Buckle up, Little Rock. It’s gonna be a wild one. Let’s get into it.
Editor’s note: COVID numbers are (thankfully!) still down, but remember to go out into the city safely and responsibly. Keep a safe distance, wear a mask when needed and get vaccinated.
Thursday, April 28
Wine Pairing Dinner at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Where better to have a wine pairing than in a vineyard? Back for another installment of a tag-team series, this dinner will feature a six-course menu from Heritage Catering and sip selections from southwest France from Vino Distribution. We have our sights on the crawfish and crab cake. Dinner is served in the barrel room at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
“The Shawshank Redemption” Opening Night at The Studio Theatre // The (Stephen) King is in the building. His classic novella turned hit movie takes the Seventh Street stage this weekend as Andy Dufresne faces the notorious Shawshank prison. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Masks are encouraged. Learn more here.
“The Classics” at Second Presbyterian Church // The Little Rock Winds Symphony is busting out the hits in this program that “returns to the wind band’s beginning,” complete with trombone soloist Sean Scot Reed and a showcase of the venue’s new pipe organ. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Masks required. Learn more here.
Friday, April 29
Home for Healing Golf Classic at the Country Club of Arkansas // Let’s scramble. This tourney pits four-person groups against each other on the green, all for the greater good of helping families with loved ones in the hospital. The shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. Learn more here.
10th Birthday Bash at E.Leigh’s // Cue the confetti cannons. The Hillcrest boutique is celebrating a whole decade of style with an evening of discounts, cake, bubbly, music, flowers and more. Come party 4-6 p.m. Learn more here.
Aldersgate After Dark at Camp Aldersgate // No, you’re not imagining things. Yes, the camp held this annual bash in October. But after finally getting to throw its postponed-from-2020 event last fall, now it’s getting back on its traditional springtime rotation. And not only that, but this extra special event is themed “75 After Dark” to celebrate the nonprofit’s 75th anniversary. Expect a trip through the decades with good eats, a nostalgia-packed marketplace and live music. Just don’t forget to wear a getup from your favorite decade. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
“Undammed: A Buffalo River Adventure” Premiere at at Ron Robinson Theater // Marking the 50th anniversary of the Buffalo River becoming a national river (the first in the U.S., mind you), this new documentary from Bluff Line Media tells the story of the Buffalo and the draw it has for locals and tourists alike. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
“The Wizard of Oz” Opening Night at Argenta Community Theater // Hello, yellow brick road. The ACT is closing out its 2021/2022 season with this classic show, and yes, Dorothy, Toto and the rest of the gang are all there. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Mask and proof of vaccination required. Learn more here.
More stage-worthy news: The Rep Announces 2022-2023 Season
Saturday, April 30
Be a Part of the Cure Walk at War Memorial Stadium // Lace up the sneakers and break the fam out of the house for this walk that’s all about raising awareness for cancer research and prevention while benefiting the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Start time is 8 a.m. Learn more here.
Central Arkansas Heart Walk at North Shore Riverwalk Park // Keep your sneakers on. This annual event has the local chapter of the American Heart Association encouraging folks to take their pick of one-, two- or four-mile routes to promote heart health. Go time is 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Goat Yoga on the Farm at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // Nothing like a little zen on the farm, surrounded by some friendly goats. Get your flow on with an all-levels session led by Lady Moon Yoga Collective, just BYO mat. Class starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Forever Thrifted Vintage Swap Meet at Oak Forest Vintage // Secondhand, top tier. Local thrift pro La Rosa Antigua is continuing this new series featuring vendors with vintage clothing, homegoods and more, plus a dose of music, art and food trucks. Stop by 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
It’s Gonna Be May at Petit & Keet // Justin Timberlake approves. This annual get-together is all about sending the month off in early aughts style with boy band-themed cocktails, wine flights and playlists. It starts at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Bollywood Nights at the Windsong Performing Arts Center // Who else is up for a colorful night of cultural celebration? Benefitting Harmony Health Clinic, this yearly event features Indian food, cocktails, dancing and a Bollywood show. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Easterseals Arkansas Fashion Event at Bank OZK Headquarters // It doesn’t get much better than this, folks. Back in person for the first time since 2019, this runway fashion show is a citywide favorite, starring local and Easterseals models sporting fashions from local boutiques. The evening also includes music, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and silent auctions. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Get to know one of this year’s models: At the Starting Line
The Evolve Gala at the Statehouse Convention Center // With the theme “Sing, a Celebration of Music,” this annual fundraiser is also back in person for The Centers for Youth & Families. Guests can expect a stellar lineup of local musicians and singers, plus dinner, drinks, auctions and a special tribute to the 2022 Hero of Hope Rick Karen Flake. The fun begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Preservation Crustaceans Crawfish Boil at the Barth-Hempfling House // Bring on the boil. Preserve Arkansas will once again host its annual bash at the 1886 building at 507 Main in North Little Rock (now home to Clements & Associates) while serving up all-you-can-eat crawfish and the fixin’s. Come hungry, leave historically educated. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, April 29 & 30
Wild Wines at the Little Rock Zoo // Stripes, spots, whatever — it’s time to party. This can’t-miss bash takes place over the course of two nights with two separate events. Friday night’s VIP event offers guests eats from the city’s best restaurants paired with cocktails and hand-selected wines from O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor, plus live music, from 7-9 p.m. Saturday night is “The Mane Event” with more entertainment, more food and more libations awaiting attendees from 7-10 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. Learn more here.
Sunday, May 1
501 Day // 501 life is the best life, and you can’t tell us any different. The whole region is celebrating this second annual holiday with events and specials at businesses and organizations. Learn more here.
Not sure where to begin? These will get you started:
- 501 Fest in SoMa
- Three days of festivities at The Rail Yard
- Public art-themed 5.01K
- Pop-up party at Amboy USA
- Outdoor market at South Main Creative
Baggo, Brats & Blues at The Rail Yard // Check, check and check. This family-friendly event promises a day of baggo tournaments, music, grilling out and drink specials, all to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas. It runs 3-7 p.m. Learn more here.
Walk for the Waiting 5K at War Memorial Stadium // Hope those are some high-quality sneakers after all this mileage. Now in its 10th year, this fun walk is all about raising funds and awareness for the thousands of kids in the Arkansas foster care system. The Call, Immerse Arkansas and Project Zero are heading the event, which includes a post-walk party. The walk starts at 4:15 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep moving: Spring Runs to Put On Your Calendar
Justin Moore St. Jude Golf Classic Kickoff at the Jack Stephens Center // Tee off for a good cause this weekend at this local tourney. The fun starts on Sunday with a pre-party where supporters and players are invited to join a dinner, auction and performance by country music star Justin Moore, all before hitting the links Monday morning. The party begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, April 28 – May 1
Live at the Plaza at Argenta Plaza // After a successful debut last spring, guests can again experience back-to-back weekends of (free!) outdoor fitness classes and live performances with Ballet Arkansas in the heart of Argenta. Learn more here.
Friday – Sunday, April 29 – May 1
Arkansas Italian Food & Wine Festival at the Penick Boys & Girls Club // We can smell it now. Back for a third year (2020 and 2021 don’t count, duh), this fest will take over the club grounds to offer guests cooking demonstrations, bocce ball tournaments, music, activities for the kids and a whole lot of deliciousness. Plus, all proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas. Festival hours are 4-8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, April 30 & May 1
“Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto” at the Maumelle Performing Arts Center // Let’s get classical. Next up in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks series is this program featuring guest conductor Andrew Crust and violinist Shannon Lee playing the works of Borodin, Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky. Catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.