Weekend To-Do List: 8 Colorful Events You Can’t Miss

We made a quick checklist for the next few days, and it looks something like this: art gallery, legendary soul concert, bow tie, king cake and pizza. So are you in, or what?

 

Friday, February 5

The Art Department Presents: Angela Davis Johnson at the Thea Foundation, North Little Rock: In 2016’s first installment of this quarterly series for Thea, this event will the work of the award-winning painter, Angela Davis Johnsonas well as the musical stylings of The Funkanites. The reception includes food, drinks and even a chance to win an original work. The art begins at 6:30 p.m. For more info, click here

Mardi Gras in Arkansas at Next Level Events, Little Rock: The Boys & Girls Club of Central Arkansas is behind this annual Big Easy bash with complimentary wine and beer, live music, tons of beads and some sweet raffle prizes (think luxury suite seats at Travelers games and a 10-class package at ZenStudio Fitness). The fun kicks off at 8 p.m. For more info, click here.

Mavis Staples at Pulaski Technical College, Little Rock: Hold on to your hats, we’ve got a gospel and soul legend coming to town. As part of a list of events celebrating the grand opening of Tech’s Center for Humanities and Arts, the Grammy-winning singer will perform at the school’s campus, and will undoubtedly prove why she wears a proverbial crown. The soul starts at 8 p.m. For more info, click here.

 

Saturday, February 6

SoMa Mardi Gras Parade, Little Rock: There will be a beard contest, music, beer, food AND a parade, all to celebrate Mardi Gras. It’s basic logic, and it’s basically awesome. Be there when the parade begins at noon. For more information, click here.

HeART of the Bar: a Handmade Holiday Market at South on Main, Little Rock: You’re a week out from Valentine’s Day, and we have the solution to not screwing it up. Simply stop in and browse the wares of more from 14 local artisans, sip on a cocktail from David Burnette, munch on Valentine treats from Chef Matthew Bell and Chef Matthew Lowman or pay a visit to the photo booth run by Katie Childs. That’s what we call a win for everyone. The market lasts from from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. For more info, click here.

SoMa Mardi Gras Masquerade at the Villa Marre, Little Rock: Just when you thought the festivities were slowing down in SoMa, this inaugural event will kick off in the Quapaw Quarter with a night of costumes, dancing and giant hair (seriously, there are prizes for most festive hairdo). Plus, at the end of the night, a Mardi Gras king and queen will be crowned, who will then receive a place of honor in the 2017 parade. Expect food, drinks and lots of king cake. The ball takes place from 7-10 p.m. For more info, click here.

Woman of the Year: Men Behind the Mission Gala at the Little Rock Marriott Grand Ballroom, Little Rock: The state’s oldest domestic violence shelter Women & Children First will celebrate the 10th anniversary of it’s annual Woman of the Year Gala with a twist by instead honoring four men who have dedicated their time, talent and resources to the community: Chuck Erwin, George Gleason, Chip Murphy and Dr. Ricardo Sotomora. Guests will enjoy a dinner featuring the honorees’ favorite dishes, sides and desserts, followed by a special tribute, along with live music and dancing. The festivities begin at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.

 

Sunday, February 7

Oh, come on. We know what your plans are. If you’re looking for a new place to watch, here’s where we recommend planting yourself.

 

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