You are excited about the return of community events.

WE ARE TOO. 

And we hope you’re ready for fun because Downtown Bentonville Inc. is ready to make up for lost time (and no big events in 2020) with an action-packed June First Friday!

We’ll leave you with a Buzzfeed-style list of what you can expect from First Friday: Destination Arkansas  — in pictures, of course.

1.  The theme is Destination Arkansas.

From cultural attractions including world-class museums and art galleries to the beauty of the Natural State visible through winding trails, rushing rivers, and views from above, there’s no shortage of adventure in Arkansas. 

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

The First Friday: Destination Arkansas sponsor is Pig Trail Harley-Davidson.

2. ...The times they are a-changin’

The actual First Friday event times are changing in 2021 to accommodate for more evening time activities. 

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

Please be advised of downtown street closures during this time.

*Also, please stop running over our street closure signs.  

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3.  But first, yoga

Walk, drive, run, or bike to the Bentonville Square at noon on Friday for a complimentary yoga class provided by Yoga Story.  

All levels of yoga are welcome, and the class is free to the public.  

Please bring a yoga mat and water.  

4. Do not throw away your shot…

Visit the pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic on North Main Street from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. No reservations needed. The Pfizer vaccine (first or second dose) will be offered.

This clinic is in partnership with Benton County Emergency Services and provided by Collier Drug Stores. 

Special thanks to Arvest for providing clinic space. 

5. Get revved up. 

Our Destination Arkansas sponsor is Pig Trail Harley-Davidson. 

They’ll be all over the Bentonville Square during First Friday with a t-shirt launcher.  Who doesn’t love a free t-shirt?

Giveaways are scheduled for 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. 

Pig Trail Harley-Davidson is also raffling off a motorcycle.  

6. We’re pumping up the jam.

We can all agree that the Bentonville Square was quiet for too long in 2020. 

We’re ready to rock on the Bay Cities Mainstage with The Royale at 5:00 PM and Irie Lions at 7:15 PM. 

Photo credit : Brian Davis Photography

7. Axes, escape rooms, obstacle courses, oh my!

We’re bringing a sense of Arkansas adventure to First Friday in Downtown Bentonville!

Here’s a few activities that you’ll see downtown:

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• AXE THROWING: Ozark Axe House will be downtown with their mobile axe-throwing trailer. Donations for Box of Balloons will be accepted. 

• CREATIVE GETAWAYS: Can you find your way out of Ozark Escape Room’s mobile escape room?  We hope so or things could get weird.

• BUNGY JUMPING: Flippin’ Crazy is back with your favorite way to alllllmost lose your dinner. 

• CRUISE THE OPEN ROAD: Pig Trail Harley-Davidson will display the brand new Serial 1 e-bikes and STACYC IRONe kids balance bikes. You can also jump on a motorcycle and get revved up with their Jump Start trailer. 

• SKY HIGH ADVENTURES: Visit with the folks from Oz1 Flying Club and learn how you can take to the skies in the Natural State!

• OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES: Schedule a weekend adventure with 37 North Expeditions. From horseback riding to hiking to day-long biking excursions, they have amazing experiences for all.

• HARDCORE SUP: They call it adventurous fitness and we guarantee you’ll feel the burn while enjoying beautiful Arkansas scenery! Learn more about stand-up paddle boarding from SUP NWA. 

• CREATIVE EXPRESSION: Kids, create a masterpiece at the Art Bus. You’ll find it at the Art Field across from Oli + Meg.  

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• AMAZEUM ON-SITE: Our friends at the Scott Family Amazeum are bringing a pop-up that you'll have to 'use your noodle' to build and Curiosity Corner will be there with merchandise for sale that is perfect for the curious and creative kid in your life.

8. See the original BikeARTist, nine time world MTB champion Kenny Belaey.

Belaey brings his Mountain Bike TRIALS show all the way from Belgium.  

The exhibition is part of the Bentonville Bike Fest promo tour and will take place during First Friday on the square.   

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9.  Food, glorious food!

After all that fun, you’ll need some Destination Arkansas adventure fuel.

From hearty snacks to delicious desserts, here are the food trucks you’ll see downtown:  

• Arkan-Thaw Ice Shavers
• Cacahuzintle un pedacito de Mexico 
• Buttercup
• K’Zolis LLC
• Carsten
• Kona Ice of Bentonville & Fayetteville

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10.  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.  

@Andrew.s.Heath.5 is our Executive Director’s account and he mostly posts photos of his dog, Coco.