From cultural festivals to a sea of food trucks, the first weekend of fall will be one to remember. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Sept. 19
A Night in Vegas at The Hall // We’re counting on you, Lady Luck. This annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities is bringing the Vegas vibes with a night of local food, signature cocktails, raffles and plenty of gaming. It starts at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Beards & Blue Ribbons at the Chenal Country Club // The signature event for the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, this annual fundraiser is back with some hands-on fun. Guests will have the chance to try out different activities like ax throwing, fly fishing casting and bourbon tasting. The evening starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Arkansas Times Fall Margarita Festival at Argenta Plaza // Pass the salt. Yes, this fest originated as a Cinco de Mayo celebration, but when there are margs on the line, there’s no time like the present. Local restaurants will compete for best margarita while food trucks serve the eats and a DJ supplies the music. The sipping starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Raise another glass: Origami Sake’s Hillcrest Sake Crawl
Friday, Sept. 20
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 a big birthday bash celebrating The Innovation Hub‘s 10th anniversary, complete with lots of DIY fun, demos and, of course, cake. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Lettuce Grow at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // Back again, this al fresco event celebrates and supports St. Joseph’s mission to preserve the historical space, this time with a special focus on its art and agriculture communities. Guests will enjoy a farm fresh menu along with tours of the grounds, signature drinks, live music and more. It all begins at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
More menus for good: Central Arkansas Restaurant Weeks
Saturday, Sept. 21
The Mud Run at War Memorial Park // It’s not called “Little Rock’s dirtiest 5K” for nothing. This scenic, sludgy trip through the park sees runners plow through mud pits wearing smiles and silly costumes. This year also brings the Mud, Guts & Glory Tug-of-War tournament for those looking to skip the cardio. Just think of it as good, clean fun. Start time is 8 a.m. Learn more here.
Plus: There’s also the Little Rock Teal Trot benefiting the Tina Head Ovarian Cancer Foundation, the Spooky Sprint in NLR and lots more fall runs to keep on your radar.
Thea Paves the Way at the Clinton Presidential Center // The Clinton Center front lawn is about to get a whole lot more colorful. Thea Foundation’s annual sidewalk chalk event brings dozens of school, family, church and community groups together to engage in a collaborative art project. Grab some chalk, sign up and join the fun from 8 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
East Village Art Market at The Rail Yard // There’s always fun to be had on Sixth Street. This monthly market is back with a packed lineup of artists, vendors and menu specials — this time back to its earlier hours. Stop by 3-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Hispanic Heritage Festival at Argenta Plaza // The National Hispanic Heritage Month festivities continue on the north side of the river this week. Now in the event’s fourth year, Seis Puentes and NLR are again “celebrating the Latinx spirit” with a day of live entertainment, good eats, vendors, activities for the kids, a tasty salsa contest and more. Join the festivities 4-7 p.m. Learn more here.
There’s more in store: 3 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Little Rock
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 stick 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.
Thursday & Saturday, Sept. 19 & 21
Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is the live-action “Scooby-Doo” on Thursday at 7 p.m. On Saturday is the next Exhibition on Screen installment about Frida Kahlo at 4 p.m., followed by an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Sept. 19-21
Acansa Arts Festival // Spanning the course of three weekends, this fest enters its final week with a schedule of performances on both sides of the river. This weekend’s lineup includes a Sergio Valdivia exhibit opening on Third Friday Art Night, music from Ryan & Ryan, performances of “Tennessee Rising” and more. Learn more here.
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s officially festival season: The 2024 Guide to Your Favorite Fall Festivals in the Little Rock Metro
Sunday, Sept. 22
Downtown Food Truck Festival on Capitol // New name, new location, same pure deliciousness. It’s a new era for the former Main Street Food Truck Festival, which will now take place on Capitol Avenue between Woodlane and Chester. But as always, more than 80 trucks will be selling their tasty wares, along with dozens of vendor booths, live entertainment, artists and kids’ activities including the Little Rock Big 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. The 13th annual event runs from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Six Bridges Book Festival: A Celebration of Local Authors at Terry Library // Get excited, bookworms. On Sunday, the Central Arkansas Library System’s 21st annual fest kicks off a week jam-packed with author talks, demonstrations, kids’ events and more. It all begins with an afternoon of getting to know the writers in your own backyard. It starts at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Read on: The Six Bridges Book Festival’s Next Chapter
Thursday – Sunday, Sept. 19-22
Opening Weekend at Local Theaters // Local stages are once again hopping this weekend and we are here for it. At The Studio Theatre, Greg takes on middle school in “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical.” Meanwhile at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse, a couple of empty nesters have a hard time keeping the nest empty in the comedy “Alone Together.”
Save the dates: Little Rock’s Fall Performing Arts Preview