Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or some high-powered air conditioning, there’s lots of fun to be found in the metro this holiday weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, May 25
Food Truck Thursday at the Pulaski County Administration Building // Time to fill that food truck-shaped hole in your life. This meetup at 201 Broadway St. will welcome eats like Lili’s Mexican Street Food, Fry Fry Crazy, Rock City Dogs and more. Be there 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. to get the goods. Learn more here.
Curtain Call Red Carpet Premiere at the Argenta Community Theater // Now in its 13th year, this Arkansas Enterprises for Developmentally Disabled fundraiser is not to be missed. The fun kicked off on Tuesday and continues with a night of dinner theater, cocktails and auctions. It all begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, May 26
“Count Dracula’s Great Love” at The Labyrinth // Might want to sleep with the lights on after this. Next up in the monthly Friday Night Frights series is this 1973 horror flick that sets the Transylvanian tyrant loose once again. On the fence about frights? Proceeds from the screening benefit Arkansas Community Advocates to support our unhoused and low-income neighbors. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Argenta Vibe Music Series at Argenta Plaza // We can already tell the vibes are going to be immaculate in Argenta this weekend. The NLR neighborhood’s (free!) outdoor concert series continues its 2023 season with live music from mariachi band Joya Azteca, plus local eats, drinks and VIP tickets. The show starts at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday & Friday, May 25 & 26
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the downtown theater, and the lineups keep catching our eye. Up first is “Fried Green Tomatoes” on Thursday, then “Jaws” on Friday. Showtime is 7 p.m. both nights. Learn more here.
Saturday, May 27
Closing day at The Bramble Market // After nearly five years, the beloved Ferndale market is closing up shop. Stop by to say your farewells and load up on their unique selection of fresh produce, handmade dishes and more. Operating hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Spring Kayak Float at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // We’ve got our fingers crossed just as hard as you do for good weather this weekend, and one reason is this float trip down the Little Maumelle. The trip is guided and offers views of otherwise hidden areas of the park. Kayaks launch at 9 a.m. Learn more here. Bonus: More of a night owl? Hit the 7:30 p.m. stargazing party instead.
Paddles up: Explore Little Rock’s Rivers With a Guided Sunset Kayak Tour
Yoga in the Rock at War Memorial Park // Let the zen begin. Close out the week and come get your ohm on at this community class, this time led by local yogi Panchi Bora. BYO-mat, if you’ve got it, and some SPF, too. The class starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Goat Yoga on the Farm at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // Nothing like a little savasana 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.
Vintage Vibes at The Rail Yard // Now, this is a combo we can get behind. The East Village joint will have a full lineup of food trucks, drinks and vintage vendors to peruse. Check it out starting at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Doggie Pub Crawl // Pints with pups? We’re in. Bark Bar, Lucky Lou’s and Stones Throw (all pooch-friendly pubs) are teaming up for a doggone good time where guests who visit all three have a chance at prizes while a portion of the proceeds go to CARE. It kicks off at noon. Learn more here.
Pottery Workshop at Nexus Coffee & Creative // Breadmaking is so 2020. Give a new hobby a try at this hands-on, all-ages class with Chris Swasta of Rolling Hills Pottery where you’ll learn how to make a creation of your own to take home. Class starts at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Yadaloo Music & Arts Festival at North Shore Riverwalk Park // The north side of the river is down to party this weekend. Saturday’s lineup features national, regional and local Americana and country music acts, as well as an array of arts and crafts vendors, drinks and eats and activities for the kids, all with a portion of proceeds going to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Gates open at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
More fest news: 10th Annual River Cities Dragon Boat Festival Sails Onto Lake Willastein
Sunday, May 28
Mimosa Festival at the River Market Pavilions // With the tagline “central Arkansas’ ultimate brunch experience,” you certainly have our attention. This fest features live music, food trucks and, of course, plenty of mimosas. Come sip starting at 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Sip on: Grab-and-Go Drinks for Memorial Day Refreshment
Saturday & Sunday, May 27 & 28
Forever Thrifted Swap Meet // More vintage, please. This market is doubling the fun this weekend with a two-day event. Day one takes place at The Bernice Garden, while day two is back at the Main Street Pocket Park. Expect lots of vintage vendors and artists, plus plenty of food trucks, music and more. Check it out 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Learn more here.
Music on the Patio at River Bottom Winery // Need a little more fresh air? Located at BoBrook Farms, this winery’s patio is the perfect place to enjoy local sips with live music from Dennis Chritton, Fonky Donkey and Anna Brazea. The music starts at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Monday, May 29
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 5:15 a.m. Learn more here.
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. 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.
Stay smart out there: Summertime Skin Safety 101
Thursday – Monday, May 25-29
Pulaski County Fair at North Shore Riverwalk Park // In its final weekend, this third 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 5-10 p.m. Thursday, noon – 11 p.m. Friday – Sunday and noon – 8 p.m. Monday. Learn more here.
Still hungry? Five Places to Celebrate National Hamburger Day
Friday – Monday, May 26-29
Red, White & Zoo at the Little Rock Zoo // What’s blue and white and red all over? A 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 28 & 29
Little Rock Open at Rebsamen Tennis Center // We’re calling this a love-love situation. New host UAMS is kicking off eight days of pro tennis matches and camps, and it’s all free to the public. Learn more here.
And don’t forget these farmers markets around the metro:
Not sure what else is open? Check out our farmers market guide.