Here’s a list of what you can expect from First Friday:  Our Bentonville  — in pictures, of course.

1. The theme.

Downtown Bentonville Inc. opened our November First Friday theme to input from the community. Of course, we read every submission, from a Candyland theme to a Netflix Squid Games-themed community event (...um, no thanks!).  

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We decided on….Our Bentonville.

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Our community’s foundation is rooted in the basics--we are a city that embraces connection, remains friendly, and is welcoming to all who live here.
We invite you to celebrate everything to love about Our Bentonville during our November First Friday, from lively music to thoughtful activities to throwback images!

Big thanks to our First Friday season sponsors:  Walmart, Visit Bentonville, The Walmart Museum, City of Bentonville, Walton Family Foundation.

2.  We’re mixing up the music.

Music begins on the Bay Cities Mainstage at 5 PM.  

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Get ready to dance with a family-friendly DJ Showcase with four turntables and live hand drums.
You’ll hear vinyl funk, jazz, and house music from DJ Jordan Long, visiting Bentonville from Los Angeles! He’ll be joined by local DJs Theronious Chunk, Stoker, and Skater Ed.

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3.  Throwback Images.

First Friday: Our Bentonville will feature photos and memorabilia of our city’s past, thanks to the Bentonville History Museum.  Stroll the Bentonville Square and enjoy the historic images displayed throughout the event footprint.  

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4.  NWA Space and Science Center.

Thanks to NWA Space and Science Center, Main Street will turn into a hub for learning and understanding how science impacts our daily lives.

You'll see geysers of elephant toothpaste and rockets -- all powered by common household items -- soaring skyward during First Friday.

Demonstrations will be held at the half-hour of every hour -- from 3:30 pm until 8:30 pm. Not only will you be amazed at the foaming action of elephant toothpaste, but you'll also learn the science behind the foam!

Rockets powered by two different fuels -- Diet Coke and Mentos and baking soda and vinegar -- offer more opportunities to be wowed while learning. You might even get your hair blown around by a roiling vortex blasted from a 55-gallon air cannon! 

While waiting for the demos to start, visit NWA Space and Science Center's nearby booth to learn more about the science, technology, and engineering of the James Webb Space Telescope. The James Webb Space Telescope launch is scheduled for 6:20 am CST Dec. 18, 2021.

Volunteers will also demonstrate a variety of STEM concepts.

NWA Space and Science Center is a nonprofit organization building a science education and outreach center in Northwest Arkansas. Learn more about NWA Space and Science Center's mission at www.nwa.space.

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5.  A bigger, better beer garden. 

We tested our Beer Garden in October.  
Now we’re making it bigger and better.  
Bentonville Brewing Company, Bike Rack Brewing Company, and Social Project Brewing Co. will be on-site, serving up your favorite local beers.

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Where is it? Find the beer garden at the field on Central and A Street.  
Who can go? Anyone over the age of 21.  
Where can I drink? Beer can not leave the beer garden.

6.  Come hungry.

You’ll see the following food trucks downtown: 

Kona Ice of Bentonville & Fayetteville

Buckaroo Outpost

Raised and Glazed donuts

Bartleby's Food

Rolling Taco

Swalty

Ali Lynn's bubble tea

K'Zolis LLC

Carstens x2

ButterCup

Java Dudes

Downtown Dawgs

7.  Knock out your holiday shopping.

Check items off of your holiday shopping list on our Holiday Gift Street.  Purchase unique, handcrafted items on North Main Street and then head throughout our downtown to continue shopping at our local boutiques and retail shops!

8.  The triumphant return of Kids Zone.  

Kids Zone will be located at NE 2nd Street.  Here’s what the kiddos can expect:

Jumping Castle

Climbing Wall

Obstacle Course 

Bungee Trampoline

Games

Crafts

Ozark Axe house will be on site accepting donations for the Children's Advocacy Center

9. Free family-friendly experiences

Play Nature Bingo at the 37 North Expeditions' booth...

Color Bentonville-themed coloring sheets at the Better Homes & Gardens-Journey’s booth...

...and don't miss more free family games, food, and music in the Studio 412 Parking Lot off of Main Street.

10. Get a healthy start. ‍

Before First Friday festivities, join Yoga Story at noon on the Bentonville Square for a complimentary yoga class.  All yoga levels are welcome to attend!  Please bring a yoga mat and water.

11.  If you are in need of a COVID-19 vaccine...

A COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be available to walk-ins from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm at 105 South Main Street. 

The clinic will offer first and second doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine as well as booster shots.

No appointment is needed.

The vaccinations are free; insurance is not required. Those attending the clinics do not need to provide identification or social security card to get vaccinated. Vaccine clinics will be held indoors, in a private space, removed from the event footprint.  

12. 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.

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

Here’s a map of available free downtown parking courtesy of our friends at Visit Bentonville.   

 13.  When does it all begin?  End?

First Fridays will now run from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

Please be advised and respectful of downtown street closures during this time.  We’re all in this together!

 14. 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.  If you attend First Friday, make sure to tag us on Instagram.  We’ll share your story!