & Joe Dillstrom

17
SEP

Allencroft neighborhood

My Politic & 3 Penny Acre

15
OCT

TBA

Info Coming Soon

EVENTS

SPECIAL MARKETS

09
APR

OPENING DAY

30
JULY

FREEZEFEST

Events

THIS WEEK

What Is ART & Culinary Week?
Our downtown is a living canvas, adorned with stunning art installations and murals at every corner. During this special week, have your own artistic experience through live painting exhibitions or embarking on a self-guided tour to explore the open-air gallery that is our downtown! From cozy coffee shops to award-winning eateries, our culinary scene is a gastronomic adventure waiting to be explored. Savor the flavors of local ingredients expertly crafted into dishes that are not just meals but culinary masterpieces. This week-long celebration is more than an event; it's a testament to the soul of Bentonville. It's a chance to come together, celebrate our rich cultural tapestry, and create lasting memories. So, whether you're a foodie, an art lover, or simply looking for a good time, mark your calendars for Art & Culinary Week in downtown Bentonville. Get ready to savor the flavors, appreciate the artistry, and experience the heart and soul of our remarkable city center. Join us, and let the magic unfold!
ALL WEEK - SPARK CAFE TRUCK
All week: Spark Cafe Truck serves up a special “Art & Culinary” themed treat Oatmeal Cream Pie Sundae. It has Yarnell's Real Vanilla ice cream, Caramel Sauce, Marshmallow Cream, Oatmeal Cream Pie, and is garnished with whipped cream.
TUESDAY - OZARK CULINARY TOUR DINNER
Sep 19
5:30 - 8:30 PM. Join Chef Erin Rowe on an Ozark Culinary Tour of Downtown Bentonville! On tour, you’ll enjoy 4 food stops including dessert and 1 adult beverage or mocktail. As a local food author and Ozark expert, Erin will pack in all the arts, culture and history knowledge along the way on your guided walking food tour. THIS EVENT IS TICKETED.
TUESDAY - ART ON THE SQUARE - Pottery In The Kitchen
Sep 19
12:00 - 5:00 PM. Art On The Square hosts, The Babes of Mud and Fire. Join as they create unique pottery works of art that are beautiful, as well as functional. Their art makes the perfect gift for hosts or hostesses who love to entertain dinner guests at home.
WEDNESDAY - OZARK CULINARY TOUR LUNCH
Sep 20
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Join Chef Erin Rowe on an Ozark Culinary Tour of Downtown Bentonville! On tour, you’ll enjoy 4 food stops including dessert and 1 adult beverage or mocktail. As a local food author and Ozark expert, Erin will pack in all the arts, culture and history knowledge along the way on your guided walking food tour. THIS EVENT IS TICKETED.
WEDNESDAY - ART ON THE SQUARE - Live demo with Artist Lori Weeks
Sep 20
12:00 - 3:00 PM. LIVE DEMO WITH LORI WEEKS: Lori Weeks' luscious works bring joy and color to any space. Join us at Art On The Square for Lori's live demo, featuring a special new work celebrating Art and Culinary week.
THURSDAY - OZARK CULINARY TOUR LUNCH
Sep 21
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM. Join Chef Erin Rowe on an Ozark Culinary Tour of Downtown Bentonville! On tour, you’ll enjoy 4 food stops including dessert and 1 adult beverage or mocktail. As a local food author and Ozark expert, Erin will pack in all the arts, culture and history knowledge along the way on your guided walking food tour. THIS EVENT IS TICKETED.
THURSDAY - BENTONVILLE FARMERS MARKET - “Kids Love Bentonville” Art Display
Sep 21
5:00 - 8:00 PM. Calling all young artists! We want to display your artwork at the Thursday Farmers Market. In your own vision, show us what you love about living in Bentonville. Visit the “Kids Love Bentonville” display on Main Street, where we will hang your artwork for all who visit the square. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Public judging held at event.
THURSDAY - ART ON THE SQUARE - Fun Foodie Paintings with Veronica Shore
Sep 21
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Veronica Shore loves to feature food items in her whimsical works. Swing by Art On The Square for this scrumptious live demo!
THURSDAY - FNB NWA - Happy Hour with an Artist
Sep 21
5:00 - 7:30 PM. First National Bank of NWA will host a special Happy Hour with an Artist, Amy Eicher. Amy will be doing a live painting throughout the night to be given away from a drawing of participants of the evening. Stop by to see art in action, enjoy music, drinks, and food. Music will be provided by Christian Serrano- Torres.
THURSDAY - FORMAT FESTIVAL KICK-OFF RECEPTION
Sep 21
Get ready for an unforgettable kick-off to Format Festival at Crystal Bridges featuring top artists like Beeple, the Guerrilla Girls, and DJ Issac Ferry. One ticket gets you access to all of this + a drink ticket. 5:30 p.m. | Dive into the world of activism with the Guerrilla Girls in a lecture exploring their impactful demonstrations. 🎶 6:30 p.m. | Hang out at Eleven for a relaxed reception and live DJ set by Isaac Ferry - perfect for mingling with fellow art enthusiasts. 🤖 8:15 p.m. | Meet acclaimed artist Beeple, AKA Mike Winkelmann, as he introduces his NFT/multimedia work “HUMAN ONE” in the galleries. 💡 8:30 p.m. | Immerse yourself in the magical "Listening Forest" experience by Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, a journey of surprise and delight.
FRIDAY - BLOOM INSTALLATION
Sep 22
An enchanting fusion of art and nature, Bloom's "Harvest Passage" is a vibrant expression of Autumn meant to reflect the warmth of Downtown Bentonville. Between Moosejaw and Tavola, all are invited off the street into the alleyway, to pass beneath an abundant harvest bounty.
FRIDAY - ART ON THE SQUARE - Still Life Paintings with Diana Shearon
Sep 22
12:00 - 4:00 PM. Diana Shearon approaches painting still lifes from a more traditional point of view, setting up juicy bits and capturing them in the moment (before the goodies expire!). Don't miss her live demo at Art On The Square to see a master classical artist in action.
SATURDAY - BENTONVILLE FARMERS MARKET / ART MARKET
Sep 23
7:30 AM - 1:00 PM. Join us on the Bentonville Square for an incredible morning filled with creativity and beautiful art! Find the Art Market located on Main St. Shop local art, crafts, jewelry, and more.
SATURDAY - BLUE MOON - Crafters and Artisans Event
Sep 23
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Visit Blue Moon at 114 W Central Ave to discover variety of locally made gifts and souvenirs from Meet Your Maker, Zenon Studios, Salt & Light Bath Co, & Touch of Grace.
SATURDAY - ART ON THE SQUARE - Charcuterie Tray Display with Jeff Blecher
Sep 23
12:00 - 5:00 PM. Jeff Blecher's elegant charcuterie boards and lazy susans are the perfect backdrop for anyone’s next party, or for just enjoying a special time at home. As the artist behind NWA Wood Creations, Jeff crafts all kinds of trays and tools for the artful at-home chef.
SUNDAY - ART ON THE SQUARE - Live Impasto Painting Demo with Matt Coburn
Sep 24
12:00 - 3:00 PM. Did someone say pasta? Impasto is the painting technique that Matt Coburn utilizes to achieve his rich and bold signature style. His work is featured for our final day of Art and Culinary Week as icing on the cake.

Dates

29
APR
w/ Chef Matt Cooper
Sponsored by
SponsoRships available

Last year we combined all the cultures we could into performances for the MainStage, but this year we're going a step further and bringing food & art into the celebration.

30
APR
w/ Chef Mat Cooper
Sponsored by
SponsoRships available

Last year we combined all the cultures we could into performances for the MainStage, but this year we're going a step further and bringing food & art into the celebration.

11
JUN
TBA
Sponsored by
SponsoRships available

Last year we combined all the cultures we could into performances for the MainStage, but this year we're going a step further and bringing food & art into the celebration.

14
OCT
TBA
Sponsored by
SponsoRships available

We are thinking of all the most exciting things we can pack into a First Friday for one thriller of a block party.

15
OCT
TBA
Sponsored by
SponsoRships available

We are thinking of all the most exciting things we can pack into a First Friday for one thriller of a block party.

Season Sponsors
2024 Neighborhood Sponsors
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