Buckle up, boils and ghouls. It’s going to be a wild weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Oct. 26
Big Boo!seum Bash in downtown Little Rock // This area-wide favorite is back and it’s just as free and family-friendly as ever. Pack up the kiddos, put on your costume and check out a handful of the city’s coolest participating local museums and cultural attractions with games, activities and trick-or-treating. You have from 5:30-8:30 p.m. to get the job done. Learn more here.
River Market Live at the River Market Pavilions // Let’s groove, downtown. August’s concert series was a hit, so they’ve brought back the free, weekly shows throughout October. Closing out the month is Bijoux while Stone’s Throw and Flyway serve up their craft brews and Ceci’s Chicken ‘N’ Waffles serves the eats. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Aiming for Zero at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Local nonprofit Project Zero is taking things outside for its annual fundraising event. An evening of alfresco Southern eats from PK Catering by Cypress Social will await guests, as well as entertainment and an auction to further the mission of helping kids in foster care find their forever homes. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Full Moon Market at The Labyrinth // Welcome back, hunter’s moon. Once again this monthly market is returning to 619 S. Spring St. for an autumn celebration of art, curiosities, books, drinks and more, including an extra dose of Halloween fun. Stop by 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Light the PATH at Chenal Event Venue // This fundraiser is all about enjoying a night of food and fun for a great cause. Guests can get in on fantastic eats, live music and auctions all benefiting PATH, or Partners Against Trafficking Humans, in their work to eradicate sex-trafficking in Arkansas. The evening begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Reminder: There are many annual philanthropic events taking place this weekend, and while some are sold out, you can still donate or bid on virtual auction items to show your support. This includes:
- Starry Starry Night benefiting Access Group
- Gala for Good benefiting Goodwill of Arkansas
Hawgs for a Cause at the Holiday Inn Airport Conference Center // Self-described as the “ultimate tailgate party,” this annual AEDD (Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled) fundraiser lives up to the hype. Guests can go ham on a barbecue dinner while Craig O’Neill, aka Brother Hogg, serves as emcee. The night also includes live music, a cash raffle and auctions. It all goes down at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Potluck & Poison Ivy at The Joint // Argenta’s storytelling project is back featuring locals sharing their stories — Southern, savory and sometimes a little poisonous — in unparalleled style. In this session, guests will hear from painter and sculptor Kevin Kresse, along with musical guest The Salty Dogs. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
“Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” Opening Night at The Studio Theatre // We’ve definitely got that loving feeling for this Broadway musical following the story of Carole King, the composer and singer/songwriter behind songs like “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Oct. 27
Fridays on the Lawn at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // As if you needed another reason to visit the AMFA, Fridays in October now mean food, drinks and live music on the MacArthur Park grounds, this week by Bonnie Montgomery. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here. Update: Due to weather, this event will now take place in the AMFA Performing Arts Theater.
While you’re there: AMFA Unveils “Whitfield Lovell: Passages” Exhibition
“Doctor Blood’s Coffin” at The Labyrinth // Might want to sleep with the lights on after this. Next up in the monthly Friday Night Frights series is this 1961 horror flick about a dastardly doctor and his fiendish experiments. On the fence about frights? Proceeds from the screening benefit Arkansas Community Advocates to support our unhoused and low-income neighbors. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
“The Navigator” at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral // And now for a night you won’t find anywhere else. Buster Keaton’s most successful silent film comes to life in this Quapaw Quarter space with live organ accompaniment by Jason Roberts. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Monster Bash at The Venue at Westwind // It’s heeeere. This annual amped-up costume party is bigger, better and more bloodcurdling than ever. Guests can expect signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, dancing and auctions. Proceeds from the event benefit Home for Healing. The party starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Read on: Monsters, Medicine & a Ball Made for Fall
Argenta Vibe Music Series at Argenta Plaza // We can already tell the vibes are going to be perfect in Argenta this weekend. The NLR neighborhood’s (free!) outdoor concert series concludes its 2023 season with live music from The Cleverlys, plus local eats, drinks and even some VIP tickets. The show starts at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Oct. 28
Hillcrest HarvestFest // We wait all year for this citywide-favorite festival, and now it’s finally here. We’ve got our fingers crossed for a clear forecast for this whole day packed full of concerts, food trucks, games, costumes, puppies and tons of vendors on Kavanaugh. As always, a portion of the fest proceeds supports The Allen School. The day kicks off with the farmers market and pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Howl-o-Ween Parties in the Plaza at the Little Rock Zoo // Bring on the wolves, man. The zoo has been bringing the Halloween fun on Saturdays all month with special crafts, magic shows, princess meet-ups and animal encounters. It starts at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Harvest Festival at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // There’s no better place to celebrate the harvest than on a farm. Come enjoy food trucks, hayrides, vendors, pumpkins, live music and more from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here. Update: Due to weather, this event has been rescheduled to Nov. 4.
Walk to Defeat ALS at War Memorial Stadium // Over the course of less than a mile, this walk is all about rallying the troops and bringing hope to those with ALS, all while raising money to find a cure along the way. This is one of The ALS Association’s biggest annual events, and 2023 marks its 14th year in central Arkansas. Start time is 10 a.m. Learn more here.
13th Anniversary Celebration at Rock Town Distillery // We’ll drink to this. Arkansas’ first legal distillery since Prohibition is marking 13 whole years of greatness, and it’s celebrating in style with friends and supporters. Expect tastings, tours, parking lot cookouts and lots more. Doors open at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Chili Fights in The Heights on Kavanaugh // Is there a more perfect dish than chili for a fall day? Of course not. This annual street festival pits teams against each other to find the best chili the city has to offer. Tons of chili? Yes, please. Benefitting the Arkansas FoodBank? Even better. Elastic waistbands? No doubt. Cooking starts at 11 a.m., food trucks and drink sales will open at noon and the tasting lasts 2-5 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: The shuttle between HarvestFest and Chili Fights is back, so feel free to spend your day bouncing up and down Kavanaugh.
Halloween Chili Cookoff at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // Hope you’re hungry, goblins, because there’s a double serving of chili this weekend. 100.3 The Edge is hosting its 17th annual event where competitors go head to head for the title of chili champ. Plus, there will be trick-or-treating, live music and proceeds will go to The Van and the Humane Society of Pulaski County. It kicks off at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Sober October Block Party at the Wolfe Street Center // All of the fun, none of the booze. This family-friendly fest features food trucks, music, pumpkin carving, costume contests and all kinds of Halloween fun. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here. Update: Due to weather, this event has been canceled.
(V)Amp Out Alz at Argenta Community Theater // Normally we’d warn you to limber up your neck for this rock ‘n’ roll fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Arkansas, but with this year’s vampire theme, you might want to stick to the turtleneck to be safe. Food, drinks, silent auctions and costume contests await guests, as well as lots of live music from The Dirty Meanies. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
The Yard After Dark at The Rail Yard // When the sun goes down, it’s time to (creepy) clown. The Rail Yard has a whole night of costumes, live music and haunted menus from food trucks lined up for you to enjoy. Gates open at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
The Rocky Horror Pickin’ Show at Four Quarter Bar // Ever wondered what a crossover between “Rocky Horror” and bluegrass sounds like? Come hear it yourself and wonder no more. Something tells us Riff Raff would be into it. Showtime is 9:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Oct. 26-28
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the downtown theater, and the lineups keep pulling us in. Up first is “The Lost Boys” on Thursday at 7 p.m., then “Hocus Pocus” on Friday at 7 p.m., followed by two interactive screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Saturday at 6 and 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Oct. 29
Halloween Carnival at the Market at Chenal // This WLR market is going the spooky route this Sunday on Rahling Circle. Bring out the fam and get in on food trucks, games, trick-or-treating and more (including the actual farmers market). It runs 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here. Update: Due to weather, this event has been rescheduled to Nov. 5.
40th Annual Fish Fry at Camp Aldersgate // Clear eyes, full stomachs, can’t lose. That’s the motto we’re riding in on for this annual fundraiser. Across the campgrounds, guests are invited to enjoy catfish and all the fixin’s, not to mention a fishing derby for kids, yard games, live entertainment and more. Stop by 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Learn more here.
It’s fall, y’all: Where to Catch the Best Fall Foliage in Arkansas
Tent-or-Treat Sunday Funday at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // We couldn’t be further from the Sunday Scaries right about now. Come out to the vineyards for an afternoon of drinks and bites from Boards & Bubbles, plus tick-or-treating booths with local vendors. Stop by noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Out of the Darkness Walk at the War Memorial Park Golf Course // Back for another year, this community walk is hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Along with the walk, the gathering also brings together resources for raising awareness of mental illness and suicide, a remembrance ceremony and more. Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Halloween Market at Flyway Brewing // Keeping the seasonal fun going, this outdoor event in Argenta brings a lineup of vintage vendors, music, craft brews and pumpkin carving to keep you haunting the brewery all day long. The market lasts 2-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Tall Tales at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // What’s spooky season without a few scary stories? The Rep is teaming up with The Yarn for an evening of thrilling storytelling, first with a session for the kiddos at 4 p.m., then for teens and adults at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Witches Ride The Heights on Kavanaugh // Get on your bikes and ride, witches. This second annual parade invites the community to don their witchiest gear and cruise down Kavanaugh or join the onlooking crowds. The ride wraps up at Boulevard Bread Co. with food, drinks, music and activities for the fam. They ride at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Oct. 26-29
“Six” at the Robinson Center // Let’s go, queens. The smash-hit, Tony-winning Broadway show is taking the downtown stage to tell the remixed histories of the wives of King Henry VIII in pure, pop diva fashion. Learn more here.
Halloween Fun at Bark Bar // Holy caped canine. This neighborhood dog playspace/human bar is hosting a Hallowweekend full of pawtys for pupperinos and persons alike. You and Fido can get in on a killer costume contest, a bottomless mimosa brunch and more. Learn more here.
“Sweeney Todd” at Wildwood Park for the Arts // We’ll pass on the pies, thanks. The one and only demon barber of Fleet Street comes to the park in this classic Sondheim musical, and something tells us he’s out for blood. Learn more here.
Save the dates: Little Rock’s 2023 Fall Performing Arts Calendar
Friday – Sunday, Oct. 27-29
“Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Riverdale 10 Cinema // We almost can’t handle the antici… For more than 20 years, the Riverdale theater has held screenings of this cult classic, and each year they bring it back for another round of science fiction madness. Of course, audience participation is strongly encouraged. IYKYK. Learn more here. …pation.
“Give Me a Minute” at Argenta Community Theater ACT II Space // With professional musician John Cheek at the helm, this fundraising performance showcases the Little Rock native’s newest solo piano concert, along with visual artwork by Kendra Williford. All performances benefit the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Catch the show at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday or at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 28 & 29
Arkansas Paranormal Expo at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History // Hope you brought your proton pack. Embrace your love of all things strange and unexplained with panels on ghosts, Bigfoot, UFOs and lots more. There will also be vendors (think: tarot readings and meditation jewelry), activities and a few non-spooky food trucks. Proceeds go toward the preservation of the museum. The ghoulish fun lasts from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Learn more here.