Fright Night Fun Hits Bentonville's First Friday
Bentonville, AR - Get ready to find a Haunted Holler at October First Friday presented by Walmart! Our free, spooky (but family-friendly) event returns on October 3 and will feature themed vendors, a pumpkin carving contest, trick-or-treat fun, and a costume parade.
Think you’re a master pumpkin carver? Now is the time to put your skills to the test! October First Friday will have a pumpkin carving contest with pumpkins lining the square, allowing the public to vote on the best one. Participants should bring their pre-carved pumpkins to the square between 12:00 and 4:00 PM on Friday to enter.
Start your Haunted Holler morning with a stretch! Roll out your mat beneath the Great Pumpkin on the Square and flow through a fun, all-levels yoga class with Yoga Story beginning at 12:00 PM. Booths and activities will open at 3:00 PM, with giveaways and samples beginning at 5:00 PM.
Come out and be a part of the Razorback energy as the Spirit Squad will bring the Hog Call and that unbeatable Hog spirit to the heart of Bentonville during First Friday! Whether you're a lifelong fan or just love a good time, this is the perfect way to kick off your weekend.
As Haunted Holler will be the last First Friday of 2025, we’re going out with a “howl” by having a second stage featuring a Howl-Off Contest, a magic show, and a flash mob performing the iconic Thriller dance.
Here is the full schedule of the Fright & Delight stage:
5:00 - 5:30 PM Haunted Holler Scavenger Hunt
5:30 - 5:45 PM Haunted Holler Bingo
5:45 - 6:00 PM Howl-Off Contest
6:00 - 6:45 PM Magic with George the Mysterious
7:00 PM Thriller Dance with Mr. Ladd
Make plans to eat and shop downtown during First Friday! Enjoy a wide variety of local restaurants and unique shops throughout the day. And for quick bites, food trucks will be set up in the event footprint from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM for grab-and-go meals.
Here’s the full First Friday stage schedule:
4:30 - 4:45 PM Perry Ryan Theater Company
5:00 - 5:45 PM Abbey Pierce
5:45 - 6:00 PM Razorback Spirit Squad & Big Red
6:00 - 7:15 PM Jukebox Confession
7:20 PM Pumpkin Carving Contest Winner Reveal
7:20 - 7:30 PM Monster March: Halloween Costume parade
7:30 - 9:00 PM Po Ramblin Boys
October First Friday will be 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!
Please remember that roads directly around the Bentonville Square will be closed to accommodate the crowds. Use our interactive parking map at downtownbentonville.org/explore/parking to help navigate parking Downtown.
We also want to give a big THANK YOU to community partners: the City of Bentonville, Visit Bentonville, and the Walton Family Foundation.
ABOUT DOWNTOWN BENTONVILLE INC.
Downtown Bentonville Inc. works to promote community and enhance the Downtown Bentonville experience for everyone.