Tacos Godoy food truck at the 2021 Hispanic Heritage Month Art & Food Festival.

The summer hibernation is real. Between dodging the record-breaking heat and dodging school days for family vacations, the city always slows down a bit between June and August. 

With fall on the horizon (come on, Sept. 22!), Little Rock is buzzing once again with festivals and festivities. Here are some of this month's must-dos that come with a dose of fresh air and help better the community in the process.

Jazz in the Park

  • Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
  • Supporting Art Porter Music Education

Live music feels more magical when it's set outdoors, and that's why this seasonal series is a local favorite. Twice a year — in April and September — jazz acts take to the River Market Pavilions for free weekly shows for the public. The lineup this month features Rod P. Outfit, Katrice Newbill, Nicky Parrish and The Rodney Block Collective.

 

Main Street Food Truck Festival

  • Sept. 11, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Supporting the Downtown Little Rock Partnership

An al fresco feast if we ever saw one. Now in its 11th year, this is the city's ultimate showcase of deliciousness on wheels, not to mention the unofficial kickoff of festival season. More than 60 food trucks from across the region will line Main Street and Capitol Avenue, plus a marketplace of artists, entertainers and vendors. Come hungry.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month Art & Food Festival 

  • Sept. 17, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  • Supporting the Seis Puentes Education & Resource Center

Hosted by Seis Puentes and the North Little Rock CVB, this second annual cultural celebration brings a day of eats and art to Argenta Plaza. The free, family-friendly event includes live entertainment, vendors and food trucks, all benefiting the center's mission to "bridge the Latinx and immigrant communities to general life in Arkansas."

 

Little Rocktoberfest

  • Sept. 24, 6-9 p.m.
  • Supporting Miracle League of Arkansas

Personal hot take: The Hogs aren't the best thing to happen to War Memorial Stadium. The venue hosts many events year round, and this festival is one of the most popular. Attendees can get a taste of beers, ciders and meads from across the state, including from local homebrewers, plus a bratwurst dinner and favorite commercial sips. 

 

7th Street Murals Community Gathering

  • Sept. 25, 12-6 p.m.
  • Supporting Arkansas Peace Week

Each year, in conjunction with the International Day of Peace, a group of local organizations, individuals and faith groups join forces for Arkansas Peace Week, a series of events focusing on "education, service, dialogue and outreach." The week culminates in this block party at the 7th Street Mural Project complete with food, entertainment and artist talks with the muralists.