Experience the Mountain Bike Capital of the World, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, award winning culinary options, stunning Ozarks and more in Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Bella Vista, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville Arkansas. Discover the best food, things to do and accommodations with our widely popular Top 10 Lists.
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NWA Weekend = First Friday, ARTrageous, Square to Square Ride & Plant Sales
Published 12 days ago • 4 min read
Hey, it's Lynn –
Happy Friday! Cooler, busy weekend ahead across Northwest Arkansas with First Friday, the Square 2 Square Bike Ride, the ARTrageous Parade, the Master Gardeners Plant Sale, and the opening of the farmers market all happening across the region.
Overall, it’s one of those weekends where everything is happening at once—easy to pick a direction, but hard to pick just one thing.
✨Just Opened:
Anthropologie – 1701 SE 8th St #15, Bentonville, AR 72712 Anthropologie opened its first Northwest Arkansas location on April 29, 2026, featuring a curated mix of women’s apparel, accessories, and home décor. Located within the new Walmart Home Office campus alongside other retail additions, it offers shopping for both the community and Walmart associates. 👉 Visit Website for Info & Hours
Weekend Events Catch The Fun
BELLA VISTA 🚴 Pedaler’s Bash 2026| Sat May 2 | Start/Finish: field next to Allen's Foods, Bella Vista, AR | Competitive and recreational cycling event featuring a new course and updated start/finish area. Partnership with USA Cycling (USAC) offering discounted annual licenses for racers, plus one-day license options. Post-ride hangout and community celebration planned at the finish area. BENTONVILLE 🎶 First Friday Bentonville | Fri May 1, 3–9 PM | Bentonville Square, Bentonville, AR | Free community block party by Downtown Bentonville Incorporated featuring live music, vendors, and family-friendly fun. Part of the 2026 “First Friday Live” season with entertainment and interactive experiences. 🌿 Benton County Master Gardeners Plant Sale | Fri May 1, 8 AM–4 PM & Sat May 2, 8 AM–1 PM | 2602 SW D St, Bentonville, AR | Free plant sale featuring herbs, vegetables, perennials, annuals, and expanded houseplants. Includes “All Things Garden” rummage sale with pots, tools, and books, plus a Master Gardener craft booth. Proceeds support local projects, scholarships, and community gardens. Cash and credit accepted.
EUREKA SPRINGS 🎨 ARTrageous Parade | Sat May 2, 2 PM | Downtown Eureka Springs | A vibrant, community-driven parade hosted by Eureka Springs School of the Arts celebrating wearable art, creative floats, and imaginative expression. Expect costumes, color, music, and a lively showcase of local creativity open to all ages. 🌿 Plant Walk, Food & Music Gathering | Sat May 2, 11 AM–4 PM | 872 Mill Hollow Rd, Eureka Springs, AR | Hosted by Simply Red Kitchen and Sarai Brock. Begin with a guided plant walk led by herbalist Lorna Trigg, followed by seasonal food by Chef Samantha, live music (Possum Delight or Honeysuckle Jam), local craft vendors, and tarot readings by Nate the Mystic.
FAYETTEVILLE 🚴 Square 2 Square Bike Ride | Sat May 2, 7 AM | Razorback Greenway (Bentonville → Fayetteville) | Beginner-friendly, leisure ride connecting the two downtown squares. Enjoy scenic views, community vibes, and a fun. 🌸 Spring Pickin’ Days at the Heart of the Ozarks Craft Fair | Fri–Sat May 1–2 | Washington County Fairgrounds, Fayetteville, AR | Free admission spring market featuring handmade and local vendors, boutiques, antiques, and vintage finds. Enjoy live bluegrass from The Butler Creek Boys, plus food trucks, a petting zoo, and a family fun zone (parking $5). LOWELL 🌿 Spring Native Plant Sale | Sat May 2, 10 AM–2 PM | GOAT LAB Brewery, Lowell, AR | Hosted by Wild Ones Ozark Chapter. Shop native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees from local vendors. Focus on pollinator-friendly, low-maintenance plants suited for Northwest Arkansas. Includes expert gardening advice and a 10% discount for Wild Ones members.
ROGERS 🎣 Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Stage 5| Thu–Sun Apr 30–May 3 | Beaver Lake, Rogers, AR | Pro anglers compete for a $600,000 purse ($125K top prize). Live morning takeoffs, angler interviews, and daily livestreams. Weekend MLF Watch Party features free food, live music, giveaways, kids 14 & under get free rods & reels, plus meet-and-greets and autographs. 🎬 Rogers Short Film Festival | Fri–Sun May 1–3, 5–8:30 PM | The Victory Theater, Rogers, AR | Filmmakers from around the world compete across categories by experience and budget. A nonstop weekend of screenings, networking, food, and entertainment—open to the public. 🌱 51st Annual Garden Club of Rogers Plant Sale | Sat May 2, 8 AM–12 PM | Grace Baptist Church parking lot, Rogers, AR | Perennials, trees, shrubs, vegetables, herbs, and native plants available. Proceeds support civic beautification, youth education, and scholarships. Cash, check, and card accepted. SILOAM SPRINGS 🥕 Siloam Springs Farmers Market | Sat May 2, 8 AM–12 PM | Memorial Park Siloam Springs, Siloam Springs, AR | Producers-only outdoor market featuring local farms and artisans. Expect fresh produce, pasture-raised meats, baked goods, jams, handmade crafts, soaps, and more. Runs weekly May–October with strong support from local sponsors and community partners.
SPRINGDALE 🎉 Cinco de Mayo Festival | Sat May 2, 12–7 PM | Jones Center, Springdale, AR | Hosted by Hispanic Women’s Organization of Arkansas and Margarita Solorzano. Free, family-friendly cultural festival celebrating the Battle of Puebla with live performances, cultural activities, and food. Major annual fundraiser supporting scholarship programs and education initiatives while bringing the community together.
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Where to Eat, Play & Stay in NWA?- Check out the Top 10 Lists For Local Places To Eat, Play & Stay in Northwest Arkansas (that businesses can't pay to be on). Get the inside scoop here! All good things, — Lynn West
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Come Visit Northwest Arkansas - FUN for EVERYONE!
Experience the Mountain Bike Capital of the World, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, award winning culinary options, stunning Ozarks and more in Bentonville, Eureka Springs, Bella Vista, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville Arkansas. Discover the best food, things to do and accommodations with our widely popular Top 10 Lists.
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