From concerts and parades to pickleball and champagne, there’s something for everyone in the capital city this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, June 5
Grand Opening at Mucho Loco // Pass the queso. For months, we’ve been watching the former Copper Mule space transform on Kavanaugh, and now the new Mexican restaurant is ready to open its doors in The Heights with menu specials on deck. Get a taste starting at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Dad still hungry? Here are seven stops for your Father’s Day feast.
First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month, and that means it’s time to get your shop ‘n’ sip on. Soak up the Kavanaugh vibes while you take advantage of the later hours and extra fun like live music from Bluesboy Jag and Lady Elaine, a birthday party for Dog Spot, a Loblolly pop-up at its upcoming location and nachos and art at Crying Weasel Vintage. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Thea Art Department: Adaja Cooper at Thea Foundation // The popular series for Thea is back for the summer. At this show opening, explore the paintings of Little Rock native Adaja Cooper through her heartfelt exhibit “Wish You Were Here!,” complete with refreshments. The art starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, June 6
SoMa After Dark on South Main Street // Just south of 630, this quarterly event features area businesses offering later hours and special activities, with many getting in on Pride Month festivities. Highlights this month include ceramics pop-ups at South Main Creative, a thrift market at The Bernice Garden and a SoMa Pride pre-party at Boswell Mourot Fine Art. SoMa After Dark runs 4-10 p.m. Learn more here.
Blackberry Night Market at the St. Joseph Farm Stand // Tastes like summer. The St. Joseph Center of Arkansas produces some of the best local blackberries every year, and once again it’s showcasing the freshness in style. Expect an evening full of food trucks, local produce, artists and live music, all with the chance to support St. Joseph’s rebuilding efforts. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Stay fresh: Where to Pick Berries in Central Arkansas
Fridays on the Lawn at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // As if you needed another reason to visit the AMFA, Fridays this season come with free lawn games, scavenger hunts and art classes on the MacArthur Park grounds. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Best Dressed Ball at Blue Agave Venue // Time to polish that runway walk. This third annual event benefits the American Cancer Society of Arkansas and features a fashion show, food, music and dancing. It all kicks off at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Kind of a Big Dill Pickleball Tournament at Burns Park // Hosted by Special Olympics Arkansas, this event invites pickleballers of all levels to dink, dive and serve for the nonprofit. Whether you’re ready to battle or just want to watch, it’s bound to be a day of community fun. It kicks off at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Blue Jeans & Bubbles at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Bring on the denim. Now in its fifth year, this bash will feature delicious eats, a champagne bar, live entertainment and more. It all benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana. Be there 6-10 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, June 7
River Cities Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Willastein // Let the water games begin. At this annual event, teams don costumes to race Hong-Kong style in long dragon boats while onlookers get to enjoy music, food trucks, fireworks and more. Even if you’re not in a boat, this is a serious sight to see. Plus, proceeds benefit the Children’s Protection Center. The opening ceremony is set for 8:45 a.m. Learn more here.
Centennial Celebration at the Little Rock Zoo // Let’s go, party animals. The zoo is marking an incredible 100 years with a day full of family-friendly fun, education and activities. Guests can expect arts and crafts, a parade, bounce houses, cake, animal encounters, a dance party and so much more. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
ARTstravaganza at ART Outfitters // This downtown art supply store has been serving up creativity to central Arkansas for more than 140 years. To mark the occasion, it’s hosting this annual day full of art demonstrations, workshops and sales. Doors open at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Library Summer Kickoff Parties // Looking for more fun for the whole fam? Both the Central Arkansas Library System and the North Little Rock Public Library System are launching their summer lineups on Saturday with community celebrations filled with games, food, entertainment and more. The CALS kickoff will be at the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library, while the NLR party takes place at the Innovation Hub, both from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
SoMa Pride on South Main Street // Rainbows at the ready. This festival and parade successfully launched last year and is pulling out all the stops for 2025. Expect food trucks, vendors, live entertainment and, of course, a love-fueled parade down South Main. Plus, Esse Museum will host a pop-up shop, the Mrs. Ropers will be romping and Bark Bar will host the after-party. Daytime festivities run from 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., with the parade taking place at noon. Learn more here. Update: The parade has been postponed to 2 p.m.
Bonus: Keep the Pride festivities going on Sunday at Pride in the Park and a special edition of the Misfit Maker Market.
World Cheese Dip Championship + Foam Fest at Dickey-Stephens Park // Dreams do come true. After joining forces in 2023, the dual foodie fun is back to throw down the gouda gauntlet, pitting amateur and professional recipes against one another while attendees get to taste it all. And of course, you’ll have your pick of craft beer and libations to help wash it all down. The afternoon also includes vendors and live music, all while raising funds for Harmony Health Clinic. The feast lasts from noon – 3 p.m. Learn more here. (Pro tip: Bring a muffin tin to hold all your dips!)
Thursday – Saturday, June 5-7
Mutants of the Monster Festival in downtown Little Rock // Time to crank it up to 11. Mutants Fest brings the metal to the metro each year with three nights of concerts from names like Pallbearer and Rwake, this time coming to Stickyz, Ron Robinson and The Rev Room. Learn more here.
Keep the music coming: River Market Live Series Comes to Pavilions This Summer
Sunday, June 8
“A Stars & Stripes Celebration” at MacArthur Park // It may be a few days early, but the time is always right to celebrate the grand old flag. The Little Rock Wind Symphony is front and center for this annual Flag Day event, a free concert featuring patriotic songs and even free ice cream. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here. Update: Due to weather forecasts, the concert will now take place at City Center on Shackleford.
Thursday – Sunday, June, 5-8
Opening Weekend at Local Theaters // The stages are hopping this weekend and we have zero complaints. There’s the award-winning musical “The Prom” with Actors Theatre of Little Rock at the Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church, as well as the darkly comedic “A New Brain” at The Weekend Theater. Across the river, Birdie’s Cabaret Theater & Lounge is hosting its opening weekend lineup in the former home of The Joint, while the Arkansas Repertory Theatre closes out its season-opening run of “Me and the Devil.”
Saturday & Sunday, June 7 & 8
“Lucy in the Sky: A Beatles Circus Tribute” at Wildwood Park for the Arts // Any time Arkansas Circus Arts can shake up a stage, we’re in, especially when there’s iconic music involved. This show is the troupe’s biggest of the season, highlighting the high-flying talents of its pros and students set to the legendary sounds of The Beatles. Catch the show at 6 p.m. Saturday or 2 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Staying in this weekend? Cozy up to the new June issue.