Long Weekend Guide: 17 Events for 3 Days of Fun

Unofficially summer, officially fun. This three-day weekend is packed with activities for the whole family. Let’s get into it.

COVID forecast: Click here to get this week’s by-the-numbers report, and click here for a simplified version of what it means for going out into the city safely and responsibly.

Thursday, May 26

School’s Out! Bookstore Pop-Up + Fundraiser at Mockingbird Bar & Tacos // Ok, so maybe school’s not out for everyone just yet, but that won’t stop us from enjoying margaritas and books in SoMa style. The best part? A dollar from every marg and 10% from every book sale benefits Washington Elementary. Stop by 4-8 p.m. Learn more here.

Science After Dark: Top Gun at the Museum of Discovery // Goose approves. This edition of the MoD’s grownup meetup is all about the need for speed. Expect DIY dog tags, a Nerf shooting range, karaoke and more. As always, there will be plenty of eats and drinks from Stone’s Throw. It all kicks off at 6 p.m. Learn more here.

Wine + Pairings Tasting Class at Table 28 // We’ll raise a glass to this. The restaurant is once again teaming up with Vino Distribution for this monthly series led by sommelier Jeff Yant. Up this month is a focus on French wines, plus bites prepared by award-winning chef Scott Rains. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.

More sips: Flyght Black Promotes Diversity, Intentionality Through Wine Education and Events

CALS Speaker Series: Dr. Imani Perry at Ron Robinson Theater // Next up in this series as part of Six Bridges Book Festival programming, Perry will discuss her book “South to America: A Journey Below the Mason-Dixon to Understand the Soul of a Nation,” a deep dive into how “the meaning of American is inextricably linked with the South.” It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.

Friday, May 27

Little Rock Parks & Recreation Golf Scramble at Rebsamen Golf Course // At the ready, golfers. This four-man scramble, complete lunch and door prizes, is a day of fun designed to help keep our local parks in top shape. Join the morning flight at 8 a.m. or the afternoon at 1 p.m. Learn more here.

Argenta Vibe Music Series at Argenta Plaza // In case it isn’t clear, Argenta has caught several vibes. The NLR neighborhood is continuing its new (free!) outdoor concert series with live music from Arkansauce, plus local food trucks and drinks. The show starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.

Saturday, May 28

Goat Yoga on the Farm at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // Nothing like a little zen on the farm surrounded by some friendly goats. Flow with this all-levels session led by Lady Moon Yoga Collective, and BYO mat. Class starts at 10 a.m., then stick around for the farmers market afterward. Learn more here.

That’s one way to start your day. Here’s another: Big Bad Breakfast Set to Open in Little Rock Next Month

Rail Fest Food Truck Festival at The Rail Yard // Can’t wait until Monday to get your summertime started? Neither can East Village. Get the Memorial Day activities rolling with a full lineup of food trucks, drinks, lawn games and live music. Stop in anytime 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Learn more here.

Sunday, May 29

Forever Thrifted Vintage Swap Meet at the Main Street Pocket Park // Secondhand, top tier. Local thrift pro La Rosa Antigua is continuing this new series featuring vendors with vintage clothing, homegoods and more, plus a dose of music, art and food trucks. Stop by 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.

Bingo Brunch at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Feeling lucky? Playing bingo while brunching in a vineyard sounds like a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, if you ask us. Add in live music from Cory Fontenot and eats from the Grilled Sandwich Company and we’re sold. It starts at noon. Learn more here.

Thursday – Sunday, May 26-29

Pulaski County Fair at North Shore Riverwalk Park // Dibs on the funnel cake. This second annual event is taking to the NLR riverbank, inviting guests to enjoy rides, games, vendors, themed music nights and, yes, insane food. A portion of the proceeds will go to NLR Parks & Recreation. Fair hours are 5:30-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and noon – 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.

Saturday & Sunday, May 28 & 29

Music on the Patio at River Bottom Winery // In need of a little fresh air? Located at BoBrook Farms, the winery’s patio invites you to enjoy local sips with live music from the Steve Crump Band on Saturday and Pamela Hopkins on Sunday. The music starts at 4 p.m. both days. Learn more here.

Monday, May 30

Memorial Day Sunrise Hike at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // The early bird gets the view. Start the holiday off right with this annual trek starting at the West Summit Trailhead and led by a park interpreter. The hike starts at 5 a.m. Learn more here.

Speaking of holidays: Five Places to Celebrate National Hamburger Day

Memorial Day Pancake Run at Fleet Feet // Talk about motivation. This yearly fun run is back and with a pancake cookoff waiting for you at the finish line. Bonus: All proceeds will go to Team RWB, a nonprofit whose mission is “to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.” Start time is 7 a.m. Learn more here.

Saturday – Monday, May 28-30

Red, White & Zoo at the Little Rock Zoo // What’s blue and white and red all over? A real patriotic penguin waiting to celebrate Memorial Day with you. Come by and get in on specials, shows and family-friendly activities. Learn more here.

Sunday & Monday, May 29 & 30

Little Rock Open at Rebsamen Tennis Center // We’re calling this a love-love situation. The Baptist Health Foundation is kicking off eight days of pro tennis and food trucks, and all matches the first two days are free to the public. Learn more here.

Farmers markets around the metro:

Not sure what else is open? Check out our farmers market guide.