A new month is on our doorstep and the city is welcoming it with a colorful lineup of live performances, local flavors and lots of shopping. Let’s get into it.
Thursday – Saturday, July 30 – Aug. 1
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “The Truman Show” on Thursday and a BingoFlix screening of “Shrek” on Friday, both at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday is “Beauty and the Beast” at 12:30 p.m., followed by “National Theatre Live Presents: Inter Alia” at 3 p.m. and “Jurassic Park” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
A Work of Art Music Festival // Hosted by the Art Porter Music Education nonprofit, this multi-day concert series closes out with Gabriel Wade on Thursday at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a jazzy jam session on Friday at Four Points by Sheraton and Gerald Albright on Saturday at UA-PTC CHARTS. Learn more here.
Friday, July 31
Faulkner Chamber Music Festival at UA-PTC CHARTS // If you missed the first performance on Tuesday, never fear. Friday’s free concert with several local pros features the work of Beethoven, Dvorak and more. Show time is 7 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: There’s also a student recital on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Up next: UA-Pulaski Tech Announces CHARTS Live 2026-2027 Season
Saturday, Aug. 1
Family Fest: A Taste of Home at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // In MacArthur Park, AMFA is hosting some all-ages fun to celebrate local flavor. Festivities include food-inspired art projects, music, demonstrations and treats from Tacos Godoy, Dempsey Bakery, Loblolly Creamery and more. Check it out 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: There’s also a guided tour of some of AMFA’s standout food-centric pieces. More on that here.
Coming soon to AMFA: Matthew McConaughey to Headline 2026 Filmland Festival
Family Day at Ballet Arkansas // The state’s biggest ballet troupe is opening its doors to share its work with the community. The day’s events include free classes, story time with a ballerina, crafts and local eats, all while celebrating the ticket launch for the 2026-2027 season. Stop by Ballet Arkansas’ downtown HQ from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Bryan Adams at Simmons Bank Arena // NLR is taking it back to the summer of ’69 with Adams’ Roll with the Punches Tour. And the Grammy winner isn’t coming alone, he’s also bringing Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 1 & 2
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. Bonus: Keep an eye out for special sales and events like Gene Lockwood’s sidewalk sale, The Promenade‘s kids’ market or Park Plaza’s activities with the Museum of Discovery and CALS.
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