First Friday 2024 ….is 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!”

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.

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 September First Friday in Downtown Bentonville!

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1. September’s Theme: Adrenaline!

What you can expect:

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Everything that gets your heart pumping! Expect to feel a rush as you experience awesome shows, heart-pumping music, and extraordinary vendors this month.

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Stage side, The Globe of Death combines the art of motorcycle riding with the thrill of extreme sports. The show has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a circus act. It has evolved into a thrilling and exciting sport that captures the imagination and inspires awe, The Globe of Death is a testament to the human spirit of adventure.

Whether cycling, flying, zip-lining, rock climbing, kayaking, hunting, fishing, martial arts, science, theater, or tattoos are what you love, we’ve got your adrenaline-pumping experience covered.

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Overhead:

Look to the skies around 5:00 PM to see the GB1 Game Bird. Designed by renowned aerobatic champion Philipp Steinbach, and built by local company, Game Composites, this is a plane unlike any other aerobatic airplane.

BONUS: Visit the Fly Oz tent to win a FREE Game Bird flight!!  Prepare for an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled, adventure of a lifetime.

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2.  This Month’s Take-Over Sponsor: Java House

Enjoy barista-style coffee made just as you like it, with the perfect pairing of Java House brews and a splash of sweetness from Splenda. The perfect cup of coffee awaits you!

3. September First Friday Schedule:

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

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

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

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4. Slim Chickens Mainstage:

3:50 - 4:00 PM Globe of Death

4:00 - 4:50 PM School of Rock

4:50 - 5:00 PM Globe of Death

5:00 - 6:50 PM Swade Diablos

6:50 - 7:00 PM Globe of Death

7:00 - 9:00 PM Elton John Tribute (ft. Jon Shorter)

• Elton John Tribute: Glitter, glam, and all the greatest hits! Jon Shorter takes the stage, channeling the one and only Sir Elton John. With dazzling costumes, electrifying energy, and iconic piano riffs, this tribute show is sure to leave you feeling like you’re standing in the front row at a real Elton concert. So, grab your feather boas and heart-shaped glasses—it's time to step into the spotlight and sing along to the songs that have been lighting up our lives for decades!

5. Your Favorite Food Trucks Return To The Square!

Here’s the full food truck lineup for September: Make your way up Main Street for these yummy options…

• Hillbachi Grill
• Who Cut the Cheese Food Truck (Brian's Beverages)
• K'Zolis LLC
• Downtown Dawgs
• Rolling Taco
• Carsten Concessions
• Swalty Kernel

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6. Sensory Alley is BACK!

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

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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 Blue Sprig Pediatrics are taking over!

• Stop by Sensory Alley and join them for various stimulating activities.
• sensory bin with four-wheelers, dirt bikes, and trucks
• A marble track for kids to play with and build
• Coloring/art activity

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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

Located 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 much 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. How To Stay Cool In The Heat

Northwest Arkansas has seen some record-breaking weather lately with several heat advisories. We have teamed up with several businesses to bring you multiple cool-down spots throughout your First Friday visit.

• Coldwell Banker’s Chill Zone/Blue Room: Located on the corner of Main and Second, stop in for refreshing drinks and AC.

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10. 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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11. 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 September 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.  Vendors will educate, inspire, entertain, and offer products of all kinds for the whole family.

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