Cowboys, zombies, Bigfoot — just another October weekend in the capital city. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Oct. 24
Big Boo!seum Bash in downtown Little Rock // This area-wide favorite is back with its full-on, family-friendly (and free!) fun. Pack up the kiddos, put on your costumes and check out eight of the city’s participating local museums and cultural attractions with games, activities and trick-or-treating. You have from 5:30-8:30 p.m. to get the goods. Learn more here.
Hawgs for a Cause at the AEDD Multipurpose Center // Self-described as the “ultimate tailgate party,” this annual fundraiser for Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled lives up to the hype. Guests can go ham on a barbecue dinner while Craig O’Neill, aka Brother Hogg, serves as emcee. The night also includes live music, a cash raffle and auctions. It all goes down at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Potluck & Poison Ivy at The Joint // Argenta’s storytelling project is back featuring locals sharing their stories — Southern, savory and sometimes a little poisonous — in unparalleled style. In this session, guests will hear from educator and advocate Dr. Sybil Jordan Hampton, along with musical guest The Salty Dogs. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: There are lots of philanthropic events taking place this weekend, and while some are sold out (like Ballet Arkansas’ Encore: Seven Deadly Sins), you can still donate or bid on virtual auction items to show your support.
Friday, Oct. 25
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 Mr. Orange. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Come back on Sunday for a screening of the classic “Practical Magic.” More on that here.
Argenta Vibe Music Series at Argenta Plaza // These are the vibes you’re looking for. The NLR neighborhood’s free outdoor concert series concludes its 2024 season with live music from Nick Shoulders and Jack Studer, plus nearby local eats, drinks and VIP tickets. Gates open at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Monster Bash at The Venue at Westwind // It’s heeeere. This annual amped-up costume party is bigger, better and more bloodcurdling than ever. Guests can expect signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, dancing and auctions. Proceeds from the event benefit Home for Healing. The party starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Get a taste before you go: Monster Bash Harvest Moon Cocktail Recipe
Saturday, Oct. 26
Stride for a Cure 5K at Two Rivers Park // Time to break out all the pink in your closet. Spearheaded by survivor Dr. Kim Leverett, this inaugural breast cancer awareness event invites runners and walkers of all ages to join the mission while proceeds will go to the Arkansas Cancer Coalition. Go time is 7:30 a.m. Learn more here.
Halloween Carnival at the Market at Chenal // This WLR market is going the spooky route this Sunday on Rahling Circle. Bring out the fam and get in on food trucks, games, trick-or-treating and more (including the actual farmers market). It runs 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Plus, Chenal isn’t the only neighborhood market getting the spooky trick-or-treatment Saturday:
Día de Muertos Celebration at the Little Rock Zoo // This local institution is getting the Day of the Dead festivities started early with a day of live music, dance performances, face painting, crafting and an ofrenda honoring lost pets. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Stay wild: Fourth Annual GloWILD Experience Returns to Little Rock Zoo
Goat Yoga at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // Nothing like a little savasana surrounded by some friendly goats. Flow on the farm with this beginner-friendly session led by Lady Moon Yoga Collective and BYO mat. Class starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Halloween Chili Cookoff at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // Hope you’re hungry, goblins. 100.3 The Edge is hosting this 18th annual event where competitors go head to head for the title of chili champ. Plus, there will be trick-or-treating, live music and proceeds will go to The Van and the Humane Society of Pulaski County. It kicks off at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Festival of Darkness at Lost Forty Brewing // Bring out your undead. At this yearly Nighty Night Imperial Stout release/block party, guests are encouraged to don their zombie best — plus this year’s sub-theme for the costume contest: zombies from outer space — and enjoy dark beer samples from local and regional breweries. Food, live music, fire-breathers and more make this event one for the (horror) books. It all starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Sip this: Get Your Boos With These Local Halloween Spirits
Gala for Good at the Statehouse Convention Center // Now in its second year, this fundraiser celebrates and benefits the Goodwill of Arkansas Foundation. The night promises dinner, signature drinks, live entertainment and more, including the presentation of this year’s Spirit of Goodwill Award to Mike Poore. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Good Night: Suits & Sneakers at Chenal Country Club // Good Night? More like great night. This annual event is back and celebrating with food, drinks, auctions and music, all to raise funds for Community Connections’ free programs for children with special needs. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Fright Night in Argenta at the E.O. Manees House // Time for some frightful fun. Back for another year, the Argenta Downtown Council is brewing up a night of specialty drinks, music and costumes, all to support the North Little Rock Animal Shelter. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Outlaw Halloween at The Rail Yard // Giddy-up, ghostbusters. Back at The Yard, there’s a whole night of costumes, live music and haunted menus from food trucks for you to enjoy, and it all comes with Western flair. It kicks off at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Even more flavor: Maumelle Food Truck Festival Comes to Lake Willastein
The Rocky Horror Pickin’ Show at Four Quarter Bar // Ever wondered what a crossover between “Rocky Horror” and bluegrass sounds like? Come hear it yourself at this annual show and wonder no more. Something tells us Riff Raff would be into it. Showtime is 9:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Oct. 24-26
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market, and it’s all about the creep factor this weekend. Up first is “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” on Thursday at 7 p.m., then a double feature on Friday with “Beetlejuice” at 7 p.m. and “Halloween” at 9:30 p.m. On Saturday, catch “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit” at 12:30 p.m., “National Theatre Live Presents: Frankenstein” at 3 p.m. or two showings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 6 and 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Oct. 27
Sip & Shop at Brave New Restaurant // For one afternoon, this Riverdale restaurant will play host to a lineup of local artists with works spanning pottery, jewelry, paintings and more. Pick out a new piece while enjoying a glass of wine or a bite from the Brave New bar. Shop from 1-5 p.m. Learn more here.
Shop on: Get Big Savings for a Good Cause During UAMS Partners Card Week
Farmer Trunk-or-Treat at The Root Cafe // Freshness is always up for grabs at this SoMa spot, and doubly so this weekend. The local farmers and vendors whose products beef up The Root’s menu will be in the parking lot passing out sweets to kiddos. And don’t skip the face painting and on-site story time. Stop by 3-5 p.m. Learn more here.
Witches Ride The Heights on Kavanaugh Boulevard // Get on your bikes and ride, witches. This annual parade invites the community to don their witchiest gear and cruise down Kavanaugh or join the onlooking crowds. The ride wraps up at Boulevard Bread Co. with food, drinks, music and fun for the fam. They ride at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Oct. 24-27
Simmons Bank Championship at the Pleasant Valley Country Club // We’ve been waiting for this moment since the new PGA Tour Champions tournament was announced last summer. It’s the first PGA Tour Champions event in Arkansas and serves as the second round of the Charles Schwab Cup playoffs. That means spectators will see top pros from across the globe battle it out on the WLR greens, with some extracurricular fun on the schedule, too. Learn more here.
Read more: Simmons Bank Championship Goes for the Green
Friday – Sunday, Oct. 25-27
Fall fun at Sterling Market // The calendar is definitely stacked at Sterling this weekend. Friday night is its Halloween bash in The Alley, Saturday is an outdoor Hogs watch party and Sunday is a Halloween family-friendly brunch. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 26 & 27
Arkansas Paranormal Expo at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History // Hope you charged your proton pack. Embrace your love of all things strange with panels on ghosts, Bigfoot, UFOs and lots more. There will also be vendors (think: tarot readings and unique art), giveaways and a few food trucks to keep you fueled. Proceeds go toward the preservation of the museum. The freaky fun lasts from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Learn more here.
And believe it or not, that’s just scratching the spooky surface: Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Little Rock