June is Pride Month, a time set aside to honor one of the most famous events in the queer liberation movement, the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. This historic event was a turning point in LGBTQ+ political activism, leading to America’s first gay pride parade on the one-year anniversary of the Uprising and serving as a catalyst for many gay rights organizations. 

 

Pride Month is also a time when the LGBTQ+ community comes together to celebrate their identities and accomplishments, bringing alongside corporate and individual allies to amplify and show their support for this community.

 

Bentonville has a vibrant network of LGBTQ+ creatives, business owners, teachers, and allies. We’re grateful for everything LGBTQ+ people bring as part of our community, and we’re committed to reflecting and celebrating with them in June and throughout the year. And that goes for our LGBTQ+ visitors too! 

 

Read on for ideas about celebrating Pride in Bentonville during June and throughout the whole year:

AnchorCheck out events around town celebrating Pride Month

 

Event Spotlight: June 7th | 21c Museum Hotel Pride Event

21c Museum Hotel

21c Museum Hotel in downtown Bentonville is not only an exceptional place to stay but also a long-standing ally of the LGBTQIA+ community.

 

When & Where? Dive into the festivities starting with a pop-up market and resource fair from 4-6pm, followed by the main event from 6:30-10pm.

Support a Cause: Enjoy drinks at our pop-up bar where a percentage of all sales benefits the Cocoon Collective. Indulge in our signature Stonewall cocktail available throughout June for an extra splash of support!

Interactive Art: Don't miss the 21c #SelfieThrone by artist Kat Wilson, a vibrant mix of photography, sculpture, and performance art. Decked out in rainbow colors with a drag queen emcee and a #selfieologist, it’s your chance to shine in the perfect selfie while contemplating the fine line between self-empowerment and self-obsession.

Spectacular Vendors: Discover unique items from The Library Vintage, Annie Simon, Rising Goddess Art, Terra Handmade Jewelry, Poofy Dust Cloud, and more!

Community and Fun: Join the NWA Queer Climbers for climbing tales and camaraderie. Engage with Equality Crew’s impactful work in LGBTQIA+ youth empowerment, and get a mini reading from Human Design with Chelsea - all you need to know is your birth time, date and location to learn about your personal type, strategy and authority.

Extra Perks: Free popcorn to munch on and outdoor games to play!

Dance the Night Away: Groove to the beats of DJ Afrosia, enhancing the night with the perfect soundtrack.

 

Celebrate Diversity. Embrace Community. Party with Purpose. 🏳️‍🌈

 Stay updated on their website and get your FREE tickets here. 

 

Discover artwork by LGBTQ+ Artists at Crystal Bridges

​Gabriel Dawe “Plexus No. 27,” 2017, thread and steel hooks. 120 in. x 132 in. x 20ft. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2015.30. Image courtesy of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

 

Throughout art history, LGBTQ+ creatives have used their work to express themselves, promote social justice issues, explore issues of identity, recognize systems of oppression, and more. Many of these inspiring works are on view for everyone to see right here in Bentonville at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. 

General admission to the museum is free, so be sure to plan a visit and keep an eye out for these artworks by LGBTQ+ artists along the way:

The Electric EAT, by Robert Indiana

Portrait of Bob, By Luigi Lucioni

Retopistics: A Renegade Excavation by Julie Mehretu 

Guernica (Resist #3), by Mickalene Thomas

 

Tap here to explore more works in the Crystal Bridges collection by LGBTQ+ artists online! 

The Bentonville Film Festival

For the 10th year, the Bentonville Film Festival is returning to our town, highlighting voices often unheard in the entertainment industry, particularly emphasizing the LGBTQIA+ community. Check out the 2024 film program and secure your passes for the event below!

To demonstrate BFF’s commitment to inclusion, here is the makeup of content creators who participated in the 2023 juried competition program: 

·         82% identify as female or gender non-conforming 

·         65% identify as BIPOC, Asian, or Pacific Islander

·         62% identify as LGBTQIA+

·         42% over 50

·         20% identify as a person with a disability

Visit Bentonville's Commitment to Equity

Visit Bentonville is committed to ensuring that our work helps Northwest Arkansas become a more equitable destination, so all who travel to our region can enjoy their experience and feel welcome.

Download Our Equity Statement
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.