This week brought the fall temperatures to go with all the fall activities, and there’s plenty to explore. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Oct. 17
Fashion Extravaganza at Esse Museum & Store // The SoMa purse museum is opening “555 Compacts: An Exhibit Featuring the Collection of Chris Opp and a Compact History of Makeup in 20th Century America,” and it’s celebrating with three local designers. Korto Momolu, Bruce Brown and Bryant Phelan will all be on hand to talk fashion and host a trunk show featuring some of their pieces. It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
All Arkansas Craft Beer, Wine & Spirits Festival at Argenta Plaza // Raise your glass, Arkies. Another from the Arkansas Times events team, this annual fest features dozens of local sips, plus food trucks and live music. Be there 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Save the dates: The 2024 Guide to Your Favorite Fall Festivals in the Little Rock Metro
Rio Meets New Orleans at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Next up in the AMFA concert series is this unique show featuring Brazilian jazz guitarist Romero Lubambo, clarinetist/saxophonist Anat Cohen and jazz pianist/composer Peter Martin. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Oct. 18
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 spooky DIYs at The Hub, exhibit openings at Argenta Library, live painting at Mugs and an open studio with Lee Lee Arts + Design and Bang-Up Betty. The Art Walk starts at 5 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.
Saturday, Oct. 19
14th Anniversary Celebration at Rock Town Distillery // We’ll drink to this. Arkansas’ first legal distillery since Prohibition is marking 14 whole years of greatness, and it’s celebrating in style. Expect tastings, tours and even a whiskey masterclass. Doors open at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Vintage Glamour Market at The Bernice Garden // Just down the street, the vintage vibes are back at Bernice in this edition of its Saturday Shop event. Expect vendors with throwback fashions, accessories and cosmetics. Come shop 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Central Arkansas Pride Fest in Argenta // Get ready to celebrate, Little Rock. This annual festival makes its return this year with a community parade, food trucks, live entertainment, vendors and so much more. It all starts at 11 a.m. BYO rainbow. Learn more here.
“Tales from the Indigenous South” at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // This lineup of short films is hosted by the Arkansas Cinema Society, Sequoyah National Research Center and UA Little Rock. The selections depict various community elements and issues of Indigenous people in the region, from climate change to women’s stickball teams. It starts at 2:30 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Wanna watch more? Catch the ACS screening of “Moulin Rouge” on Sunday. More on that here.
Creep ‘N’ Crawl at Two Rivers Park // Let’s balance out some of that Halloween candy, shall we? Gals and ghouls and freaks of all kinds are invited to this “wonderfully creepy” 5K, half marathon and “lil’ monsters dash” where walkers are welcome, undead and otherwise. The first group sets off at 3:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Pints & Pumpkins at Stone’s Throw Brewing // Step away from the PSL. Soak up the season in the Stone’s Throw biergarten with this annual pumpkin carving contest while you enjoy their delicious drafts. (We suggest the seasonal pumpkin pie porter.) Festivities kick off at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Let the gourd times roll: Your Guide to Pumpkin Patches in Central Arkansas
Fright Night at The Promenade at Chenal // It’s never too early for trick-or-treating, right? Get the fun started with an evening of activities, costumes, candy, pumpkins and music. Be there 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
“A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics” at the Albert Pike Masonic Center // This is how you set the mood for the spookiest of seasons. As part of the traveling Candlelight Concert series, this show promises songs from some of the biggest scary movies and creepy classical pieces played by the Listeso String Quartet, all while surrounded by (flameless) candles. Catch the show at 6:30 or 8:45 p.m. Learn more here.
Carnival Bizarre at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // Not into haunted houses? Maybe cirque and sideshow theatrics are more your Halloween style. This fifth annual event with Arkansas Circus Arts promises plenty of both. The bizarre bash starts at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Haunt on: Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Little Rock
Thursday – Saturday, Oct. 17-19
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is a BingoFlix screening of “Young Frankenstein” on Thursday at 7 p.m., then a double feature on Friday with “The Addams Family” at 7 p.m and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” at 9:30 p.m. On Saturday, catch “Hocus Pocus” at 12:30 and 7 p.m., or go an entirely different route with the CatVideoFest at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Jacques & Suzanne Legacy Celebration at Petit & Keet // Tastes like nostalgia. For the fourth year in a row, Petit & Keet is paying homage to the beloved downtown restaurant that closed in 1986 with a menu offering the fine Swiss-French cuisine it was known for. Get the full menu by reservation only on Thursday, or a condensed version on Friday and Saturday. Learn more here.
Still hungry? Here Are the 2024 Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Winners
Thursday – Sunday, Oct. 17-20
Last Days of the Arkansas State Fair at the Fairgrounds // 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. Learn more here.
Friday – Sunday, Oct. 18-20
“Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” in Concert at the Robinson Center // It’s intergalactic music to our ears. Next up in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Pops Live! series is the 1980 space epic that gave us the plot twist of the century, which will play on the big screen while the ASO brings John Williams’ iconic score to life. Catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
On the cover this month: A Communal Crescendo for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 19 & 20
“The Greatest Show on Earth” at the Simmons Bank Arena // Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey are rolling back into town, and this time with a fully reimagined show. Minus the animals, this tour is all about jaw-dropping, human-powered entertainment. Expect lots of stunts, acrobatics, musical acts, comedy and high-flying family fun. You have five chances to catch the show. Learn more here.
And ICYMI: The Hogs are coming to town.