Zombies, cowboys, lightsabers — must be October in Little Rock. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Oct. 19
Blue Jeans & Bubbles at Argenta Plaza // Let the boot-scootin’ begin. In its third year, this bash will feature delicious eats, a champagne bar, live music from Juicebox Jake and the Lunchables and more. It’s all wrapped up in a western theme and benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana. Be there 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Fall Preview Night at Domestic Domestic // There’s just something about the changing of the season that makes you want to shop. Follow your heart to Kavanaugh to get in on food, music, discounts and first dibs on some of the season’s new goods. Stop by 5-7 p.m. Learn more here.
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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 the month. Up this week is the Big John Miller Band while Stone’s Throw and Flyway serve up their craft brews and the Grilled Sandwich Company serves the eats. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Oct. 20
Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // Let’s go on a walk, everybody. Lace up your comfy shoes because this monthly walk invites you to stroll through the Argenta Arts District’s lineup of special exhibits and events. Highlights include spooky DIYs at The Hub, a Frida Kahlo-inspired exhibit opening at Acansa Gallery and a Jennifer O’Brien pop-up at Bang-Up Betty. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
The Bernice Garden Night Market // Think of it as a fond farewell. The last one of the season, this week’s edition of the neighborhood market promises more than 30 local vendors, music and a food truck on hand to fuel your fun and kick off your weekend. Peruse and enjoy starting at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
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 The Rodney Block Collective. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Woof, Wag & Wine at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Back for its 11th year, this Out of the Woods Animal Rescue of Arkansas fundraiser is all about helping our furry friends. A night of wine, beer, Tex-Mex and dancing awaits guests, along with a silent auction. Bet there at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
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“Beetlejuice” at Ron Robinson Theater // It’s showtime. There’s nothing quite like watching this 1988 flick on the big screen. And if anyone knows how we can get Winona Ryder to go on supernatural adventures with us, let us know. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Oct. 21
Fall Celebration at River Valley Horticultural Products // Dive head-first into all things autumn? Don’t mind if we do. This seasonal bash is in its fifth year and features fab fall food and discounts on garden goods, as well as the chance to meet and get involved with area nonprofits like The Mayfly Project and Feed the Vets. Come get your fill from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunshine Market at Dunbar Community Garden // File this one under “a rather lovely Saturday.” Hosted by Paper Hearts Bookstore, this market features local, women-owned businesses offering everything from yoga to jewelry to snacks. Stop by and shop 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Creep ‘N’ Crawl at Two Rivers Park // Let’s balance out some of that Halloween candy, shall we? Gals and ghouls and freaks of all kinds are invited to this “wonderfully creepy” 5K, half marathon and “lil’ monsters dash” where walkers are welcome, undead and otherwise. The first group sets off at 3:30 p.m. Learn more here.
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Pints & Pumpkins at Stone’s Throw Brewing // Calling all Halloweenies. Soak up the season in the Stone’s Throw biergarten with this annual pumpkin carving contest while you enjoy their delicious drafts. (We suggest the seasonal pumpkin pie porter.) Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
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Festival of Darkness at Lost Forty Brewing // Bring out your undead. At this annual Nighty Night Imperial Stout release/block party, guests are encouraged to don their zombie best — plus this year’s sub-theme for the zombie costume contest: pirates — and enjoy dark beer samples from local and regional breweries. Food trucks, live music, fire-breathers and more make this event one for the (horror) books. It all starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Fright Night at The Promenade at Chenal // It’s never too early for trick-or-treating, right? Get the fun started with an evening of activities, costumes, candy, vendors, music and more. Be there 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
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Thursday – Sunday, Oct. 19-22
Last Days of the Arkansas State Fair at the Fairgrounds // Some things never change, and one of those things is the fair. The lights, the sights and the deep fried perfection are all waiting for you. All you have to do is answer their siren call and get yourself a corndog. Learn more here.
Friday – Sunday, Oct. 20-22
“Star Wars: A New Hope” in Concert at the Robinson Center // It’s intergalactic music to our ears. Next up in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Pops Live! series is the 1977 space epic that started it all, which will play on the big screen while the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra brings John Williams’ iconic score to life. Catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
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Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 21 & 22
Central Arkansas Pride Fest in Argenta // Get ready to celebrate, Little Rock. This annual fest makes its return this year with a community parade, food trucks, live entertainment, vendors and so much more starting at noon on Saturday, then wraps with brunch the next day at the Clinton Center. BYO rainbow. Learn more here.