Northwest Arkansas is preparing for one of the biggest cycling celebrations in the country as Bentonville Bike Fest returns June 9-14, 2026. This year’s event brings a full week of races, clinics, demonstrations, live entertainment, and family activities to Bentonville and Bella Vista.
The festival also coincides with a major milestone for Arkansas cycling: the grand opening of the new OZ Trails Bike Park, the state’s first chairlift-served mountain bike park.
Bentonville Bike Fest Continues to Grow
Bentonville Bike Fest has quickly become one of the premier cycling festivals in North America. Organizers report that the 2025 event attracted more than 15,000 visitors, 1,400 athletes, and 160 exhibitors. Participants traveled from 47 states and 13 countries, helping generate an estimated $1.5 million economic impact for the region.
For 2026, festival organizers moved the event back to June after receiving feedback from participants, sponsors, and industry partners. Main festival activities run June 11-14, while several industry and community events begin June 9.
To help riders cope with Arkansas summer temperatures, race schedules have been shifted to the morning hours, while the expo and festival activities will continue into the evening.
OZ Trails Bike Park Opens June 12
The centerpiece of this year’s festival is the official opening of OZ Trails Bike Park in Bella Vista.
Located near the intersection of Highway 71 and Mercy Way, the new facility is Arkansas’s first lift-served mountain bike park. The park features more than 20 miles of gravity-focused trails designed and built by Gravity Logic, the internationally recognized trail-building company behind many of North America’s premier bike parks.
Trails range from beginner-friendly green routes to advanced black-diamond descents, allowing riders of all skill levels to enjoy the experience.
A high-speed quad chairlift provides access to the trail network, allowing riders to maximize downhill laps throughout the day. Visitors do not need a bike to enjoy the facility. The chairlift is open to sightseers, and guests can relax at Ozzy’s Ride + Dine, which offers food and beverages overlooking the action.
“We built OZ Trails Bike Park to welcome everyone in, from first-timers to lifelong riders, and to give Bentonville and Bella Vista a place to come together,” said Tom Walton, whose vision helped bring the project to life.
The park also includes OZ Trails HQ, featuring a bike shop, rental fleet, and bike school with lessons and clinics for riders looking to improve their skills.
OZ Trails Bike Park Pricing
- Day Pass: $59.99
- Half-Day Pass (after 3 p.m.): $34.99
- Single Lift Ride: $10
- Individual Monthly Membership: $129
- Family Monthly Membership: $249
The park operates Thursday through Monday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with lift service running from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Grand Opening Weekend Events
The celebration begins Thursday evening, June 11, with the HYPER Jump Jam. The event features professional BMX and mountain bike athletes, a $500 Best Whip Contest, live music, giveaways, and open riding sessions.
The official grand opening ceremony takes place Friday, June 12, at 10 a.m. Following the ribbon cutting, visitors can enjoy guided rides, vendor activities, and demonstrations throughout the day.
Professional rider Christian Peper will lead a two-hour guided tour of the bike park, helping riders learn the layout and improve their technique on the trails.
The evening concludes with live music from Black Pistol Fire and the Bosch Hill Climb Challenge. The competition pits riders against a steep technical climb using Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes, with a $1,500 prize purse up for grabs.
Top Events at Bentonville Bike Fest 2026
While the OZ Trails Bike Park opening is expected to draw significant attention, the festival schedule is packed with activities for every type of cyclist.
Red Bull Double Down
One of the festival’s premier spectator events, featuring elite downhill mountain bike competition.
UCI C1 and NAT Trials Competitions Presented by Mobil 1
World-class bike trials athletes compete for UCI points and national recognition.
Gravelicious Presented by CamelBak
A challenging gravel race through the scenic Ozark Mountains.
Cross Country Short Track
Fast-paced mountain bike racing designed for both competitors and spectators.
Enduro and Adaptive Enduro Supported by Mojo Cycling
Timed downhill stages with adaptive racing divisions that promote accessibility within the sport.
Straight Rhythm Presented by USA BMX and Hyper Co.
Head-to-head BMX racing on a rhythm-based course.
Hans Rey eMTB Rides and Clinics
Guided rides and instruction from legendary trials rider Hans Rey.
Women Shred Workshops
Skills clinics and group rides led by professional riders, including Anneke Beerten.
Women of OZ: First Touch to MTB
An introduction to mountain biking designed specifically for women new to the sport.
Kids Zone
Family-friendly activities including youth races, clinics, and skills courses.
Kyle Strait Pro Clinics
Freeride mountain bike instruction from one of the sport’s most recognizable athletes.
Throwback Threads & Treads
A vintage bicycle ride through Coler Mountain Bike Preserve with special guests and cycling legends.
Festival Expo
More than 160 exhibitors showcasing bikes, apparel, accessories, technology, and outdoor gear.
More Than a Cycling Festival
Bentonville Bike Fest continues to evolve beyond racing and recreation. Industry-focused events such as the National Bicycle Dealers Association Retailer Summit, the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator Demo Night, and the Women in the Bicycle Industry Summit help bring together business leaders, innovators, and advocates from across the cycling world.
Visitors can also enjoy pump track sessions, airbag jump experiences, live music, food vendors, and community gatherings throughout the week.
A Major Moment for Arkansas Cycling
The opening of OZ Trails Bike Park represents another significant investment in Arkansas’s growing reputation as a cycling destination. Combined with Bentonville Bike Fest, the new facility further strengthens Northwest Arkansas’s position as one of the country’s leading hubs for mountain biking, gravel cycling, and outdoor recreation.
For riders, industry professionals, and cycling enthusiasts, June 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting weeks in Arkansas cycling history.
Bentonville Bike Fest takes place June 9-14, 2026, in Bentonville and Bella Vista. For schedules and event details, visit BentonvilleBikeFest.com. For information about OZ Trails Bike Park, visit OZTrailsBikePark.com.
This article was originally published on ArkansasOutside.com, your trusted source for outdoor news and updates in The Natural State. Unless otherwise credited, all photos included in this piece are the property of Arkansas Outside, LLC. We take pride in sharing the beauty and adventures of Arkansas through our lens—thank you for supporting our work!
