One of the best happenings in Northwest Arkansas is the Bentonville Farmers Market. Every year, music fills the streets, and several stands from top-tier vendors overflow with a unique variety of items—all produced right here in NWA.
The Bentonville Farmers Market returns in April 2023 for another eventful season filled with fabulous foods, handmade goods, live entertainment, and more! Located at 100 N Main St at the Square in downtown Bentonville, the market is open from 7:30 am–1 pm every Saturday through the end of October.
This is an experience you don’t want to miss! Whether it’s fresh produce, meat, and dairy from NWA farms or stunning craftwork and art pieces by talented entrepreneurs, you’ll always encounter something delightful at the Farmers Market.
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What To Expect at Bentonville Farmers Market 2023
What’s so amazing about Bentonville Farmers Market—besides the live music, special events, and high-quality vendors—is that it seems to outdo itself each year. The Saturday market is rapidly growing, reaching a record high last year with $1,289,955 in sales.
The Bentonville Farmers Market is sponsored by Downtown Bentonville Incorporated (DBI), the city’s dedicated non-profit. For over 20 years, DBI has been one of the most impactful groups helping to reinvigorate the city.
DBI is dedicated to its mission of creating and providing an exciting and festive downtown area that’s accessible and approachable by everyone. This is achieved through avenues of education, storytelling, and sensational experiences, like the Bentonville Farmers Market.
Every season, DBI brings more fun and excitement to the market. Last year was so fantastic, and I can’t wait to see all the new amazing additions and changes. It’s so exciting that Bentonville Farmers Market is soon returning in 2023 to the historic Square for another year of quality food, entertainment, and fun!
Bentonville Farmers Market on the Square will be open every Saturday from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm beginning in April and throughout October. Vendors, events, and entertainment will be announced closer to opening day. They may change throughout the season, so be sure to check their website regularly for updates.
Unlike some other farmers’ markets, the Bentonville Farmers Market vendors accept credit cards. So, there’s no need to stop at the ATM for cash before heading downtown–though they’ll accept that, too.
What’s more, as one of many ways DBI ensures everyone can enjoy the market, vendors also welcome payment via food assistance services. They can accommodate the WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Senior Farmers Markets Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
Looking Back at Last Year’s Event
The Farmers Market 2022 season opening was hosted by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Journey, one of the many great businesses with offices in Bentonville. The company raffled off patio sets throughout the day and provided homeowners with information about how to earn a $9,000 rebate through its special incentive program.
Max Wiliker, Style Director of BHG, also gave demonstrations for “Building the Perfect Planter.” They even provided complimentary dog treats and water bowls for any four-legged tagalongs.
In addition, there was live music, breathtaking outdoor vignettes displayed throughout the Square, and exclusive pop-up events.
Of course, like every year, visitors were also treated to the expected multitude of vendors and farmers selling a range of fresh, locally produced foods, from fruits and vegetables to cheeses, meats, baked goods, and more. At one stand, customers might find lush, leafy greens and plump, juicy peaches; at the next, they find flavorful jams and freshly baked bread.
And when all that shopping makes you hungry, visitors can take a break and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks and stands throughout the Square. Local restaurants and food vendors provide delectable items that will make your mouth water and leave you wanting more!
Local artists also show off their creative talents with an array of arts and crafts items for sale. Stands overflow with anything from hand-carved wooden cutting boards for the kitchen to crocheted animal puppets for the kids. Vendors also had all-natural soaps, clothing, knick-knacks, and other well-crafted artisan products.
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
Bentonville Virtual Farmers Market Pickup Thursdays
If you can’t make it out to the Square for the market on Saturday, no problem! You can buy your weekly supply of unique, local products online at the Bentonville Virtual Farmers Market.
Simply place an order anytime from Friday at noon until Wednesday at 5 pm for PickUp Thursdays. Orders are available for pickup at 103 South Main Street each Thursday from 4–6 pm. This is relatively new for Bentonville Farmers Market and a way to compensate for no longer opening on Wednesdays.
A long and growing list of items includes artisan soaps, lotions, lip balms, and of course, delicious foodstuff, like produce, cheese, premium meats, pantry goods, and even prepared frozen meals. Products come from dozens of high-quality local producers, including Bentonville’s own 211 Cafe and Mamma Z Tortilla and Tamale Factory. Items change weekly, so be sure to check frequently for your favorites!
Other Events in Downtown Bentonville on the Historic Square
If you enjoy the weekly Farmers Market on the Square, be sure to check out First Friday, Bentonville’s monthly block party. As the name suggests, head out to the Square on the first Friday of every month from 11 am to 9 pm, April through October, to experience a town gathering like no other.
Each month has a different theme and sponsor, so every block party is unique. For instance, this year, Hostess Brands is sponsoring a Back to School party in August, and Werther’s Original closes out the season with an Oktoberfest party.
And speaking of downtown Bentonville, did you know that there’s a full fledge ice skating rink here? Check out my article on ice skating in Bentonville for more information.
Final Thoughts
Whether you live in Bentonville or plan to visit NWA this year, the Bentonville Farmers Market is undoubtedly worth the time and travel to experience. It’s so fun, so cool, and yet another reason why Northwest Arkansas is genuinely one of the best places in America, where everyone is welcome to live, work, and play.
Sources
- Visit Bentonville: Bentonville Farmers Market
- Downtown Bentonville Inc: Who Is DBI?
- Downtown Bentonville Inc: Farmers Market – Events
- Downtown Bentonville Inc: Virtual Farmers Market – Events
- Downtown Bentonville Inc: First Friday – Events
- Downtown Bentonville Inc: 2022 Bentonville Farmers Market Season Kicks Off on April 9th
- NFMD: Bentonville Farmers Market (2023) – Bentonville, AR
- Festival Net: Bentonville Farmers Market On the Square – April 2023, a Farmers Market