It’s a new month and there’s a fresh new lineup of activities to explore. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, May 1
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 specials, later hours and extra fun like live music from The Gravel Yard at 2701 Kavanaugh and a pinewood derby for the grownups at Hill Station. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Champions Celebration at Chenal Country Club // This annual Alzheimer’s Arkansas event is all about celebrating the supporters who help its mission to help caregivers. The night includes cocktails, dinner, entertainment and auctions, all while honoring its Champions of the Year: the Faulkner County Alzheimer’s Committee, Beverly Villines, Kimberly Kinder and Sylvia and John Borchert. It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Hat Club Crawfish Salute at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Bring on the mudbugs. This year’s 14th annual event, which benefits the UAMS NICU, offers all-you-can-eat crawfish with all the fixin’s, drinks, raffles and more. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
River City Men’s Chorus Spring Concert at St. James United Methodist Church // We like the sound of this. “Home: Songs of Love and Life” is the final concert of the season, and it’s filled with everything from Broadway hits to gospel classics. The free show starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Bab L’Bluz at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Next up in the AMFA concert series is this Franco-Moroccan quartet whose psychedelic sound “transcends boundaries, expanding into a sonic territory of its own.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: AMFA is getting in on 501 Day specials. More on that here.
Next up: Little Rock’s Spring & Summer Performing Arts Calendar
Friday, May 2
Dinner on the Grounds at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // We’ll take some fresh air with our springtime fun, please. This alfresco event benefiting Our House will mark its 20th year by inviting guests to enjoy a Southern meal under the stars. The night also boasts cocktails, sweet treats, lawn games and live music from Lagniappe. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
MacArthur Park 5K at MacArthur Park // This annual neighborhood race takes to the pavement as all ages battle it out for the top time. After you finish up, stick around for the awards ceremony/lawn party complete with live music, food and local beer. Proceeds help fund improvements to the park. Go time is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep moving: Spring Runs to Put On Your Calendar
Saturday, May 3
Little Rock Farmers Market Opening Day at the River Market Pavilions // Time to freshen things up a bit. Saturday kicks off four months of local produce, vendors, special events and more. Bring a bag and stop in anytime from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Stay fresh: Your Guide to Farmers Markets in the Little Rock Metro
Be a Part of the Cure Walk at War Memorial Stadium // Break the fam out of the house for this walk that’s all about raising awareness for cancer research and prevention while benefiting the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Start time is 8 a.m. Learn more here.
Spring Art Sale at the Dreamland Ballroom // The art is out in full force in the city this weekend. This market is hosted by the Little Rock Artists’ Seasonal Art Sales group and features ceramics, paintings, jewelry and everything in between. Come shop 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Art in the Garden at The Bernice Garden // Third time’s the charm, right? After getting rescheduled twice, this SoMa event promises a day full of local art and the chance to take home a few new pieces. Shop the art fair from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Spring in Bloom at The Promenade at Chenal // It’s never too early to celebrate Mom and this WLR spot is doing just that. Head to the courtyard for food, drinks, music, giveaways, jewelry and all things beauty. Stop by 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Not Cinco de Mayo at Plaza Frida // The festivities come to W. 65th St. on Saturday for this annual celebration a few days early. Expect food, vendors, entertainment and family activities while learning about the holiday’s origins. Check it out 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep the fiesta going: How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Little Rock
By the Banks at NLR Riverfront Park // We’re always up for another festival, and this one is bringing the fun to an unexpected space (under the Main Street Bridge) with impeccable views. The inaugural fest promises lots of music, dancing, food trucks and drinks. It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Bollywood Nights at The Venue at Westwind // Who else is up for a colorful night of cultural celebrations? Benefitting Harmony Health Clinic, this yearly event features Indian food, cocktails, dancing and a Bollywood show. The evening begins at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Preservation Crustaceans at 507 Main St. // Keep the boil rollin’. Preserve Arkansas will once again host its annual bash at the historic NLR site (now home to Clements & Associates) while serving up a heaping helping of crawfish and sides. Come hungry, leave historically educated. It starts at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Ovation! Gala at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // 601 Main is never short on magic. In 2023, The Rep reimagined its black-tie gala to much success, and it returns this weekend with “Let the Sun Shine In”-themed glitz, glam, live entertainment, luxury auctions and more. It all starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Read on: The Rep is Sunny Side Up
“Carrie: The Musical” Opening Night at The Weekend Theater // Ah, prom season. The undisputed queen takes the downtown stage for a musical twist on the Stephen King classic complete with bullies, bad moms and buckets of, well, you’ll see. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, May 2 & 3
501 Fest in the River Market // Time to party with some hometown pride. This festival is the biggest recurring celebration of 501 Day, and it just keeps growing — so much so that it now spans two days in a new location. It kicks off Friday at 5 p.m. with the “Slappetizer” cookoff and panel discussions with community leaders at Library Square. On Saturday, President Clinton Ave. will be filled with food trucks, concerts, a kids’ zone, local vendors and more. The all-day fun lasts from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, May 4
Territorial Fair at the Historic Arkansas Museum // Let’s get historical, y’all. In a celebration of Arkansas heritage, guests will experience life in the territorial days (except more fun). Be on the lookout for reenactments, live demonstrations, historical dances and pioneer games on the museum’s grounds. The fair takes place from noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Party at the Pond at Ciao Baci // Back for another year, this intimate culinary event benefits the Arkansas Donor Family Council with a night of music, drinks, auctions and a menu by Ciao Baci’s Chef Jeff. It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, May 3 & 4
“Song of the Night: Mahler’s Seventh Symphony” at the Robinson Center // Closing out the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks Series for the season is this show featuring Gustav Mahler’s beloved, powerful, emotional rollercoaster of a piece under the direction of Geoffrey Robson. You can catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Symphony of Homes Tour Throughout Little Rock // The ASO Guild’s signature event is back in style. Formerly the ASO Designer House, the biennial Symphony of Homes allows guests to tour four stunning houses across the metro, each showcasing the talents of different interior designers. The self-led tours benefit the ASO’s music education programs. Learn more here.
Not enough beauty for you? 60th Annual QQAn Tour of Homes Comes to MacArthur Park Historic District