What to Expect: April First Friday
This April marks the official season opener, and we’re setting the tone for an unforgettable year. From daytime activities to an evening concert experience, First Friday is designed to be an all-day, come-and-go event for all ages—and it’s completely FREE to attend.
We are thrilled to have Walmart back as our presenting sponsor for the 2026 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.
1. SEASON THEME: FIRST FRIDAY LIVE
The 2026 First Friday season introduces “First Friday Live”—a fresh focus on live music, performance, and immersive entertainment throughout the downtown district.
Expect:
A stronger emphasis on regional and local bands.
High-energy stage programming.
Interactive experiences that bring the community into the action.
2. EVENT SCHEDULE
11:00 AM – Food Trucks Open
Start your day with a wide variety of food options around the Square.
12:00 PM – Yoga on the Square
Join Yoga Story for a free, all-levels adult class. Bring your mat, water, and enjoy a midday reset in the heart of downtown.
3:00 PM – Vendor Booths Open
Explore 150+ booths featuring local artists, makers, small businesses, and community organizations.
5:00 PM – Live Music Begins (Main Stage)
An evening of live entertainment kicks off, featuring:
Jakob Alexander (5:00–5:30 PM)
A rising local artist bringing an authentic, singer-songwriter sound to the stage.
Perry Ryan Theater (5:40-5:50 PM)
Bringing a theatrical twist to the First Friday stage, Perry Ryan Theater Company will present a lively showcase of musical favorites, including:
A featured scene from The Little Mermaid — “She’s in Love.”
A powerhouse rendition of “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from Funny Girl.
The Sons of Otis Malone (6:00–7:15 PM)
A high-energy Americana/rock group known for crowd engagement and powerful live sets.
Arkansauce (7:30–9:00 PM)
One of Arkansas’ most beloved bands, blending bluegrass, rock, and funk into an electric, must-see performance to close out the night.
9:00 PM – Event Ends
3. FIRST FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Interactive Fun + Activities
First Friday is more than a concert—it’s a fully immersive experience throughout downtown:
Carnival Games for all ages
Foam Dunk Tank (yes, you can dunk someone)
Kids Parkour Experience hosted by Miller’s Youth Sports
Hands-on activities hosted by community partners across the event footprint
Family-Friendly Experiences
There’s something for every age group, with a strong focus on family fun:
Kids Zone at First Baptist Church
Located behind Studio 412 on Main Street, this FREE kids area includes:
Bounce houses.
Blow-up slides.
Waffles on a stick.
And more surprises for young attendees.
Vendor Marketplace
With 150+ vendors, First Friday transforms downtown into a vibrant open-air market featuring:
Artists & handmade goods
Bakers & specialty foods
Local businesses & service providers
Clubs, nonprofits, and community organizations
Pet services, health providers, and more
Whether you’re shopping, browsing, or just exploring—you’ll find something new around every corner.
Food + Drink
Food trucks open at 11 AM with a wide variety of options.
Local restaurants and businesses throughout downtown will also be open.
Complimentary drinks
Thanks to event sponsors Bloom & C4, attendees can enjoy free product samples while supplies last!
4. PLAN YOUR VISIT
First Friday takes place throughout Downtown Bentonville, centered around the Square.
- Roads near the Square will be closed to accommodate the event
- We recommend carpooling or arriving early to explore downtown shops and restaurants
- Come and go throughout the day, or stay for the full experience
5. STAY CONNECTED
Follow along for updates, sneak peeks, and live coverage:
@DowntownBentonville
Tag us in your photos and videos for a chance to be featured!