From fashion shows and art markets to the magic of the big top, the holiday season is making its presence known in the capital city. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Nov. 12
Miracle League Double Header at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Let’s start things off with a home run. This annual event brings great food, drinks, raffles and auctions to the WLR venue, and all to support Miracle League’s mission to help those with special needs live out their baseball dreams. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Welcome to Our House at the Schueck Residence // On Thursday, local nonprofit Our House is taking its name literally for its newest fundraiser. Guests are invited to tour the recently renovated home of longtime supporters Jessica and Patrick Schueck and explore the grounds and design details, with light bites served in the pool house. Time slots are available throughout the day. Learn more here.
Wine & Words at WordsWorth Books // We dare you to name a better pairing. The Heights bookstore is teaming up with O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor for an evening of curated wines and reading recs as you “sip, savor and explore the stories behind both the books and the bottles.” It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Jon Cleary & the Absolute Monster Gentlemen at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Up next in the AMFA concert series is this “musical tour-de-force that showcases the grit, funk and joy” of the New Orleans group. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 12-14
CARTI’s Festival of Trees at the Statehouse Convention Center // Pass that cup of cheer this way. CARTI’s annual three-day event returns for its milestone 50th year, kicking off with the Sugar Plum Ball on Thursday. On Friday, the Festival of Fashion brings the spectacle of a New York runway show to downtown Little Rock with looks from local boutiques. On Saturday comes Tux ‘n’ Trees, CARTI’s signature black-tie gala with fine dining, auctions, dancing and live entertainment. Events begin at 6 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and doors open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Learn more here.
Read on: Meet this year’s gala chairs in our November cover story.
Thursday – Sunday, Nov. 12-15
Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus in Argenta // Things are about to get magical at the corner of Bishop Lindsey and Magnolia. The Zoppé family first debuted its circus in 1842 Italy, and now the timeless, intimate, European-style show returns to North Little Rock. The high-flying fun begins on Thursday and runs through Nov. 21. Learn more here.
Jacques & Suzanne Legacy Celebration at Petit & Keet // Tastes like nostalgia. Petit & Keet is once again paying homage to the beloved downtown restaurant that closed in 1986 with a menu offering the fine Swiss-French cuisine it was known for. Get the full menu by reservation only on Thursday, or a condensed version Friday-Sunday. Learn more here.
More WLR news: Vesta’s Boutique to Close, Host Farewell Sale
Friday, Nov. 13
2nd Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // It’s 2FAN time, aka the monthly lineup of downtown businesses opening their doors for after-hours artistic fun. Highlights this month include a final party at the B. Finley Vinson Plaza (in front of the DoubleTree), an 18th anniversary celebration at Bella Vita, a Jeff Wenger art show at Dreamland Lounge, music and Arkansas-made beer at Historic Arkansas Museum and vendors, crafts and entertainment at CALS Main. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Misfit Maker Market at Fassler Hall // More local vendors? Don’t mind if we do. Expect everything from jewelry to art to vintage pieces, and all with a bit of that signature Misfit flair and a particularly Friday the 13th vibe. Come shop 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Shop on: Soirée Holiday Gift Guide Part I
Friday & Saturday, Nov. 13 & 14
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Friday the 13th Part 3 in 3D” on Friday at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday is “A Goofy Movie” at 12:30 p.m., “Stargate” at 4 p.m. and “Clue” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday – Sunday, Nov. 13-15
Opening Weekend at Local Theaters // The stages are hopping this weekend, and we love to see it. It’s straight to the swamp for Wildwood Park for the Arts‘ production of “Shrek the Musical,” while The Weekend Theater explores shame, grief, death and identity in rural Arkansas with “Rut.”
Save the dates: Little Rock’s 2026 Fall & Winter Performing Arts Calendar
Saturday, Nov. 14
Laman Con at Laman Library // This one’s for the adventure lovers. The North Little Rock Public Library System is going all in on the quest with a day of scavenger hunts, murder mysteries, crafts, games, art vendors and more for all ages and fandoms. Your escapism awaits 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Bark ‘n’ Paws Rescue Fair at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // Calling all four-legged friends’ friends. The “largest rescue pet celebration in Arkansas” features a full lineup of vendors for pet supplies, themed art, training demonstrations and workshops, plus lots of adoptable cats and dogs. Proceeds support local animal shelters. Be there 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Christmas Tree Lighting at The Promenade at Chenal // The holidays are in full swing in WLR. Get your shop on, get your list ready for a visit with Santa, then stick around for the tree lighting ceremony with carolers and cocoa. It kicks off at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
More merriment: Save the Dates for Christmas Fun at the Capital Hotel
Storybook Gala at The Sanctuary at Argenta // Wands and brooms are not required for this trip to Hogwarts. With the theme “Unlocking the Magic of a Brighter Future,” this fundraiser for Pulaski County CASA offers a night of good eats, live entertainment and impact stories while supporting local kids in foster care. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Paint the Runway at the Chenal Country Club // Style takes center stage at this event hosted by Blume & Hall Fashion Academy. A celebration of “creativity and couture,” the night will showcase looks by the school’s emerging designers. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 14 & 15
A Very Merry Holiday Vendor Market at BoBrook Farms // Newsflash: BoBrook isn’t just for your pumpkin patch photos. This year’s two-day market features more than 60 different vendors, plus food trucks, lawn games and photos with Santa. Come shop 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and noon – 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Plus: BoBrook’s not the only one getting into the seasonal market game. A little harvest, a little holly and a whole lot of local goodness awaits at these pop-ups:
- Thursday: Jingle & Jetsets Christkindlmarket at Wildwood Park for the Arts
- Friday-Sunday: Little Rock Fall Artisan, Trade & Vendor Expo at War Memorial Park
- Sunday: Mini Maker Market at Pettaway
Beethoven & Blue Jeans at the Robinson Center // Let’s keep things casual this weekend. At this crowd favorite show, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will perform Rossini’s “William Tell Overture,” Shuying Li’s “Coping Cadences” and, of course, Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 7,” with everyone rocking their best denim. Before each performance, the ASO will host a block party outside the Robinson with food trucks, drinks and music. You can catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Sunday, Nov. 15
Open Studios at Pulaski Heights Christian Church // A house of worship may not be the first venue that comes to mind when you think of high-quality art, but this church is helping change that. The building is host to workspaces for several local artists like Lisa Krannichfeld, Emily Wood and Colin Thompson, and this Sunday gives guests a chance to explore and take home some new pieces. Stop by noon – 3 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Gallery 26‘s annual Holiday Art Show & Sale kicks off its seasonal run this weekend, too.
Say It Ain’t Say’s Sweet Potato Pie Contest at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center // Hope you’re hungry, Little Rock. Living up to every bit of deliciousness its title implies, this annual event features entries that are judged by a panel of extremely lucky judges. Guests can get in on the tasting, too, while exploring the MTCC’s exhibits. The throwdown starts at 1 p.m. Learn more here.
And ‘tis officially the season for holiday open houses and shop + sip events! Check out these around town:
Staying in this weekend? Curl up with the November issue.