What to Expect: September First Friday - Superhero City

1. SEPTEMBER’S THEME: SUPERHERO CITY

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.

Local Heroes, Superheroes, Comic Book Heroes and more! Superhero ‘Movie Screening” area, Superhero sightings/photo ops throughout the event

September Presenting Sponsor: Splenda : There will be two official Indy race cars on display from Ed Carpenter Racing sponsored by Splenda and Java House. Splenda will be sampling new Splenda Teas in three delicious flavors that are now available at Walmart along with refreshing strawberry lemonade made with US grown Splenda Stevia. They will also be sampling cold brew, hydration, and energy drinks from our friends at Java House! Attendees will also have a chance to win an official racing jacket and prize package. Stop by the Splenda booth for giveaways like mini Splenda tote bags and zipper pouches with additional samples.

Stop by the McClarty Daniels booth- The Hulk has gone wild! He’s tossing cars, hurled boulders, and he’s angry! Don’t miss this epic photo opportunity.

Spider-Man swung by Bentonville and couldn’t resist perching on Sam Walton’s truck right outside the Walmart Museum. The perfect mix of Marvel mayhem and hometown history- don’t miss your chance to snap a one of a kind photo-op!

2. SEPTEMBER FIRST FRIDAY SCHEDULE

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

Carsten Concessions
Rolling Taco
Downtown Dawgs
Kona Ice of Bentonville & Fayetteville
Holey Moley Mini Donuts
Takashimura Hibachi / Hillbachi Japanese Grill
Chelle’s Burger Joint

12:00 - 1:00 PM: Yoga on the Square with Wonder Woman(FREE)

Before the First Friday festivities begin, join Yoga Story at noon on the Bentonville Square for a complimentary superhero 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

5:00 - 6:00 PM Bad Habits

6:00 - 7:00 PM Uncrowned Kings

7:00 - 9:00 PM Freddie Mercury Show

3. FIRST FRIDAY HIGHLIGHTS:

Superhero Training Academy on the Square - Obstacle course (hula hoops, balance beams, agility ladders) “Strength Test” with foam weights or hammer slam

Villain Capture Scavenger Hunt - Kids can search for “wanted” posters and if you capture all villain photos, you can win a badge!

Superhero Costume Contest - Visit the DBI tent on the square to enter!

Freddie Mercury coming to First Friday! - This First Friday, we honor one of the greatest frontmen in rock history. Please welcome to the First Friday stage: the voice, the vibe, the mustache-The Fabulous Freddie Mercury Tribute featuring starring Randall Shreve!

Superhero Theater - Step over to the Superhero Big Screen with vintage superhero cartoons, movie clips and a spotlight on the real heroes who inspire us every day.

Live Mural Painting

Videogame Trailer

DBI Booth: Superhero Masks and Capes, Passports and collectable stickers.

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 SEPTEMBER 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 Powerback Pediatrics are taking over Sensory Alley with stimulating activities and helping us create a calming environment.

We will have super hero themed games, make your own hero mask, bubbles, coloring, and other fun prizes!

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. SEPTEMBER'S NON-PROFIT PARTNER

This season at First Friday, we will have a new non-profit partner each month. September’s non-profit partner is The Children and Family Advocacy Center. While you're exploring First Friday, be sure to stop by their booth to learn more and show your support. The Children & Family Advocacy Center works to empower those impacted by trauma by providing a safe place to receive comprehensive services through a coordinated team approach from dedicated trauma-informed professionals. The organization offers services in advocacy, mental health counseling, forensic interviewing, medical exams, and residential programming for women and their children. Through these essential services, we provide the resources needed for children and families in our community, making a generational impact.

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!