We’ve made it through the cold winter months, the clouds have cleared, and the sun is shining down on a colorful Bentonville Square. 

That only means one thing.  

First Friday is returning to downtown Bentonville!

If you’re ready to run – or at least participate in some hearty carb-loading – we’ve got an event that will go the extra mile!

Here’s a list of 8 things that you can expect from April First Friday  — in pictures, of course.

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1. Get ready to run.

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The 12th Annual Run Bentonville Half Marathon will start on the Downtown Bentonville Square on Saturday, April 2nd. 

You can consider Run Bentonville First Friday on Friday, April 1st as one big pre-race party!

In fact, you’ll notice the stage and the finish line will already be set up on the square.    

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2.  But first, a word from our sponsors.

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Please take a moment to recognize the sponsors that make a giant downtown event like First Friday possible!

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3.  And now, your First Friday jams.

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Don’t miss the music lineup for the Run Bentonville First Friday.  

In fact, get started listening to these awesome bands today!  

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5:00pm to 5:45pm:  Handshake Saints

6:00pm to 7:15pm:   Dirty Strings

7:30pm to 9:00pm:  Boom Kinetic

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4.  Get an early start!

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First Friday festivities now begin at 11:00am.  Here are some things that you can expect to see on the square around lunchtime:

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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.  

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Wear blue and join the campaign to kick off Child Abuse Awareness & Prevention at the Cherishing Children Pinweheel Rally.  Meet in front of the stage for an inspiring call to action to protect children in our community.  11:30-12:15pm 

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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. Make a mad dash to our family-friendly activities.  

Sprint with Strider

Join the Strider Store for a spirited kids bike race down Main Street.  Meet in front of the Strider Store on the Bentonville Square at the following times:

• 2-3 year olds at 4:00pm
• 3-4 year olds at 5:00pm
•  5-6 year olds at 6:00pm

Parents, please plan to accompany your kiddo.   

This event is BYOB (bring your own bike). 

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The Corner Carnival

The lot at the southeast corner diagonal to the square (We call it Tuckers Corner) will be home to more vendors and chock full of carnival-style fun.  You’ll find Ozark Axe House,  a bungee trampoline,  rock wall,  games, face painting, a high striker, magic, and clowns.  

Yes, clowns!

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Free Family Fun Zone

Follow South Main Street to the First Baptist Bentonville 412 parking lot for free family activities, inflatables, and treats!

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6.  Fuel your run.  

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*editor's note:  Joey doesn’t share food.

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As always, First Friday showcases a wide array of food trucks stretched across the event footprint.  

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

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• Kona Ice of Bentonville & Fayetteville
• Buttercup
• Cacahuzintle un pedacito de Mexico
• Downtown Dawgs
• Hotrods Classic BBQ
• NWA BeaverTails LLC
• Wicked Wood Fired Pizza
• Jarabes Tapatios
• K'Zolis LLC
• Raised and glazed donuts
• Hype Coffee
• Carsten Concessions
• Arkanthaw Ice Shavers

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7.  We’re stretching onto South Main Street.

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South Main Street (south of Central Avenue) will be closed and filled with local artists and artisans as well as an array of downtown businesses.  We encourage you to shop local during all of our big community events!

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8. Sprint on over to our social media.

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

Make sure to tag us in your First Friday photos and send Heather some love!  Don’t miss Heather on our weekly television show, DWTN Now, which airs on Saturday mornings at 8:30am on KNWA.

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