Outdoor concerts, Earth Day fun and a bit of fairytale magic are all on the lineup this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Editor’s note: COVID numbers are (thankfully!) still down, but remember to go out into the city safely and responsibly. Keep a safe distance, wear a mask when needed and get vaccinated.
Thursday, April 21
ASO Giving Day Concert at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church // Give a little, get a little. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is hosting its annual fundraising day on Thursday, then wrapping things up with a free concert featuring the work of Arkansas native Florence Price. Showtime is 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Wine Pairing Dinner with Low Ivy Catering at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Yep, you read that right. Low Ivy is back and making a guest appearance for the lodge’s chef showcase dinner series. This five-course dinner will highlight just what we’ve been missing from Low Ivy (we have our eye on the arepa con queso) while pairing each dish with pro-picked wines from Vino Distribution. Dinnertime is 6:30 p.m. Learn more here. P.S. If you want something a little louder, come back on Sunday for the karaoke brunch.
Friday, April 22
Fantastique! at the Chenal Event Venue // Your Friday could use a little fancying up. This ASO Guild event comes in two parts. Part one is a luncheon and fashion show featuring looks from Vesta’s. Part two is a night of live music, local artists, raffles and signature cocktails. The day kicks off at noon. Learn more here.
Argenta Vibe Music Series at Argenta Plaza // In case it isn’t clear, Argenta has caught several vibes. The NLR neighborhood is launching its new (free!) outdoor concert series with live music from Mayday by Midnight, plus local food trucks and drinks. The show starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
More NLR vibes: Yadaloo Music & Arts Festival, Pulaski County Fair Hit NLR’s Riverfront Park This May
Baggo Tournament at The Rail Yard // It’s on. Test your underhand and work on your game face as you toss for prizes and bragging rights. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. will also be onsite for a tap takeover, so sip accordingly. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
“Into the Woods” Opening Night at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // Once upon a time, well, no spoilers. The Rep is closing out its mainstage season with this Tony-winning musical filled with heroes, monsters and magic. And yes, the rumors are true: Hillary Clinton has a cameo as The Giant. Showtime is 8 p.m. Proof of vaccination or negative test required. Learn more here.
Saturday, April 23
Race for a Healthier Tomorrow at the Arkansas State Capitol // This Saturday, get an early start for a good cause with this 5K and 1-mile family fun walk raising funds for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Proof of vaccination or negative test required. Go time is 8 a.m. Learn more here.
Keep the sneakers on: Spring Runs to Put On Your Calendar
Party for the Planet at the Little Rock Zoo // Looking good, Mother Earth. If you need a reminder of just how awesome our planet is, the zoo is where you’ll find it. To help celebrate Earth Day, guests can get in on scavenger hunts, special crafts, learning about local green organizations and more. You can even bring your recycling to drop off in the parking lot. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Spring Plant Fair at The Heights Neighborhood Garden // It might be news to you that The Heights even has a neighborhood garden, but nevertheless you’re invited to 5305 Kavanaugh Blvd. to get your fill of organically-grown vegetables, herbs and more all grown by local farmers. Plus, there’s even a free gardening class with garden manager Karl Heinbockel. The fair lasts from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Nomi Mother’s Day Pop-Up at Beige // Cheers to you, mama. Little Rock’s newest baby apparel shop officially opened inside The Painted Tree this week, and now Nomi is keeping the fun going with this pop-up. Expect a specialty coffee bar, wrapped flowers, giveaways and plenty of stylish pieces for littles. Be there 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
The Melanin Market at The Village Place // Wallets at the ready. This monthly outdoor market is newer to the city, having only launched in December, but is already the place to be for showcasing local Black entrepreneurs and makers. Come shop 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Third Birthday & Crawfish Boil at Lucky Lou’s // We’ll raise a glass to that. This downtown bar is celebrating its third year with a day of mudbugs, drinks and bar bites. Stop in 1-11 p.m. Learn more here.
More mudbugs: Save the Date for the Annual Hat Club Crawfish Salute
Party at the Plaza at Argenta Plaza // This NLR space is getting lots of love this weekend. After postponing, Arkansas Hospice is finally getting to host its fundraising block party packed with great food, local artists, live music (oh hey, Kris Allen) and even a costume contest for dogs. The party persists from 2-10:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, April 21-23
Lanterns! Festival at Wildwood Park for the Arts // Ready the time machine. This annual local favorite event is back, turning 105 acres of parkland into a cultural playground lit with luminaries and fire pits, winding around areas designed to represent different exotic locales and eras. At this year’s festival, guests will be transported to (and enjoy the tastes of) Canada, China, India, Ireland, Germany, Mexico and even New York City. Park gates open at 6 p.m. each night. Learn more here.
Sunday, April 24
Plant Sale & Planting Workshop at The Bernice Garden // Plant parent status elevated. Come peruse some plants and seeds from various local vendors, then learn a thing or two from master naturalist Janet Lanza. Stop by 3:30-5 p.m. Learn more here.
Spring Picnic at Mount Holly Cemetery // If you’re a fan of this yearly event, you’ve definitely missed it over the past two years and probably have it on your calendar already. If not, hear us out before you decide it sounds weird. 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.
Friday – Sunday, April 22-24
Cirque Ma’Ceo at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // Well, this is a horse of a different color. For three days, the fairgrounds will play host to this traveling show by Cavallo Equestrian Arts where guests will find “mesmerizing acrobatic feats, aerial dancing and exotic horses” under the big top. Learn more here.