First Friday 2024 June is ALMOST here!

For 7 months, from April to October, dust off the ole’ boombox and bring back the cassette tapes because we’re calling everyone to Downtown Bentonville where “It’s Hip to be Square!”

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We are thrilled to have Walmart as our presenting sponsor for the 2024 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.

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NEW FOR ‘24 — First Friday Jams

🎶 GET READY for the monthly block parties by jamming out to the ultimate First Friday Mixtape. Click here to listen! Updated monthly.

NOW…DRUM ROLL PLEASE…Here’s what to expect at JUNE First Friday in Downtown Bentonville!!

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1. June’s Theme: Fashion

What you can expect:

• Vibrant Cultural heritage, active art, and incredible pieces from the NWA fashion community.

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• Runway shows by local boutiques and multicultural groups in NWA.

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• Multiple vendors will showcase custom jewelry and accessories. Vintage and custom clothing designs, custom hats, and tons of other styles.

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2. June’s First Friday Schedule (June 7th)

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11:00 AM Lunch on the Square - The Food Truck lineup is listed below.

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12:00 PM Yoga on the Square with Yoga Story (FREE)

• Before the First Friday festivities begin, join Yoga Story, at noon, on the Bentonville Square for a complimentary yoga class. All ages and yoga levels are welcome to attend! Be sure to bring your mat, blanket, towel, and plenty of water.

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3:00 - 9:00 PM First Friday booths are officially open!

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4. Slim Chickens Mainstage

4:00-4:45 PM (Ashtyn Barbaree)

4:45-5:00 PM (Perry Ryan Theater ft. Emma Hallam)

5:00- 5:10 PM (Fred Astaire Dance and Fashion Show)

5:10-5:20 PM (Happy State Fashion Show)

5:25-5:45 PM (Dhirana Bharatnatyam Dance and Fashion Show)

5:45-5:55 PM (Bear Hollow Kids Fashion Show)

6:00- 6:10 PM (Southern Style Boutique Fashion Show)

6:15-6:40 PM (Ra-Ve Cultural Foundation Dance and Fashion)

6:40-6:50 PM (Beautiful Lives Bentonville Fashion Show)

6:50-7:10 PM (Adrija Dance Academy Dance and Fashion Show)

7:10-7:20 PM (Vietnamese-Banh Mi Tea & Mi Fashion Show)

7:20-7:30 PM (Rince Arkansas Academy of Irish Dance and Fashion Show)

7:30-9:00 PM (The Phase)

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5. Your Favorite Food Trucks Return To The Square!

Here’s the full food truck lineup for June:  stroll up Main Street for these food truck options

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• Carsten Concessions
• Chelle's Burger Joint
• Downtown Dawgs
• Flavorful Kettle Corn
• Hillbachi Grill
• Hype Coffee
• Rolling Taco
• Sweet Scoops Blender Bar

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6. Sensory Alley is BACK!

The Schmieding Foundation Inc. presents Sensory Alley sponsored by Go-Go SqueeZ

First Friday is a large, loud event that can be overstimulating. The Schmieding Foundation Inc.’s Sensory Alley is an inclusive space for individuals who experience barriers in attending First Friday. We want all individuals who experience these barriers to have a safe and inclusive space inside the First Friday footprint in order to attend and enjoy First Friday.

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Sensory Alley is a drop-in, cool-down space. To ensure a safe and inclusive space, all individuals requiring support must be accompanied by a family member/caregiver while visiting the space.

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This month our friends at The Scott Family Amazeum are taking over!

• Dive into an aquatic sensory adventure with the Amazeum in Sensory Alley at First Friday! Enjoy a safe, calming haven amidst the vibrant festivities.

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*Sensory Alley is generously funded by The Schmieding Foundation Incorporated.

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7.  Kids Zone at First Baptist Church

Each First Friday, be sure to visit FBC’s Kids Zone! Behind Studio 412 on Main St, FBC hosts a FREE, kids zone including bouncy houses, blow-up slides, yummy waffles on a stick, and so more!

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8. Free Bike Valet

Our friends at @bentonvillemovescoalition have teamed up with @pedalitforwardnwa and @we.are.trailblazers to bring First Friday goers a FREE bike valet behind Arvest Bank (201 NE A St)The bike valet will be open from 3-9 PM.  Simply bike to First Friday, check your bike in with the Bentonville Moves team, and enjoy the fun on the square! Once you're ready to leave, head back to the valet, pick up your bike, and you're good to go! It's that easy. Look for their tents! Racks were generously donated by Pedal It Forward. Special thanks to Arvest for providing the new location!

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Public Restrooms are available at Bentonville Community Church of the Nazarene.

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9. Now let’s talk parking.

We want to offer as much guidance as possible when it comes to parking downtown because we know it can get tricky. As our town is growing and developing, we are here to help!

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Please remember, that roads directly around the Bentonville Square will be closed to accommodate the crowds.

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Use this link here to access our updated Downtown Bentonville Parking Map!

Downtown Bentonville Parking Map

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As always, we recommend carpooling with your friends and family. Arrive in Downtown Bentonville early and explore the many shops and restaurants this sweet town has to offer. To explore more, click the link here.

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10. Share your photos with us & follow along.

@DowntownBentonville is the official social media account for Downtown Bentonville Inc.  We’ll post all event updates on our accounts first, so follow us for the latest news, and be sure to check out our stories for fun sneak peeks.

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Be sure to tag us for a chance to have your photos and videos reshared!

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Our 2024 JUNE First Friday Neighborhoods:  

Neighborhoods make their return for our 2024 First Friday season! Divided into three distinct zones named Remix, Rewind, and Replay, the neighborhoods promise a fun and organized way to experience First Friday.

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Remix sponsored by McLarty Daniel:

• Stroll down S. Main Street to visit the “Remix” Neighborhood. The booths will include some of Bentonville’s most talented artists and makers. As well as interactive crafts for the whole family.

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Replay sponsored by Deep Roots Health Center:

• Our “Replay” Neighborhood will feature a variety of interactive, interesting, and entertaining action for the whole family.  Vendors and activities will be located on N. Main St.

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Rewind sponsored by NW Orthodontics:

• Continuing over to Second St. is the portal to our “Rewind” neighborhood. This neighborhood is where you’ll feel the vibe of fashion!  Vendors will educate, inspire, entertain, and offer products of all kinds for the whole family.

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