Category: EVENTS

What’s Buzzing in Bentonville this weekend…

July 17, 2025

Bentonville is buzzing with activity this weekend, July 18-20, 2025! Whether you’re looking for family fun, outdoor adventures, artistic inspiration, or a chance to support local, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a rundown of the top things to do:

Family Fun & Community Events

  • Wizard of Oz Weekend with Best Friends (Friday, July 18 & Saturday, July 19): Follow the yellow brick road to the Best Friends Pet Resource Center for a magical movie night featuring The Wizard of Oz on Friday. On Saturday, enjoy a costume contest and book reading. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a classic story and perhaps even meet some adoptable furry friends!
  • Downtown Ice Cream Crawl (Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20): Satisfy your sweet tooth all weekend long with the Downtown Ice Cream Crawl. Check the Experience App for participating locations and details.
  • Bentonville Farmers Market – Outdoor Season (Saturday, July 19, 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM): A beloved community tradition, the Bentonville Farmers Market on the Bentonville Square is the perfect way to kick off your Saturday. Stock up on fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious treats.
  • Bentonville Art Market (Saturday, July 19, 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM): Also on the Bentonville Square, the Art Market offers a chance to browse and buy unique creations from local artists and makers.
  • Paws on the Lot – Dog Adoption Event (Saturday, July 19, 10 AM – 1 PM): Head over to Crain Hyundai of Bentonville to meet some adorable pups looking for their forever homes.
  • Kids and Family Paint your Pet (Pre-Sketched) (Saturday, July 19, 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM): Get creative at Painting with a Twist! This unique event allows you to paint your furry, scaly, or feathery friend with the help of an artist who will pre-sketch your pet. Remember to send in a photo of your pet at least 3 days before the event!
  • Bentonville Kids Rave at Lawrence Plaza (Saturday, July 19, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Dive into a vibrant, kid-friendly dance party at Lawrence Plaza Splash Park. It’s an energetic event combining music and movement for an unforgettable experience for the little ones.
  • Meet & Match Weekends (Saturday, July 19 & Sunday, July 20, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): Visit the Best Friends Pet Resource Center for their ongoing adoption event.
  • Pet & Play Sundays (Sunday, July 20): Drop by the Best Friends Pet Resource Center for some fun, family-friendly craft activities!

Arts & Culture

  • Brush Strokes | Film Screening & Therapeutic Art Workshop (Sunday, July 20, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Head to The Momentary for a special film screening and therapeutic art workshop in the Fermentation Hall.
  • Film Screening | Unveiled: Daisy Bates & Johnny Cash (Sunday, July 20): Catch “Unveiled: Daisy Bates and Johnny Cash,” an original documentary from Arkansas PBS and award-winning filmmaker Nathan. Location and time to be confirmed, but keep an eye out for this insightful screening.
  • Ongoing Exhibits at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary: Don’t forget to explore the incredible art collections at Crystal Bridges and The Momentary. These world-class museums always have something new and exciting to see.

Outdoor & Sports

  • Yoga in the Garden (Saturday, July 19, 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Grab your mat and enjoy a FREE yoga session in the beautiful Peel Botanical Garden, led by Yoga Story.
  • Jump & Drop Clinic with Anneke Beerten (Saturday, July 19): For the mountain biking enthusiasts, multiple-time World Champion Anneke Beerten will be leading a Jump & Drop Clinic at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. A great opportunity to take your riding to new heights!
  • Explore Bentonville’s Trails: With over 70 miles of singletrack mountain bike trails interconnected with parks, hotels, and restaurants, Bentonville is a biker’s paradise. If biking isn’t your speed, enjoy a leisurely walk or run on the many scenic trails.
  • Various Summer Activities: The City of Bentonville offers a range of ongoing summer activities including Astronomy Viewing, Beginner SUP, Beginner Tai Chi, Family Kayaking, Fishing, K9 Unit Presentation & Trail Walk, Mindfulness Hike, Modern Birding, NWA Forest Bathing, Rock Climbing, Try Archery, and Yoga and Meditation. Check the Bentonville Parks and Recreation website for specific times and locations.

Music & Live Performances

  • Goo Goo Dolls at Walmart AMP (Saturday, July 19, 7:00 PM): Catch the iconic Goo Goo Dolls live at the Walmart AMP for a night of classic hits.
  • Jason Aldean at Walmart AMP (Friday, July 18, 7:00 PM): If country is more your style, Jason Aldean will be performing at the Walmart AMP on Friday.

Important Note: While this article provides a comprehensive overview, it’s always a good idea to check individual event websites or social media pages for the most up-to-date information, including any last-minute changes or ticketing details. Enjoy your weekend in Bentonville!

Bentonville Buzz: The Weekend Wrap-Up (July 11-13, 2025)

July 14, 2025

What a weekend, Bentonville! The air was buzzing with activity, from art and culture to outdoor adventures and community spirit. If you blinked, you might have missed something, so let’s dive into a quick recap of the highlights from July 11th to 13th, 2025.

Friday Kicked Off with Culture and Comedy!

Friday saw a fantastic blend of intellectual and entertaining pursuits. Art lovers flocked to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where the ongoing “KAWS: FAMILY” exhibition continued to draw crowds, offering a unique blend of pop culture and fine art. While details on specific Friday events were light, the museum always offers something to explore. Elsewhere, the region geared up for “Shakespeare: The Comedy of Errors” in Springdale, adding a touch of classic theater to the NWA scene. For those looking for something a bit more hands-on, the Amazeum’s 10th Birthday Celebration was a huge hit, with families enjoying hands-on activities, cake, and science fun all weekend long.

Saturday: Sunshine, Sips, and Shopping!

Saturday was the day to be out and about! The Bentonville Farmers Market on the Bentonville Square was, as always, a vibrant hub of local produce, artisanal goods, and community connection. The market, which runs from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, provided the perfect start to a sunny Saturday. For the younger crowd, the Bentonville Kids Club at the Farmers Market was a hit, offering engaging activities.

Later in the day, the NWA Margarita Festival in Siloam Springs drew a lively crowd eager to sample the region’s best margaritas. For those seeking unique finds, the Summer Market at Fossil Cove in Fayetteville offered local vendors, live music, and a chance to enjoy the beer garden.

And speaking of art, Crystal Bridges continued to be a focal point. While the “KAWS: FAMILY” exhibition was a constant draw, visitors also had the chance to participate in “Trail Talk: Exploring the Art Trail,” a guided walk through the outdoor installations.

Sunday’s Serenity and a Stir on the Trails

Sunday was generally a quieter day, perfect for reflection and outdoor enjoyment. Many took advantage of the beautiful weather to explore the many trails Bentonville has to offer. However, there was a developing situation that led to increased police presence near Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Reports of a potentially armed individual on the trails led to a search by the Bentonville Police Department, including foot patrols and drones. While no one was found and there was no immediate threat, police did increase patrols in the area as a precautionary measure. Our thoughts are with the community and the diligent work of our local law enforcement.

A Weekend of Vibrancy and Vitality

Despite the brief concern on Sunday, the past weekend in Bentonville was a testament to the city’s vibrant spirit. From family-friendly fun at the Amazeum to the bustling Farmers Market and the ongoing artistic allure of Crystal Bridges, there was truly something for everyone. It’s a reminder of what makes Bentonville such a special place to live, visit, and explore.

Until next weekend, Bentonville! Stay tuned for more local buzz…