The first weekend of summer is officially here, and it comes with festivals, family fun and the flavors of the season. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, June 18
Achieve Creations Pop-Up Shop at 10400 W. 36th St. // Wallets at the ready. Achieve Community Alliance (formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas) is hosting a pop-up market where all items are created by individuals in the nonprofit’s social enterprise program. Whether you’re shopping for Father’s Day, Juneteenth or Pride Month, your purchases will help support creators with disabilities. Shop 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, June 18-21
Juneteenth Celebrations Around the Metro // While the holiday technically takes place on Friday, the freedom celebrations are popping up all weekend and in full force. We’ll cover the biggest one in a minute, but a few more to put on your to-do list include:
- Thursday – Juneteenth ASO Jazz Concert
- Thursday – Juneteenth Movie Night: “The Best Man” at Beyond the Divide
- Thursday – Juneteenth Celebration at Park Plaza
- Friday – Juneteenth in Da Rock Summit at the Robinson Center
- Friday – Party on the River at First Security Amphitheater
- Friday – Juneteenth Art Night on Ninth at Beyond the Divide
- Friday – Juneteenth Creative Morning at AMFA
- Saturday – Historical tours at Dreamland Ballroom and Lounge
- Sunday – Free admission and activities at the Clinton Presidential Center
Plus more: How to Celebrate Juneteenth in Little Rock
“Ain’t Misbehavin’” Opening Weekend at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // Sixth Street is getting into the groove with the latest production in its SummerStage series, a musical revue that captures the Harlem Renaissance through the sounds of jazz legend Fats Waller. Learn more here.
Friday, June 19
Step Out for Stroke Walk at Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock // Break out the good sneakers for this second annual walk that’s all about “hope, remembrance and community.” The 2.2-mile route loops through campus and welcomes survivors, caretakers and supporters to raise awareness and celebrate loved ones. Following the walk are food, games, giveaways and health booths. Start time is 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Team USA Watch Parties // The FIFA World Cup is back with a vengeance, and lots of locals are getting in on the fun. Camp out at Dugan’s, Lost Forty, Hill Station, El Sur or The Soccer Center to watch USA take on Australia. The match starts at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Also on the big screen: Where to Watch Classic Movies in Little Rock This Summer
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 an open studio with Vershea, Bang-Up Betty and Lee Lee Arts + Design. Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, June 19 & 20
Auburn Fest at The Auburn Yard // This outdoor NLR venue may be new on the scene, but it’s wasting no time bringing the good vibes. Two days of live music, vendors, art and food trucks await at 143 Auburn Drive. Learn more here.
Keep the alfresco vibes going: 5 Little Rock Restaurants That Savor the View
Saturday, June 20
Juneteenth in da Rock Festival at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center // The city’s largest Juneteenth celebration is making its way back to Ninth Street to honor freedom, culture and community. The MTCC is pulling out all the stops once again with a day of live music, food trucks, local vendors, family-friendly activities and more, and it all kicks off with a 5K highlighting Black historical sites at 7 a.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. June continues the year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and this event dives into what the phrase “trade with all parts of the world” meant in early 19th century Arkansas. Stop by 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Lost & Found Pride Market at 1319 Main St. // Keep the local markets coming. This weekend’s SoMa shop is a special Pride edition with more than 60 vendors showcasing their art, vintage goods and much more. Come shop 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Library Block Party at Williams Library // Books taking the block? Yes, please. The Dunbar CALS location is welcoming summer with a night of food, music and festivities for all ages. Be there 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Little Rock Rangers vs. Mississippi Brilla at War Memorial Stadium // Gather the Red Watch, it’s game time. Come cheer on Little Rock’s soccer team as they take on the Clinton-based club. Saturday’s faceoff starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Weird Al Yankovic at Simmons Bank Arena // The crowned prince of parody is back in the metro, bringing his Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour to the madness-loving masses. Showtime is 8 p.m. Learn more here.
More Hollywood news: Matthew McConaughey to Headline 2026 Filmland Festival
Sunday, June 21
Father’s Day in Little Rock // Hats off to you, Pops. Today’s the day to celebrate the leading man, and step one is making sure he has a proper feast in his honor. Here’s where you can do just that.
- Father’s Day brunch at Southern Tail (or take him to cocktail class on Thursday)
- Father’s Day bash with Fassler Hall at Rusty Tractor Vineyards
- Hops with Pops beer brunch at Lost Forty
- Father’s Day celebration at Plaza Frida
- Pizza with Pops at CALS McMath Library (Saturday)
Psst! Still shopping? Where to Get Last-Minute Father’s Day Gifts in Little Rock
Tomato Fest at The Bernice Garden // It’s not summertime in Arkansas without an abundance of tomatoes, and that’s exactly what we’re looking forward to at the Bernice Garden Farmers Market this weekend. Come celebrate the new season with cooking demonstrations, fresh recipes, live music and more. It all goes down 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Learn more here.