From markets to museums to Mardi Gras, there are so many ways to show LR some love this weekend. Let’s get into it.
First things first: If you have hearts on the brain this weekend, we rounded up all the fun things to do with your boo and your crew right here: Love is in the Air: A Guide to Valentine’s Day in Little Rock.
Thursday, Feb. 12
Art Insights: Unnatural Habitats at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Kickstarting a brand new series for AMFA is this presentation from Lori Larusso, the artist behind the exhibition “A Paradox of Plenty.” Larusso will speak with Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz from the Little Rock Zoo and Leslie Cooper from Quail Forever will discuss modern life and cohabitation with animals. The night starts with a meet-and-great with the zoo’s animal ambassadors at 5 p.m., followed by the presentation at 6 p.m. and a chance to meet Larusso. Learn more here.
Miss the memo? AMFA Launches Art Insights Speaker Series
Thursday & Friday, Feb. 12 & 13
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Jerry Maguire” on Thursday, then “Romeo + Juliet” on Friday, both at 7 p.m. and both marking their 30th anniversaries. Learn more here.
Friday, Feb. 13
2nd Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // It’s 2FAN time, aka the monthly lineup of downtown businesses opening their doors for some art-fueled after-hours fun. Highlights this month include valentine flavors and pop-ups at Nexus Coffee, old school fortune telling at the Historic Arkansas Museum, a Perrion Hurd showcase at Curran Hall, a Diamond States listening party at The Window on Sixth, the new Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts exhibit at CALS Roberts and a special anniversary for the Old State House Museum (more on that in a bit). The Museum of Discovery’s new Parents’ Night Out Mini-Camp is back, too. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, Feb. 13 & 14
75th Anniversary at the Old State House Museum // After a long and storied history, this downtown iconic is marking a major milestone: its 75th year as the Old State House Museum. To celebrate, from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, the OSHM will host a 1950s-themed evening of music, drinks, activities and the debut of a new exhibit depicting the building’s history. The festivities continue on Saturday with more history, hands-on activities, snacks and official remarks from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep learning: 10 Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Little Rock
Saturday, Feb. 14
Barbie Sports Club Tour at The Promenade at Chenal // WLR is turning pink. On Saturday, the Barbie Truck is rolling into town bringing pure Barbie vibes and exclusive sport-themed merch. Check it out between Altar’d State and Ninth & Co. from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Shop on: Our 2026 Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
Patio Party at Crying Weasel Vintage // The Hillcrest shop is celebrating Valentine’s Day by spreading the small business love. Expect fiber arts, jewelry, vintage finds and good eats. Stop by 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here. Update: Due to weather concerns, this event has been moved to Sunday.
Wine & Chocolate Tasting at Colonial Wines & Spirits // What goes together better than chocolate and wine? Colonial is indulging that delicious love affair by pairing a lineup of some of its best wines with specialty chocolates. Come get a taste from noon – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Sip this: Cocktail Recipes for Galentine’s Day
Valentine’s Market at Pettaway Square // The weekly Market at Pettaway is bringing the heart eyes to the neighborhood. This week’s meetup comes complete with food trucks, great brews and lots of booths to peruse. Check it out 1-4 p.m. Learn more here.
Nowhere to Wear It Valentine’s Mixer at Bark Bar // When a dog-friendly pub invites you to “step out, show out and celebrate love in all forms,” you know it’s going to be a good party, especially when they also ask you to wear your most outrageous getup. Come enjoy music, menu specials and the chance to meet a new friend or new boo. The party starts at 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Dancing Into Dreamland at the Dreamland Ballroom // Dust off your best moves. Now in its 15th year, this annual fundraiser benefiting Friends of Dreamland is back to help restore the historic Taborian Hall. The event offers guests a front row seat to a dance competition before hitting the floor themselves, plus plenty of good eats and libations to keep the party going. It kicks off at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Black Hearts Ball at The Hall // If you’re still not over Brad and Jen, you belong at this annual bash with Dial Up, the ’90s party band. Pump up your Reeboks and dance to tunes from your favorite artists of the era, and keep it extra moody by wearing all black. Doors open at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
The Last Dance ’80s Prom at The Rev Room // Wanna turn the clock back a little further? John Hughes would be proud. NWA-based ’80s party band Boom Kinetic will supply the music, you bring the radical moves. Doors open at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” at the Albert Pike Masonic Center // This is how you set the mood for the loveliest time of the year. As part of the traveling Candlelight Concert series, this show promises a unique way to experience the classic works played by the Listeso String Quartet, all while surrounded by (flameless) candles. Catch the show at 8:45 p.m. Learn more here.
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Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 14 & 15
“Legacy of Quincy Jones” at the Robinson Center // Next up in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Pops Series is this show featuring the talents of vocalists Deshawn Harris, Genine LaTrice Perez, Crissy P, Mac Royals and Satia Spencer bringing to life the music of the legendary Quincy Jones. Catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Sunday, Feb. 15
Mardi Gras Brunch at Southern Tail Brewing // The good times are rolling right into this East Village joint. Come hungry and get ready to dig into a buffet with NOLA favorites like crawfish beignets and king cake. The eats last from 10:45 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Stay hungry: Where to Get Your King Cake Fix in Little Rock