A new month is on our doorstep and the city is welcoming it with a colorful lineup of live performances, film screenings and more. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, July 31
Color Our World Color Run at Laman Library // The season is going out in rainbow style. NLR Public Library System is hosting an end-of-summer celebration for all ages to get moving and get covered in a spectrum of colorful pigments. To make it more fun, make sure you wear white (and maybe some sunglasses to protect your eyes). Start time is 5 p.m. Learn more here. Update: Due to weather concerns, this event has been postponed to Aug. 7.
Cool down: 8 Local Frozen Treats to Help You Weather a Southern Summer
Friday, Aug. 1
Summer Jam Night Market at the St. Joseph Farm Stand // Looks like it’s game on for sundown fun. Despite a rough year, this St. Joseph Center of Arkansas event is back with more summer sweetness. Expect an evening full of food trucks, local produce, vendors and live music on the farm. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Reel Black Film Showcase at Ron Robinson Theater // It’s all about celebrating local Black cinema at this annual mini-fest. The evening highlights films produced in Arkansas or by filmmakers connected to Arkansas, as well as the chance to connect with fellow filmmakers. It starts at 7 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 work of Strauss, 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.
More art news: The Window on Sixth Gallery & Studio to Open in Downtown Little Rock
Saturday, Aug. 2
Diamond State Social at the Little Rock Athletic Club // Pay attention, picklers. This inaugural pickleball tournament is set to hit the indoor courts in men’s, women’s and mixed doubles with brackets at varying skill levels. And when the action’s over, stick around for food, drinks, music and games. It all starts at noon. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, July 31 – Aug. 2
“West Side Story” Opening Weekend at Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church // Next up in the Actors Theatre of Little Rock season is this iconic Stephen Sondheim musical depicting the star-crossed love affair of Maria and Tony in the midst of a deadly turf war. Learn more here.
More to come: Little Rock’s Spring & Summer Performing Arts Calendar
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Caddyshack” on Thursday at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday is “National Theatre Live Presents: The Importance of Being Earnest” at 3 p.m. and “Grease” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
A Work of Art Music Festival // Hosted by the Art Porter Music Education nonprofit, this week-long concert series closes out with Amanda Cole on Thursday at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, a jazzy jam session on Friday at Four Points by Sheraton and Will Downing on Saturday at UA-PTC CHARTS. Learn more here.
Sunday, Aug. 3
Distill & Chill at Rock Town Distillery // The summer blockbuster vibes are alive and well in SoMa. Rock Town’s throwback movie series welcomes you to the barrel house for a free screening, popcorn and drink specials. August’s lineup is all about back to school, and this week it’s “Freaky Friday.” BYO chairs and blankets. Showtime is 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 2 & 3
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: Headed to the mall? Shop the pop-up Hometown Vendor Market with local small businesses at Park Plaza.