What's New in Downtown Bentonville

Thanksgiving has passed and the holiday shopping season is in full swing. Sure, there are numerous deals available on various online shopping platforms, but shopping local and supporting local businesses has much more of an impact—and oftentimes, you can find the same thing you are looking for, or better!

This event marks the end of our outdoor Chess Club season, so come celebrate the game with us indoors as we wrap up a great year of chess on the Square! Registration will be from 9-11 AM.

Autumn in Bentonville brings crisp air, fiery leaves, and a glow that makes the public art scene pop. We’ve put together a fall walking guide that highlights murals and installations inside the heart of downtown, perfect for a chilly morning stroll or an evening photo run.

Coffee shops can be so much more than just your average cup of joe. They can be a place to get work done, meet with friends, go on a date, be a safe haven to unwind, or enjoy your own company with a good book!

OCTOBER FIRST FRIDAY IS OCTOBER 3RD!
Downtown Bentonville Inc. invites the community on a "Passport to Adventure" - A season-long journey that transforms the Square each First Friday into a new location.

Bentonville has a lot going for it these days—art, culture, cycling, trails—but let’s be honest, sometimes all you really want is a good slice of pizza. Thankfully, Downtown Bentonville has no shortage of spots serving up pies that range from wood-fired Neapolitan style to hearty, pub-style pizzas you can share. Whether you’re strolling the square after visiting Crystal Bridges, grabbing a casual dinner with friends, or fueling up before a ride, here are four must-try pizza places right in the heart of downtown.

SEPTEMBER FIRST FRIDAY IS SEPTEMBER 5TH!
Downtown Bentonville Inc. invites the community on a "Passport to Adventure" - A season-long journey that transforms the Square each First Friday into a new location.

Each Bentonville bar offers more than a drink—it delivers personality, craft, and community. So, whether you're a local planning a bar crawl or a visitor tasting the city’s nightlife, get ready to sip thoughtfully, laugh freely, and make memories in every glass. Cheers to discovering your next favorite bar!

AUGUST FIRST FRIDAY IS AUGUST 1ST!
Downtown Bentonville Inc. invites the community on a "Passport to Adventure" - A season-long journey that transforms the Square each First Friday into a new location.

This guide is such an exciting one to write because we get to talk about my all-time favorite dessert, ice cream. We’re approaching National Ice Cream Day on July 20 and to celebrate, Downtown Bentonville Inc. will be hosting an Ice Cream Crawl that you can participate in on our FREE web-based app. We are fortunate to have a variety of amazing spots for dessert in the downtown area. Here is a guide to all things ice cream in Downtown Bentonville.

The City of Bentonville has experienced unprecedented growth over the last few years. This growth has been extraordinary and exciting. It’s also something that brings a lot of change, development, and refurbishment. We understand there are public challenges and frustrations, one of which has been the limited parking options in the Downtown area. From ongoing construction and closed lots to the future demolition of others, the area can get quite crowded on weekends and during events.

First Friday 2025 ….is HERE!
Downtown Bentonville Inc. invites the community on a "Passport to Adventure" - A season-long journey that transforms the Square each First Friday into a new location.
We are thrilled to have Walmart back as our presenting sponsor for the 2025 season. We also want to give a big THANK YOU to our incredible community partners, including the City of Bentonville, Visit Bentonville, and the Walton Family Foundation.

Bentonville has become a major art hub for Northwest Arkansas in the last few years - here are some of the best art galleries you should visit in the area.

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.

Whether it’s celebrating a birthday, anniversary, Valentine’s Day, or just spending some time with your partner, date nights can range from all sorts of activities. Living in Bentonville, however, there are plenty of delicious restaurants, bars, and places to get a sweet treat that couples can indulge in rich, culinary experiences and enhance their date night.

Join us for May First Friday 2025 in Downtown Bentonville—an adventure-themed evening filled with live music, food, art, and family fun.

Discover what’s in store for April First Friday: Family Fun Land — a night of games, live entertainment, food trucks, and activities for all ages in Downtown Bentonville.

Get ready for a Spooktacular October First Friday in Downtown Bentonville with costumes, treats, live music, and Halloween fun for the whole family.

Experience the thrill at September First Friday: Adrenaline — packed with high-energy activities, live music, and family fun in Downtown Bentonville.

Celebrate the Olympic spirit at Downtown Bentonville's August First Friday: 'Going for the Gold'—featuring sports-themed activities, live performances, and family fun on August 2nd.

Celebrate service and community at Downtown Bentonville's July First Friday: 'A Salute to Service'—featuring military tributes, live music, family activities, and more on July 5th.

Celebrate style and culture at Downtown Bentonville's June First Friday: 'Fashion'—featuring runway shows, local vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities on June 7th.

Experience the great outdoors at Downtown Bentonville's May First Friday: 'Outdoor Adventure'—featuring camping gear showcases, live performances, yoga sessions, and family-friendly activities on May 3rd.

Celebrate the solar eclipse at Downtown Bentonville's April First Friday—featuring themed neighborhoods, interactive exhibits, art activities, and family-friendly fun on April 5th.

Experience Downtown Bentonville's October First Friday: 'Oktoberfest'—featuring live music, a Biergarten, caramel tastings, family-friendly activities, and more on October 6th.

Experience Downtown Bentonville's September First Friday: 'In Motion'—featuring Segway test rides, live music by Kris Allen, trampoline shows, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly activities on September 1st.

Celebrate the new school year at Downtown Bentonville's August First Friday: 'Back to School'—featuring school supply giveaways, live music, games, and family-friendly activities on August 4th.

Celebrate the great outdoors at Downtown Bentonville's July First Friday: 'The Great Outdoors'—featuring s'mores by Hershey's, axe throwing, live country music, and family-friendly activities on July 7th.

Immerse yourself in creativity at Downtown Bentonville's June First Friday: 'Art Fest'—featuring over 80 artists, live demonstrations, interactive exhibits, food trucks, and family-friendly activities on June 2nd.

Join Downtown Bentonville's May First Friday: 'Pet-A-Palooza'—featuring a pet parade, talent show, petting zoo, live music, and family-friendly activities on May 5th.

Celebrate Bentonville's 150th anniversary at April's First Friday—featuring historical exhibits, live art, community activities, and the debut of 'Bentonville’s Got Talent' on April 7th.