From milkshakes to beer festivals, there’s something for everyone to toast to this weekend. Let’s get into it.
COVID forecast: Community level is high. Click here to get this week’s by-the-numbers report, and click here for a simplified version of what it means for how to go out into the city safely and responsibly.
Thursday, July 28
Diner Night: Summer Brunch Lovin’ at At The Corner // Tell us more. The downtown diner is leaning into its own throwback vibe with a night of ’50s-themed fun. Expect soda fountain faves, a full retro menu and even a one-night-only comeback of their tasty shakes made with Loblolly. Poodle skirts encouraged. It starts at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Wine Pairing Dinner at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Where better to have a wine pairing than in a vineyard? Back for another installment of this tag-team series, Thursday’s dinner will feature a five-course menu from The Croissanterie and sip selections from Vino Distribution. We have our sights on the opera cake. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
CALS Speaker Series: Sebastián Hidalgo & Josué Rivas // Next up in the Six Bridges Book Festival programming are Hidalgo and Rivas, who will discuss their work in both photojournalism and in furthering conversations about community and collective healing. The virtual program begins at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Potluck & Poison Ivy at The Joint Theater // Argenta’s storytelling project is back, featuring locals sharing their stories — Southern, savory and sometimes a little poisonous — in unparalleled style. In this session, guests will hear from local poet and critic Spencer Hupp, plus musical guests The Salty Dogs. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Countdown to Kickoff at The Hall // Cue Hank Williams Jr. 103.7 The Buzz is making sure you’re ready for some football with an evening dedicated to all things pigskin, including a few in-person Hogs. Joining The Buzz crew will be Razorbacks Cam Little, KJ Jefferson and Jalen Catalon. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, July 30
Summer Self-Care Event at Full Out Barre // Sweating from another heat advisory? No, thanks. Sweating from a free workout class? We’ll take it. FOB is offering a full lineup of free classes on Saturday, everything from hot barre to restorative meditation. The first sweat sesh starts at 7:30 a.m. Learn more here.
Block on Rock at Stone’s Throw Brewing // HBD, Stone’s Throw! We love a good party, and that’s why we’re excited for the return of the brewery’s annual bash as it celebrates nine whole years of business with live music, food trucks and cold beer. It’s a whole block party of goodness, shutting down the 700-800 blocks of Rock Street, and benefiting Preserve Arkansas in the process. The fun lasts from 4-10 p.m. Learn more here.
Paper Hearts Birthday Bash at The Bernice Garden // A book pop-up celebrating one year in business? It’s the literal incarnation of a one-year anniversary gift, and the gift is to you, Little Rock. Paper Hearts is (book)marking the occasion with a lineup of vendors that includes The Bagel Shop, Emmylou’s Flower Bar, Flake Baby Pastry, The Root Cafe, Gold & Sage Jewelry and lots more, plus live music and plenty of books. Stop by 4-7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, July 29 & 30
E.Leigh’s Summer Tent Sale // Get excited, shoppers. With this sale now in its 10th (!!) year, the boutique is pulling out all the stops with “thousands” of pieces up for grabs. This is your chance to get big brands for as little as $5. Sale hours are 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday. Learn more here.
Sunday, July 31
E H Taylor Summer Series Bourbon Tasting at Brood & Barley // We can raise a glass to this. Sons of the Flag, a nonprofit supporting burn care for veterans and first responders, is hosting an evening featuring a five-course meal, four “sought-after” whiskeys, live music and an auction. Dinner is served at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America at the First Security Amphitheater // It seems there’s a concert in the amphitheater every weekend these days, and you’ll hear zero complaints about it from us. At this free, family-friendly concert, you can expect everything from jazz and pop to marches and symphonic works, as well as original compositions and vocal soloists. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, July 28-31
Disney’s “Descendants: The Musical” Opening Weekend at The Studio Theatre // Somebody get Maleficent on the phone. The Studio Theatre’s latest show is based on the hit TV movies following the kids of some of Disney’s biggest baddies. Even better? It showcases some of the metro’s best young talent. Opening night is already sold out for this family-friendly show, so move fast if you want tickets. Learn more here.
Friday – Sunday, July 29-31
The Bobby Portis Foundation Weekend // There’s nothing like a hometown hero. The NBA champ is leaving the Bucks in Milwaukee for a weekend of events in LR that will give back to the community that helped raise him. First up is a basketball camp on Friday, followed by a bowling event that night, then a celebrity basketball game on Saturday and a gala on Sunday. Learn more here.