After quite the eventful week, we’re ready to jump into some community fun. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Nov. 7
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 Magic Hills
in the Hillcrest Liquor and Fine Wines parking lot. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Thea Art Department: Rex DeLoney at Thea Foundation // The popular series for Thea is back for one last installment of the year. At this show opening, explore the mixed media paintings of local artist Rex DeLoney through his energetic exhibit “The Soul of Color,” complete with refreshments. The art starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
GloWILD Opening Night at the Little Rock Zoo // Shine bright like a dolphin. The immersive “larger than life light show” is once again taking over the zoo for the next two months. Thousands of lights will be on display with handcrafted, silk-covered, animal-shaped lanterns around every corner, plus special events throughout the exhibit’s stay. The light fest opens at 5 p.m. and runs through Jan. 5. Learn more here.
More family fun: Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus Returns to Argenta This Season
Art & Soul at The Venue at Westwind // Eat your heart out, Picasso. At this annual art show hosted by and benefiting Easterseals Arkansas, you can purchase the artwork of both professional artists and Easterseals clients, all while you enjoy delicious eats and libations. It starts at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Pig & Swig at Argenta Plaza // Come hungry. This “premium whiskey and pork tasting event” hosted by the Arkansas Times invites some of your favorite local restaurants to offer up their best pork dishes. All you have to do is partake as you sip top-notch whiskeys and enjoy live music. The eats last from 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
All Out for Autism at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Benefiting the Arkansas Autism Resource and Outreach Center, this annual event includes a seated dinner, drinks, live music and auctions. It all begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Nov. 8
2nd Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // It’s 2FAN time, aka the monthly lineup of downtown businesses opening their doors for after-hours artistic fun. Highlights this month include a birthday celebration for Bella Vita, an exhibit opening with local beer at the Historic Arkansas Museum, music and art vendors at the CALS Rock It! Lab and a WWI commemoration at the Old State House Museum. Plus, hop I-30 for bluegrass, adoptable pets, food and more at Curran Hall. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Toast & Taste at Wildwood Park for the Arts // If you’re in search of flavor on Friday, head west. This park fundraiser will give guests their pick of wine and whiskey, all while enjoying paired bites from some of your favorite local restaurants. The Rodney Block Collective will be there to provide the tunes, and you can get in on door prizes and a wine pull. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Grand Opening Celebration at Leiva’s Coffee Roastery // Roland is getting a caffeine boost with the launch of this new HQ. The Leiva’s Coffee team has been hard at work on its new roastery near Pinnacle Mountain, and they’re launching with a community celebration filled with coffee, music and ice cream. Stop by 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s in North Little Rock // Lace up those sneakers. The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual walk is back for another year, kicking off the 2-mile route at Argenta Plaza. Proceeds aid the nonprofit in its battle against Alzheimer’s and dementia. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Read on: Stepping Up for the Alzheimer’s Association
iCREATE Fall Crawl in downtown Little Rock // Like your art to go? Get cultured on the move at this first-ever event that takes participants on a tour of four quintessential spots around downtown: the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Seventh Street Mural Corridor, Baker’s Alley and the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Each stop will include interactive elements that celebrate local art and history. The crawl starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Arkansas Cornbread Festival on South Main // Yes, it’s a stereotype to be Southern and in love with cornbread, and no, we don’t care. After making its grand post-COVID return last year, the fest is back again with tons of vendors, activities and live music surrounding the corny cook-off. It all kicks off at 11 a.m. and lasts through 4 p.m. Even better? It benefits the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. Learn more here.
Chili Fights in The Heights on Kavanaugh // Cornbread and chili? It’s a match made in fall heaven. This annual street festival pits teams against each other to find the best chili the city has to offer, all while benefiting the Arkansas FoodBank. The lineup also includes food trucks, a kids’ zone, music and more. Cooking starts at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Pocket Park Pop-Up at the Main Street Pocket Park // Weekends are for shopping small. This monthly outdoor market is the last one of the year, and it promises a full roster of artists, vintage vendors and local flavor. Come shop 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
More outdoor adventures: Where to Catch the Best Fall Foliage in Arkansas
Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is a (free!) exclusive preview screening of Ken Burns’ new documentary on Leonardo da Vinci at 4 p.m., then a BingoFlix screening of “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Reigning Cats & Dogs at Next Level Events // Things are getting adorable at the train station. The Humane Society of Pulaski County’s annual fundraiser is back with a galactic night of entertainment, auctions, food, drinks and lots of four-legged friends. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Amp Out Alz at The Hall // For those about to rock, we salute you. Alzheimer’s Arkansas is once again hosting a night of classic rock ‘n’ roll benefiting caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Food, drinks and silent auctions await guests, as well as lots of live music from local band ROXX. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: Tickets are no longer available for Access Group’s signature Starry Starry Night event, but you can still join the auction or donate to show your support. More on that here.
Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 7-9
Holiday House at the Statehouse Convention Center // Ready, set, shop. The Junior League of Little Rock’s annual fundraiser/shopping extravaganza helps you get everything checked off your list in one place, meaning you can cruise through the dozens of merchant booths this weekend and sleep in on Black Friday. General shopping hours are 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. There are also special events each day including a preview party, brunch, ladies’ night and kids’ holiday workshop. Learn more here.
Sunday, Nov. 10
Holidays in The Heights on Kavanaugh // Let’s get festive, Little Rock. It’s time to officially launch the holiday season in The Heights neighborhood with hot cocoa, good eats, festive decor and some one-on-one time with Mr. Claus himself at all your favorite shops. The holly jolly vibes last from 1-5 p.m. Learn more here.
While you’re shopping: Soirée Holiday Gift Guide: Part I
Wine & Swine at Cypress Social // A pairing we can get behind. This third annual event features a lengthy list of wines, “elevated” barbecue bites, lawn games, live music and more, all on the restaurant’s scenic grounds. It kicks off at 1 p.m. Learn more here.
S’Mores & Pours at Stone’s Throw Brewing // Now this is how you toast the weekend. Get cozy in the biergarten and roast up a healthy dose of s’mores to go with Stone’s Throw’s seasonal beers. (We’ve got our eye on the Winter Warmer Spiced Ale.) Be there 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
While you’re sipping: Top-Shelf Bourbon & Arkansas Spirits
Thursday – Sunday, Nov. 7-10
Veterans Day in the Metro // This year, Veterans Day falls on a Monday, meaning many will extend the observation over the weekend. If you’re looking for a way to commemorate the holiday, you have a handful of options including a return performance of “The Breach” at The Rep and a family-friendly military appreciation event at the zoo. There are also specials for vets at many area businesses, so check your favorites’ social media pages to make plans.
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 9 & 10
“How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at the Robinson Center // Whoville won’t know what hit ’em. The classic Dr. Seuss tale comes to life on stage set to the iconic songs you love and many more, plus a sprinkle of holiday magic and a dose of grumpiness from the green guy. You have five chances to catch the show. Learn more here.
‘Tis officially the season for holiday open houses and sip + shop events! Check out these around town:
- E.Leigh’s
- Fringe
- Indigo
- Live Thankfully
- Midtown Vintage Market
- Painted Tree
- Tipton & Hurst
- UA Little Rock School of Art and Design
Staying in this weekend? Explore the November Issue of Soirée