8 Things You Can Expect at July First Friday

News

Our First Friday listicle extravaganza continues in July.

Here’s a list of what you can expect from First Friday: American Heroes  — in pictures, of course.

[Helpful Note: A listicle is an article that is basically a numbered list.] 



1. The theme is American Heroes.


We are all looking forward to marking Independence Day in a meaningful way.

First Friday: American Heroes will celebrate and say thanks to active military, veterans, firefighters, law enforcement personnel and all community heroes who step up each day to protect, serve, and keep us safe. Join us on Friday, July 2nd from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM.


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


2. But first, yoga (....hot yoga!)

Walk, drive, run, or bike to the Bentonville Square at noon on Friday for a complimentary yoga class provided by Yoga Story.  It will be hot, so bring water and a yoga mat.  

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




3.  Get ready for a taste of Americana!


It’s a bird; it’s a plane: If your kids love airplanes, don’t miss First Friday. A red, white, and blue XtremeAir will be parked in the middle of downtown Bentonville for the community to view, photograph, and enjoy! Check out this carbon fibre composite aerobatic aircraft up close and personal. The plane has a 24-foot wingspan, is 21 feet long, and will be located at the intersection of NW Main Street and Second Street. Special thanks to Steuart Walton for this big addition to First Friday!

Pledge of Allegiance: Boy Scout Troop #450 will perform a flag ceremony and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to begin the stage show at 4:45 PM.


National Anthem:  Join us for a National Anthem presentation at 4:50 PM by Sarah Loethen.


Wreaths Across America:  Visit the Wreaths Across America booth and learn about the nonprofit’s mission to continue and expand the annual wreath laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and across the country. The booth will be raising funds to lay wreaths on 765 veteran graves in December. Wreaths cost $15 each.  Learn more here.


Classic Car Show: Hot rods and hot weather will be aplenty at our July First Friday. Cool off by checking out classic cruisers and vintage vehicles at a Classic Car Show located at the field diagonal from the square.

You’ll also notice real fire trucks, police vehicles, motorcycles, and more throughout the First Friday footprint. 



4. We’re ready to R.O.C.K. in the USA.


We’re ready to rock on the Bay Cities Mainstage!

*Speaking of the Bay Cities Mainstage, our large stage will now be located on Second Street, in front of Arvest Bank. 

Here's the schedule:

4:45 PM: Flag Ceremony by Boy Scout Troop 450 and Pledge of Allegiance

4:50 PM:  National Anthem by Sarah Loethen

5:00 PM: Miller House

5:30 PM to 6:00 PM: Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra Percussion Marching Band 

6:00 PM to 7:15 PM: Dirty Seconds

7:30 PM - Pat Ryan Key





5. Entertaining, Amazing, and Downright Crafty Things to Do Downtown:


Photo Ops:  Our friends at Picture Perfect NWA will have two booths on the Bentonville Square offering complimentary social media photos. 

*Bonus points if you post your photo and tag @DowntownBentonville.


Beautiful Music with APO: You never know where the Arkansas Philharmonic Orchestra may pop up! Stop by the APO booth for info about upcoming events, concerts, and everything in-between. There will also be a surprise musical experiment you won’t want to miss! #youmightbesurprised


FORE!:  The summer months are among us and if it's been a while since you've hit the golf course! Pin Wolf will offer a chance for you to brush up on your swinging form with their Golf Simulator.


Axe Throwing: Urban Forest Axe House and Ozark Axe House will be downtown with their mobile axe-throwing trailer.  

Note: Ozark Axe house will accept donations for Adopt-a-Cop.


Might as well...JUMP!: Flippin’ Crazy returns with your favorite way to alllllmost lose your dinner. 


Fun, Fun, Fun: Royal Fun brings the fun with a rock wall, super slide, and obstacle course.

Make Your Escape: Also back by popular demand, give Ozark Escape Room’s mobile escape room a try!  Did you know the mobile escape room was built out of a real fire truck?  




 6. We don’t have American Pie, but we do offer (almost) everything from hearty snacks to delicious desserts.  Here are the food trucks you’ll see downtown:  






7. ...The times they are a-changin’


First Friday event times are changing in 2021 to accommodate more evening activities. 


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


Please be advised and respectful of downtown street closures during this time.


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




 8. Share your photos with us & 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.  


If you attend First Friday, make sure to tag us on Instagram.  We’ll share your story!