Just a short drive from Springfield, Bentonville offers the ideal summer getaway, whether you're planning around a signature event or simply looking for a weekend adventure. Recognized as second in USA Today's Top 10 Best Small Towns for Adventure, this little Arkansas town delivers big-city experiences for every type of traveler.

The Anytime Weekend: Your Go-To Itinerary

 

Morning Adventures: Start your day pedaling the 36-mile Razorback Greenway or conquering trails at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, home to the challenging 185-step "Rise" staircase. Rather stay on foot? Compton Gardens & Arboretum and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art's art-filled trails connect to downtown, providing peaceful morning walks through sculpture-dotted forests.

 

Midday Refuel: Bentonville's bike-friendly dining scene makes refueling mid-adventure a breeze. Roll straight from the trails to Pedaler's Pub for pizzas and craft brews, or The Hub for tacos and cocktails without changing out of your gear. Choose from three Airship Coffee cafes, from 5th street to Coler, perfect for a picnic stop.

Afternoon Exploration: Beat the heat with indoor art at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, featuring works from colonial times to contemporary pieces, or The Momentary, Bentonville's contemporary arts space housed in a former cheese factory. For families, the Scott Family Amazeum offers hands-on STEAM activities.

 

Evening Unwinding: As the day cools, savor Bentonville's renowned farm-to-table dining scene. Downtown favorites like Tusk & Trotter showcase elevated Ozark cuisine using locally-sourced ingredients, while Conifer offers a completely gluten-free seasonal menu. Cap the evening with craft cocktails at one of Bentonville’s stellar bars, like Lady Slipper, Loveless, Callisto, or Butterscotch Bakery & Bar. 

Event Weekends: Plan Around These Signature Experiences

 
May Festivals:

  • Rule of 3 (May 15-18): Epic cycling festival where riders tackle 50 or 100-mile courses combining singletrack, pavement, and gravel through the Ozarks

  • Fresh Grass Festival (May 16-17): Bluegrass and roots music featuring over a dozen artists including Shakey Graves, Lukas Nelson, and Roseanne Cash at The Momentary

  • Memorial Day Weekend (May 23-26): Experience Bentonville Bike Fest at Ole Applegate Farm with pro competitions, gear demos, and skills clinics, plus catch Minnesota indie rockers Hippo Campus (May 25) at The Momentary's outdoor venue

 

June Highlights:

  • U-Pick Weekends: Harvest fresh blueberries at Marrs Family Berry Farm

  • GloRilla (June 13): Award-winning hip-hop artist performs outdoors at The Momentary

  • Bentonville Film Festival (June 16-22): Celebrity sightings and film screenings throughout downtown

 

July Festivities:

  • Alabama Shakes (July 22): Four-time Grammy winners perform outdoors at The Momentary

  • Shemekia Copeland (July 26): Indoor RØDE House concert with the acclaimed blues singer at the Momentary

  • KAWS: FAMILY (through July 28): Final chance to experience this blockbuster exhibition at Crystal Bridges

 

August Grand Finale:

  • Still Woozy (August 4): Psychedelic alt-pop at The Momentary

  • SOAR NWA (August 15-16): Hot air balloon festival benefiting OpenAvenues

  • Bentonville Restaurant Week (August 17-23): Special dining offers and events at signature eateries

  • Muscadine Bloodline (August 23): Rising country duo performs outside at The Momentary

  • Labor Day Weekend (August 29-31): Join Trifest for MS, Arkansas's largest triathlon drawing athletes from across the country to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research

 

Explore Summertime on Our Event Calendar

Where to Stay

 

Whether you choose the art-filled 21c Museum Hotel, the stylish new Motto by Hilton in downtown, or one of many bike-friendly vacation rentals, Bentonville offers accommodations to fit every style and budget.

 

This summer, discover why this corner of Arkansas has become the perfect active weekend escape for Springfield residents. No matter when you visit, Bentonville delivers world-class biking, art, cuisine, and adventure without the long drive.