The metro is all thawed out, and so is the social calendar. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Feb. 19
ReShonda Tate at Ron Robinson Theater // Next up in the CALS Speaker Series, this bestselling author, award-winning poet and speaker will discuss her new book “With Love From Harlem” that follows two 1943 lovers who find themselves at “the center of a political and cultural revolution.” It starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed by a book signing. Learn more here.
Lost Bayou Ramblers at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // And next up in the AMFA concert series is this Grammy-winning band known for its “eclectic mix of modern sounds and rhythms with ancient Cajun melodies and lyrics.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
“España!” at the Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock // The Little Rock Wind Symphony is headed across the Atlantic for its latest show. Conducted by Israel Getzov, this program will “[celebrate] the energy, romance and colorful rhythms” of Spanish music. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Michael Stephen Brown at UA-PTC CHARTS // Keeping the music lineup going strong is the Chamber Music Society with its first concert of the year, featuring the award-winning pianist and composer bringing to life selections from Mendelssohn, Chopin, Capriccioso and more. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
More art fun: This Self-Led Sculpture Tour Explores the River Market Art Scene
Thursday & Saturday, Feb. 19 & 21
Live Shows at Simmons Bank Arena // The NLR venue always has a great lineup, and this weekend is no exception. Catch country music star Eric Church on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., then comedian and actor John Mulaney on Saturday at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Feb. 19-22
“Always, Patsy Cline” Opening Weekend at the Argenta Contemporary Theatre // Call us crazy, but something tells us this show’s music is gonna be good. The theater kicks off its 2026 season with the true story of music legend Patsy Cline and her friendship with Louise Seger. Learn more here.
Friday, Feb. 20
Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // This monthly walk invites you to stroll through the Argenta Arts District’s lineup of special exhibits and events. Highlights include a Phillip Rex Huddleston pop-up at Caverns & Forests and an open studio with Cruel Cat Creative, Bang-Up Betty and Lee Lee Arts + Design. Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Soul Food Night at 42 bar and table // As part of the Clinton Center’s Black History Month programming, this restaurant is serving up a menu “that highlights the impact of Black culture on American cuisine.” Along with the three-course meal, diners will hear stories of soul food in history from the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center’s Brian Rodgers. The evening begins with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here. Update: This event has been canceled.
Friday – Sunday, Feb. 20-22
“Cinderella” at the Robinson Center // Hold on to your slippers. This classic tale combines swoonworthy romance, lough-out-loud moments and world-premiere choreography for a truly unique performance. You have four chances to see the show: 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday or 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.
Dinosaur Adventure at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // Life finds a way, especially in The Natural State. Load up the fam and come experience the life-sized dino exhibit, fossil dig, hands-on fun and more. Adventuring hours are noon – 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Saturday, Feb. 21
Conservation Celebration at the Museum of Discovery // We may still have a month left of winter, but we’re ready for springtime. To welcome her back, this family-friendly event is all about plants, animals and conservation with a lineup of activities with local organizations like the Little Rock Zoo, Dunbar Garden and Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, plus nature-inspired artists to shop from. Check it out 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Central Arkansas Polar Plunge at the Little Rock Racquet Club // Forget Arkansas’ fluctuating temperatures. Think warm thoughts and dive in to support Special Olympics Arkansas. If you’re not up for the plunge, put your dry dollars behind another polar plunger and you could even score a cash prize. Go time is 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Family-Friendly Black History Month Events // The LR metro’s calendar is packed with BHM activities and celebrations, and these are perfect for the kiddos. First, hit the Culture and Characters: Black History Book Fest at the CALS Children’s Library with a special author event, meaningful discussions and book signings from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Then at Park Plaza‘s Power of Heritage program, guests can learn about influential Black Arkansans and more, including hearing hymns and inspirational songs from the St. John Missionary Baptist Church choir from 1-3 p.m.
Keep exploring: 10 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Little Rock
Family Fest at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Back in MacArthur Park, AMFA is hosting some all-ages fun to welcome its new exhibit “A Month of Sundays: Art and the Persistence of Time.” Activities include sketchbook making, yoga, weaving, music, printmaking demonstrations and more. Check it out 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Living Craft Saturday at Historic Arkansas Museum // Time travel, anyone? HAM’s monthly series gives guests an immersive, hands-on opportunity to learn about life in the early days of Arkansas. February continues the year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and this event dives into what the phrase “all men are created equal” meant in Antebellum Arkansans. Stop by 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Fiddle Time at the ASO Stella Boyle Smith Music Center // As part of its new family concert series, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will host this sensory-friendly performance with its Quapaw Quartet. Audiences will learn about American folk music, fiddle techniques and can even join a sing-along. Showtime is 11 a.m. Learn more here.
SoMardi Gras on South Main // Laissez les bons temps rouler, y’all. This bash gets bigger and better every year, and this year is no exception with the theme SoMardi Gras Love. The parade kicks off at 22nd Street at noon, but the block party starts early with food trucks, vendors, music and a kids zone from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Get the fun started early at the VIP pre-party on Friday night at Rock Town Distillery. More on that here.
And because more is more with Mardi Gras, here’s some of what you can expect around SoMa:
- The Root’s 13th annual beard and mustache contest
- Patio parade watch party + brunch at Raduno
- Mardi Gras vintage market at Esse Museum
- Praline king cake ice cream at Loblolly Creamery
- Rock Town Distillery’s sidewalk cocktails
- King cake treats at Community Bakery
And yes, we’re craving it, too. Here’s where to get your king cake fix.
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first on Saturday is the next Exhibition on Screen installment “Renoir: Revered and Reviled” at 4 p.m., followed by an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Feb. 22
Planting the Seeds at The Root at Breckenridge // ICYMI, there’s a new wave of freshness coming to town. The West Little Rock Farmers Market is set to make its debut in April, but first, organizers are hosting this fundraiser to get things started. Come celebrate the upcoming launch with fresh eats and drinks from 4:30-6 p.m. Learn more here.
Miss the memo? Catch up: Inaugural West Little Rock Farmers Market Comes to Breckenridge This Spring
National Margarita Day across Little Rock // Salt or no salt, frozen or on the rocks, margaritas bring people together. You can never go wrong with any of your fave local haunts, but if you’re looking for your next marg love affair, we made you a cheat sheet of the best local celebrations and specials. Learn more here.