Bonus day, bonus time for outdoor adventures, multiple markets and a whole lot of wild Hogs. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Aug. 31
Driving Away Hunger at The Rail Yard // The U.S. has a major issue with wasting food, not to mention hunger, and Potluck Food Rescue is one of the teams in Arkansas working to change that. This annual fundraiser is serving up live music, silent auctions and a menu featuring Ciao Baci, Raduno, Petit & Keet, AMFA’s Park Grill and more. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
The Clean Plate Club: How Potluck Food Rescue Tackles Two Crises With One Mission
River Market Live at the River Market Pavilions // Turn it up, downtown. The latest seasonal concert series from the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau brings free, weekly concerts throughout the month of August. Closing out the inaugural season is DJ Nick Hud while Stone’s Throw and Diamond Bear serve up their craft brews. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep jamming: 10th Annual Jazz in the Park Announces Fall Lineup
Friday, Sept. 1
SoMa After Dark on South Main Street // Friday’s fun is south of 630. This monthly neighborhood bash features area businesses offering later hours and special activities. Highlights this month include a vendor market at The Bernice Garden, a Sulac pop-up at South Main Creative and Kind Folke and BWG Herbal Tea pop-ups at The Green Corner Store. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Sept. 2
Labor Day Weekend Canoe Float at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // We’ve got our fingers crossed for good weather this weekend, and one reason is this float trip down the Big Maumelle. The trip is guided and even explores a few little-known areas of the park. Canoes launch at 9 a.m. and return at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
The Market at Pettaway Square // If you’ve been wanting to check out the latest in this little downtown neighborhood, here’s your chance. Expect plenty of local vendors, artists, music, food trucks and activities for the kiddos. Stop by 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Arkansas Regional Vintage Festival & Expo at the Statehouse Convention Center // Ready your tote bags, thrift lovers. Hosted by local thrift pro La Rosa Antigua behind the monthly Forever Thrifted events, this first-ever event promises a lineup of more than 100 vintage vendors, artists, music, food, live screen printing and more. Shop from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
East Village Art Market at The Rail Yard // Keep the markets coming. This inaugural event invites guests to “sip, shop and stay a while,” which will be no problem thanks to the lineup of artists, creatives, food and drink specials. Stop by 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Shop on: The 10 Best Antique and Vintage Stores in Little Rock
Friday & Saturday, Sept. 1 & 2
Arkansas Razorbacks Season Opener // You knew this was coming. There’s only one Hogs game in Little Rock, and when it’s the kickoff to the season, the whole town will be seeing Razorback red. It all starts at 7 p.m. Friday night with a parade down President Clinton Avenue that ends in a pep rally at the First Security Amphitheater. On Saturday, along with all the devoted tailgaters, there will be a free, family-friendly festival at 9 a.m. at the corner of Fair Park Boulevard and Stadium Drive with food trucks, activities and music. The fest will wrap up at 11:30 a.m., just in time to take on the Western Carolina Catamounts at noon. Learn more here.
Bonus: Lots of locals are getting in on the Hogs fun this weekend — like Bark Bar’s post-game “tail-gate pawty” — so keep an eye out.
Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 31 – Sept. 3
“Bring It On: The Musical” Opening Weekend at Argenta Community Theater // This is not a democracy, it’s a cheer-ocracy, and the captain requests your attendance. Next up in ACT’s season is this musical inspired by the hit early-2000s films following all the drama and rivalries of competitive cheerleading. Showtimes vary throughout the weekend. Learn more here.
Monday, Sept. 4
Labor Day Sunrise Hike at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // Starting the holiday with the best views around? Yes, please. Get your blood pumping with this early morning hike starting at the West Summit Trailhead and led by a park interpreter. The trek starts at 5:30 a.m. Learn more here.
Labor Day Pancake Run at Fleet Feet // No one does a three-day weekend quite like this WLR running store. This yearly fun run is back and with a pancake cookoff waiting for you at the finish line. Even better: All proceeds will go to St. Jude’s. Start time is 7 a.m. Learn more here.
Or if you’d rather get out of town: One-Tank Road Trips for Labor Day Weekend