It’s officially the unofficial start of summer, and there’s plenty of local fun to explore. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, May 21
AEDD Curtain Call at The Sanctuary at Argenta // Now in its 16th year, this Arkansas Enterprises for Developmentally Disabled fundraiser is not to be missed. The fun features a night of live performances, dinner, cocktails and auctions. It all begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Movie Night on Ninth Street // As part of the Beyond the Divide pop-up installation on West Ninth Street, visitors can get a taste of Hollywood with this outdoor screening series, this week showing “Black Panther.” While you’re there, make sure to peruse all the small Black-owned businesses in the pop-up. Showtime is 8 p.m. Learn more here.
The festivities on Ninth continue: Juneteenth Celebrations Come to MTCC This Summer
Grand Opening at 1916 Chophouse & Spirits // Set in the Kavanaugh space once home to SO Restaurant & Bar, this new eatery promises a menu where “steakhouse tradition meets crafted cocktails, attentive service and a refined atmosphere inspired by another era.” Learn more here.
Plus: Tickets are no longer available to Serving Up Solutions, but you can still donate or join the online auction to help the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance reach its fundraising goal. More on that here.
Thursday & Friday, May 21 & 22
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Idiocracy” on Thursday, then “Jaws” on Friday, both at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, May 21-24
Pulaski County Fair at NLR Riverfront Park // In its final weekend, this fifth annual fair is taking to the north shore, inviting guests to enjoy rides, games, vendors, lots of live music and even more wild food. Learn more here.
Friday, May 22
Fridays on the Lawn at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // As if you needed another reason to visit the AMFA, Fridays in May mean lawn games, music, drinks and art classes on the MacArthur Park grounds. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
“The Magic of Motown” at the Robinson Center // Prepare to have every one of these songs stuck in your head for the foreseeable future. This concert show features “more than two hours of Detroit city magic” with music from icons like Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson Five and more. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, May 23
Grand Opening at Small Shoppes Marketplace // After a tumultuous ending for the Painted Tree Boutiques, the store’s former manager is opening this new market packed with vendors. Be one of the first to see the new space and support local small businesses. Come shop 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Young Arkansas Artists Exhibit Opening at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // For 65 years, the AMFA has featured works from kids all over the state, from kindergarteners to high school seniors, choosing the best of the best from dozens of entries. A ceremony celebrating the featured artists takes place at 11 a.m., followed by an afternoon of art activities for the whole fam. Learn more here.
Monday, May 25
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.
Memorial Day Pancake Run at Fleet Feet // Talk about motivation. This yearly fun run is back with a pancake cookoff waiting for you at the finish line. All proceeds go to Team RWB, a nonprofit that helps veterans connect in their health and wellness communities. Go time is 7 a.m. Learn more here.
Memorial Day Disc Golf Tournament at War Memorial Park // For the disc golf regulars, this midtown park is no secret. But after years of pop-up play, it’s finally official, and Monday marks the first tournament at the brand new, 18-hole War Memorial Park Disc Golf Course. Play solo or bring your team. The first discs fly at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
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