One of the busiest months of the year has made its arrival, and it’s starting strong this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Oct. 3
First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month, and you know what that means — 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 the return of the Roper Romp and live music in the Hillcrest Liquor and Fine Wines parking lot. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Paws on the Runway at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Looking good, Fido. This Central Arkansas Rescue Effort (CARE) for Animals event always brings the cuteness, giving you the chance to see man’s best friend (and a few humans, too) model the latest fashions on the catwalk. Save room for food, drinks, an auction and all the “awws” you’re about to let loose. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
More cuteness: Meet Alex, Little Rock Soirée’s Cutest Dog 2024
“Bluey’s Big Play” at the Robinson Center // Parents of littles, this is for you. If you somehow don’t have enough Bluey in your life, you can go all in with this larger-than-life stage show based on the award-winning series. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Oct. 4
Fall Food & Craft Fair at The Blue Umbrella // Now in its eighth year, this Main Street fair showcases and benefits Arkansas artisans with intellectual and developmental disabilities, while also offering eats from a full lineup of local food trucks. Stop by 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Speaking of fairs: What to Expect at the 2024 Arkansas State Fair
Fiesta en SoMa on South Main Street // The Hispanic Heritage Month festivities are still going strong. Friday marks this street festival’s second year showcasing vendors, performances, food and family-friendly activities that “celebrate the rich tapestry of Latino cultures right here” in SoMa. The fun stretches from 12th-15th streets and even includes the inaugural Tamale Taste-off competition. Check it out from 4-10 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 now mean food, drinks and live music on the MacArthur Park grounds, this week by Genine Latrice Perez and Dizzy 7. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Come back with the kids to check out Flurffy’s new Halloween show on Saturday.
It’s fall, y’all: Your Guide to Pumpkin Patches in Central Arkansas
Saturday, Oct. 5
Race for a Healthier Tomorrow at the Arkansas State Capitol // This Saturday, get an early start for a good cause with this 5K race and one-mile family fun walk raising funds for Arkansas Children’s Hospital. And this year’s event is “Star Wars”-themed, so be sure to practice your Chewbacca impression. Go time is 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Plus: There’s also the inaugural Logan’s Run for all abilities, the Arkansas Rasta Fest 5K/10K, Just Communities of Arkansas’ Walk for Community and lots more fall runs to keep on your radar.
Paul Laurence Dunbar Community Festival at the Dunbar Community Center // Hosted by the Dunbar Historic Neighborhood Association, this 10th annual event features good food, vendors, lots of live music, a celebration of legacy and more. The fun lasts 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Turkish Food Festival at 1501 Market St. // Looking to learn about a different culture while enjoying delicious eats? It’s your lucky (and very delicious) day. Hosted by the Arkansas Culture and Dialog Center, this fest allows attendees to sample loads of Mediterranean and central Asian cuisine and entertainment. The fest is free and runs from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
More fests: The 2024 Guide to Your Favorite Fall Festivals
Native Plant Sale at The Bernice Garden // Green thumbs (and wannabes), you’re on. The SoMa garden is lining up a slew of local growers who will all be offering all sorts of native selections, as well as some educational elements to guide you in the right direction. Stock up from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Pocket Park Pop-Up at the Main Street Pocket Park // Another outdoor market? Don’t mind if we do. This weekend brings the return of the monthly pop-up, and it promises tons of artists, vintage pieces and local flavor. Come shop 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Hits ‘N’ Giggles Pickleball Tournament at the Little Rock Athletic Club // Hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas, this first-ever event invites pickleballers of all levels to “serve, smash and fundraise” for the nonprofit. Whether you’re ready to battle, in it for the outfits or just want to watch, it’s bound to be a day of community fun. It kicks off at noon. Learn more here.
Casino Night & Texas Hold’em Tournament at Next Level Events // Put on your poker face and head to the train station. Back for another year, this Youth Home event’s stakes are higher than ever. Play craps, blackjack, roulette and more — including the addition of bingo — all staffed by experienced dealers as you vie for raffle tickets. And don’t worry, there’s plenty up for grabs at the Texas Hold’em tables, too. The opening reception begins at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Carolina Sunshine Bluegrass Benefit at Pettaway Square // As we learn more about the devastation from Hurricane Helene, many are looking for ways to help, and this neighborhood is hosting one. The night will include concerts by Country Breakfast and Mark Currey and drinks from Moody Brews while the Smashed ‘N’ Stacked food truck is on site. Proceeds will go to BeLoved Asheville to support flood relief efforts. It starts at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Arkansas Tiny Desk Contest at The Hall // This is what The Natural State sounds like. Bringing a variety of genres from different corners of the state, this Little Rock Public Radio event showcases up-and-coming bands selected by a panel of judges to bring the house down. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here.
The Finest Gala at Argenta Plaza // It’s the best of both worlds. The Arkansas chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation combined its two most popular events — Breath of Life and Taste of the Finest — into one amazing night. Here guests will enjoy a seated dinner, signature sips, entertainment and more. The al fresco evening begins at 6 p.m., and ends with an after party at The Innovation Hub. Learn more here.
An Evening of Jazz at the Venue at Westwind // Smooth, stylish and all for a good cause. This benefit concert for Jericho Way brings the musical stylings of the Grady Nichols Band, Rodney Block Collective, Jonathan Karrant Trio and Cyrus Chestnut to the stage, along with food and drinks for attendees. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: And for those of you with the World Cheese Dip Championship + Foam Fest on your calendar, the event has been postponed until 2025. Read the announcement here.
Thursday – Saturday, Oct. 3-5
Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is the Mountainfilm festival tour on Thursday at 6:30 p.m., then a double feature of “Ghostbusters” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” on Friday at 7 p.m., followed by “Labyrinth” on Saturday at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Oct. 6
Little Rock Yoga Festival at Wildwood Park for the Arts // And now for the most zen festival in the metro. Back for a fourth year, this event brings together yogis from all varieties of practice for a day of meditation, music, food trucks, vendors and, of course, lots of yoga sessions led by local instructors. It all kicks off at 8 a.m. Learn more here.
Tales of the Crypt at Mount Holly Cemetery // Although it sounds a bit creepy, this yearly community event is less ghosts, more local history. Guests will tour the beautiful grounds of Mount Holly while hearing all about the Arkansans below their feet from Parkview drama students in historical costumes. Admission is free, but donations are accepted. Stroll the cemetery 2-4 p.m. Learn more here.
More haunting history: Haunted Arkansas Brings Back Argenta Ghost Tours