A New Downtown Experience Built by Students, Powered by Community
BATESVILLE, AR — Main Street Batesville is proud to announce the launch of The Main Course: A Community Street Dinner, a brand-new downtown experience that brings together food, music, and community — all centered around one long table in the heart of the historic district.
Set for Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 6:00–10:00 PM, The Main Course invites guests to gather beneath the lights of Downtown Batesville for an unforgettable evening featuring a four-course meal, live music, instructed line dancing, and a vibrant block party atmosphere.
But at its core, this event is about much more than a night out — it’s about education, collaboration, and investing in the future of Batesville.
An Event Built by the Next Generation
The Main Course has been developed in partnership with Lyon College’s Highland Road Marketing class, giving students the opportunity to take ownership of a real-world event from concept to execution.
From branding and promotion to sponsorship outreach and event logistics, these students have been deeply involved in every step of the process — gaining hands-on experience that extends far beyond the classroom.
“The students have truly been the hands and hearts behind this event,” said Maggie Tipton-Smart, Executive Director of Main Street Batesville. “They are not just learning about marketing — they are actively building something meaningful for their community. Watching their ideas come to life in downtown Batesville has been incredibly rewarding.”
A Community Effort from the Ground Up
In true Main Street fashion, The Main Course is a reflection of the collective spirit of Downtown Batesville.
The evening’s menu has been thoughtfully curated by multiple downtown restaurants, each contributing a course that represents the flavor, creativity, and collaboration that defines the district.
This shared effort transforms the event into more than just a dinner — it becomes a celebration of local businesses, local talent, and the power of working together.
Powered by Community Partners
The success of The Main Course is made possible through the support of local partners who believe in both the mission of Main Street Batesville and the importance of investing in the next generation.
Presenting Sponsors First Community Bank and Bad Boy Mowers have stepped forward in a major way, demonstrating their commitment to community growth, education, and the continued success of Downtown Batesville.
Their leadership support reflects a shared belief in the value of hands-on learning opportunities for young business leaders and the long-term impact of investing in local initiatives.
Additional support for the event includes Bank of Cave City as the Kid Zone Sponsor, helping create a welcoming, family-friendly environment for guests of all ages.
Main Street Batesville is also proud to recognize Community Investors PRECISE and FARCO, whose continued investment in education, workforce development, and quality of life initiatives plays a vital role in shaping the future of Batesville.
An Evening for Everyone
The Main Course is designed to be an inclusive, family-friendly experience with something for everyone.
Guests can enjoy:
- A four-course dinner curated by downtown restaurants
- Live music throughout the evening
- Instructed line dancing and interactive entertainment
- A Kid Zone featuring yard games and activities
- Bounce houses and Big Poppa Bubble entertainment for younger guests
- A lively block party atmosphere under the lights of Downtown Batesville
A New Downtown Tradition with Purpose
As Main Street Batesville continues to grow its programming and community impact, The Main Course represents the next step in creating meaningful experiences that bring people together — while also supporting the work happening year-round in the district.
This event also serves as a fundraiser for Main Street Batesville, with proceeds directly supporting the 30+ free community events hosted each year throughout the summer in Historic Downtown Batesville.
From live music and farmers markets to festivals and family-friendly programming, these events are designed to keep downtown accessible, active, and welcoming for all.
“The Main Course allows us to not only create a new signature experience, but also reinvest directly back into the programming our community enjoys year after year,” said Tipton-Smart. “It’s a full-circle moment — one event helping fuel so many others.”
Event Details
Downtown Batesville
Thursday, April 30, 2026
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Tickets available now:
https://events.ticketleap.com/
About Main Street Batesville
Main Street Batesville is a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and activating the city’s historic downtown district through economic development, community programming, historic preservation, and placemaking initiatives that celebrate the unique culture and character of Batesville.