Riders from every corner of the country have begun circling Bentonville, Arkansas, on their calendars—and not just because of the city’s ever-growing network of single-track. Over the past few years, Bentonville has staked a convincing claim as the unofficial “Mountain-Biking Capital of the Midwest,” drawing everyone from day-trip dabblers to elite pros.

If you’re already eyeing new carbon wheels or a fresh pair of flat-pedal shoes, you’ll want to know exactly when the town’s biggest rides, festivals, and races drop in. The guide below highlights this season’s must-attend events, offers tips on matching the right ride to your experience level, and spotlights the kind of high-quality gear that lets you squeeze every ounce of fun out of Bentonville’s dirt.

Why Bentonville Belongs on Your Cycling Calendar

The Ozark Plateau’s rolling limestone terrain, mild spring and fall temps, and engaged local trail stewards give Bentonville an edge other riding hubs struggle to match. More than 140 miles of flow, jump, and cross-country trails thread through town, and many start within pedaling distance of coffee, craft tacos, and a bike shop stocked with the latest gear.

That easy access means you can bounce from a morning skills clinic straight to an afternoon group ride—and still roll into a patio seat for post-ride tacos before sundown. Factor in a season’s worth of events that range from family friendly rollouts to pro-level enduro stages, and you’ve got a destination worthy of a dedicated road trip.

Key Biking Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Bentonville Bike Fest – June 14–16

Founded by Belgian trials legend Kenny Belaey, Bentonville Bike Fest has grown into a long weekend that feels half-carnival, half-industry expo, and 100 percent stoke. Expect freestyle shows, trials demos, kids’ zones, and a sprawling vendor village where you can demo high-end bikes or chat suspension tech with brand engineers.

Low-pressure group rides head out each morning, but the big crowd magnet is Saturday night’s pro jump contest at the Pump Track. Registration fills quickly, so lock in your spot (or spectator wristband) early, then block off an extra day to explore Coler Mountain Bike Preserve while you’re in town.

Square 2 Square Ride – Spring: May 4 / Fall: Sept. 28

If your perfect day involves scenic mileage rather than airtime, Square 2 Square delivers. The semi-supported 30-mile route links Fayetteville and Bentonville via the Razorback Greenway and is open to all bikes, e-bikes included. Aid stations pop up every five miles for water, snacks, and mechanical help, making it ideal for casual cyclists or families towing kid trailers.

Many locals ride one direction in the morning, then hop the shuttle back after lunch in Bentonville’s town square—save room for wood-fired pizza and locally brewed kombucha at the finish-line block party.

Coler Open Jam – July 13

Think of the Coler Open Jam as summer camp for riders who never outgrew dirt jumps. The one-day event takes over Coler’s family-friendly trail system with skill clinics, whip-off competitions, and an evening pump-track relay lit by string lights and a DJ set. No timing chips, no age limits, just good vibes and a community cookout at Airship Coffee’s open-air café perched mid-trail.

Bring a hardtail or a DJ bike if you have one, but trail bikes are welcome, too—organizers even run a “borrow-a-bike” corral for newcomers who want to sample premium rigs before committing.

Outerbike Bentonville – October 18–20

Outerbike has long been the Holy Grail for riders who like to test before they invest, and the Bentonville edition might be the best bang for your buck. Your three-day pass unlocks an all-you-can-demo lineup of next-year’s bikes—from boutique titanium hardtails to six-inch-travel enduro bruisers—plus shuttles, guided rides, lunches, and après socials.

The event basecamp sits at The Momentary, a modern art space within pedaling distance of Slaughter Pen’s rolling flow lines, so you can swap bikes and hop straight back onto dirt in minutes. Pro tip: arrive early Friday to snag popular sizes before the midday rush.

Slaughter Pen Jam – November 9–10

Capping the season is Slaughter Pen Jam, a two-day festival that meshes sanctioned races with laid-back community rides. Saturday morning starts with a 6- and 12-hour mountain-bike relay; Sunday shifts to a statewide NICA youth race and an all-comers dual-slalom showdown. 

Even if you’re not into pinning a number plate, the vendor expo, skills clinics, and live music on the square make it a weekend worth attending. Cool fall temps and freshly buffed trails mean traction is dialed, so it’s also prime time to bring out that new tire setup you’ve been eyeing all summer.

How To Choose the Right Ride for Your Skill Level

With so many formats—gravel fondos, relay races, jump jams—it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here’s a quick checklist to zero in on the event that matches both your fitness and fun goals:

• Mileage and Elevation: Newer riders often cap a single-day total around 20–25 miles with less than 1,500 feet of climbing. Check route maps and elevation profiles before registering.

• Technical Difficulty: Bentonville trails are color-graded like ski runs. If you’re comfortable on green and mellow blue lines, steer toward events advertising “all-levels group rides” or supported greenway routes.

• Time Commitment: Do you want a one-day roll-out or a full weekend immersion? Festivals like Bike Fest and Outerbike keep you busy from breakfast to bonfire, whereas Square 2 Square frees up your afternoon for brewery hopping.

• Competitive vs. Social: Some riders feed off lap times; others prefer photo-op stops at scenic bridges. Read event recaps and talk to past participants to gauge vibe.

• Gear Requirements: Enduro stages may require full-face helmets and pads; gravel fondos might call for 40 c tires and extra CO₂. Budget for upgrades if needed.

Gear Check: Must-Have Products for Bentonville Trails

Bringing the right kit can be the difference between an epic day and a trailside tantrum. Based on what local shops keep selling out, here are the MVPs:

• Tubeless-Ready Tires with Reinforced Sidewalls: Ozark rocks can slice fragile casings. Look for 2.4-inch treads like the Maxxis Dissector EXO+ or Vittoria Mazza Trail casing.

• 4-Piston Brakes and 180 mm Rotors: Steep punchy descents demand consistent stopping power, especially when the trail turns to slick flagstone after a rain squall.

• Dropper Post with 170 mm Travel or More: Tight corners and sudden rollers reward extra clearance. Riders under 5′7″ often appreciate the new wave of compact-chassis posts.

• Riding Glasses with Photochromic Lenses: Bentonville’s canopy coverage flips from sun to deep shade fast; adaptive lenses reduce squint-induced fatigue.

• Packable Rain Shell Rated 10k/10k or Higher: Spring and fall thundershowers roll in without warning. A lightweight shell like the Gore Wear Paclite keeps you dry while still stuffing into a jersey pocket.

• High-Volume Mini Pump or Dual-Stroke Floor Pump: The region’s variable temps can affect PSI dramatically between morning rollout and afternoon climbs.

• Loud, Durable Bell: Many greenways are multi-use; give walkers plenty of notice as you crest blind corners.

Pro tip: If you’re flying in, ship CO₂ cartridges and tire sealant ahead; TSA rules can be fickle, and local shops often offer “event week” discounts on consumables.

Planning Your Trip: Logistics, Lodging, and Local Flavor

Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) sits a 30-minute drive from downtown Bentonville. Most airlines consider bikes oversized baggage, so pack in a hard-sided case or book a rental through event partners like Phat Tire Bike Shop. Hotel rooms near the square fill fast during big weekends; reserve early or check out bike-friendly Airbnbs along the Greenway.

If you’re camping, Coler offers reservable tent pads complete with charging stations and shower pods—an upgrade from primitive campgrounds many trail towns offer. Food options lean health-forward but indulgent: breakfast burritos at Onyx Coffee, hydroponic-grown salad bowls at Sunny’s, and post-ride pastries from Markham & Fitz.

Breweries such as Bike Rack Brewing and Bentonville Brewing Company pour sessionable IPAs low enough in ABV to keep you ready for next-day miles. Don’t skip a recovery stroll through Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; admission is free, and the peaceful trails connecting the museum to town double as primo warm-up routes.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hunting podiums, demoing dream bikes, or simply craving dirt-surfing giggles with friends, Bentonville’s event calendar delivers a season packed with options. Pick the ride that aligns with your skills, dial in your gear, and let the Ozarks showcase why so many cyclists now call this corner of Arkansas their second home. We’ll be the ones at the trailhead, torque wrench in hand and tires humming at the perfect PSI—see you out there.