If you aren’t aware, the first Friday of every month in Bentonville, Arkansas, gets turned into a fun event, which locals have simply named “First Friday.” The event is usually organized around a theme, and there’s always something to do, meaning big groups of friends or families are guaranteed to have a wonderful time. Some of the attractions to enjoy here include magic acts, science experiments, fun group games, special rides, and horse rides.
First Fridays are themed events held on the first Friday of every month in Bentonville, Arkansas. They allow the community to get together and have a great time, enjoying traditional southern cuisine and partaking in fun games and activities. The event brings life to the city’s downtown square.
If it hasn’t been clear thus far, I want to reiterate that I highly recommend you partake in a First Friday event should you ever get the chance. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the event, including its premise, how long it lasts, its location, as well as what you can expect from your experience there. I’ll also take you through some other fun events to enjoy if you’re ever in Bentonville, so make sure to keep reading until the end.
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First Fridays in Bentonville, Arkansas — Everything You Need To Know
Though one would expect First Friday to be a nighttime event, you might be pleased to learn that the activities last the entire day, so you can dedicate a whole Friday to exploring Bentonville’s downtown square and taking in everything it has to offer.
According to Downtown Bentonville, the event starts at 11 AM, so you’ll have plenty of time to get up and fuel up with a hearty breakfast (which the city is known for) before heading downtown. As you’ll also figure out by yourself, staying full and energized is essential in order to enjoy such an activity-filled event.
Though there’s no shortage of places to eat around the area, tourists often find the atmosphere, games, and movements so overwhelming that they often forget to eat altogether.
Moreover, keep in mind that though the music starts at 11 AM (that’s also when most food trucks arrive), games and activities don’t begin before 3 AM, so if you’re planning on spending only half a day at the event, make sure to choose an afternoon instead of a morning.
As mentioned, the event takes place in Bentonville Square, and it always follows a theme depending on the current month or season.
For example, First Fridays in July are usually American Spirit-themed, those in August are back-to-school themed, those in October are Oktoberfest-themed, and so on. However, you’ll find that the holiday-themed First Fridays are a bit special. Since those usually take place during the times when the city hosts more tourists, you’ll find that more special acts are included in the already busy activity schedule.
While it’s already apparent that First Fridays are a Bentonville event you don’t want to miss out on, there are still plenty of other activities to enjoy in the city. So, if you cannot plan your Bentonville visit around the first Friday of the month, don’t worry! There’s still plenty to do and see.
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Other Events To Enjoy in Bentonville, Arkansas
In this section, you’ll find three additional Bentonville events that are extremely popular among the community. However, keep in mind that some of these are seasonal, so your ability to experience them can sometimes depend on the timing of your visit. This is all to say that some research beforehand is of the essence when planning your Bentonville itinerary.
Now, without further ado, let’s dive into these fun events.
Also, I have a 3-day itinerary that can help you decide what activities to do if you’re overwhelmed by everything Northwest Arkansas has to offer.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a foodie, a sports person, a sightseer, or want to spend quality time with your kids; I have something for you. Check out the link below to learn more:
https://www.allthingsnwa.com/3-day-itinerary-northwest-arkansas
Christmas Parade
While this parade is a seasonal occurrence, it’s still one of the most popular in Bentonville, Arkansas. The city is big on celebrating the holidays, and its festive spirit comes out in its annual Christmas Parade.
While I’ll take you through some of the details to know before attending the event, I also want to note that the whole thing is televised, so you can see for yourself the fun, festive atmosphere you’ll be able to partake in during your visit.
Just like First Friday, Christmas Parade is hosted by Downtown Bentonville, so you can expect the same dedication and attention to detail. Though the event is pretty busy (featuring thousands of participants and hundreds of floats), you’ll find the sense of community it creates very comforting.
Farmer’s Market
If you don’t get the chance to visit Bentonville during the holiday season, no worries! There are still a few fun events you can enjoy year-round, and a prime example of this is the city’s famous Farmer’s Market. The market usually takes place twice a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays, so there’s really no justification for you not to go.
While schedules are flexible, the Wednesday market usually lasts from 4 to 7 PM, while the Saturday market is open from 7:30 to 1 pm. There, you’ll find a wide assortment of local ingredients and dishes, including cheeses, meats, and produce. You can also purchase handmade jewelry and decorations, many of which are unique and impossible to find elsewhere.
Art & Culinary Week
If you’re into art or want to learn more about the city’s cuisine, you’ll love Bentonville’s Art & Culinary Week. The event is just what it sounds like — it gives local artists and chefs a platform to showcase their craft and provide the community with an experience that’s hard to forget.
The timing of this event can vary, though, so make sure to check the city’s schedule before planning your visit.
And while in Bentonville, don’t miss your chance to eat in Yeyo’s, one of the best places to eat in America. Check out my article for more information!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ever in Bentonville, Arkansas, I highly recommend taking part in one of the city’s First Friday events. These consist of large group gatherings where locals and tourists alike can enjoy some good food and music, marvel at some impressive acts, and participate in fun, inclusive games.
The goal of the event is to bring the community together. So, if you’re planning a trip to Bentonville any time soon, make sure to time it so that you don’t miss out on such a delightful, quintessentially southern tradition.
