Whether you're cheering on a first-time marcher or a seasoned competitor, welcome to Bentonville! While performers spend most of the day at the competition venue, families often have several hours between performances and the evening awards ceremony. Instead of waiting at the stadium, use that time to explore local museums, grab a great meal, or experience some of the arts and culture that make Bentonville a memorable destination.

Where to Stay

Make your trip even easier by booking one of our official host hotels. These properties are all conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, and the competition venue.

Official Hotel Blocks

AC Hotel Bentonville
Reserve your discounted room by clicking this link.
 

DoubleTree by Hilton Bentonville
Reserve your discounted room by clicking this link.

Additional Official Hotels (Just mention who you are with!)

What to Do Between Performances

Most performances last around an hour, leaving plenty of time to explore before awards. Here are a few ways to spend your afternoon.

Experience Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

One of America's leading art museums, Crystal Bridges offers free admission and galleries featuring everything from iconic American masterpieces to contemporary installations. Even if you're only visiting for an hour or two, it's well worth the stop.

Families with children should check out the museum's new creative space, The Hub, for drop-in art-making. There are also outdoor sculptures to explore, as well as a splash pad, before heading back to the competition.

Visit The Momentary

Just minutes from downtown, The Momentary blends contemporary art, interactive exhibitions, and creative spaces. The café is also a great place to relax over coffee while competitors rehearse. Explore the blogs below to take a look at what is on exhibition now. 

Explore Downtown Bentonville

Downtown is full of locally owned boutiques, bookstores, galleries, and specialty shops that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Grab a handcrafted coffee, browse unique gifts, or enjoy an ice cream before heading back for the next performance.

The walkable downtown square makes it easy to spend an hour or several.

Walmart Museum

Take a look at the history of one of the world's largest retailers at the newly reimagined Walmart Museum. Interactive exhibits tell the story of Sam Walton and Bentonville's transformation from a small Arkansas town into a global headquarters.

Don't forget to stop by the old-fashioned soda fountain for a milkshake or ice cream.

Scott Family Amazeum

Traveling with younger siblings? The Scott Family Amazeum is packed with hands-on exhibits designed for children to climb, build, create, and explore. It's an excellent way to keep younger family members entertained while waiting for the evening awards ceremony.

Great Places to Eat

Need a quick bite before heading back? We selected these Bentonville favorites because they go beyond a typical kids' menu. Many offer outdoor spaces to play, room for strollers, quick service between performances, or fun features like airplane watching and lawn games. They're great spots to refuel, let kids burn off some energy, and spend quality time together before heading back to the competition.

Make sure to explore all our great restaurants on our dining page. 

Some family favorites include:

Make the Most of Your Weekend

If you're staying overnight, consider arriving early or extending your visit to experience more of Bentonville. Between nationally recognized museums, great local restaurants, shopping, and a welcoming downtown, there's plenty to enjoy beyond the competition. Stop by our Visitors Center for more tips & maps! 

We hope your performer has an incredible day, and we look forward to welcoming your family to Bentonville. Good luck to every band taking the field!