The July First Friday will be held on Friday, July 1, 2022, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm on the Downtown Bentonville Square.  

Here’s a list of 10 things that you can expect from July First Friday  — in pictures, of course.

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1. And the theme is...

In honor of the 4th of July, we’re celebrating the American Spirit!  Expect food, games, and live music in an all-American picnic setting.

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2.  But first, a word from our presenting sponsor…

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Get ready for a sweet takeover as you experience (and taste) How Ghirardelli Makes Life a Bite Better.

Expect chocolate samples, Ghirardelli Cookies, games, prizes, photo booths, and raffles with BIG prizes!

And we're talking BIG prizes....

* 4 winners will win free chocolate for a year!

* One lucky winner will win a trip for two to San Francisco to experience Ghirardelli Square first hand!

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3.  Don’t miss First Friday jams and exhibitions on the Avad3 Mainstage.

4:30- 4:45 National Anthem by Erin Detherage

4:45-5:00 Trampoline Show by FLIPPENOUT Productions

5:00-5:45 Erin Detherage

5:45-6:00 Trampoline Show by FLIPPENOUT Productions

6:00-7:15 Will Gunselman

7:15- 7:30 Trampoline Show by FLIPPENOUT Productions

7:30- 9:00 Jukebox Confession​​

We’re Flippenout!  Flippenout will provide a world class, heart pounding trampoline show including Olympic type routines, skis, snowboards, acro ball, single double, and even triple flips with each performance. The show performers use  plenty of comedy and witty commentary to keep you entertained and engaged the entire show! Get ready to cheer on America's most entertaining trampoline artists as they present the Flippenout Extreme trampoline show!

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4.  Start early with lunchtime festivities.

This year, First Friday kicks off at 11:00am. Here are some things that you can expect to see on the square around lunchtime:

1. Lunch on the Square:  You asked, we delivered!  Lunch on the Square is back!  Join us at 11:00am and grab your lunch on the Bentonville Square from a variety of food trucks.  

2. Yoga on the Square with Yoga Story:  Don’t miss Yoga on the Square during lunchtime on the beautiful lawn of the Bentonville Square. Yoga Story will host the free class at  12:00pm. All are welcome to attend.  Please bring a yoga mat and water.  

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5.  The BEER GARDEN!! is back!

Relax with a cold drink from several local breweries, including Social Project Brewery, Bike Rack Brewery, Bentonville Brewery, and Rendezvous Junction Brewery.  

Our beer garden is 21 & up only. You’ll find the beer garden on “the field” at the corner of Central and SE A Street. Please drink responsibly.

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6. Happy Anniversary, Walmart!

Walmart is marking its 60th anniversary this year and will be showing up in a big way at First Friday to celebrate!

Join the fun at The Walmart Museum with events are scheduled throughout the week. Stop in and enjoy!

• Shop in the 5&10 for classic toys, candy, and gifts
• Tour the museum for free to learn about the history of Walmart, see the brand-new exhibit, get a peek into Sam Walton’s office and take a picture with his Ford F150 truck
• Grab a treat in the Spark Café with special sundaes for the event
• Thursday, June 30th – Special performance by the Army Jazz Band starting at 5:30pm.
• Saturday, July 2nd – Special Guest, Retired U.S. District Judge Jimm Hendren, will be signing his new book Sam Stories. Jimm was Sam Walton’s friend and tennis partner.
• Saturday, July 2nd– Free cupcakes in the gallery

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7. We the People...

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Beginning July 2nd, a rare, original print of the US Constitution (one of only eleven known in the world) is going on view at Crystal Bridges and will be displayed in conversation with works of art by influential historical and contemporary artists, including Jacob Lawrence, Shelley Niro, John Trumbull, Luis C. Garza, Mark Bradford, and more, that provide diverse American perspectives on the nation’s founding principles.

Learn more about the upcoming exhibition We the People: The Radical Notion of Democracy from Crystal Bridges at First Friday!

And make sure to start your Independence Day weekend by witnessing history and considering our present moment through the power of art.

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8.  All-American, Family-Friendly Activities Abound

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Don’t miss a Good Ol’ Fashioned Watermelon Eating Contest hosted by Better Homes and Gardens Journey.

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As always, there will be booths featuring local arts and crafts vendors!

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A First Friday favorite, Free Family Fun Zone offers bounce houses, slides, snacks, games and more at no cost to the community. Free Family Fun Zone is located in the parking lot in front of the First Baptist Church’s 412 Building on South Main Street.

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Ozark Axe House will be within the First Friday footprint with their axe throwing cage!

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9.  Never miss a chance to get your grub on!

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There will be more food trucks than ever before at the July First Friday!  

Here’s what you can expect to find downtown on Friday:

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Kona Ice of Bentonville & Fayetteville

Bayou Boys Crawfish Shack & Catering

Cacahuzintle un pedacito de Mexico

Carsten Concessions

Downtown Dawgs

K'Zolis LLC

Lili's Bubble Waffle

NWA BeaverTails LLC

The Smackin Shack

The Swalty Kernel LLC

Hype Coffee

Raised and glazed donuts

Hotrods Classic BBQ

Jarabes Tapatios

For The Love

Wicked Wood Fired Pizza

Twigs BBQ Food Truck

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10. Share with us on social and download our app!

Make sure to tag us in your First Friday photos!  We want to see your pets, children, families – even a few food pictures.  

@DowntownBentonville Facebook and Instagram stories will be taken over during each First Friday by our favorite hostess with the mostess, Heather Shelton!   Follow along!

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Want to learn more about Downtown Bentonville?

Searching for a restaurant, retail shop, park, gallery, or upcoming event?

Make sure to download the Downtown Bentonville app in the Apple and Google Play stores.

Apple App Store: https://apple.co/3riquho

Google Play Store: https://bit.ly/3rjLRPq

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