Hi there,
Wow. Friday marked two years of publishing The Bentonville Bulletin.
I can't escape a certain feeling: this is working.
Shoutout to every reader who has supported this project. The future of local news in our city looks a lot brighter thanks to you.
— Sam
The 2026 Subaru Outback - Built for Real Life
The all-new 2026 Subaru Outback is built for real life. School drop-offs, grocery runs, long commutes or weekend errands, the Outback handles it all with comfort, confidence, and style. Its refined interior, advanced safety features, and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive make every drive feel easier, no matter the destination.
Of course, it still has the capability Subaru is known for. But what makes the 2026 Outback stand out is how effortlessly it fits into your everyday routine.
The best adventures aren’t always far away, they’re the moments in between... and this is the vehicle that gets you there.
What’s New in Bentonville This Year: Restaurants and Bars
Bentonville’s bar and restaurant landscape continues to expand, maintaining last year’s consistent pace of growth.
Here’s a running list of food and drink spots that have opened so far in 2026, or are slated to open by year's end.
Community profiles sponsored by First Western
Bentonville Schools Foundation Now Offers Grants to Both Students and Teachers
For more than 30 years, the Bentonville Schools Foundation has provided grants to teachers.
This year, the foundation added a grant program for students. Students can apply for funding for everything from athletic equipment to starting a tutoring program or creating an app.
The community can support the Bentonville Schools Foundation through donations, business sponsorships, volunteering at events, or participating in an upcoming 5K fundraiser.
Homes That Sold for $1M+ in Bentonville in March
In 2025, nearly 100 homes within Bentonville city limits sold for $1 million or more. A decade ago, prices that high were rare. In 2015, only two homes crossed that threshold.
In the first three months of this year, at least 17 home sales reached the $1 million mark, according to public sale records.
Here are the most expensive houses sold in Bentonville in March.
Applications Open for Bentonville Council Seat After Richardson Steps Down
Bentonville City Council could decide to appoint a replacement to serve the remainder of the term, which ends in 2028, or call a special election to let voters decide.
Residents of Ward 1 — located on the northeast side of town — interested in replacing Richardson have until May 11 to declare their interest using an online application. To be eligible, applicants must be a registered voter in Bentonville, live in Ward 1, be at least 18 years old and be otherwise eligible to hold public office under state law.
Three More Openings on Walmart Campus
Three new openings this week mark another step in filling out the retail and dining footprint at Walmart’s new home office campus.
The grand opening of Table Au Centre is today, but a video from the soft opening last week offers a peek at the “Euro-style bistro.” It’s the latest concept from The Table Mesa Restaurants Group, which also operates Table Mesa Bistro, Table Orleans at the Hickory Inn and Tavola Trattoria, among other local restaurants.
The on-campus Starbucks is now open. It does not have a drive-thru.
Anthropologie will open Wednesday. This is the chain’s first location in Northwest Arkansas, offering a mix of apparel, accessories and home décor.
With these openings, more than half of the planned retail spaces are now occupied, according to Walmart. For a running list of everything planned for the campus, see The Bentonville Bulletin’s full guide to public offerings.
News from Elsewhere
Crystal Bridges outsources hospitality staff (Axios NWA)
Things To Do This Week
LoveLess Comedy
Thursday, April 30 | Loveless Cocktail Club
A night of stand-up hosted by Paco Romane.
Light Sound Dimension
Thursday, April 30 | The Momentary
An interactive synth experience with overlapping waves of music from ambient soundscapes to danceable grooves.
First Friday
Friday, May 1 | The Bentonville Square
Monthly block party.
Teen Takeover: Video Game Night
Friday, May 1 | The Momentary
A night of pixelated fun with NWA Rolling Video Games.
Bentonville Whiskey Festival
Saturday, May 2 | The Peel Mansion
A tasting event featuring over 50 whiskeys, bourbons, scotches, and craft spirits from across the globe.
Square 2 Square Spring Bike Ride
Saturday, May 2 | The Bentonville Square
A bike ride that kicks off at the Bentonville square and ends in Fayetteville.
Explore Watercolor Workshop
Sunday, May 3 | Crystal Bridges
A guided demonstration with artist and educator Rachel Borntrager.
Alison Krauss & Union Station Concert
Sunday, May 3 | The Momentary
Grammy-winning bluegrass and country from Alison Krauss & Union Station.
Deep Listening Club: Todd of North America
Sunday, May 3 | Crystal Bridges
A shared sonic experience at the Skyspace, timed with the rhythms of nature.
More From The Bentonville Bulletin:
Bentonville’s Manholes Are Leaking. Here’s Why It Matters.When it rains, Bentonville’s sewer system takes in water it was never meant to handle — and a lot of it is getting in through manholes. |
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Trees Get New Protections During Construction in BentonvilleBentonville added protections for existing trees during development, requiring developers to preserve or replace them if they’re cut down. |
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Bentonville Skips Historic Preservation in Development Code OverhaulWith the recently approved development code, the city adds a few downtown development rules. But none actually require historic structures to be preserved. |
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