WHAT TO EXPECT: AUGUST FIRST FRIDAY FUELED BY ZOA - BACK TO SCHOOL

News

Before we get started, we wanted to give a big THANK YOU to our generous community partners including Walmart, the City of Bentonville, Visit Bentonville, The Walmart Museum, and the Walton Family Foundation.

Here’s what you can expect from August First Friday fueled by ZOA Energy!

Presenting Sponsor: ZOA Energy Drinks

ZOA statement: “When you find energy, that motivation to get started, it doesn't stop with you. It keeps going, keeps evolving, and keeps igniting those around you. ZOA is here to light that spark inside you with a cleaner energy formula. Crafted to help you reach your potential and inspire others to reach just as high.”

1. The theme: Back to School

Gather the family and join us for a last hurrah before the kiddos head back to hit the books. We guarantee it will be the best Back To School party you’ll attend!

Picture this: Several schools, back-to-school programs & activities, school supply giveaways, games, hands-on activities, and crafts for all ages throughout the Downtown Bentonville area.

2. Our August Sponsor: Hostess


3.  Noteworthy Activities

Come out, have some fun, and test your skills in our mobile batting cage! NWA BAT-MOB  inflatable mobile batting cage will be on the square.  Part of their proceeds will be donated to the Pea Ridge Little League.

NWA Rolling Video Games truck will also be on site for all our gamers out there!

Kraft Heinz is coming to First Friday. Mac-and-cheese, family fun, and more!

4. The Music Lineup

Musical performance by the local cast of MATILDA JR 3:45pm

Bentonville Jazz Band                 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

BHS Orchestra Program 5:00 PM - 5:40 PM

Hostess Donette Eating Contest 5:45 PM - 6:00 PM

School of Rock         6:05 PM - 6:50 PM

Bentonville's Got Talent Winner- Gavin Sumrall 6:55 PM - 7:25 PM

Handshake Saints         7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

5.  YOGA with Yoga Story NWA

Yoga on the Square is BACK in August! Starting at 12 PM, Yoga Story NWA will be hosting a complimentary session. All skill levels are welcome, so come on out! All you need is your mat and a water bottle.

6. First Friday Neighborhoods: First Fridays in 2023 are bigger, better, and easier to navigate by being divided into 4 sections called Neighborhoods - Engaging, Creating, Welcoming, and Belonging. Read on to learn more.

Engaging sponsored by Bentonville Acupuncture:

Our “Engaging” Neighborhood will feature a variety of interactive, interesting, and entertaining action.  Vendors and activities will be located on 2nd Street.

Creating sponsored by McClarty Daniel: Stroll up NE A Street to visit the “Creating” Neighborhood. The booths will include some of Bentonville’s most talented artists and makers. As well as an interactive craft for the whole family.

Welcoming sponsored by NW Orthodontics: Continuing over to SE Main street is the portal to our “Welcoming” neighborhood. This neighborhood is where you’ll find family and kid focused vendors, games, and activities including Segway, the NWA Rolling Video Game Truck, and Gel Blaster!  

Belonging sponsored by Lifewater: Our final neighborhood is the “Belonging” neighborhood which can be found on NW Main St. It will include vendors and booths from groups that make-up our unique Bentonville community. And of course all our pets!

7. Sensory Alley

First Friday is a large, loud event that can be overstimulating for some!

The Schmieding Foundation Inc.’s Sensory Alley is an inclusive space for individuals who experience barriers in attending First Friday.

DBI and The Schmieding Foundation Inc. want all individuals who experience these barriers to have a safe and inclusive space inside the First Friday footprint in order 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/caregiver while visiting the space.

Thank you to The Schmieding Foundation Incorporated for generously sponsoring Sensory Alley.

8.  Food Trucks, Food Trucks, Food Trucks!

Here’s the full food-truck lineup:

9.  First Friday Kids Zone hosted by FBC Bentonville.  

Behind Studio 412 on Main St, FBC hosts a free, fun kids zone. Bouncy house, slides and more!

10. All Things Parking

We want to offer as much guidance as possible when it comes to parking downtown because we know it can get tricky.

Please remember that roads directly around the Bentonville Square will be closed to accommodate the crowds.

Follow this link to a virtual map courtesy of our friends at Visit Bentonville. Once you’re on the map, in the filter drop down menu select parking!

https://www.visitbentonville.com/wander-map/

As always, we recommend carpooling with your friends and family.

11. NEW Accessible Shuttle Service At First Friday

Please note, this parking and shuttle service is designated for community members with mobility challenges.

Downtown Bentonville Incorporated has secured support from Northwest Medical Center - Bentonville to provide designated parking, and a shuttle service to First Friday and holiday events.

This shuttle service will run from 4 PM to 8 PM during August First Friday.

Providing the reserved parking is First Baptist Church Bentonville. The church’s west parking lot will be available for guests with mobility challenges and their passengers. The lot is located at 2nd Street and B Street. Signage will show drivers where to park.  A 16-passenger ADA shuttle will pick up and drop off drivers and their passengers in a safe location at DBI’s event.

12. Art Trail at Night: Glow Party

Our friends at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art are hosting a fun drop-in experience. From 8-11 PM, join them for creative fun under the stars with music, food, art making, and more. From art making to performances, they’re transforming the Art Trail into a glowing garden of light and imagination that’s fun for all ages.

This event is free, no tickets are required.

More info: https://crystalbridges.org/calendar/art-trail-at-night-glow-party/

13. So when does it all begin?  And when does it end?

Food Trucks will roll up to the square and be available starting at 11:00 AM for lunch.

This year, First Fridays now start at 3:00 PM and run until 9:00 PM.

Please be advised and be respectful of downtown street closures during this time.  We’re all in this together!

14. 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 and be sure to check out our stories for fun sneak peeks.  

If you attend First Friday, fueled by ZOA Energy, make sure to tag us on Instagram at @downtownbentonville for a chance to be featured on our channel.