News

Jun 6, 2025

Jun 6, 2025 - What is it? A Three-Day Celebration of Culture, Art, and Community! Bentonville’s Festival of Nations is a vibrant, three-day event celebrating the city’s diverse cultural heritage. This festival brings together international performances, culinary experiences, art displays, and interactive activities to foster global connections within the community.

Apr 28, 2025 - Family fun is back in Downtown Bentonville with the return of First Friday presented by Walmart on May 2nd.

Apr 25, 2025 - Blue Crane and Riverside unveil a new mixed-use development in downtown Bentonville that blends historic preservation with modern living, retail, and community spaces.

Apr 7, 2025 - The Bentonville Farmers Market returns April 12 with over 130 vendors, running weekly through October 25, and continuing its record-setting success in the heart of downtown.

Apr 3, 2025 - Dave and Jenny Marrs open Marrs On Main in downtown Bentonville, a new home goods store offering curated, timeless pieces and community charm.

Apr 2, 2025 - Downtown Bentonville Inc. cancels the April 4 First Friday event due to forecasted storms, prioritizing community safety ahead of a busy spring season.

Mar 31, 2025 - Downtown Bentonville's First Friday returns April 4 with live music, food, art, and a special KAWS: FAMILY activation by Crystal Bridges Museum.

Mar 3, 2025 - Downtown Bentonville’s First Friday returns April 4 with a new “Passport to Adventure” theme, featuring seven uniquely themed events through October.

Feb 3, 2025 - Downtown Bentonville Inc. has moved to 111 South Main Street, positioning its team at the heart of downtown to better serve and grow community events.

Dec 30, 2024 - Downtown Bentonville Inc. rings in 2025 with a sold-out NYE party at Ledger, featuring dancing, drinks, and entertainment to support downtown events.

Dec 30, 2024

Dec 14, 2024 - Dave and Jenny Marrs announce Marrs on Main, a new retail store opening in spring 2025 in downtown Bentonville, featuring artisan goods, antiques, and home decor.

Dec 10, 2024 - The Bentonville Christmas Parade returns December 14 with over 100 floats, festive fun, and a special appearance by Santa, presented by KINGART®.

Nov 20, 2024 - The Bentonville Farmers Market hits a record-breaking $2.9 million in sales and announces a 15-date indoor winter season starting November 23.

Nov 18, 2024 - Downtown Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square returns this Saturday with live performances, Santa photos, and a dazzling light display flipped on by Mayor Orman.

Oct 2, 2024 - Mayor Stephanie Orman and challenger Steve Galen will debate on DWTN Now, airing October 6 and 20 on 5NEWS, with subtitles in Spanish and Hindi.

Oct 1, 2024 - Downtown Bentonville’s First Friday returns October 6 with Halloween games, a costume contest, live music, free candy, and spooky surprises for all ages.

Sep 23, 2024 - Bentonville mayoral candidates Stephanie Orman and Steve Galen will face off in a 30-minute unedited debate airing on DWTN Now and 5NEWS, starting October 6.

Sep 9, 2024 - Downtown Bentonville Inc. partners with Gather to Scatter to support the Pop! Activity Club, helping kids access fresh produce at the Farmers Market.

Sep 4, 2024 - Downtown Bentonville’s First Friday returns September 6 with adrenaline-pumping fun, live music, the Globe of Death, and an Elton John tribute performance.

Aug 29, 2024 - Walmart reveals the updated exterior of its Bentonville museum as scaffolding comes down, with a full reopening planned for March 2025.

Aug 6, 2024 - The Bentonville Farmers Market is named Arkansas’ Best Farmers Market for the second year in a row by American Farmland Trust, with celebrations underway this weekend.

Jul 29, 2024 - Downtown Bentonville’s First Friday returns August 2 with Olympic-themed fun, ‘Bentonville’s Got Talent,’ and a headline performance by Barrett Baber.

Jul 12, 2024 - Despite ongoing construction, Downtown Bentonville businesses remain open—DBI and the Chamber urge the community to shop local and support small businesses.

Jul 5, 2024 - Downtown Bentonville’s First Friday on July 5 features a patriotic festival, Mustang flyover, and Mother’s Cookies carnival—followed by fireworks at Orchards Park.

Jul 1, 2024 - First Friday returns July 5 with a patriotic ‘Salute to Service,’ featuring a Mustang flyover, live music, veteran-owned vendors, and a carnival experience by Mother’s Cookies.

Jun 3, 2024 - First Friday returns June 7 with a fashion-themed celebration honoring NWA storm responders, featuring a runway show, live music, yoga, and community festivities.

Apr 29, 2024 - Downtown Bentonville’s May 3 First Friday celebrates ‘Outdoor Adventure’ with camping gear demos, sugar-free Splenda drinks, live music, and free yoga.

Apr 9, 2024 - The Bentonville Farmers Market returns April 13 with 100+ vendors, food trucks, and monthly events, running every Saturday through October 26.

Apr 1, 2024 - First Friday returns April 5 with a solar eclipse-themed celebration, live DJ sets, dairy-free delights from Daiya Foods, and family-friendly fun on the Bentonville Square.

Mar 15, 2024 - Downtown Bentonville Inc. welcomes four new board members and announces its 2024 Executive Committee to guide strategic growth and community support.

Feb 26, 2024 - Downtown Bentonville’s First Friday returns April 5, now presented by Walmart, with expanded experiences, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun through October.

Dec 20, 2023 - The Bentonville Christmas Parade airs on CBS Christmas morning at 9 a.m., featuring 100+ floats in a special DWTN Now broadcast produced by Downtown Bentonville Inc.

Dec 4, 2023 - The Bentonville Christmas Parade returns December 9 with over 100 floats, a new extended route, and a festive 'Merry and Bright' theme for families to enjoy.

Nov 17, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville Inc. celebrates Small Business Saturday with Shop the Block, giving away $10,000 in Downtown Dollars to support local shops on November 25.

Nov 14, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square returns November 18 with 30 miles of lights, live music, Santa photos, a holiday laser show, and festive family fun.

Nov 10, 2023 - The Bentonville Farmers Market breaks $2 million in sales for 2023 and returns indoors with Market @ Record starting November 18 for a 15-week winter season.

Oct 20, 2023 - Shop the Block returns on Small Business Saturday, November 25 from 11 AM–2 PM, featuring over 35 local Bentonville shops, restaurants, and experiences.

Oct 17, 2023 - Shop the Market returns October 21 with $2,400 in free Market Cash for families to spend at Bentonville Farmers Market vendor booths—first come, first serve.

Oct 11, 2023 - Despite ongoing construction in downtown Bentonville, local businesses remain open—DBI urges the community to continue supporting shops and restaurants during the transition.

Oct 2, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville’s final First Friday of 2023 on October 6 goes Oktoberfest-style with live music, beer garden, caramel contest, and family-friendly fun.

Oct 2, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville events now offer free ADA shuttle service, a calming Sensory Alley, and bike valet to ensure inclusive, fun experiences for all attendees.

Aug 28, 2023 - First Friday returns September 1 with an “In Motion” theme, Segway demos, trampoline shows, and a headline performance by American Idol winner Kris Allen.

Jul 31, 2023 - First Friday returns August 4 with a ‘Back to School’ bash featuring a Hostess donettes eating contest, student performances, food trucks, and free yoga on the square.

Jul 3, 2023 - First Friday on July 7 celebrates ‘The Great Outdoors’ with s’mores, country music headliner David Adam Byrnes, DJ Williams as emcee, and outdoor-themed fun.

Jul 3, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville Inc. offers free ADA-accessible shuttle service for First Friday and holiday events, ensuring inclusive access for community members with mobility challenges.

Jun 20, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville Inc. receives a generous Walmart grant to support community events like First Friday, the Farmers Market, and holiday celebrations throughout 2023.

May 30, 2023 - First Friday on June 2 brings ‘Art Fest’ to downtown Bentonville, featuring over 80 local artists, live DJs, Hershey’s treats, and even kitten yoga on the square.

May 1, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville’s First Friday returns May 5 with Pet-A-Palooza—featuring a pet parade, talent show, stuffy clinic, petting zoo, kitten yoga, and Heartland Dueling Pianos.

Apr 28, 2023 - After a record-breaking Saturday season, Bentonville’s Thursday Farmers Market returns for evening shopping and local goods.

Apr 24, 2023 - Celebrate culture and community at Bentonville Together on April 29 at Orchards Park, featuring multicultural performances, activities, and family-friendly fun.

Apr 5, 2023 - DWTN Now returns for Season 3 on April 8, airing Sundays on 5News with inspiring stories about life, culture, and community in downtown Bentonville.

Apr 4, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville Farmers Market returns April 8 with 80+ vendors, weekly fun, and themed events through October 28 on the historic Bentonville Square.

Apr 3, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville’s First Friday returns April 7 with food trucks, local talent, and a live performance by Madison Watkins to celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary.

Mar 8, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville Inc. welcomes award-winning journalist Aaron Nolan as Communications Director to lead storytelling efforts and the DWTN Now weekly TV show.

Mar 3, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville Inc. kicks off the 2023 First Friday season on April 7th with themed, family-friendly events running monthly through October, fueled by ZOA Energy Drinks.

Feb 28, 2023 - Downtown Bentonville Inc. names Dana Sargent Schlagenhaft as Executive Director, recognizing her leadership and commitment to enhancing inclusive, community-driven downtown experiences.