WHAT TO EXPECT: FIRST FRIDAY OF AUGUST

First Friday 2024 is HERE!

For 7 months from April through October, dust off your old boom box and get out your cassette tapes as we invite everyone to come to Downtown Bentonville where It's hip to be square!

We are thrilled to have Walmart as our presenting sponsor for the 2024 season. We also want to give a big THANK YOU to our incredible community partners including the City of Bentonville, Visit Bentonville, and the Walton Family Foundation.

NEW FOR 24 First Friday Jams

GET READY for the monthly block parties by jamming to the ultimate First Friday Mixtape. Click here to listen! Updated monthly.

DRUMROLL NOW PLEASEHere's what to expect during August First Friday in Downtown Bentonville!

1. August theme: In search of gold!

An ode to the Olympic Games. What you can expect:

Learn more about the Olympic Games, the sports and traditions!

Participate in various Olympic activities! We will have all kinds of games and challenges during the event. We are talking about football, gymnastics, table tennis, archery and other fun activities.

Are you ready for excitement and adventure? Ninja Mobile will be on site with a ninja course designed for all levels, providing exciting challenges for the whole family. From kids to adults, and from beginners to fitness enthusiasts, everyone will have a blast navigating the dynamic and engaging obstacles. Imagine the thrill of climbing walls, swinging on ropes and testing your balance and agility!

Earn medals, take fun photos and buy Olympic gear from our suppliers.

2. This Month's Take-Over Sponsor: Drip Drop Hydration

Did you know that 75% of people are dehydrated, which affects health, mood and performance? Stay hydrated and recover faster with DripDrop.

Perfect for workouts, travel, and heat, DripDrop has 3x the electrolytes and half the sugar of leading sports drinks. It’s fast, effective, and delicious, with no artificial preservatives, gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, soy-free, dairy-free, and kosher.

Be sure to stop by the DripDrop tent!

3. Program for the first Friday of August:

11.00 AM Lunch on the Square – Below you will find the Food Truck offer.

12:00 o'clock Yoga on the Square with Yoga Story (FREE)

• For the First Friday festivities, join Yoga Story at 12pm in Bentonville Square for a free yoga class. All ages and yoga levels are welcome! Be sure to bring your mat, blanket, towel, and plenty of water.

3:00 PM – 9:00 PM The First Friday stalls are officially open!

4. Slim Chickens Main Stage:

4:45 – 5:00 PM Annie with Perry Ryan Theater

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM The 2nd Annual Bentonville's Got Talent*

19:10 – 19:20 Gavin Sumrall

7:30 PM BGT winner announced

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Barrett Baber

5. Information about Bentonville's Got Talent:

Enter the 2nd Annual Bentonville's Got Talent!

Come see a spectacular showcase of talents of all ages, ranging from singers to magicians and everything in between. The winner will be chosen by YOU via public vote!

Look for posters with QR codes around the event to cast your vote. Voting will be in two rounds and we ask that you vote once per round.

Don't miss the big announcement of the champion at 7:30pm. See you for an evening of unforgettable performances and community fun!

MEET THE PARTICIPANTS:

6. Your favorite food trucks return to the square!

Stroll down Main Street for these food truck options. Here's the full food truck lineup for August:

• BeaverTails Pastry
• Carsten Concessions
• Center Dawgs
• Tasty Kettle Corn
• Kona Ice Cream from Bentonville and Fayetteville
• Monster food truck
• Rolling taco
• Sugar Apple Baking Co

7. Barrett Baber on the main stage:

Barrett Baber is a talented singer-songwriter known for his powerful voice and captivating performances. Barrett gained national recognition as a finalist on NBC's “The Voice” and continues to amaze audiences with his unique blend of country and soul. His heartfelt lyrics and dynamic stage presence make him a standout artist on today's music scene. Don't miss your chance to experience Barrett Baber's incredible talent live!

8. Sensory Alley is BACK!

The Schmieding Foundation Inc. presents Sensory Alley, sponsored by Go-Go SqueeZ.

First Friday is a large, loud event that can be overwhelming. The Schmieding Foundation Inc. Sensory Alley is an inclusive space for individuals who experience barriers to First Friday. We want all individuals who experience these barriers to have a safe and inclusive space within the First Friday footprint to attend and enjoy First Friday.

Sensory Alley is a drop-in, cool-down space. To ensure a safe and inclusive space, all individuals requiring support must be accompanied by a family member/carer when visiting the space.

This month our friends from Powerback Pediatrics Join us! Powerback Pediatrics offers home and school-based ABA therapy for children ages 18 months to 20 years old. They provide fun and engaging individual therapy plans and support to children with autism and their families. Stop by Sensory Alley to learn about services, relax in a calm environment, pick up some fun freebies, and play games with their awesome team!

• Olympic ring painting
• Colored pages
• Bubble machine
• Corn hole
• And other activities

*Sensory Alley is generously funded by The Schmieding Foundation Incorporated.

9. Kids Zone at First Baptist Church

Located behind Studio 412 on Main St., FBC has a FREE KIDS AREA with bounce houses, inflatable slides, delicious waffles on a stick and more!

10. Free bicycle cleaning

Our friends at @bentonvillemovescoalition have collaborated with @pedalitforwardnwa And @we.are.pioniers to offer First Friday attendees FREE bike parking behind Arvest Bank (201 NE A St). Bike parking is open from 3pm-9pm. Simply ride to First Friday, drop off your bike with the Bentonville Moves team, and enjoy the fun on the plaza! When you’re ready to leave, return to the parking lot, pick up your bike, and you’re good to go! It’s that easy. Look for their tents! Racks have been generously donated by Pedal It Forward. Special thanks to Arvest for providing the new location!

Public restrooms are available at the Bentonville Community Church of the Nazarene.

11. How do you stay cool in the heat?

Northwest Arkansas has been experiencing record breaking weather lately with several heat warnings. We have partnered with several businesses to bring you multiple places to cool off during your visit to First Friday.

• Coldwell Bankers Cool Zone/Blue Room: Located on the corner of Main and Second, come here for refreshing beverages and air conditioning.
• The DBI Tent has entered into a partnership with Liquid IV to improve your water hydration.

12. Now let's talk about parking.

We want to provide as much guidance as possible when it comes to parking in the city centre as we know it can be tricky. As our city grows and develops we are here to help!

Please note that the roads immediately surrounding Bentonville Square will be closed due to crowds.

This link will take you to our updated parking map of downtown Bentonville!

Parking map of downtown Bentonville

As always, we recommend carpooling with your friends and family. Arrive early in Downtown Bentonville and explore the many shops and restaurants this fun city has to offer. Click the link here to discover more.

13. Share your photos with us and follow us.

@DowntownBentonville is the official social media account for Downtown Bentonville Inc. We post all event updates first on our accounts, so follow us for the latest news and be sure to check out our stories for fun sneak peeks.

Tag us and your photos and videos might be reshared!

Our First Friday neighborhoods of AUGUST 2024:

Neighborhoods are returning for our 2024 First Friday season! Divided into three distinct zones called Remix, Rewind, and Replay, neighborhoods promise a fun and organized way to experience First Friday.

Remix sponsored by McLarty Daniel:

• Stroll down S. Main Street to visit the Remix Neighborhood. The booths will feature some of Bentonville's most talented artists and makers. Plus, interactive crafts for the whole family.

Replay sponsored by Deep Roots Health Center:

• Our Replay Neighborhood will feature a variety of interactive, engaging and entertaining action for the entire family. Vendors and activities will be located on N. Main St.

Review sponsored by NW Orthodontics:

• As you continue down Second St. is the gateway to our Rewind neighborhood. Vendors will inform, inspire, entertain and offer products for the entire family.