BiteNWA: The Perfect Summer Getaway!

Splendry is happy to partner with #BiteNWA and has been compensated for this post. All opinions are our own.

When I first started to brainstorm ideas for celebrating my 10th wedding anniversary this summer (10 years!), I had a few criteria to keep in mind: somewhere within easy driving distance of central Oklahoma, where we live, something reasonably priced (we’ve got a new baby at home who goes through diapers like nobody’s business), and somewhere a little out of the ordinary for us. We’ve had random shopping weekends in Dallas and trips to museums in Tulsa, but I wanted to find something new and fun to try! When I stumbled upon #BiteNWA I realized it couldn’t be more perfect!

BITE NW Arkansas is a three-day food festival that takes place in Bentonville, Arkansas in June, this year from June 20-22. (It also happens to be part of #NWAChampionship Week in Northwest Arkansas.) The festival celebrates the best cuisine, restaurants, and chefs of the region, and attendees get an amazing (and delicious) experience! Considering my husband is quite the foodie, I can’t imagine a better event to attend!

The festival, now in it’s 4th year, is held at 8th Street Market, in the Bentonville Market District. Having visited Bentonville in the past, I’m excited to head back to this beautiful community, ready to experience three evenings of food and drinks. We’ll have some daytime hours to check out all Northwest Arkansas has to offer too, like the local museums (I’m curious about the Walmart museum!), maybe some biking trails, and I imagine my husband will try to get a little golf in too!

BITE begins with:

BITE / SPARK – Wednesday, June 20, 6:00-9:00 PM

Wednesday night’s focus is on “new”, a challenge to spark a new love for different cuisines and flavors. Experience dishes from around the world, all in one spot! Participating restaurants include Baker’s Wakery, Big Sexy Food, Wasabi, and many others.

BITE / DISCOVER – Thursday, June 21, 6:00-9:00 PM

Thursday is all about discovering the best of NW Arkansas cuisine. There will be interactive cooking demonstrations featuring local and national chef’s at BITE’s Chef Table Experience. Ticket holders will get the opportunity to sign up to attend cooking demonstrations for free. Reservations will open in May, and seating is limited, so sign up quickly!

2017 participants included Chef Jamilka Borges and Chef Dean Fearing, among others. The 2018 chefs will be announced soon!

BITE / CRAFT – Friday, June 22, 6:00-9:00 PM

The final night of BITE focuses on celebrating the spirit of Northwest Arkansas culinary scene. Participants include Apple Blossom Brewing Company, Glazer’s Beer & Beverage, IDK?Cafe, and lots more!

Tickets are $30 (plus a $2.64 online service fee) for each night of the festival and your ticket includes ALL food and drinks for that evening’s event! You won’t need your wallet again once you arrive! (And if you’re not interested in the “spirits” sampling of Friday night’s CRAFT event, you can get a food sampling ticket for just $20!) Ticket sales go to benefit the NWA Food Bank and Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food.

With 60 restaurants involved, and close to 7,000 attendees, you can be sure this is the food event to check out this year, no matter where you live! Tickets are already on sale, and I’ve heard they sell out early every year (and all tickets are sold in advance, no tickets sold at the venue), so hurry and grab your tickets now!

I’ll see you in Bentonville soon!

Visit BiteNWA for more info.