August is here, and you can feel the back-to-school excitement whirling in the air as students and their families prepare to embark on a new academic year. Our city is getting involved too, with everything from back-to-school deals to themed community events.
 
Whether you’re a local or a visitor planning a last-minute family adventure in town, we’re here to help you get the school year started on the right foot. Read on for the full scoop!
 

Back-to-school Events

Mark your calendars, you don’t want to miss these important back-to-school dates:
August 4 | August First Friday: Back-to-School
Get excited for a brand new school year at First Friday, Bentonville’s city-wide block party held on the Downtown Square. Come out from 11 am to 9 pm on Friday, August 4  to enjoy live music, vendors, community, and good times. Presented by Downtown Bentonville Inc.
 
August 5–6 | Tax-free Weekend
It really is that time of year! Get ahead on your school shopping, and skip out on the tax for certain items, including back-to-school supplies, art supplies, clothing, and some electronic devices.
 
Saturdays in August | Sensory-friendly Hours at Walmart
Did you know—every Saturday in August, Walmart is offering sensory-friendly shopping hours from 8 to 10 am. Lights will be dimmed, radios turned off, and static images displayed on TVs in order to better serve sensory-sensitive shoppers.
First Friday Stage

Photo courtesy of Downtown Bentonville Inc.

 

Back-to-school Shopping

Whether you’re looking for a dazzling first-day-of-school outfit, stylish school supplies, or a quick pleasure read to breeze through before going back to class, there are so many unique boutiques and shops in Downtown Bentonville to shop at:

A storefront in a brick building

Photo by Luke Allen

What makes back-to-school shopping better? An ice cream break, of course! Check out four iconic Bentonville ice cream shops.
 

Last-minute Family Fun

Enhance your back-to-school experience with an educational adventure in Bentonville! Browse our Museum Roundup Blog, and plan your visit.
Children play at an exhibit in a museum

Photo by Drager Creative

The fun in Bentonville doesn’t end when school starts, check out these exciting upcoming events

Hot air balloons in a line against a sunset

Photo courtesy of SOAR NWA

Browse all the Bentonville happenings on our events calendar.
 
We’re happy to help you with any additional information needed during your stay in Bentonville. Our Visitor’s Center is open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 9 am to 3 pm on Saturdays. Stop by and see us at 406 SE 5th Street, Suite 6.