It’s another jam-packed weekend in the capital city, and though the weather may get the best of some events, there’s still plenty of fun to go around. Let’s get into it.
COVID forecast: Community level is low. Click here to get the latest from the Arkansas Department of Health, and click here for a simplified version of what it means for how to go out into the city safely and responsibly.
Thursday, April 27
Food Truck Thursday at the Pulaski County Administration Building // Time to fill that food truck-shaped hole in your life. This meetup at 201 Broadway St. will welcome eats like Lili’s Mexican Street Food, Rock City Dogs, Mike’s Rolled Ice Cream and more. Be there 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. to get the goods. Learn more here.
Stay hungry: The 411 on opening day of the Little Rock Farmers Market
Southern Spring Social at the Old State House Museum // We do declare, it’s high time for some fine Southern style. This event is all about celebrating the best of the South, so put on your Sunday best and stop by for lawn games, hors d’oeuvres, raffles and plenty of mint juleps. The best part? Proceeds benefit the School Bus Fund, which enables area schools to visit the OSHM and learn about Arkansas history. Get your julep on from 6-8 p.m. Learn more here.
“Tradition and Temptation” at Second Presbyterian Church // Under the direction of Israel Getzov, the Little Rock Wind Symphony is kicking off your weekend with pieces designed to contradict one another: the winds-specific “Symphony No. 3” by Vittorio Giannini and the sultry “Carmen Symphony” by Georges Bizet. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, April 28
Home for Healing Golf Classic at the Country Club of Arkansas // Let’s scramble. This tourney pits four-person groups against each other on the green, all for the greater good of helping families with loved ones in the hospital. The shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Read on: Staying the Course for Home for Healing
“Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” at Ron Robinson Theater // It’s The Beatles without The Beatles. CALS’ popular BingoFlix screening series is back, offering prizes to viewers who can fill up their bingo cards with cheesy, “so-bad-they’re-good” movie cliches. This 1978 comedy rock opera has everything: killer costumes, magic hot air balloons and possibly the best ensemble cast ever. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
“Don’t Look in the Basement” at The Labyrinth // Might want to sleep with the lights on after this. Next up in the monthly Friday Night Frights series is this 1973 horror flick revolving around an asylum filled with secrets and malice. On the fence about frights? Proceeds from the screening benefit Arkansas Community Advocates to support our unhoused and low-income neighbors. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Argenta Vibe Music Series at Argenta Plaza // Why, yes, the vibes are immaculate in Argenta this weekend. The NLR neighborhood’s (free!) outdoor concert series kicks off its 2023 season with live music from Shinyribs, plus local eats, drinks and VIP tickets. The show starts at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, April 29
501 Day // 501 life is the best life, and you can’t convince us otherwise. The whole region is celebrating this third annual holiday a few days early with events and specials at businesses and organizations. Learn more here.
Not sure where to begin? These will get you started:
- 501 Fest in SoMa
- Running of the Bulls De La Pequeño Roca
- Spring Fling at The Rail Yard
- Outdoor Market at South Main Creative
Central Arkansas Heart Walk at North Shore Riverwalk Park // Lace up your sneakers. This annual event has the local chapter of the American Heart Association encouraging folks to take their pick of one-, two- or four-mile routes to promote heart health. Go time is 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Rhythm in the Rock Music Festival at the Market at Chenal // This WLR market is turning up the jam at 21 Rahling Circle. The lineup of local performers features Wine & Roses and the Shannon Boshears Band, and you can hear it all with a side of vendors, food trucks and games for the kiddos. It starts at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
While you’re at it: Save the Dates for the Market at Chenal 2023 Lineup
Rock Cities Book Crawl Throughout the Metro // Independent Bookstore Day just got even better. This first-ever event invites bookworms of all ages to hop between some of your fave indie bookstores — Beautywood Books, Paper Hearts Bookstore, WordsWorth Books, The Book Store and Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing — and get in on special events and perks along the way. Learn more here. Bonus: If you want more indie book goodness, St. Rita’s Amazing Traveling Bookstore pops up at The Root on Sunday. More on that here.
Celebrating Maya @95 Community Festival at Centennial Park // We can’t think of a better way to honor Angelou’s 95th birthday than a community-focused neighborhood bash. The Celebrate! Maya Project is teaming up with the Central High School Historic District Neighborhood Alliance for this inaugural fest complete with food, music and, of course, poetry readings. It kicks off at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
ArtChalk Arkansas at War Memorial Stadium // Chalk this one up to a good time. The University of Arkansas scholarship fundraiser features local artists, live music, food trucks, hands-on activities and more. The free fest runs 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
The Melanin Market at The Village Place // Wallets at the ready. This outdoor market is once again taking over Arch Street to showcase local Black entrepreneurs and makers. Expect delicious eats, activities, music, local goods and lots of community fun. Come shop 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
National Astronomy Day Star Party at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // Scram, clouds. We’ve got some star gazing to do. Weather permitting, you can try your hand at amateur astronomy from one of the region’s best viewing spots. Telescopes will be provided by the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society, so all you have to do is show up to the park’s visitor center and bring your eyeballs. Activities begin at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
“Shen Yun” at the Robinson Center // The award-winning show that has performed for sold-out audiences around the world is coming to downtown Little Rock once again. “Shen Yun” showcases the culture and tradition of ancient China with classical dance and music performed by a full orchestra. Showtimes are 2 and 7 p.m. Learn more here.
More stage news: ‘Six,’ ‘Mean Girls,’ ‘Pretty Woman’ and More Coming to Robinson Center
It’s Gonna Be May at Petit & Keet // Mr. Timberlake approves. This annual get-together is all about sending the month off in Y2K style with boy band-themed cocktails, wine flights and playlists. It starts at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
WellRed Comedy Tour at Ron Robinson Theater // Prepare for a whole lot of “bless their hearts.” Pop culture, politics, the pandemic — it’s all on the table for comedy trio Trae Crowder, Corey Ryan Forrester and Drew Morgan as they once again take the stage with that “syrupy sorghum drawl.” Catch the show at 5 and 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Bollywood Nights at The Venue at Westwind // Who else is up for a colorful night of cultural celebrations? Benefitting Harmony Health Clinic, this yearly event features Indian food, cocktails, dancing and a Bollywood show. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Argenta Reading Series with Julia Kolchinsky Dasbach at Argenta United Methodist Church // This monthly Argenta meetup connects writers directly with their audience by inviting both into an intimate space. This month, award-winning poet and professor Julia Kolchinsky Dasbach will present her work to the crowd, with Lilyan Kauffman performing the opening reading. The night starts with wine at 6:30 p.m., and readings begin at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, April 28 & 29
Wild Wines at the Little Rock Zoo // Stripes, spots, whatever — it’s time to party. This can’t-miss bash takes place over the course of two nights with two separate events. Friday night’s VIP event offers guests eats from the city’s best restaurants paired with hand-selected wines from O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor, plus live music, from 7-9 p.m. Saturday night is “The Mane Event” with more entertainment, more food and more libations awaiting attendees from 7-10 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. Learn more here.
Sunday, April 30
Baggo, Brats ‘n’ Blues at The Rail Yard // Check, check and check. This family-friendly event promises a day of baggo tournaments, music, grilling out and drink specials, all to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas. It runs 3-7 p.m. Learn more here.
Restore in Perpetuity Spring Picnic at Mount Holly Cemetery // If you’re a fan of this yearly event, you probably have it on your calendar already. If not, hear us out before you keep scrolling. Yes, this good ol’ fashioned picnic takes place in a cemetery (a beautiful one, at that), but the springtime event is all about raising funds to help maintain the historic landmark, and they do it with food, drinks, tours and live music. It takes place from 5-7 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, April 29 & 30
Forever Thrifted Swap Meet at the Main Street Pocket Park // This monthly market is doubling the fun this weekend with a two-day event. Day one features lots of vintage vendors and artists, while day two is all about swapping your clothes for new-to-you pieces. Plus, there will be plenty of food trucks, music and more. Check it out 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more here.
Symphony of Homes Tour Throughout Little Rock // The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild’s signature event got a redesign. Formerly the ASO Designer House, the Symphony of Homes allows guests to tour seven stunning houses across the metro, each showcasing the talents of a different designer throughout the home. The self-led tours have taken place over the course of two weekends (wrapping up on Sunday) and benefit the ASO’s music education programs. Learn more here.
PSA: Due to inclement weather, Ballet Arkansas’ Live at the Plaza show has been postponed to the fall.