Sparklers on deck. It’s time to light up LR with good, local, star-spangled fun. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, July 4
Independence Day Sunrise Hike at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // Start your holiday off with a bang and the best view of your city starting at the West Summit Trailhead. The guided hike starts at 5 a.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Stick around the West Summit Area after the hike to get in on lawn games, sprinklers and park fun. More on that here.
Firecracker Fast 5K in The Heights // This “quick and dirty” race isn’t called “firecracker” just for the holiday. With a start line at 6150 Kavanaugh Blvd. and the finish line at War Memorial Stadium, you’ll definitely get your sweat in for the day. Plus, the timed race includes lots of downhill stretches, so you just might make a new PR. Go time is 7:30 a.m. Learn more here.
Run on: Summer Runs to Have on Your Radar
Frontier Fourth of July at the Historic Arkansas Museum // Huzzah! If you’d like a peek into how this holiday was celebrated on the Arkansas frontier, check out this family-friendly event. The day includes cool treats, games, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and more. Patriotism ensues from 10 a.m. – noon. Learn more here. Bonus: Want more history? The Early Arkansaw Reenactors Association will be set up at the Old State House Museum. More on that here.
Pops on the River at the First Security Amphitheater // It’s bigger, better and more booming than ever. Now in its 40th year, there’s all sorts of fun to accompany the fireworks extravaganza over the Arkansas River (think: food trucks, music, kids pavilion). Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9:15 p.m. Learn more here.
More flying sparks: Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in the Metro
First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month, and you know what that means — time to get your Hillcrest on. Soak up the Kavanaugh vibes while you take advantage of the specials, later hours and live music. This month, everyone is screaming for the annual ice cream social where visitors will enjoy free ice cream, cookies, lemonade and other treats along the 2800 block of Kavanaugh, all set to the sounds of the Quapaw Brass Quintet. It all kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, July 6
Summertime Pop-Up Market at Bearden Productions Center for the Arts // Want your weekend with a little more AC? Head to this NLR nonprofit and peruse goods from local makers and vendors, all while helping to support Bearden’s art programs in the process. The market will return every Saturday this month. Shop 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Little Rock Rangers vs. Louisiana Krewe FC at War Memorial Stadium // Gather the Red Watch, it’s game time. Come cheer on Little Rock’s home soccer team as they take on the Lafayette-based club. The last two times the teams met up, both matches ended in a draw, so it’s bound to be a nail-biter. Saturday’s faceoff starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Bark Bar After Hours at Bark Bar & Grille // This pet-lover’s paradise is going down the rabbit hole in the next edition of its late-night event series. A Wonderland-themed party awaits guests with drinks, DJs and its signature four-legged cuteness. It starts at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Speaking of cute pups: Have you seen the winner of our Cutest Dog Contest?
Back to the ’80s Dance Party at The Joint // Argenta’s getting into a time warp frame of mind. To join the fun, put on your best retro gear and head to Main Street for a night of ’80s throwbacks, drinks and dancing. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Learn more here.