Hollywood stars, funnel cakes, performing arts — it’s all on the menu this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Oct. 12
Science After Dark: Nightmare at the Museum at the Museum of Discovery // Run for the hills! (And by “hills,” we mean the River Market.) This edition of the MoD’s grownup meetup is all about the things that go bump in the night. Expect potions, slime, paranormal activity and more. As always, there will be plenty of eats and drinks from Stone’s Throw. It all kicks off at 6 p.m. 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 the month. Up this week are Dazz & Brie while Stone’s Throw and Flyway serve up their craft brews and Flako’s Mexican Grill serves the eats. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Spooky Cocktail Class at Rock Town Distillery // We’ll raise a glass to this. Grab your poltergeist pals and head to SoMa to learn from the experts how to make some creepy concoctions like the Eye of Newt with Rock Town Mandarin Vodka or the Interview With a Vampire with bourbon cream. Class starts at 7 p.m. and kicks off with a tour of the distillery. Learn more here.
Magos Herrera at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Keep the music coming. Next up in the AMFA concert series is a queen of the Latin American jazz scene. Magos Herrera is a singer-songwriter, producer and educator who was dubbed “one of the greatest contemporary interpreters of song” by The Latin Jazz Network. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
“Kilts and Crown” at the Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock // The Little Rock Wind Symphony is livening things up for its season opener with this program showcasing chamber music that “blends regal elegance with Scottish spirit” and features acclaimed trombonist Tony Baker. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Save the dates: Little Rock’s 2023 Fall Performing Arts Calendar
Friday, Oct. 13
“Friday the 13th” at Camp Taco // Superstitious day, super delicious lineup at this East Village restaurant that was begging for a Camp Crystal Lake makeover. Expect all-day themed menu items and costume contests, then horror trivia and a screening of the 1980 slasher to close out the night. Doors open at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Pass the popcorn: Hitchcock, “Hocus Pocus” and Other Spooky Movies Coming to Ron Robinson
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 Funkanites. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Second Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // Bring on the 2FAN. It’s time for the monthly roundup of downtown businesses opening their doors for an after-hours gallery walk. Highlights this month include “A Beautiful Struggle” exhibit opening at the Historic Arkansas Museum, a Posse Paper Goods pop-up at Bella Vita, painting demonstrations at UA Little Rock Downtown and live music and spooky crafts at the Old State House Museum. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
More museum haunts: Big Boo!seum Bash Brings the Frightful Family Fun This Month
Arkansas Tiny Desk Contest at The Hall // This is what The Natural State sounds like. Bringing a variety of genres from different corners of the state, these up-and-coming bands were selected by a panel of judges to bring the house down. To fuel the fun, El Sur and Smashed ‘N’ Stacked will be on site serving the eats. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here.
“Wait Until Dark” Opening Night at The Weekend Theater // Since its debut in 1966, this thriller has kept audiences on the edge of their seats with the story of a blind woman who must fend off criminal intruders. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Carnival Bizarre at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // Not into haunted houses? Maybe cirque and sideshow theatrics are more your Halloween style. This fourth annual event promises plenty of it. The bizarre bash starts at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
If you’ve got it, haunt it: Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Little Rock
Saturday, Oct. 14
Howl-o-Ween Parties in the Plaza at the Little Rock Zoo // Bring on the wolves, man. The zoo is bringing the Halloween fun on Saturdays this month with special crafts, magic shows, princess meet-ups and animal encounters. It starts at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Fancyful Festival at the Holiday Inn Conference Center // Make way, citizens. All your kids’ favorite royalty and superheroes will descend on one ballroom for costume parades, snacks and a whole lot of Disney singalongs. You have two chances to attend: 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Learn more here.
East Village Art Market at The Rail Yard // You can’t keep us away for long, East Sixth Street. After launching last month, this market invites guests to “sip, shop and stay a while,” which will be no problem thanks to the lineup of artists, creatives, food and drink specials. Bonus fun: Costumes are “highly encouraged.” Stop by 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Little Rock Micro Fondo // This first-ever event describes itself as a “blend of cycling, history and delectable plant-based cuisine,” and it already has our attention. Riders will complete a 10-mile loop through town that includes stops at Little Rock’s historic landmarks and a menu crafted by chef Alicia Watson of Vito & Vera. The ride starts at 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Fall in the Park Market at the Main Street Pocket Park // More markets, less problems. Local vendors showcasing everything from jewelry to fashion to cheesecake will be on hand, so show up with wallets at the ready. Stop by 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
It’s definitely fall, y’all: Your Guide to Pumpkin Patches in Central Arkansas
Thursday & Saturday, Oct. 12 & 14
Concerts at Simmons Bank Arena // The NLR venue always has a great lineup, and this weekend is no exception. Catch Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band on Thursday and Alice Cooper’s “Too Close for Comfort” tour on Saturday. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, Oct. 13 & 14
Argenta Dogtown Throwdown // The Main Street fun is back, baby. This weekend, the NLR neighborhood shuts down the streets for outdoor dining, vendors, live music and local entertainment. Highlights include concerts from Chris DeClerk and the Funkanites, a one-mile beer race and an official Mrs. Roper Romp celebrating everyone’s favorite “Three’s Company” icon. From Friday happy hour to last call on Saturday night, you’ll find all kinds of fun in Argenta. Learn more here.
Sunday, Oct. 15
Sunday Funday at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Sunday scaries? Don’t know her. Patio hangs and food trucks (hi, Grilled Sandwich Co.) await at the vineyard’s Sunset Lodge, plus beer, wine, cocktails and live music by Cory Fontenot. Stop by noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Sip & Shop at Brave New Restaurant // For one afternoon, this Riverdale restaurant will play host to a lineup of local artists with works spanning pottery, jewelry, paintings and more. Pick out a new piece while enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail from the Brave New bar. Shop from 1-5 p.m. Learn more here.
Shop on: Get Big Savings for a Good Cause During 20th Annual UAMS Partners Card Week
Ashley McBryde at the Robinson Center // Returning with her “The Devil I Know” tour, this Grammy-winning singer–songwriter (and Arkansas native) is once again bringing her signature brand of rowdy, rock-infused country music to downtown LR. Special guest JD Clayton will also join her on the Robinson stage. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Oct. 12-15
“Wonderland: Alice’s Epic Adventure” at UA-PTC CHARTS // Just how deep does the rabbit hole go? We’re about to find out in Ballet Arkansas’ 45th season opener, a fantastical reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” for the whole family. And don’t forget about the Down the Rabbit Hole Tea party on Saturday. Learn more here.
What’s on the lineup: Ballet Arkansas Announces 45th Anniversary Season
Friday & Sunday, Oct. 13 & 15
“Musical Essence” at St. James United Methodist Church // Marking their 44th year, the Arkansas Chamber Singers are opening the season with a concert featuring pieces celebrating the power of music and led by guest conductor Marc-André Bougie. Catch the performance Friday at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday at 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday – Sunday, Oct. 13-15
Arkansas State Fair at the State Fairgrounds // It’s back, y’all. 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 (or three). Learn more here.
Make your gameplan: What to Expect at the 2023 Arkansas State Fair
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 14 & 15
Filmland 2023 // Last weekend, the Arkansas Cinema Society’s annual film festival featured short works by local filmmakers, and this weekend zooms out to include some of the most anticipated films this season. Saturday night features a screening of “Eric LaRue” and a conversation with director Michael Shannon at Ron Robinson Theater, while Saturday includes a premiere party for “The Bikeriders” at AMFA with writer-director Jeff Nichols, live music, dinner and more. Learn more here.
Laying low this weekend? Go Inside the October Issue of Soirée