The city is welcoming back August with a delightful lineup of local fun. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Aug. 1
First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month, and you know what that means — time to get your shop ‘n’ sip on. Soak up the Kavanaugh vibes while you take advantage of the specials, later hours and extra fun, like live painting and vegan bites at Crying Weasel Vintage. It all kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Thea Art Department: Crystal C. Mercer Watson at Thea Foundation // The popular series for Thea is back for the summer. At this show opening, explore the quilts and poetry of local artist CC Mercer Watson through her zodiac-inspired exhibit “Leo Season,” complete with refreshments. The art starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Aug. 2
SoMa After Dark on South Main Street // Friday’s fun is just south of 630. This monthly neighborhood bash features area businesses offering later hours and special activities. Highlights this month include some tasty treats at The Green Corner Store, a Mid Mod Mike pop-up at Moxy Modern Mercantile and live screen printing at AR-T’s. It all begins at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Summer Jam Night Market at the St. Joseph Farm Stand // Looks like it’s game on for sundown fun. After bringing back its night market series earlier this season, this St. Joseph Center of Arkansas event is back with more summer sweetness. Expect an evening full of food trucks, local produce, beer, vendors and live music on the farm. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Faulkner Chamber Music Festival at UA-PTC CHARTS // If you missed the first performance on Tuesday, never fear. Friday’s free concert with the Chamber Music Society of Little Rock features the works of Brahms and Marsalis. The show starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: There’s also a student recital on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 3
Lost & Found Market at Sterling Market // No, we never get enough of all the local markets. Hosted by East Village shop Dog Eat Dog, this market makes its return with more than 40 vendors showcasing their art, vintage goods and much more. Even better? A portion of proceeds go toward relieving Little Rock School District lunch debt. Come shop 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Scooby Doom Murder Mystery Dinner at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // You read that right, gang. Mystery Inc. has another case to solve at the Sunset Lodge, this time with a three-course menu from Cypress Social to accompany the show. And yes, costumes are encouraged. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Aug. 1-3
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl” on Thursday, then the 20th anniversary of “Napoleon Dynamite” on Friday and a 30th anniversary Bingoflix screening of “The Mask” on Saturday. Showtime is 7 p.m. each night. Learn more here.
Make it a double feature: Where to Watch Classic Movies in Little Rock This Summer
Friday & Saturday, Aug. 2 & 3
Dolly Parton Weekend at Cypress Social // What would Dolly do? Something tells us she’d want to try out this menu stacked with specialty cocktails, each inspired by the icon herself, with a portion of proceeds going to the Imagination Library. Boot scoot on down and get your sip on from 4-11 p.m. each day. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Aug. 1-4
“Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” at The Exhibition Hub // Prepare to be transported. The Dutch master is making his arrival this weekend at 2616 S. Shackleford Road complete with eye-popping 360-degree projections of his works, VR tours and hands-on exploration. The exhibit will be in town through October. Learn more here.
Friday – Sunday, Aug. 2-4
“Come From Away” at the Robinson Center // If you don’t already know about this award-winning Broadway show, it might not be what you think. The musical is set in the aftermath of Sept. 11 as stranded flight passengers are welcomed into a small Newfoundland town in the height of uncertainty. Catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 3 & 4
Tax-Free Weekend in Arkansas // That’s right, shoppers. The annual back-to-school blessing is upon us once again. For two days only, you can skip the state and local sales taxes on items like clothing, electronics, accessories, office/school supplies and more. Don’t forget to shop local! Learn more here.
Hibernating in the AC or poolside instead? We don’t blame you. Play it cool and flip through our new issue instead.