With Labor Day behind us, the event calendar is already heating up. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Sept. 10
“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.
Whiskey Myers at the First Security Amphitheater // Another weekend, another great concert on the riverbank. This time around, country/rock band Whiskey Myers is bringing the hits to the stage along with special guests The Record Company. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday & Friday, Sept. 10 & 11
Movie Screenings at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is the powerful documentary “No Place to Grow Old” on Thursday at 6:20 p.m., then a BingoFlix screening of “Big Trouble in Little China” on Friday at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Sept. 10-13
Acansa Arts Festival of the South // Spanning the course of three weekends, this fest returns for its 11th year with a schedule packed with all sorts of performances on both sides of the river. Opening weekend features shows from Little Rock’s own Rodney Block Collective, Okorie “OkCello” Johnson, Ryanhood and ACT’s Ten Minute Play Showcase. Learn more here.
Save the dates: The 2026 Guide to Your Favorite Fall Festivals in the Little Rock Metro
Opening Weekend at Local Theaters // The stages are hopping this weekend and we have zero complaints. The Rep closes its season with the celebration of a Broadway legend in “Side by Side by Sondheim,” and The Weekend Theater “blends naturalism and mysticism” within a Black community at the turn of the century with “Gem of the Ocean.” Meanwhile, Wildwood Park for the Arts and Actors Theatre of Little Rock are both putting on productions (both unique experiences) of “Come From Away,” a musical based on a true story of humanity in the wake of 9/11.
Friday, Sept. 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 a debut party at the B. Finley Vinson Plaza (in front of the DoubleTree) with music and drinks, old school games at the Historic Arkansas Museum, A Tour & A Pour at the Capital Hotel, fiber art at Bella Vita, live music at the Old State House Museum and vendors, crafts and entertainment at CALS Main. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Natural State of the Art: A Gallery Guide to Little Rock
Lettuce Grow at the Sherwood Forest Event Center // Back to mark its 10th year, this St. Joseph Center of Arkansas event is designed to “celebrate the farmers, educators and neighbors who keep SJCA growing.” Guests will enjoy a farm fresh menu along with auctions, live music and more. It all begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Trivia Bee at First United Methodist Church // This is your time to shine, factoid collectors. Come compete for the proverbial trophy to raise funds for Literacy Action of Central Arkansas. If your palms are sweating at the thought, you can cheer on a team and still get in on food, drinks and a silent auction while you’re at it. It all starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, Sept. 11 & 12
Dogtown Throwdown in Argenta // The Main Street fun is back, baby. This weekend, the NLR neighborhood shuts down the streets for outdoor dining, vendors and local entertainment. Highlights include live music, family activities, drink specials and more local goodness. From Friday happy hour to last call on Saturday night, you’ll find all kinds of fun in Argenta. Learn more here.
Speaking of dogs: Our Cutest Dog Contest winner Henry makes his debut.
Friday – Sunday, Sept. 11-13
AMFA Art Market at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Art aficionados and casual lovers alike will want to cement this annual event into their social calendars. Attendees can shop more than 30 artist booths from across the country, including the work of artists from the Windgate Art School, plus hear free art talks led by local gallerists. Members can shop exclusively from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Friday before it opens to the public from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
“Practical Magic” Weekend // Midnight margaritas, anyone? All week, Paper Hearts Bookstore is celebrating the return of the Owens sisters. Friday night brings themed crafts, sales and costumes across Pettaway, while Sunday brings a trip to McCain Mall for a special screening of the new movie. Learn more here.
Vintage Market Days at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // Talk about flea market fabulous. This traveling pop-up market rolls into town twice a year, setting up shop so locals can get their fill of antiques, clothing, outdoor furnishings, art, home goods, food trucks, live music and more. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more here.
Shop on: The Best Antique and Vintage Stores in Little Rock
Saturday, Sept. 12
Tinkerfest at the Museum of Discovery // Time for some hands-on fun. This 15th annual event is full of activities (for both kids and adults) that teach all about the way things work, from robotics to waterworks and everything in between. More than 50 activities will take place both indoors and outdoors, stretching into the River Market. The fun lasts from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Great Arkansas Cleanup at Murray Park // Want to make a positive impact in your community right now? Here’s how. Keep Little Rock Beautiful is hosting this cleanup event that will spread out across the park, along the trail and on the river shoreline. Meet up at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Wingstock at Simmons Bank Arena // Hold on to your honey mustard. The foodie event is back with restaurants and vendors battling it out to win the coveted Golden Wing Award. Get your fill of top notch wings and wash it all down with a variety of domestic and craft beers, then enjoy the vibes until you’re ready for another round. The wings fly from noon – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
“Carnival of the Animals” at the ASO Stella Boyle Smith Music Center // As part of its family concert series, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will host this sensory-friendly performance of the Camille Saint-Saëns piece conducted by newly appointed associate conductor Matthew Pavon. Audiences will learn not only about the music, but the instruments themselves. Showtime is at noon. Learn more here.
Race for Recovery 5K in Downtown Little Rock // Lace up your sneakers. Hosted by the Wolfe Street Foundation, this 5K and Breaking Barriers Recovery Mile is all about foregoing stigmas and making addiction recovery visible. Go time is 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Read more: Little Rock’s All-Abilities Marathon has a Finish Line for Everyone
Fiesta de Independencia Hispana at Plaza Frida // Happy (almost) Mexican Independence Day! Ahead of Wednesday’s holiday and to kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month, this annual cultural festival brings together artists, food, vendors and performers to celebrate the independence and heritage of nine Latin American countries. Be there 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Southern Silks Stakes at Embassy Suites // Time to break out your best hat. The Methodist Family Health Foundation is back with its annual derby-themed bash offering faux horse races, prizes, food and auctions. Proceeds go to support MFH’s continuum of care for Arkansas children. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
“Handel in London: His Musical Majesty” at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral // Showcasing the works of one of the leading German Baroque composers, this concert will be performed by Camerata Little Rock, a local chamber orchestra featuring a rotating roster of musicians including members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and UCA faculty. The free concert features guest vocalist Marilyn Oliver, harpist Colleen Thorburn and oboist Leanna Renfro. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., followed by a German-themed reception. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 12 & 13
It’s Fall Y’all Market at BoBrook Farms // Yes, the temps are still in the 90s, but we’re dreaming of the crisp autumn days to come. Get in the spirit and come shop booths from more than 60 local vendors while enjoying food trucks, lawn games and sips from River Bottom Winery. Be there 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday or noon – 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Seasonal style: The Rhythm of Autumn
Sunday, Sept. 13
Wings on the River at the River Market Pavilions // Bring on the heat. The team behind Truth Sauce is hosting this third annual contest with competitors vying for the wing trophy. The day also promises a wing-eating competition, other food vendors, music and fun. Get your fill from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
River City Men’s Chorus Fall Concert at St. James United Methodist Church // We like the sound of this. The legendary local chorus will kick off its 23rd season with “Majesty and Glory,” a concert featuring “music that soars, shines and inspires.” The free show starts at 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Plus: Monday brings the annual Bolo Bash Golf Tournament, so it’s a good time to save the dates for these charity golf events in Little Rock this fall.