Summer makes her official appearance this weekend and the city is ready to greet her with open arms (and extra SPF). Let’s get into it.
Thursday, June 19
Martini Magic at Petit & Keet and Cypress Social // Enter weekend territory with your glass raised, LR. These sister restaurants are taking advantage of National Martini Day with exclusive menus just for the occasion. Petit & Keet is going for a 1960s Palm Beach theme while Cypress Social‘s lineup features classics like the iconic vesper. The sips start at 4 p.m. at both locations.
Sunset Yoga in Da Park at the River Market Pavilions // Bring on the zen. At this Juneteenth in Da Rock affiliate event hosted by the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, mark the federal holiday with a free session with a view led by local yogi Sarah Thomas. The flow starts at 6:30 p.m. BYO mat. Learn more here.
Friday, June 20
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 the “Found Again” exhibit opening at Acansa Gallery, Adaja Cooper’s latest at Thea Foundation, hands-on fun at The Innovation Hub and an open studio with Bang-Up Betty and Lee Lee Arts + Design. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Craft Market at The Bernice Garden // This SoMa space is really amping up its market game this season, including the addition of this craft-fueled meetup. The Friday night market will feature local makers and goodness to explore. Check it out 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, June 21
Juneteenth in da Rock Festival at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center // The city’s largest Juneteenth celebration is making its way back to Ninth Street to honor freedom, culture and community. The MTCC is pulling out all the stops once again with a day of live music, food trucks, local vendors, family-friendly activities and more, and it all kicks off with a 5K highlighting Black historical sites. Learn more here. Bonus: Keep the celebration going with another affiliate event, a free concert with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Jazz Quartet. More on that here.
There’s even more on the agenda: Where to Celebrate Juneteenth in Little Rock
Lost & Found Pride Market at Sterling Market // Let’s try this again, shall we? After getting rained out last weekend, this market makes its return with a special Pride edition complete with more than 40 vendors and queer-owned businesses. Come shop noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
East Village Art Market at The Rail Yard // Next door, this monthly market invites guests to “sip, shop and stay a while” — this time with later hours to beat the heat — which will be no problem thanks to the lineup of vendors, food trucks and lawn games. Stop by 6-10 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, June 20 & 21
Rock the Country at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // New season, new festival. This two-day touring show brings some big names to the big stage. Think: Nickelback, Kid Rock, Travis Tritt, Afroman, Hank Williams Jr., Ying Yang Twins and more. Gates open at 2 p.m. Friday. Learn more here.
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is a BingoFlix screening of “Flash Gordon” on Friday at 7 p.m. On Saturday is “Free Willy” at 12:30 p.m., “Casino” at 3 p.m. and “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (and yes, it’s the extended version) at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Pass the popcorn: Where to Watch Classic Movies in Little Rock This Summer
Sunday, June 22
Minding My Black-Owned Business Vendor Expo at 2627 Pike Ave. // Wallets at the ready. Along with the chance for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, this annual event invites those who are passionate about supporting Black-owned businesses to do just that. This year’s event promises more than 50 vendors, plus food trucks, a bounce house for kids and live performances. Check it out 2-6 p.m. Learn more here.
Rockchella at the Main Street Pocket Park // Now in its third year, this outdoor event invites you to this secluded slice of downtown for a night of music, food trucks and fun. Check it out 4-10 p.m. Learn more here.
Distill & Chill at Rock Town Distillery // The summer blockbuster vibes are coming to SoMa. Rock Town’s throwback movie series welcomes you to the barrel house for a free screening (this week it’s “The Birdcage”) and popcorn, plus drink specials. BYO chairs and blankets. Showtime is 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
“The Wiz Revisited” at The Hall // Ease on down the road to West Ninth for this fresh take (on a take) on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Hosted by Drummerboyinfinity Productions, this show is for all ages and will have you feeling a brand new day. Showtime is 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, June 19-22
“God of Carnage” Opening Weekend at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // Next up in The Rep’s SummerStage season, a playground scuffle goes off the rails when grownups get involved in this Tony-winning dark comedy where tact is an afterthought. Learn more here. Bonus: Just a few blocks away, the Actors Theatre of Little Rock will close out its run of “The Prom” on Saturday by crowning the best-dressed guests at intermission. More on that here.