Welcome to Downtown First Fridays!
March - November
11:30 am - 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

This once a month event transforms the Bentonville Square into a huge block party filled with live music, great food and lots of fun for an entire day. Whether you're meeting a bunch of friends for lunch, getting together after work or connecting back up with the family after a long week, First Fridays are the place to be!  Since taking to the streets in August 2008, this event has continued to grow. Now considered a staple event in the Dowtown Bentonville production season, thousands come down to the Square to eat, drink, shop and have fun. Each celebration is different, so you never know what you'll see.

 

Want your business to be involved?  Please download and review the following documents.  Applications may be submitted to our office via email, post mail, or fax.  Please submit your application at least one month in advance of the month you would like to participate in.  We are now accepting 2012 vendor applications!

2012 FIRST FRIDAY VENDOR APPLICATION         

2012 FIRST FRIDAY VENDOR GUIDELINES

 

OUR FIRST FRIDAY SEASON (check the Feature to the right for the upcoming First Friday schedule of events)

March 2nd - Midway to St. Patrick's Day

It's our opening First Friday event of the year, and we're wearing the green!

A celebration of the Irish in all of us, the March First Friday brings in some of the top tier Irish bands from around the country, along with the traditional Irish dance schools and foods that make this a unique event for Northwest Arkansas. 

 

 

 

April 6th - International Festival

This global event highlights a snapshot of cultures from around the world bringing in foods, costumes, flags and music from around the globe. This festival incorporates the multiple new restaurants in downtown, and is truly a taste of the world.

 

 

 

 

May 4th & 5th - Arts and Nature Festival

DBI will host a weekend filled with art and nature focused events.  The weekend includes The Art and Nature First Friday, The Bentonville Farmers Market and musical events.

 

 

 

 

June 1st & 2nd - Bentonville ArtWalk

Held during what was traditionally the June First Friday program, the two-day Bentonville Artsfest will focus on visual arts and music, with culinary elements sprinkled throughout the event. 

 

 

 

July 6th & 7th - American Art and Music Festival

Using the Mom, Baseball and Apple Pie July First Friday as the festival’s foundation, Downtown Bentonville will host a 2-4 day music and food event celebrating the American Spirit.

 

 

 

 

August 3rd - Back to School

The last big hurray before going back to school.
This event will be produced in partnership with the Bentonville Public School District and Nickelodeon.

 

 

 

 

September 7th & 8th - Slaughter Pen Jam Music festival

With the Slaughter Pen Hollow Jam as a backdrop, and using the First Friday Bikeapalooza and Bentonville Farmers Market as a festival foundation, Downtown Bentonville will host a three-day music festival featuring some of the best bluegrass acts from around the region. 

 

 

 

 

October 5th - Oktoberfest

While not the same as the famous Bavarian festival, we offer an array of tradition German music, polka and homemade bratwurst.  We even have a Root Biergarten for the entire family!  Sponsored by PepsiCo

 

 

 

 

November 2nd - Toyland

Over 50 Walmart toy vendors come in from around the country to showcase their new toy lines, offering a unique opportunity for Northwest Arkansas citizens and beyond to get a sneak peak at Santa’s Christmas list.  Live music, food and kid’s activities are included in this event. See and experience the latest in childhood fantasy just in time for the holiday season.  Sponsored by Walmart and the Walmart Visitor Center