The temps may still be high as we enter the new season, but that just means extra ice in your PSL when you hit all the festivals. Let's get into it.
COVID forecast: Community level is medium. 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, Sept. 22
Winds at the Plaza at Argenta Plaza // For the second year in a row, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is kicking off its season with a free concert, and honestly, we hope the tradition sticks. The show will feature variations in wind, brass and percussion orchestration, including a piece by former ASO Composer of the Year Christopher Theofanidis, which premiered with the ASO in 2017. Showtime is 7 p.m. RSVPs are encouraged. Learn more here.
Jason Aldean at Simmons Bank Arena // More music, different vibe. The country music star is bringing his Rock 'n' Roll Cowboy tour to NLR along with special guests Travis Tritt, John Morgan and Deejay Silver. You bring the boots. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Sept. 23
Whiskey Myers at the First Security Amphitheater // Another weekend, another great concert on the riverbank. This time around, country/rock band Whiskey Myers is bringing the hits to the stage along with performances by the Read Southall Band and The Weathers Souls. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Lettuce Grow at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // Back again, this al fresco event celebrates the St. Joseph Farm Stand and crops while supporting St. Joseph’s mission to preserve the historical space with sustainable farming and community outreach. Guests will enjoy a farm fresh menu along with tours of the grounds, craft beer, a silent auction and live music. It all begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
"M2 EXP: The M2 Experience" at M2 Gallery // This isn't your average exhibit. The SoMa gallery is shaking up the art scene with sensory experiences full of unexpected installations and multimedia pieces featuring some of your favorite local artists. Check it out 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Argenta Vibe Music Series at Argenta Plaza // Speaking of vibes, they happen to be incredible in Argenta this weekend. The neighborhood's free outdoor concert series rocks on — this time in partnership with the Acansa Roots Festival, but we'll get to that in a bit — with live music from Big Piph and Tomorrow Maybe, plus local food trucks, drinks and VIP tickets. The show starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Sept. 24
Big Dam Bridge 100 // Helmets, weird shoes and a whole lot of Lycra — that’s what awaits the hundreds of cyclists who make their way to the city for this annual ride. Cyclists can take on 15-, 26-, 50-, 75- and 105-mile courses, covering both Little Rock and North Little Rock, winding down the River Trail, crossing the Big Dam Bridge (of course) and through the metro. Not riding, but still want to party? Hang out at the finish line for food trucks, drinks and fun. Start times vary, but it all kicks off (and ends) bright and early in Riverfront park. Learn more here.
Rattle the Chains Disc Golf Tournament at Reservoir Park // How's your aim? Try it out at this tourney that includes food, drinks and fun as three-person teams battle it out to raise funds for the Children's Protection Center. It all starts at 8 a.m. Learn more here.
Tinkerfest at the Museum of Discovery // Time for some hands-on fun. This annual event is full of activities (for both kids and adults) that teach all about the way things work, from robots to waterworks and everything in between. More than 40 activities will take place both indoors and outside, and there's even a sensory station for guests in need of a more calming environment. It starts at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
"Charlotte’s Web" Screening at Ron Robinson Theater // As part of Banned Books Week, CALS is bringing this 1973 classic back to the silver screen. This year's week is centered around Alex Gino's "Melissa," a story about finding self-acceptance, which weaves in that humble, radiant, terrific pig. Showtime is 2 p.m. Learn more about the week's activities here.
Yoga in the Rock at Allsopp Park // Let the zen begin. Close out the week and come get your ohm on at this community class, this time led by yogi Panchi Patangia of Sixth House Studio and the Little Rock Racquet Club. BYO-mat, if you've got it, and some SPF, too. The class starts at 3 p.m. Learn more here.
RibFest at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church // Hope you're hungry. St. Margaret's and the Arkansas Down Syndrome Association are raising funds with this community-centric food fest. Teams will compete for the best ribs in town while guests will get plenty of samples along with live music, vendors and football on the big screen. Be there 4-7 p.m. Learn more here.
Little Rocktoberfest at War Memorial Stadium // Game faces on, everyone. Hosted by the Central Arkansas Fermenters, this is the state’s premier brew and craft beer festival. Stop in for great food, even more great beer, music and other activities. Plus, a portion of the proceeds will go to the Miracle League of Arkansas. The fun lasts 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
It's officially festival season, y'all: The 2022 Guide to Your Favorite Fall Festivals
Thursday - Saturday, Sept. 22-24
Acansa Roots Festival // No, you're not imagining things. Yes, the 10-day Acansa Arts Festival of the South was held this spring, the first since COVID. To help the fest get back on its traditionally fall schedule, this four-day event brings a scaled down version of what you love about Acansa, plus performers with local ties. On the lineup are a performance of "Death of Kings" by Ben Grimes, the previously mentioned Big Piph concert and a show from guitarist Stuart Montez, all at venues across the metro. Learn more here.
Sunday, Sept. 25
7th Street Mural Arts Festival at the 7th Street Mural Project // Exactly what we could use right about now. Join the community celebration as Arkansas Peace Week wraps up with a whole lot of family-friendly goodness including music, art, food, kids activities and more. You can even try your painting skills on a new mural. Come enjoy the neighborly vibes noon - 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Oktoberfest at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // We can't think of a better way to welcome fall. The vineyards are inviting guests to enjoy sausages and pretzels from Fassler Hall, Oktoberfest brews, German wine flights, music, a costume contest and plenty of room to spread out. Join in from noon - 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday - Sunday, Sept. 22-25
Central High School Desegregation Anniversary // It's been 65 years since the Little Rock Nine made headlines, and the school is hosting multiple events around the metro to commemorate it. Programming is based on the theme "Silence is Not an Option” and includes discussions about the past, dreams for the future and the renaming of South Park Street as Little Rock Nine Way. Learn more here.
