The weather may be uncertain but weekend events are looking up this month in Little Rock. From foodie feasts to local performing arts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the capital city. Let's get into it.
COVID forecast: Community level is low. Click here to get the latest from the Arkansas Department of Health, and click here for a simplified version of what it means for how to go out into the city safely and responsibly.
Thursday, April 13
à la Carte with the Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary // The annual à la Carte fundraiser takes place in ACH’s Angel One Transport Hangar this Thursday starting at 6:30. Bring your appetite because the night will include tastings from over 20 local restaurants and caterers. Purchase tickets and learn more here.
Game Changer Casino Night // Special Olympics Arkansas is starting the weekend strong with its annual Game Changer Casino Night at the Arkansas Realtors Association Building. Games begin at 6 p.m. and include 3 card poker, blackjack, craps and roulette. Purchase tickets and learn more here.
An EggsQuisite Evening with Youth Home // Thursday evening marks the second annual An EggsQuisite Evening event. Youth Home and Ben E. Keith Executive Chef Shane Henderson are teaming up with local chefs to provide a feast for the eyes and soul. The night will take place at the Chenal Country Club with dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. Purchase tickets and learn more here.
Read our March feature: Cooking Up Down-Home Dishes for Youth Home
“The Color Purple” Opening Night at The Studio Theatre // Show up and support the local performing arts scene at “The Color Purple” opening night on Thursday at 7:30 p.m at The Studio Theatre. The 1982 adaptation is cited as a powerful cultural touchstone of modern American literature. Purchase tickets here.
Dunbar Neighborhood Free Concert with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra // ASO is hosting a free concert at the Dunbar Middle School Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m. The program features works of Florence Price, George Walker, H. Leslie Adams and more. Learn more here.
PSA: Wolfe Street Foundation’s annual Red Carpet Gala is sold out for Thursday night, but you can still donate or bid on virtual auction items to show your support. While you’re at it: Voices Carry: Sharing Stories of Addiction
Friday, April 14
Second Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // 2FAN is back again. It’s time for the monthly roundup of downtown businesses opening their doors for an after-hours gallery walk. Highlights this month include a henna art night at Bella Vita, a feature artist, author and musician at The Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square and live music at the Old State House Museum and Historic Arkansas Museum. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, April 15
Messtival at the Museum of Discovery // Your favorite messy festival is back. The Museum of Discovery is hosting its Messtival event Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wear clothes that you can get dirty and get ready for an afternoon of foamy, slimy, muddy, goopy fun. Purchase tickets and learn more here.
PSA: Tickets for the Evolve Gala held by The Centers for Youth and Families are available on a limited basis for Saturday night, but you can still donate or bid on auction items to show your support.
Thursday - Saturday, April 13-15
Cult Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing at the downtown theater, and the lineups just keep getting better. Up first is 1926’s “The General” on Thursday, followed by “Superman” on Friday and closing out with an interactive screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" on Saturday. Showtime is 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and at 9 p.m. Saturday. Learn more here.
ICYMI: Main Library to Undergo Large-Scale Renovation, Galleries & Bookstore to Close Permanently
Friday & Saturday, April 14 & 15
Argenta Dogtown Throwdown // Argenta Arts District kicks off Dogtown Throwdown this weekend starting with a performance by Chris Declerk at the NLR Public Library on Friday. The annual outdoor dining and live entertainment weekend also includes a fitness challenge from DEKA at the plaza on Saturday. More information here.
Plus, to help jumpstart the season, this weekend’s festivities also include Four Quarter Bar’s annual crawfish boil with music from Shannon Boshears Band.
Sunday, April 16
Barkus on Main // Mardi Gras may be over, but Hounds Lounge Pet Resort & Spa and the Downtown Little Rock Partnership are bringing it back with a paw-some dog event and parade. Barkus on Main takes place this Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. beginning on the 300 block of Main Street. Learn more here. After the parade, head to the Barkus Ball at Bark Bar for an after pawty with drink specials and good times.
Little Rock Little Market at Love Spell Tattoo // It’s time to hit the SoMa streets and support local. The Little Rock Little Market has officially been rescheduled for Sunday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It will be a celebration of community that features local artists, vendors, creators, food trucks and more. Learn more here.
River City Men’s Chorus Concerts: A Broadway Showcase at St. James United Methodist Church // The River City Men’s Chorus Concerts is closing its 2022-2023 season with “A Broadway Showcase”. Come on out to St. James United Methodist Church and hear an iconic score of Broadway classics. The musical performance is free and open to the public and begins Sunday at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
