Blog Home

What To Expect: July First Friday - Land of the Free

1. JULY's Theme: LAND OF THE FREE

This First Friday is extra special! We’re partnering with the City of Bentonville and Bentonville Parks & Recreation for the ultimate 4th of July celebration! From 3-9 PM, we’re partying on the Square, from 9-10 PM, An Evening at Orchards Park kicks off with its incredible fireworks show!

July Presenting Sponsor:  Liquid IV

The Liquid I.V. Hydrators are bringing the drip to First Fridays, handing out samples of the Hydration Multiplier® in nostalgic summer flavors like Cotton Candy, Popsicle® Firecracker, Sugar-Free Rainbow Sherbet, and Raspberry Lemonade. Swing by the booth to stay refreshed and keep your hydration levels high while enjoying the festivities.

2. JULY’s First Friday Schedule

11:00 - 9:00 PM Food Trucks on the Square

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.

3:00 - 9:00 PM: First Friday booths officially open! (Giveaways and samples begin at 5:00 PM)

Mainstage Schedule:

4.30 - 4:45 PM Perry Ryan Theater

4:50 - 5:00 PM Flag Ceremony with Cub Scout Pack 525

5:00 PM Erin Detherage - National Anthem

5:00 - 5:45 PM Erin Detherage Band

5:45 - 6:00 PM Hot Dog Eating Contest

6:00 - 6:50 PM AP ELECTRIC BAND  

7:00 - 9:00 PM Funk Factory

9:00 PM Orchards Park Fireworks & Music on the Square

• Stick around on the Bentonville Square for music or head to Orchards Park for An Evening at Orchards Park Fireworks and Live Music!

3. First Friday Highlights:

• Land of the Free Games & Activities on the Square: 
  • Sack Races
  • Tug of War
  • Patriotic Bingo
  • Cornhole
  • Firework Chalk Art 

• Food Trucks are BACK!
  • Carstens Concessions
  • Kona Ice of Bentonville & Fayetteville
  • Chelle's Burger Joint
  • Rolling Taco

4. 2025 First Friday Neighborhoods

Divided into two distinct zones: Venture Village, sponsored by Deep Roots Health Center, and Travelers Trail, sponsored by McLarty Daniel. Each zone will be packed with fun vendors and activity booths for you to explore. Tune into your sense of adventure and community, and get ready for a stellar time!

5. Sensory Alley at July First Friday!

First Friday is a large, loud event that can be overstimulating. 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.

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.

This month, our friends with Inner Circle Autism Network are taking over Sensory Alley with stimulating activities and helping us create a calming environment.

We believe that therapy should be fun! At Inner Circle, it is our mission to inspire each child to grow, learn, play, connect, wonder, and discover

6.  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!

7. July’s Non-Profit Partner

This season at First Friday, we will have a new non-profit partner each month. JULY’s non-profit partner is Bentonville Cub Scout Pack 525. 

While you're exploring Main Street, be sure to stop by their booth to learn more and show your support. Cub Scout Pack 525 is an active and inclusive group for boys and girls in grades K–5 based in Bentonville, Arkansas. Focusing on character development, leadership, and outdoor skills through hands-on activities, community service, and adventure.

They will host a hands-on activity where kids can build small boats and race them in a water track. They’ll also have a prize wheel that children can spin for a chance to win small giveaways.

8. All things 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.

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

Use our NEW, interactive parking map. https://downtownbentonville.org/explore/parking

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.

9. 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.

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