From lively street parties to thrilling river races and beloved annual holiday traditions, Benton offers plenty of free events throughout the year you won’t want to miss. Grab your calendar, gather your friends, and be sure to attend these local favorites!

Third Thursday - A Downtown Community Street Party

Experience the true spirit of Benton at Third Thursday, our signature downtown street party! This family-friendly event features live music on the main stage, food trucks, vendor booths, a kids' zone, and other seasonal activities. Third Thursday is more than food trucks and bouncy houses for the kids. It’s top-level entertainment for everyone to enjoy, and the number of attendees continues to grow each year. Bring your pets and come enjoy a night out with your family!

Follow their Facebook page here to learn more about the next Third Thursday.

Amplify Christian Music Festival

Saline River Canoe Race

The Saline River Canoe Race is an annual event typically hosted in May on the Saline River at Lyle Park in Benton. Racers can compete in either recreational or competitive divisions and choose to race solo or tandem. The race is approximately 4 miles and begins at Peeler Bend and ends at Lyle Park.

Get ready for a day of music, food, yard games, raffle prizes, bounce houses, padding and family-fun! Put your creative caps on because there is always an award for best team name and finisher medals are given to all participants. Equipment for the recreational division is provided by Saline River Canoe. Participants competing in the competitive division must bring their own canoe or kayak.

Check out the Saline River Canoe Facebook page for details about the next race.

Red, White and Boom

Red, White and Boom is Benton’s annual Independence Day celebration. This outdoor family-friendly event is held on July 3rd at Riverside Park. Large crowds gather to watch the spectacular fireworks display. In 2025, the show dazzled spectators for over twenty minutes, leaving a lasting impression. The celebration also features a kids’ zone, a variety of food trucks and multiple vendors. Join us for a free night celebrating freedom, fun and family!

Old Fashioned Day Festival

Old Fashioned Day is a beloved annual arts and crafts festival on the second Saturday in October that aims to celebrate heritage, support local business and raise funds to support vital services at the Benton Senior Activity Center. Far from your average street festival, Old Fashioned Day offers one-of-a-kind experiences—like the beard, bonnet, and overall contest—that set it apart.

Stroll through vendor booths showcasing expert craftsmanship, enjoy live music, savor tasty bites from food trucks, and let the kids explore their own activity area. Don’t miss the cornhole contest and plenty of other fun along the way. Mark your calendars now for this 50-year tradition that continues to draw visitors from across the state.

A Small Town Christmas

A Small Town Christmas is a month-long Christmas event that has been nationally recognized for capturing the essence of a Hallmark movie and draws visitors from all over the country. The city transforms into a magical winter wonderland with millions of lights, a 34-foot tall Christmas tree and even horse-drawn carriages throughout the week.

Events kick-off with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Owens-Mooney Park, followed by the opening of the ice skating rink near the Farmers Market. Other popular Christmas events include the Annual Christmas Parade, a Children’s Character Night, Santa Meet and Greets at the Courthouse Gazebo, cookie decorating, movie nights, Run Run Rudolph 5k, Special Needs Night, and so much more. Follow our Facebook page for all upcoming Christmas event details.

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