We’re in the dog days of summer, but this weekend’s bringing the fun with markets, music and a whole lot of movie magic. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Aug. 15
River Market Live at the River Market Pavilions // Get into the groove, downtown. This free concert series is back to pump up the River Market crowds. Up next are the “Fellas on the River” featuring Haywood King, Brae Leni, Deshawn Harris and Keith Savage, not to mention food and drinks for sale. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Aug. 16
Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // This monthly walk invites you to stroll through the Argenta Arts District’s lineup of special exhibits and events. Highlights include an opening reception for a 6 Bridges Watercolor Group exhibit at Laman Library, CC Mercer Watson’s textile exhibit at Thea Foundation, an open studio party with Lee Lee Arts + Design and Bang-Up Betty and some hands-on fun at The Hub. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Coming soon: Acansa Arts Festival of the South 2024 Lineup
Reel Black Film Showcase at Ron Robinson Theater // It’s all about celebrating local BlPOC cinema at this annual mini-fest. The evening highlights films produced in Arkansas or by filmmakers from Arkansas and surrounding states, as well as panel discussions and resources for fellow filmmakers. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Free Admission Day at the Clinton Presidential Center // HBD, Bill! Former President Clinton is turning the big 7-8, and to celebrate, the center will open to the public for free. If you’ve been wanting to explore the permanent collection, the new “Commanding the Screen: The American Presidency in Film and Television” exhibit or just the beautiful space, this is the perfect opportunity. Clinton Center hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Read on: “Commanding the Screen” Film Exhibit Opens at Clinton Center
East Village Art Market at The Rail Yard // You can’t keep us away for long, Sixth Street. This monthly market is back with a packed lineup of artists, vendors and menu specials — this time with later hours to beat the heat. Stop by 6-10 p.m. Learn more here.
Live Music in Downtown Little Rock // The LR concert scene is always great, and Saturday has some big highlights for audiences. First up, the Turnpike Troubadours take the First Security Amphitheater stage at 6 p.m. More on that here. Meanwhile, The Hall will host its Summer Get Down Music Fest featuring local favorites The Funkanites, The Rodney Block Collective, DJ Xavier Riley and Chordandjocks starting at 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Camp Bark Bar After Hours at Bark Bar & Grille // This is just doggone fun. Bark Bar is marking eight years of puppy happiness with an extra special edition of its late-night event series. A summer camp-inspired party awaits guests with themed eats and drinks, lawn games, DJs and its signature four-legged cuteness. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Speaking of cute pups: Here’s some BTS footage of our Cutest Dog Contest winner to tide you over until his September issue debut.
Thursday & Saturday, Aug. 15 & 17
Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is a 40th anniversary screening of “Repo Man” on Thursday at 7 p.m. On Saturday is the next Exhibition on Screen installment “John Singer Sargent: Fashion & Swagger” at 4 p.m., followed by an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Aug. 15-18
Filmland at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // The stars are out in Little Rock this weekend for the Arkansas Cinema Society’s annual film festival. From Natural State films and industry workshops to after parties and conversations with Hollywood actors and filmmakers, the glow of the silver screen is definitely calling. Keep an eye out for Colman Domingo, Craig Brewer and other names joining the fun. Learn more here.