Neighborhood festivals, foodie events, spooky season fun — it’s all on the lineup this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Oct. 10
Science After Dark: Nightmare at the Museum, The Sequel at the Museum of Discovery // Run for the hills! (And by “hills,” we mean the River Market.) This edition of the MoD’s grownup meetup is all about things that go bump in the night. Expect potions, slime, paranormal activity and more. As always, there will be plenty of eats and drinks from Stone’s Throw. It all kicks off at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Inspiration Gala at the Statehouse Convention Center // Honoring Arkansas Attorney General Tim and Elizabeth Griffin with the 2024 Inspire Award, this annual event (formerly known as the Woman of Inspiration Gala) features fine dining, a silent auction and a stylish runway show presented by Barbara/Jean. The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas fundraiser will also present the Blue Ribbon Award to Jennifer Long. It all starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: There are many annual philanthropic events taking place this weekend, and while some are sold out, you can still donate directly to the nonprofits or bid on virtual auction items to show your support. This includes:
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral // And now for a night you won’t find anywhere else. Hosted by the Arkansas Cinema Society, this legendary silent film comes to life in the Quapaw Quarter space with live organ accompaniment by Jason Roberts. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
“The Maestro’s Playlist” at the Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock // The Little Rock Wind Symphony is opening its season with a program showcasing some of conductor Israel Getzov’s favorite wind band pieces, along with some crowd favorites, too. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Spooky Cocktail Classes at Rock Town Distillery // We’ll raise a glass to this. Grab your poltergeist pals and head to SoMa to learn from the experts how to make some creepy concoctions like the Witch’s Brew and Bride of Frankenstein. Class starts at 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Oct. 11
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 music and art vendors at the CALS Rock It! Lab, a celebration of Arkansas women musicians at Bella Vita, a craft-focused exhibit opening at the Historic Arkansas Museum and concerts at the Old State House Museum. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Fridays on the Lawn at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // As if you needed another reason to visit AMFA, Fridays in October mean food, drinks and live music on the MacArthur Park grounds, this week by the Stax Soul Mobile. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Woof, Wag & Wine at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Back for its 12th year, this Out of the Woods Animal Rescue fundraiser is all about helping our furry friends. A night of wine, beer, Tex-Mex and dancing awaits guests, along with a silent auction. Bet there at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Dine on: Get Big Savings for a Good Cause During UAMS Partners Card Week
Saturday, Oct. 12
Howl-o-Ween Parties in the Plaza at the Little Rock Zoo // Bring on the wolves, man. The zoo is bringing the Halloween fun on Saturdays this month with special crafts, entertainment, costumes and games. It starts at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Unity Pink Walk at Dickey-Stephens Park // Honoring National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this 3K is hosted by ARORA, the City of Little Rock and the North Little Rock Fit2Live Program. The route loops across the Main Street and Broadway bridges before ending back at the ballpark. Go time is 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Keep moving: Inaugural Stride for a Cure 5K Promotes Breast Cancer Awareness
Hillcrest HarvestFest // We wait all year for this citywide-favorite festival, and now it’s finally here. Warmer temps are back in the forecast for a whole day packed full of concerts, food trucks, games, puppies and tons of vendors on Kavanaugh. As always, a portion of the fest proceeds supports The Allen School. The festivities last 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Evening of Wishes at The Venue at Westwind // This annual Make-A-Wish Mid-South event is back for another night of helping dreams come true for kids with critical illnesses. The evening includes dinner, drinks, auctions, entertainment and more. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Halloween Bash at Bark Bar // Things are getting pawsitively fur-raising on Spring Street. There’s a whole night of DJs lined up with spooky cocktails and costume contests for humans and pups alike. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Boo, y’all: Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Little Rock
Friday & Saturday, Oct. 11 & 12
Dogtown Throwdown in Argenta // The Main Street fun is back. For the last time this year, the NLR neighborhood will shut down the streets for outdoor dining, vendors, live music and local goodness. Highlights include concerts from Whoa Dakota, The Big Dam Horns, Emily Fenton and Chris Shelton, plus a pop-up market at Flyway Brewing. From Friday happy hour to last call on Saturday night, you’ll find all kinds of fun in Argenta. Learn more here.
Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first are “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 7 p.m. and “Donnie Darko” at 9:30 p.m. on Friday. On Saturday is “Casper” at 12:30 p.m., then the next Exhibition on Screen installment about Edvard Munch at 4 p.m., followed by an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep the creepy coming: Hitchcock, “Hocus Pocus” and More Spooky Movies Coming to Ron Robinson
Sunday, Oct. 13
Oktoberfest at Southern Tail Brewing // If you’ve been looking to try out Ninth Street’s new haunt, this is the perfect opportunity. The day promises live music, yard games, crafts, new beer releases, a costume contest and more. Come hoist your stein from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Miss the memo on Southern Tail? Take a look inside here.
Vintage & Vibes at South Main Creative // SoMa is keeping the outdoor fun going with this pop-up market featuring more than 20 vendors, artists and food trucks. Check it out 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Camp Aldersgate Fish Fry // Clear eyes, full stomachs, can’t lose. That’s the motto we’re counting on for this 41st annual fundraiser. Across the campgrounds, guests are invited to enjoy catfish and all the fixin’s, not to mention a fishing derby for kids, arts and crafts, entertainment and more. Stop by 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Field Hands 2 at The White Water Tavern // The Tavern always seems to pull us back, and this time for an even better reason: the chance to support the efforts of Back 5 Fields (in tandem with The Van) to employ and assist unsheltered Arkansans. Guests are invited to enjoy the sounds of Monkhouse, The Wildflower Revue, The Eulogy Brothers and Sean Dixon, and they’ll even get to taste some bites made with produce from the farm. Showtime is 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Oct. 10-13
Opening Weekend at Local Theaters // It’s a huge week for the stage as the performing arts step into the spotlight around the metro — some shows kicking off a lengthy run, and some just for the weekend. Here’s what to catch:
- “Carmen” with Ballet Arkansas
- “My Fair Lady” at the Argent Contemporary Theatre
- Disney’s “Newsies” at Wildwood Park for the Arts
- “Extremities” at The Weekend Theater
- “Dear Evan Hansen” at the Robinson Center
More dates to save: Little Rock’s 2024 Fall Performing Arts Calendar
Friday – Sunday, Oct. 11-13
Arkansas State Fair at the State Fairgrounds // It’s back, y’all. Some things never change, and one of those things is the fair. The lights, the sights and the deep fried perfection are all waiting for you. All you have to do is answer their siren call and get yourself a corndog (or three). Learn more here.
And the 2024 festival season is still going strong. Here’s the rundown.