The city is filled with stellar celebrations and visitors traveling to join the fun, but those aren’t the only local festivities happening in LR. Let’s get into it.
Eclipse Everything
First things first, you probably (correctly) guessed that much of this weekend’s activities are eclipse-related. We’ve highlighted a few of them below, but you’ll find much more star power — plus tips for avoiding the crowds — right here: How to Do the Total Solar Eclipse in Little Rock
Thursday, April 4
First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month, and you know what that means — time to get your Hillcrest shop ‘n’ sip on. Soak up the Kavanaugh vibes while you take advantage of the specials, later hours and extra fun, like live music from The Magic Hills in the Hillcrest Fine Wines & Liquor parking lot. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Neighborhood News: The Heights, Hillcrest, Midtown & Riverdale
Spellebration at The Venue at Westwind // Easy as 1-2-3, right? Local “celebrities” will soon find out at this fundraiser for AR Kids Read. Guests will enjoy eats, drinks and a silent auction while they watch competitors battle it out for the title of queen (spelling) bee. It kicks off at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Bonus: Tickets to Arkansas Childrens’ foodie fundraiser A la Carte and the American Heart Association’s Central Arkansas Heart Ball are no longer available, but you can still show your support through online auctions.
Friday, April 5
Arkansas Travelers Season Opener at Dickey-Stephens Park // It’s an unofficial requirement of springtime that you must relish the ballpark and throw back a couple hot dogs while you’re at it. Lucky for you rule followers, the Travs are heading into their season at Dickey-Stephens this weekend with a series against the Springfield Cardinals. Game time is 7:05 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, April 6
Into the Blue at UA-Pulaski Tech // A biennial bash for the arts, Thea Foundation’s signature gala will feature a night of hors d’oeuvres, libations and performances from Thea alumni, all to celebrate the nonprofit’s mission to further the arts in Arkansas schools. The evening will also honor this year’s Pillar of the Arts award recipients Clark Trim and Henrik Thostrup. It begins at 6:30 p.m. with a tented cocktail reception on the grounds before moving into the CHARTS Theater. Learn more here.
Read on: Coloring Outside the Lines for Thea Foundation
Prom Night, the Redux at The Weekend Theater // We can smell the hairspray now. This downtown theater is taking it back to 1984 with a prom night bash featuring live music from ’80s cover band DeLorean Music Crew, plus food, drinks and an auction. Proceeds will benefit future productions. It starts at 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, April 4-6
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first on the lineup is “Dances With Wolves” on Thursday, then “Star Trek: First Contact” on Friday and finally “Dune” (the 1984 version) on Saturday. Showtime is 7 p.m. each night. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, April 5 & 6
SoMa in the Dark on South Main Street // SoMa always knows how to throw a party, and this weekend is no exception. Leading up to the eclipse, the neighborhood’s monthly SoMa After Dark event will take on a celestial hue as businesses stay open late alongside pop-up vendors and food trucks. On Saturday, the fun turns up a notch with a day of live music, kids’ activities and interactive art installations, followed by a nighttime parade at sundown and a street market. Learn more here.
Sunday, April 7
Barkus on Main in the Main Street Creative Corridor // Yes, we may be well into April, but the Mardi party continues, and this time with puppies. Main Street from Third to Sixth will close off for an eclipse-themed pet parade and block party with music, gumbo, a crawfish boil at Brewski’s, a hurricane station and a beer garden. The cuteness begins at noon. Learn more here.
15th Anniversary Celebration at The Pantry // Time to mark a milestone in delicious style. The WLR location is celebrating the occasion with a day of menu specials, and yes, that means the giant paella cooker is coming out of storage for the bash. Stop by starting at noon, and get there early if you want paella. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, April 6 & 7
Eclipse Concert Series at First Security Amphitheater // The stage is set for the sun’s big dance and for the corresponding celebrations in Riverfront Park. The free shows start with the Rodney Block Collective & All-Star Friends on Saturday at 6 p.m., followed by The Cons of Formant and Ward Davis on Sunday at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Moon Block Party at Argenta Plaza // Another multi-day party, this lineup brings food trucks, a vendor market, Flyway brews, yard games, lots of live music and even a silent disco to the plaza. Learn more here.
Low Ivy Pop-Ups at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Is this what nostalgia tastes like? Amanda Ivy with Low Ivy Catering is back in the Little Rock metro this weekend and bringing her signature flavors with her. This special menu features eclipse-themed eats along with expertly paired wine selections. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. both nights. Learn more here.
More festive sips: Arkie Mint Julep Recipe
Ghost Hunting 101 at the Public Theatre // Back downtown, this theater is taking things in a much spookier direction. The historic space will play host to a night of supernatural investigations with bestselling author and paranormal expert Larry Flaxman. Catch the event at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. both nights. Learn more here.
Total Eclipse: Art in the Dark Art Festival at Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing // The eclipse fun continues through an artistic lens with this fest featuring art exhibits, vendors, musicians, dancers, food trucks, NASA speakers and lots more. The fun lasts from noon – 6 p.m. both days. Learn more here.
Holst’s “The Planets” at the Robinson Center // Next up in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks Series is this show featuring Gustav Holst’s “magnificent tribute to the cosmos” and Anna Clyne’s “Night Ferry” with Geoffrey Robson as conductor. You can catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
More stage news: Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Announces 2024-2025 Season