Hit it.
Friday, July 22
4th Friday in SoMa, Little Rock: The newest neighborhood get-together highlights some of our favorite parts of the South Main district, and it's starting to get some traction. Shops and restaurants will open their doors and extend their hours for customers to enjoy. This month's highlights include a beach-themed party at Esse Purse Museum celebrating its summer exhibit, Changing Tides: 100 Years of Iconic Swimwear, with half off admission and snow cones from Brain Freeze. The fun lasts from 4-8 p.m. For more info, click here.
Suzy Bogguss at Ron Robinson Theater, Little Rock: A regular on NPR's "A Prairie Home Companion,” Suzy Bogguss is bringing her Grammy Award-winning and platinum-selling sounds to our fair city. The singer/songwriter has collaborated with the likes of Chet Atkins, Alison Krauss and Kathy Mattea and highlights interpretations of Merle Haggard songs on her latest album “Lucky.” Friday’s show will have Bogguss performing country and folk classics, as well as her own tunes. Showtime is 7 p.m. For more info, click here.
Need a new weekend playlist? Skim the set list of live music in the metro.
The Preservation Libations Master Mix-Off at the Albert Pike Memorial Temple, Little Rock: You know that dream scenario people have where suitors fight for their affections? This is way better. Now in its second year, this event from the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas pits the metro’s best bartenders against one another, while they try to win your vote for best Prohibition-era drink. This is what we in the biz call win-win. Drinks start flowing at 6 p.m., and there's even a VIP option. For more info, click here.
Saturday, July 23
Super Summer Saturdays at the Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock: The countdown to Rio is on and it’s about to get all kinds of Olympic up in here. Back by popular demand, the center has scheduled a ton of free, fun activities for all ages, this year in line with the “American Champions: The Quest for Olympic Glory” temporary exhibit. This week you can learn a thing or two about futbol from Arkansas United Soccer Club. Go for the gold from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. For more info, click here.
Genealogy Workshop at Ron Robinson Theater, Little Rock: For those of you who are obsessed with Ancestry.com, you know have Saturday plans. The Butler Center for Arkansas Studies (aka CALS’s archival department) is offering a free, all-day genealogy workshop led by Ketina Taylor of the National Archives & Records Administration. Geneaologists of all levels are invited to learn from lectures like "Genealogy 101 at the National Archives" and "Native American Records.” The workshops lasts from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more info, click here.
Star Party at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock: Who knew the vews got better after sundown? Lab coats aren’t required, but we're not sure how you pass up wearing one as you try your hand at amateur astronomy. Telescopes will be provided by the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society, so all you have to do is show up to the Pinnacle visitor center and bring your eyeballs. The gazing starts at 9 p.m. For more info, click here.
Casino Night and Texas Hold'em Tournament at Next Level Events, Little Rock: Put on your poker face and head to the train station. It’s the sixth year for the Youth Home event and the stakes are bigger than ever. Play craps, blackjack, roulette, slot machines and more all staffed by experienced dealers as you vie for chips redeemable for raffle tickets. And don’t worry, there’s plenty up for grabs over at the Texas Hold’em tables. You can also enjoy plenty of drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Doors open at 3 p.m. for poker check-in, the pre-play reception begins at 4 p.m. and games start at 5 p.m. For more info, click here.
Friday-Sunday, July 22-24
“La Cage aux Folles” Opening Night at Argenta Community Theater, North Little Rock: More Tony Award-winning plays? Yes, please. Based on the 1973 French play of the same name, “La Cage aux Folles” was nominated for nine Tony Awards and took home six, including the biggie: Best Musical. The story follows partners Georges and Albin, the manager of a nightclub with drag shows and the club’s star attraction, respectively. The sequins hit the fan, however, when Georges's son comes home with his fiancée's ultra-conservative parents in tow. You can still get tickets opening weekend for 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The show runs until July 30. For more info, click here.
