The sun is back and so is the community fun, from holiday markets to black-tie galas. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Nov. 14
Jason Vieaux & Eunice Kim at Christ Episcopal Church // Kicking off the lineup is the next installment of the Chamber Music Society’s season. This concert will feature the acclaimed sounds of Jason Vieaux on guitar and Eunice Kim on violin. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
More performing arts news: “A Christmas Story: The Musical” Opens at Argenta Contemporary Theatre Dec. 4
Friday, Nov. 15
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 a “Makesgiving” gathering at The Innovation Hub and an open studio with Lee Lee Arts + Design and Bang-Up Betty. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Nov. 16
Run the Park 5K at Two Rivers Park // Grab your sneakers and start the day with some adrenaline. Hosted by the Little Rock Realtors Association, this 5K includes a fun run for the kiddos, and all proceeds go to Special Olympics Arkansas. It starts at 7:30 a.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Want even more of a challenge? Try the Squatch Till You Drop trail run at Allsopp. More on that here.
Keep moving: Fall Runs to Keep On Your Radar
Movers & Makers Market at Bloom Salon // Wallets at the ready. This second annual market showcases local artisans — think home decor, jewelry, baked goods, art, etc. — alongside food trucks and live music while raising funds for local nonprofits. For this year’s fest, proceeds will go to Trust Tree. Come shop 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday Shop Vintage Market at The Bernice Garden // Over on South Main Street, the vintage vibes are back at Bernice in this edition of its recurring neighborhood event. Expect vendors with throwback fashions, accessories and art. Come shop 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Shop on: Soirée Holiday Gift Guide: Part I
The Downtown Playmakers Project at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // Want to escape the real world for a bit? Now in its second year, this show brings to life a handful of plays written by 4th graders from Martin Luther King Elementary and performed by grownups who are ready to bring the fun. The 2024 show is titled “Homemade Holidays!” and includes a toy drive for the Salvation Army. Showtime is 2 p.m. Learn more here.
The Market at Pettaway at Pettaway Square // This weekly market is getting an extra dose of cheer. It’s all about holiday fun this week with baked goods, crafts, food trucks and more than 20 booths to peruse. Check it out 4-9 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Can’t get enough Pettaway? Come back Sunday evening for live music, food and brews in the square. More on that here.
Taylor Fest at The Hall // Are you ready for it? This traveling show has been roaming the country, throwing dance parties Taylor-made for grownup Swifties (and the Swiftie-adjacent) with all the hits, and now it’s back. Doors open at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: The Opus Ball may be sold out, but you can still give to support the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s youth programs. More on that here. And don’t miss our October cover story on the ASO mission and new HQ.
Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 14-16
CALS Used Book Sale at 7773 Sloane Drive // Time to make a dent in that cozy season reading list. With the Main Library undergoing extensive renovations, the CALS temporary offices in the Port Industrial Hub are now full of gently read books, and for the pocket change price tag, they are calling your name. Sale hours are 2-5 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Each day is open to the public this time, no FOCAL membership needed. Pro tip: Bring a backpack. Or maybe a U-Haul. Learn more here.
Annual Art Show & Sale at Engel & Völkers // More art? Don’t mind if we do. Now in its third year, this exhibit features work from local artists Bunky & Bob, Meikel Church, Morgan Coven Herndon, Madhvi Patel, Michelle Renée, Nao Yoshida Shaneyfelt, Cary Smith, Laura Welshans and Richard Whaley III. Meet the artists at the Thursday reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. or visit the open house 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday or 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday. Either way, you can take home some new artwork knowing proceeds benefit Our House. Learn more here.
CARTI’s Festival of Trees at the Statehouse Convention Center // Pass that cup of cheer this way. The three-day event benefitting CARTI returns for its 48th year, kicking off with the Sugar Plum Ball on Thursday. On Friday, the Festival of Fashion brings the spectacle of a New York runway show to downtown Little Rock with looks from local boutiques. On Saturday comes Tux ‘n’ Trees, CARTI’s signature black-tie gala with fine dining, auctions, dancing and live entertainment. Events begin at 6 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and doors open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Learn more here.
Meet this year’s gala chairs: Merry & Bright for CARTI
Sunday, Nov. 17
Merry Movies at the Museum at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // The Arkansas Cinema Society and AMFA are putting the holly in Hollywood this weekend. Up first is “Home Alone” at 12:30 p.m., followed by “Die Hard” at 3 p.m. And no, we won’t be having the “is ‘Die Hard’ a Christmas movie” argument today. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 16 & 17
A Very Merry Holiday Vendor Market at BoBrook Farms // BoBrook isn’t just for your pumpkin patch photos. This year’s two-day market features more than 60 different vendors, plus food trucks, lawn games and photos with Santa. Come shop 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and noon – 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Even more merry: Downtown Gets Spruced with Annual Tree Lighting Party