The lineup includes watermelons, blackjack and maybe even a little tinsel.
Thursday, July 13
Annual City of Little Rock Fishing Derby at MacArthur Park, Little Rock: Now in its 32nd year, there's a reason this annual event is a local favorite. It's free for kids ages 6-15, and they're only allow to use cane poles. There will be a limited number of poles available onsite, so show up early with the kiddos. The derby goes down from 8:30-11:30 a.m. For more info, click here.
Friday, July 14
Second Friday Art Night at various locations downtown, Little Rock: It’s time for the monthly roundup of downtown businesses opening their doors for an after-hours gallery walk. Highlights include beer by Diamond Bear Brewing Company and live music by Tonya Leeks at the Historic Arkansas Museum. More on that here. Other participating locations include the Old State House Museum, Bella Vita Jewelry and Matt McLeod Fine Art. The fun lasts until 8 p.m. For more info, click here.
Hat Club Classic at Rebsamen Park Golf Course, Little Rock: There's nothing like a good scramble. Now in its sixth year, this local favorite annual golf tournament will raise funds for Project Zero and the Childhood Cancer Organization of Arkansas. The three-man scramble entry fees including lunch, drinks, range balls, green fees, prizes and more. Also returning this year is the post-tourney shootout, which is limited to 16 teams, but which all Classic competitors are invited to watch. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m. For more info, click here.
Boots and Bow Ties at Four Points by Sheraton, Little Rock: There's a little bit of everything at this cocktail event benefiting Camp Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting local service members and their families. Guests at the event will enjoy food and drinks, along with dancing, casino play, door prizes, a silent auction and even a fashion show. It all starts at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Thursday-Friday, July 13-14
"40 Acres & a Block: A Spike Lee Tribute" at Ron Robinson Theater, Little Rock: Pop culture lovers, assemble. CALS is celebrating this acclaimed filmmaker with two Spike Lee events. First up, on Thursday at 7 p.m., they'll host a screening of 1989's "Do the Right Thing." Then on Friday at 7 p.m., the Rodney Block Collective will put on a showcase of music from Lee's films. For more info, click here.
Saturday, July 15
Victory Walk at MacArthur Park, Little Rock: Victory Over Violence, KARK and Fox16's anti-crime initiative, is behind this community walk designed to bring neighborhoods and their inhabitants together under a common cause. The walk begins and ends in the Arkansas Arts Center parking lot, and concludes with a family-friendly event, complete with free food, activities and giveaways. It starts at 8:30 a.m. For more info, click here.
Christmas in July at Honey Pies, Little Rock: If you plug your ears every time you hear a weather report, take solace in this wintry-minded event. Come get your fill of sweet potato meringue, classic pumpkin, caramel apple and peppermint cream mini pies, then wash it down with a salted caramel latte, winter fog tea, peppermint bark mocha or pumpkin spice latte. Store hours are 11 a.m. - 7 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 seventh 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, and even a new VIP lounge. Doors open at 3 p.m. for poker check-in, the players' reception begins at 4 p.m. and games start at 5 p.m. For more info, click here.
Concert by the River at Burns Park, North Little Rock: The North Little Rock Department of Parks & Recreation's brand new One Heart Playground is finally getting the party it's been waiting for. The playground is designed to allow inclusive play for children of all ages and abilities, and it's time to celebrate with an all-ages event complete with food, activities, beer from Flyway Brewing and live music from Tragikly White. The festivities kick off at 7 p.m., gates open at 5:30 p.m. For more info, click here.
Thursday-Saturday, July 13-15
Used Book Sale at the CALS Main Campus, Little Rock: Time to tackle that summer reading list. The library basement is full of thousands of gently read books, and for the pocket change price tag, they are practically calling your name. Purchase a wristband and you'll get River Market Books & Gifts discounts and early entry at 5-7 p.m on Thursday. For the rest of us, sale hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Pro tip: Bring a backpack. For more info, click here.
Sunday, July 16
Sunday Brunch at the Castle on Stagecoach, Little Rock: You haven't brunched until you've brunched in a castle. Come see what all the hype is about by taking a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, exploring the castle grounds and going to town on an indulgent brunch buffet that just won't quit. This monthly meetup starts at 10 a.m. For more info, click here.
Watermelon Festival at Bernice Garden, Little Rock: Behold, the essence of summer. This delicious celebration includes a cooking demo, an eating contest, a subsequent seed-spitting contest and more watermelons than you can possibly eat. The fest takes places during regular farmers market hours of 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. For more info, click here.
Psst! Looking for more farmers markets? Here’s a rundown.
Grand Opening at Loblolly Creamery, Little Rock: And how about chasing that watermelon with some ice cream? Though the new scoop shop has been open for a few weeks now, Loblolly couldn't pass up a party on National Ice Cream Day. Come check out the new space and enjoy banana split specials and $1 mini scoops all day. Shop hours are 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Sunset Lake Cruise at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock: Pass the DEET, please. Continuing its summertime lineup of evening/nighttime activities, the park has put together a ride that sets out from the Jolly Rogers Marina to give you the best view of the sunset over Lake Maumelle. Advance payment and registration are required. Set sail at 7:30 p.m. For more info, click here.
Outsmart the summer sun. Check out Pinnacle's full lineup of nighttime adventures.
Friday-Sunday, July 14-16
E.Leigh’s Annual Tent Sale, Little Rock: Get excited, shoppers. With this sale now in its fifth year, the boutique is marking the occasion with thousands (yes, really) of pieces up for grabs. This is your chance to get major brands for 90 percent off, as well as finds from the $5 and $10 racks of apparel, shoes and accessories. To accommodate for crowds, they’ve added more dressing rooms and checkout lanes, plus a cash only line. Trust us, you need to be there. Sale hours are 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and 12-5 p.m. Sunday. God speed. For more info, click here.
