The weekend is upon us, friends, and with it comes a welcome break from the heat. We can't think of a better reason to celebrate, and we plan on doing so with art galleries, chocolate, beer parties and more of the awesome stuff going on the next few days. Here's what's on our to-do list.
Thursday, August 20
Bill Mize Acoustic Concert at The Joint, North Little Rock: Sometimes you just need to mellow out and relax to the sounds of a little acoustic guitar. Cue the Argenta Arts Foundation. As part of the Argenta Arts Acoustic Music Series on every third Thursday, Grammy-winning guitarist Bill Mize will add The Joint to his list of played venues, after he took the title of what is essentially the “U.S. Open of guitar competitions." No big deal. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. For more info, click here.
Southern Summer Cocktail Series at Colonial Wines & Spirits, Little Rock: Hours don't get any happier than this, folks. All month long, our friends at Colonial are celebrating classic southern summer drinks at the tasting bar. Each Thursday, you’ll learn how to make one of the featured cocktails from the list, and sample it too, of course. Cheers to the winding down of summer months. Stop by quench your thirst from 4-7 p.m. For more info (and recipes!), click here.
Friday, August 21
Table for Two: Cooking Series with Chef Robert Hall at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, Morrilton: There’s a reason these events were in such high demand last year. The class offers an overnight mountain getaway in addition to a culinary date night. Guests will not only experience how to make the night’s entrée (a delicious chicken picatta), but also sharpen their cooking skills under Chef Hall’s guidance. Whoa. It starts at 5 p.m. For more info, click here.
Third Friday Argenta Art Walk in downtown Argenta, North Little Rock: The weather is supposed to be awesome Friday night, and this is an awesome way to take advantage of it. Every month, the Argenta Arts District opens up with special exhibits for folks to peruse. Walkable galleries include NLR History Commission, Greg Thompson Fine Art, Argenta Gallery, Art Connection, The House of Art and Mugs Café. The Art Walk runs from 5-8 p.m. For more info, click here.
“Developed and Less Finished” opening reception at Wildwood Park for the Arts, Little Rock: This memory-inspired collection of works by local artist L. K. Sukany is equal parts mysterious and magical. “Developed and Less Finished” opens Friday with live music by "The Damsels in Distress" with guest Christopher Hickey and "Know Who's a Robot." Bonus: There will be snacks from Whole Foods. The reception starts at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Saturday, August 22
Easter Seals Rollin' On the River 5K, Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock: Whether you choose to run, walk or roll your way through this event, families from all over are welcome to join in the 5K USATF Certified race, the 2K family fun walk or the post-race festivities. We’re talking games, photobooths, food, bounce houses and more. It’s the perfect race to help start winding down the summer months. The first wave at 7 a.m. For more info, click here.
Visions Choreographic Competition at the UALR Center for Performing Arts, Little Rock: Ever fancied yourself a ballet critic? That’s exactly what happens at Ballet Arkansas’ second annual Visions competition. Five choreographers from across the U.S. have been chosen to showcase their work, which will pass through four judges: three professionals from the local and national dance communities, and the audience makes four. The contest starts at 7 p.m. For more info, click here.
“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” at Ron Robinson Theater, Little Rock: It’s a tale as old as time. A boy buys a chocolate bar, meets a psychotic chocolate genius and goes on an adventure in a magical chocolate factory. It’s just another Tuesday, really. But because fate can be a wonderful thing, this 2 p.m. movie showing lines up perfectly with Kilwins’s one year anniversary, who just so happen to be sponsoring the screening. Stop by the shop for activities, music and buy-one-get-one deals on just about everything in the shop. For more info, click here.
Friday-Saturday, August 21-22
“Two Trains Running” opening night at The Weekend Theater, Little Rock: Set in 1969 Pittsburgh, this play from Pulitzer Prize-winning author August Wilson paints a picture of everyday life and racial struggles as it all unfolds in the restaurant of a man named Memphis. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and will continue the next two weekends. For more info, click here.
Sunday, August 23
Diamond Bear Beer Party for ALS at Diamond Bear Brewing Company, North Little Rock: I think we can all agree that the money raised and awareness spread by everyone and their mother dumping buckets of water on themselves was great, but isn’t necessarily missed in our social media feeds. That’s why we’re sweet on this beer party at Diamond Bear. The day includes summer beer tastings, family fun centers, lawn games, live music and more, all benefiting the ALS Association of Arkansas via the Operation Speak Easier Initiative. Come out from 12-4 p.m. to get in on the action. For more info, click here.
