We’ve come to the end of another month, but the summertime fun is just getting started. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, May 28
25th Anniversary at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History // After a long history beginning in 1840, the iconic structure is celebrating a quarter of a century dedicated to “[interpreting] our state’s military heritage.” This includes a public reception with a preview of the upcoming exhibit “Manufacturing Victory in Arkansas: Supplying the Battlefront and Changing the Homefront During World War II.” Check it out 4:30-7 p.m. Learn more here.
An Evening of Art at Boswell Mourot Fine Art // In what is now tradition, this gallery is once again throwing a fundraising pre-party for SoMa Pride, which will hit the streets on June 13. Thursday’s event centers around a live auction featuring art, home decor and design experiences, and proceeds will help grow the yearly festival. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
More SoMa love: The (South) Main Attraction
An Evening With Walter Mosley at CALS Main Library // CALS is teaming up with Pyramid Art, Books & Custom Framing and the National Association of Black Bookstores for this watch party with “one of the most celebrated voices in contemporary literature.” Communities across the country will be tuning in to hear Mosley discuss his new coming-of-age novel “Ghalen: A Romance in Black.” It starts at 7:30 p.m. and books will be available for purchase. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, May 28-30
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “300” on Thursday and a BingoFlix screening of “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” on Friday (where if you ride your bike, you get in free), both at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday is “Heavy Metal” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Read on: Neighborhood News from Downtown & Argenta
Thursday – Sunday, May 28-31
“Steel Magnolias” Opening Weekend at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // Get with it, Clairee. Grab your teasing comb and step into the ’80s as The Rep kicks off its SummerStage season with a production of this classic Southern tale complete with friendship, love and endless sass. Learn more here.
Sporting Events in the Metro // Three local teams are keeping their stadiums busy this weekend, and whether you’re a dedicated fan or just dipping your toe in, it’s a great chance to check them out. The Little Rock Rangers men’s team will take on Hattiesburg on Saturday night at War Memorial Stadium, while the women face the Louisiana Krewe on Sunday. Meanwhile the Arkansas Travelers go up against the Frisco RoughRiders four nights in a row, and the Little Rock Open wraps up eight days of free pro tennis matches and camps at the Rebsamen Tennis Center.
Friday, May 29
Fridays on the Lawn at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // As if you needed another reason to visit the AMFA, Fridays in May mean lawn games, music, drinks and art classes on the MacArthur Park grounds. Stop by 5-8 p.m. and get in on the last one until October. Learn more here.
The AMFA fun doesn’t stop: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Announces 2026-2027 Concert Series
Southern Soul Lovers Tour at the Robinson Center // If silky smooth vocals are your kryptonite, this show is for you. The lineup features Sir Charles Jones, Cecily Wilborn, Young Guy, Tonio Armani and more. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Movie Night on Ninth Street // As part of the Beyond the Divide pop-up installation on West Ninth Street, visitors can get a taste of Hollywood with this outdoor screening series, this week showing “Jurassic Park.” While you’re there, make sure to peruse all the small Black-owned businesses in the pop-up. Showtime is 8 p.m. Learn more here.
The festivities on Ninth continue: Juneteenth Celebrations Come to MTCC This Summer
Electric Avenue: The ’80s MTV Experience at The Hall // You hear that? That’s the sound of sweet nostalgia. This touring group returns to bring the house down with “a musical journey spanning both sides of 1985.” Showtime is 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, May 30
MuralFest in the East Village // East LR is about to be a whole lot more colorful. Beneath the Sixth Street Bridge, local artists have been hard at work on a slew of new murals, and they’re capping it all off with a block party. Watch their murals come together while you enjoy live music, DJ sets, eats, drinks and a kids’ zone stretching into The Rail Yard next door. It starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
The Pride Market at Pettaway at Pettaway Square // This weekly market is getting an extra dose of rainbow this Saturday. It’s all about Pride fun this week with food, drinks and lots of local booths to peruse. Check it out 3-8 p.m. Learn more here.
AAPI Heritage Month Happy Hour at Mt. Fuji // Breckenridge Village is getting in on the Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month festivities. Come toast the end of the month with special menu items and outdoor fun. Stop by 5-6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Next door: St. Joseph Center of Arkansas to Open Farm Store in Breckenridge Village
Bollywood Nights at The Venue at Westwind // Who’s 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 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, May 31
Adult Field Day at The Auburn Yard // This outdoor NLR space is bringing the wholesome fun on Sunday. Come join the summertime lawn games and get your fill of art, live music and good eats and drinks. It starts at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep the alfresco vibes going: 5 Little Rock Restaurants That Savor the View