Cultural festivals, race cars, brunch in the ballpark — it’s all on the lineup this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Sept. 5
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 live music from The Rocktown Sparks in the Hillcrest Liquor and Fine Wines parking lot. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
More Hillcrest sipping: Mark Your Calendar for Origami Sake’s First Sake Crawl
Friday, Sept. 6
SoMa After Dark on South Main Street // Friday’s fun is just south of 630. This monthly neighborhood bash features area businesses offering later hours and special activities. Highlights this month include maker pop-ups at South Main Creative and the return of M2 Gallery‘s biggest annual event complete with multimedia installations and experiences, this year dubbed “EXP3: The Art Experience.” It all begins at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
In the neighborhood: The Best Antique and Vintage Stores in Little Rock
Thursday & Friday, Sept. 5 & 6
Throwback Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Starship Troopers” on Thursday, then a 25th anniversary BingoFlix screening of “Galaxy Quest” on Friday. Showtime is 7 p.m. both nights. Learn more here.
Saturday, Sept. 7
Little Rock Celtic Festival at Burns Park // There’s a cross-Atlantic wind blowing through central Arkansas this weekend and it’s taking the form of this annual event celebrating Celtic culture and tradition. Expect Scottish games, Irish sports, music, dancing, food and drinks. Check it out starting at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Overstock Sale at The Book Store // Rejoice, bookworms. This NLR shop is doing some late-summer cleaning and hosting its first-ever warehouse sale. Stock up on reads starting at $1 and don’t forget to bring the kiddos. Be there 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
50th Anniversary Party at Fletcher Library // One of Midtown’s gems is marking a big milestone this weekend. The CALS branch is celebrating with lawn games, inflatables, eats, drinks, live entertainment and more. Stop by 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here.
More CALS news: The Six Bridges Book Festival’s Next Chapter
Pocket Park Pop-Up at the Main Street Pocket Park // Another outdoor market in LR? 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.
Rice Bourbon Release Party at Rock Town Distillery // We’ll raise a glass to this. Rock Town is teaming up with the Arkansas Rice Federation to debut the third batch of this unique bourbon, and is doing so with a day full of special cocktails, paired bites and hand bottling. It all kicks off at noon. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Sept. 5-7
Acansa Arts Festival // Spanning the course of three weekends, this fest returns for the ninth year (technically 10 since it launched, but skipping 2020) with a schedule packed with all sorts of performances on both sides of the river. Opening weekend is all about live music with shows from The Big Dam Horns, The Heart Collectors and cellist Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf, plus a hands-on family arts day featuring Buckets N Boards. Learn more here.
“Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” Weekend at Petit & Keet // The juice is loose in WLR. As the long-awaited Tim Burton sequel hits theaters, this restaurant is following suit with a special cocktail menu that puts “the fun in funeral.” Learn more here.
Sunday, Sept. 8
Ribs on the River at the River Market Pavilions // Hope you’re hungry. After bringing the wings competition in July, the team behind Truth Sauce is back with another tasty throwdown, and this time it’s all about crowning rib royalty. The day also promises other food vendors, music and even some football games on the big screen. Get your fill from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Sept. 5-8
Arkansas Travelers Final Home Weekend at Dickey-Stephens Park // Somehow the season has already come to an end, but the Travs are doing up the last home games right. They’ll take the field against the Corpus Christi Hooks with special promotions each day including ticket discounts, fireworks and even Sunday brunch. Learn more here.
“Responders” Opening Weekend at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // The world premiere work of playwright and Little Rock native Joseph Scott Ford takes center stage in The Rep’s latest production, a dark comedy following two small-town paramedics and a reporter covering a crime scene. Learn more here.
Friday – Sunday, Sept. 6-8
Arkansas Comic Con at the Statehouse Convention Center // Is that you, Darth Maul? This annual gathering is back with all sorts of pop culture vendors, panels and celebs over its three-day lineup including Michael Rooker, Jamie Kennedy, Kane, Gates McFadden and Ray Park. The nostalgia is strong with this one. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 7 & 8
It’s Fall Y’all Market at BoBrook Farms // Yes, the temps are still in the 80s and 90s, but we’re dreaming about 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.
F1 Wheels on Reels at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // AMFA is getting a dose of adrenaline with its new exhibit “Beyond the F1 Circuit: Artistry and Speed with Williams Racing” opening on Thursday. To mark the occasion, the museum is hosting two movie screenings that fit the bill: “Cars 2” on Saturday and “Rush” on Sunday. Showtime is 2:30 p.m. both days. Learn more here.
More on the exhibit: How Stephens is Driving Boundaries in F1