The Momentary in Bentonville is hosting a board game night on Friday, October 9, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a special twist: artist-in-residence and game designer Basil Kincaid will be joining the event. The monthly gathering happens every second Friday night in collaboration with Onyx Coffee Lab, where attendees can expect an evening of social gaming and creative connection.
The event typically unfolds around the Onyx Coffee Lab space inside the Momentary, although service there wraps up at 5 p.m. Attendees arriving after that can ask the front desk for directions to the exact meeting spot. The Momentary, known for blending contemporary art with performance and culinary experiences, offers a fitting backdrop for this combination of game play and artistry.
Basil Kincaid, who currently holds the artist-in-residence title at the Momentary, is also a game designer and visual artist. His portfolio includes a range of engaging art games, blending interactive storytelling with unique visual styles. For those who follow the local art scene, Kincaid’s work stands out for its thoughtful integration of play and narrative. Attendees at the board game night will have the chance to meet Kincaid in person and experience some of his creations firsthand.
According to the event host posting in the Bentonville subreddit, two of Kincaid’s games have already been played at previous meetups, hinting at their appeal and the creative energy he brings. This month’s gathering promises more interaction with Kincaid and an expanded showcase of his art-inspired games.
The Momentary’s monthly board game events have quietly become a place for both casual players and local creatives to network. Unlike larger gaming conventions or crowded local game stores, this event leverages the Momentary’s gallery atmosphere to create a low-key, intimate setting. The presence of a game designer-in-residence further elevates the experience beyond typical board game nights found elsewhere in Bentonville or nearby Rogers.
Board games have been finding renewed interest across NWA, with several cafes and community spaces dedicating time and attention to fostering local play culture. This event fits into that growing trend, especially as it pairs with the art and performance institution’s schedule, adding a layer of creativity to the usual rounds of roll dice and draw cards. It’s a reminder that Bentonville isn’t just about retail head offices and high-profile dining—it’s building on its cultural infrastructure with events like this.
For residents curious about the Momentary itself, it’s the contemporary branch of Crystal Bridges museum, located downtown on the northeast corner of Walton Boulevard and Mission Boulevard. While Crystal Bridges focuses on American art in a sprawling woodland setting, the Momentary brings experimental art and community-driven programs into an updated industrial space. Hosting an event that invites both gamers and art enthusiasts encourages more people to see the Momentary as a neighborhood hub.
If you’re planning to swing by the game night, remember to get there by 5 p.m. if you want to grab a last coffee or snack from Onyx Coffee Lab before service ends. The general lunch and evening food services remain open during the event hours, making it easy to settle in for an evening of fun. The host encourages bringing your favorite games if you have them, but there will be plenty on hand, including Kincaid’s contributions.
This month’s event also offers a prime opportunity for locals who haven’t met Kincaid to do so and learn more about the intersection of art and gaming in a relaxed atmosphere. For artists, game designers, or curious players in Bentonville, it’s a chance to tap into local creative talent and discover new ways to enjoy familiar pastimes.
With these monthly meetups, the Momentary continues its effort to connect people across different interests—melding contemporary art patrons with gaming communities and beyond. It’s a small but meaningful example of how Bentonville’s cultural scene is expanding quietly yet surely, with space for everyone—even those who just want to roll some dice and meet new folks.
Source: Reddit Bentonville
