Weekend Guide: 26 Activities for All the Autumn Fun

Neighborhood festivals, galas, Hogs watch parties — the gang’s all here. Let’s get into it.

 

Editor’s note: As COVID-19 remains a concern in Little Rock, remember to go out into the city safely and responsibly. Keep a safe distance, wear a mask when needed and get vaccinated

 

Thursday, Nov. 11

Veterans Day in the Metro // If you’re looking for a way to commemorate this national holiday, you have a few options, including the official Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs event at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History and a ceremony at Lake Willastein Park hosted by the Maumelle Lions Club. There are also specials for vets at many area businesses, so check your favorites’ social media pages to make plans. 

First Birthday Party at Heights Golf // Somehow it’s been a whole year since this golf shop opened its doors (and in a pandemic, no less). Now they’re celebrating with a day of giveaways, discounts, drinks and snacks. Stop in 4-7 p.m. Learn more here.

L80’s Night at Petit & Keet // BYO shoulder pads. Every second Thursday this fall is L80’s (ladies + ’80s) Night with a themed cocktail menu, throwback tunes and a glamour shot photo booth in the Keet Corner Bar. It starts at 4 p.m. Learn more here.

Art & Soul at the Easterseals Adult Center for Training & Wellness // In what has become a local favorite, this annual art show is hosted by and benefits Easterseals Arkansas, helping people with special needs obtain equal opportunities and independence. At this unique event, you can purchase the artwork of both professional artists and Easterseals students, all while you enjoy gourmet eats and libations. It starts at 6 p.m. Proof of vaccination or negative COVID test are required. Learn more here.

 

Friday, Nov. 12

Second Friday Art Night in downtown Little Rock // Bring on the 2FAN. It’s time for the monthly roundup of downtown businesses opening their doors for an after-hours gallery walk. Highlights this month include artist Dea Self at Crying Weasel Vintage, pottery demos at The Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square, live music at the Old State House Museum and Historic Arkansas Museum, as well as day one of Bella Vita‘s always-amazing holiday open house. The fun lasts 5-8 p.m. Learn more here

Home for the Holidays: Fall Fest at War Memorial Stadium // After getting the social distance treatment in 2020, this annual Our House fundraiser decided to keep the fun outdoors for the whole family. The evening promises guests an on-the-field showing of “Space Jam,” live music from Brae Leni and the Blackout, activities for kids, local food and drinks and lending a hand to one of the city’s nonprofits helping our homeless neighbors. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Saturday, Nov. 13

America Recycles Day at the Little Rock Zoo // Let’s show Mother Earth some love. This meetup invites you to bring out your hard-to-recycle items for proper collection. Think: confidential documents, electronics and even your old bikes, which will go to Recycle Bikes for Kids. Just head to the east parking area at the corner of Zoo Drive and South Monroe. Swing by 9-11 a.m. Learn more here. 

Fall Lunch & Tour at Moss Mountain Farm // It doesn’t get much more charming than this. Each fall, P. Allen Smith opens his home for guided tours of his stunning terrace gardens and Jefferson-inspired farmhouse, a farm-to-table meal and more autumn activities. It starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.

Korto Momolu Fashion Show at 1201 Center St. // You need some glam in your life. Lucky for you, Arkansas’ own world-renowned designer Korto Momolu is delivering with this show featuring her fall/winter collection, plus a pop-up shop, music and cocktails. It begins at 4 p.m. Learn more here.

Opus Ball XXXVII at the Capital Hotel // This is it, symphony lovers. The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra grand ball is once again upon us. This black tie affair puts on the ritz to raise funds for music education and outreach programs for children across the state of Arkansas. Guests will enjoy fine dining, auctions, music and an evening honoring Little Rock-born composer, Florence Price. The ball begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.

Read our October feature: An Overdue Ovation for Florence Price

Razorbacks Watch Party at Flyway Brewing // Woo pig, y’all. The Argenta brewery is busting out the projector in tent city (aka its outdoor dining space) to watch the Hogs take on the LSU Tigers. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here. 

Good Night at Chenal Country Club // More like great night. This annual event is back and celebrating with food, drinks, auctions and music, all to raise funds for Community Connections’ free programs for children with special needs. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 11-13

Holiday House at the Statehouse Convention Center // Holy early Christmas shopping, Batman. The Junior League of Little Rock’s 30th annual fundraiser/shopping extravaganza helps you get everything checked off your list without leaving the building. Cruise through the dozens of merchant booths and impress everyone at Thanksgiving when you decide to sleep in on Black Friday. General shopping hours are noon – 9 p.m. on Thursday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. There are also special events set for each day like ladies’ night and doughnuts with Santa. Learn more here.

Be prepared: 10 Things You Need to Know About Shopping the 30th Annual Holiday House

 

Sunday, Nov. 14

Outdoor Yoga & Canned Food Drive at ZenStudio Fitness // Flow for good with local yogi Sarah Pilcher as she leads an all-levels session outside the studio. To get in, just bring five canned food items or make a $10 donation to the Arkansas Foodbank. The flow begins at 9 a.m. Learn more here.

Holidays in The Heights on Kavanaugh // Let’s get festive, Little Rock. It’s time to officially launch the holiday season in The Heights neighborhood with cider, good eats, lights and some one-on-one time with Mr. Claus himself. The holly jolly vibes last from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.

Drive-Thru Fish Fry at Camp Aldersgate // Clear eyes, full stomachs can’t lose. That’s the motto we’re riding in on for this yearly fundraiser. Come get your fill of delicious catfish and all the fixin’s without ever having to leave your car, or hop out and explore the campgrounds. The best part? Proceeds go toward the camp’s programs for youth with special needs and medical conditions. The fry starts at 11:30 a.m. Learn more here.

All Arkansas Beer Fest at the River Market Pavilions // On a Sunday? *gasp* Hosted by the Arkansas Brewers Guild, this first-ever fest will feature breweries of all sizes from all around the state, as well as food trucks and vendors. Get your sip on beginning at noon. Learn more here.

Gingerbread House Workshop at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Practice makes perfect, and here’s your chance to get in a few tries early in the season. As you design your gingerbread house, you can also enjoy holiday snacks and even a few themed cocktails for the adults. It starts at 2 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 13 & 14

Access Open at Rebsamen Tennis Center // How’s your backhand? This inaugural tournament benefits Access Schools with two days of junior and adult matches for all skill levels. Learn more here. Bonus: Since Thursday’s Starry Starry Night event is sold out, this is a great option to support Access in lieu of a gala ticket. You can also still participate in the Starry Starry Night silent auction. Details on that here.

4th Quarter Happenings at Domestic Domestic // Let’s #shoplocal, y’all. This Heights shop is showing the local love by hosting pop-ups with food trucks, brands and more shops all through fall. Up this week are Red Wing x Darn Tough and The Croissanterie food truck on Saturday and Porch Swing Farms on Sunday. Stop by beginning at 11 a.m. Learn more here.

“Anastasia” at the Robinson Center // Time for a journey to the past. The beloved animated movie based on the tragic story of the Romanovs in imperial Russia is now taking the stage in musical form and once again capturing audiences around the world. You have four chances to see the show: 2 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 1 and 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. Masks are required. Learn more here

 

‘Tis the season for holiday open houses! Check out these around town:

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