One week into the new month and it’s already one to remember. Food festivals, outdoor concerts, art shows, dinosaurs and so much more are on the agenda. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Nov. 5
First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month, and that means it’s time to get your shop ‘n’ sip on. Soak up the Kavanaugh vibes while you take advantage of the specials, later hours and extra fun like festive cocktails and a toy drive at Domestic Domestic. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
An Evening of Rare Whiskeys at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Let’s enter the weekend with glasses raised, shall we? AMFA is sharing a selection of exceptional whiskeys from Four Roses, Pappy Van Winkle, Weller and more alongside expertly paired appetizers. The sipping starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Speaking of raising glasses, here’s to our 2026 Class of Men on a Mission.
Gala Dia de Muertos at The Venue at Westwind // Keeping the Day of the Dead festivities going is this inaugural fundraiser for Avanza Arkansas that celebrates life and legacy while supporting the nonprofit’s efforts to help in-need and underserved communities. Expect a night of art, live performances, food, drinks and Mexican tradition. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 5-7
CALS Used Book Sale at Roberts Library // Time to add a few titles to that autumn reading list. The beloved CALS sale is back downtown with loads of gently read books, and they’re calling your name with a price tag of just $2 or less. Sale hours are 2-5 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Friday and noon – 4 p.m. on Saturday. Learn more here.
Required reading: Discover the November Issue of Soirée
Faith Rivera at AMFA // The museum is keeping a busy schedule this weekend, and that includes two events with Grammy-nominated, Emmy-winning singer-songwriter Faith Rivera. Thursday’s Art Insights program will feature a conversation with and performances by Rivera at 6 p.m. On Saturday, she’ll return to host her “Sing-Dance-Shine” class on creativity for all ages at 10:30 a.m.
Friday, Nov. 6
SoMa After Dark on South Main Street // Just south of 630, this recurring event features area businesses offering later hours and special activities. Expect music, pop-up shops and more, like jazz at The Bernice Garden, “An International Take on Friendsgiving” at The Punch Bowl, book signings at The Green Corner Store and art shows at Boswell Mourot Fine Art, M2 Gallery and New Deal Studios & Gallery. SoMa After Dark runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
More Art Shows in the Metro // If you’re on the hunt for some new masterpieces, you’re in luck. Downtown, the new Parke Hall Gallery opens inside Christ Episcopal Church with a show featuring Jeff Horton and Baxter Knowlton from 5-8 p.m. Meanwhile, the UA Little Rock Windgate School of Art & Design will host its annual holiday show/sale featuring work from students, faculty and alumni from 3-8 p.m.
More art news: Thea Foundation’s Final Art Department of 2026 Features Jason McCann & Michael Shaeffer
Toast & Taste at Wildwood Park for the Arts // In search of flavor? Head west. This park fundraiser will give guests their pick of wine and whiskey, all while enjoying paired bites from some of your favorite local restaurants. The night includes live music from Pat Becker and the Rex Bell Trio and Matt Stone, artwork by Tracy Rivers, a silent auction and a wine cork pull. It all starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, Nov. 6 & 7
Maumelle Food Truck Festival at Lake Willastein // Food truck season is still the best season, and this waterside park is serving it up right. This year, the festivities kick off on Friday night at 5 p.m. with food trucks and a concert by Midnight South and Heath Sanders. Then on Saturday, get your fill from more than 40 food trucks and vendors, plus a 5K/10K, bake-off, kids’ zone, music and lots more. It runs from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is a BingoFlix screening of “Highlander” on Friday at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday is “You’ve Got Mail” at 12:30 p.m. and the next Exhibition on Screen installment on Raphael at 4 p.m., followed by an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday – Sunday, Nov. 6-8
Jurassic Quest at the Statehouse Convention Center // Ok, who go into the dino DNA? Dozens of dinosaurs are stomping into town as part of this family-friendly exhibit’s return. Expect animatronic dinosaurs, dino-themed rides, live shows, hands-on activities, bounce houses, a play area for “triceratots” and more. Your quest awaits 1-6 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
More family fun: Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus Comes to Argenta This Season
Saturday, Nov. 7
Walk to End Alzheimer’s in North Little Rock // Lace up those sneakers. The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual walk is back for another year, kicking off the two-mile route at Argenta Plaza. Proceeds aid the nonprofit in its battle against Alzheimer’s and dementia. The opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Keep the sneakers on and hit the UAMS Parkinsonism Walk at the Little Rock Zoo, too. More on that here.
Hillcrest Porchfest in Hillcrest // There’s a new mini-fest in town. These free gatherings have become popular across the country, and now it’s Hillcrest’s turn. On Saturday, 17 local musical acts will perform on the porches of homes throughout the neighborhood with audiences invited to enjoy from the yard. Streets will not be closed, so be smart as you walk to each location, and bring a chair if needed. The first show starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Arkansas Cornbread Festival on South Main // Yes, it’s a stereotype to be Southern and in love with cornbread, and no, we don’t care. After making its post-COVID return in 2024 and then taking a 2025 hiatus, the fest is back again with tons of vendors, a kids’ zone and live music surrounding the corny cook-off. It all kicks off at 11 a.m. and lasts through 4 p.m. Even better? It benefits the Arkansas Foodbank. Learn more here.
Read more: What’s Cookin’ in SoMa
Cranksgiving in Little Rock // It’s a bike ride, a food drive and a scavenger hunt rolled into one. Riders of all ages will complete a list of tasks around town, all in the spirit of giving back, and all to provide groceries for neighbors in need. The final haul will go to the Wrightsville Food Pantry, and participants are encouraged to bring donations, too. Go time is 1 p.m. from Moody Brews. Learn more here.
Good Night: Suits & Sneakers at the Roland Sports Complex & Event Center // Good Night? More like great night. This annual event is back and celebrating with food, cocktails, auctions and music, all to raise funds for Community Connections’ free programs for children with special needs. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Starry Starry Night at Temple B’Nai Israel // Hosted by Access, this year’s 28th annual fundraiser will mark the occasion with dinner, drinks, live and silent auctions and a special program honoring individuals who have made the special needs organization possible. The event begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Reigning Cats & Dogs at Next Level Events // Things are getting adorable at the train station. The Humane Society of Pulaski County’s 35th annual fundraiser is back with a night of auctions, food, drinks and lots of four-legged friends. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: There are many annual philanthropic events taking place this weekend, and while some of Saturday’s are sold out, you can still donate or bid on virtual auction items to show your support. This includes:
- Opus Ball XLII benefiting the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
- Candlelight Gala benefiting the Historic Arkansas Museum
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 7 & 8
Squatch Till You Drop at Allsopp Park // Legends, lore, leg day — they all come into play for this two-day trail run event hosted by Little Rock Parks & Recreation. On Saturday is the 5K fun run, or one lap of the Allsopp course. Then on Sunday is The Squatch, an endurance run where participants complete as many laps as they can in six hours. Lunch is provided both days, and there are prizes for top finishers. Learn more here.
Keep movin’: Fall Runs to Keep on Your Radar
Sunday, Nov. 8
Holidays in The Heights on Kavanaugh // Let’s get festive, Little Rock. The Heights neighborhood is launching the holiday season with hot cocoa, good eats, festive decor and some one-on-one time with Mr. Claus, plus more activities and specials at all your favorite shops. The holly jolly vibes last from 1-4 p.m. Learn more here.
‘Tis officially the season for holiday open houses and sip + shop events! Check out these around town:
Not sure where to start? Shop the Soirée Holiday Gift Guide: Part I