Weekend Guide: 10 Events to Sweeten Your Summertime

From outdoor markets to ’80s movies to extra dessert, this is what the season was made for. Let’s get into it.

 

COVID forecast: Community level is high. Click here to get this week’s by-the-numbers report, and click here for a simplified version of what it means for how to go out into the city safely and responsibly. 

 

Thursday, Aug. 11

Full Moon Market at The Labyrinth // There’s just something about a full moon. After a successful launch last month, this market is returning to the 619 S. Spring St. venue with art, curiosities and more vendors to peruse, plus drinks to sip and food trucks to fuel you. Stop by 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.

Bourbon, Beards & Blue Ribbons at the Chenal Country Club // The signature event for the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, this annual fundraiser is officially back in person, and with a new twist. Guests will have the chance to try out different hands-on activities like ax throwing and fly fishing casting, along with bourbon tastings. The evening will also honor the foundation’s inaugural No Shave Club members. The evening starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.

Bard at the Bar at The Rail Yard // Who let Shakespeare into the liquor cabinet? Put on by the Actors Theatre of Little Rock, this performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a shortened rendition, but one that includes extra drinks and zero rehearsals. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Friday, Aug. 12

Grand Opening at Crumbl Cookies // The Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center is getting a little sweeter. With locations across the U.S., Crumbl has a cult-like following, and now Little Rock is joining the flavor masses. Drop by from 8 a.m. – midnight on opening day and be one of the first to get a taste. Learn more here.

More WLR eats: Arkansas-Based 7 Brew Coffee Stand Coming to Rodney Parham This Fall

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 exhibit openings at The Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square, live music and local beer at the Historic Arkansas Museum and Old State House Museum, plus a Loblolly Creamery and Paper Hearts Bookstore pop-up at Bella Vita that benefits Trust Tree. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here

“The Goonies” at Ron Robinson Theater // Time to truffle shuffle your way to the River Market. On Fridays this month, the CALS theater is serving up ’80s sci-fi classics that may or may not have helped inspire a little show called “Stranger Things.” Kicking off the series is this iconic group of adventure-seeking misfits who never say die. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Want something even stranger? Don’t miss “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Saturday night. More info here.

 

Saturday, Aug. 13

Breakfast with a Twist at the Little Rock Zoo // Animal lovers, this is for you. The zoo’s breakfast series serves guests a yummy meal alongside some of its most iconic animals, plus a session with Painting with a Twist. Up this week? Colorful macaws. Breakfast is served at 8 a.m. Learn more here.

Stay wild: Party Like an Animal at Zoo Brew

Market at Chenal at 21 Rahling Circle // Life is better at the market. At this European-style outdoor market, shoppers will find fresh produce, food trucks, yoga, art vendors, inflatables for the kids and more. Stop in 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Friday & Saturday, Aug. 12 & 13

Argenta Dogtown Throwdown // The Main Street fun is back, baby. The NLR neighborhood shuts down the streets every second weekend for outdoor dining, vendors, live music and local entertainment. Highlights include an ’80s dance party with DJ Mike Poe, as well as the Argenta Farmers Market. From Friday happy hour to last call on Saturday night, you’ll find all kinds of fun in Argenta. Learn more here.

 

Sunday, Aug. 14

Keith Sweat at the First Security Amphitheater // Another weekend, another must-see concert in the River Market. This R&B icon is bringing the hits to the amphitheater this Sunday with a little help from Babyface and Jody Watley. Gates open at 5 p.m. Learn more here.

Speaking of sweat: Camp Yoga & SUP Opens in The Heights

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