New month, same endless opportunities for local fun. 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, May 4
11th Birthday Bash at E.Leigh's // Cue the confetti cannons. The Hillcrest boutique is celebrating more than a decade of style with a day of discounts, sweets, bubbly and more. Come party 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Learn more here.
First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month, and you know what that means — time to get your Hillcrest shop 'n' sip on. Soak up the Kavanaugh vibes while you take advantage of the specials, later hours and extra fun, like live music at Hocott's and Hillcrest Liquor and Fine Wines. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Hat Club Crawfish Salute at Dickey-Stephens Park // Bring on the mudbugs. This year's 12th annual event, which benefits the UAMS NICU and Vilonia Pathways Academy, offers all-you-can-eat crawfish with all the fixin's and cold beverages, as well as live music, auctions and more. The event kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Full Moon Market at The Labyrinth // We see you, flower moon. Once again this monthly market is returning to 619 S. Spring St. for a springtime celebration of art, curiosities, books, drinks and more. Stop by 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo in Little Rock // The metro is full of restaurants and organizations celebrating the holiday over the next few days with pop-ups, menu specials and festivals. We made a cheat sheet of some of the best celebrations, which you can find here.
SoMa After Dark on South Main Street // Friday's fun is south of 630. This monthly neighborhood bash features area businesses offering later hours and special activities. Highlights this month include featured artists at M2 Gallery, a Rock City Candle Co. pop-up at The Green Corner Store and a Sugar Tentacle pop-up at South Main Creative. It begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
MacArthur Park 5K at MacArthur Park // This annual neighborhood race takes to the city park as all ages (and dogs) battle it out for the top time. After you finish up, stick around for the awards ceremony/lawn party complete with live music, food and beer. This year proceeds go toward renovations to Foster Pond. Start time is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, May 6
Little Rock Farmers Market Opening Day at the River Market Pavilions // Time to freshen things up a bit. Saturday kicks off five months of local produce, vendors, events and more. Bring a bag and stop in anytime from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Be a Part of the Cure Walk at War Memorial Stadium // Keep the sneakers nearby 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.
Sweat it out: Spring Runs to Put On Your Calendar
Yoga in the Rock at War Memorial Park // Let the zen begin. Close out the week and come get your ohm on at this community class, this time led by local yogi Coffy Davis. BYO-mat, if you've got it, and some SPF, too. The class starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Spring Fling at The Rail Yard // Let's try this again. After last week's forecast rained out plans, this East Village joint is back on the calendar with an expanded lineup of food trucks and fun. Be there all day starting at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Paws-N-Pints at Flyway Brewing // We'll raise a glass to this. The Argenta brewery is teaming up with the Humane Society of Pulaski County for an afternoon of sipping where a portion of beer sales go to the nonprofit. Guests can also get in on raffles and even meet a few of the animals up for adoption. Stop by 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Preservation Crustaceans at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // Keep those crawdads comin'. Preserve Arkansas will once again host its annual crawfish boil at the historic NLR site 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.
Thursday - Saturday, May 4-6
Made in Arkansas Film Festival at the Ron Robinson Theater // Now in its fifth year, this fest is designed to promote local talent by featuring films made right here in The Natural State. Filmmakers from across Arkansas submitted their films, which will be screened for the public over the course of three days. Learn more here.
Sunday, May 7
50th Annual Territorial Fair at the Historic Arkansas Museum // Let's get historical, y'all. In a celebration of Arkansas heritage, guests will experience life in the territorial days (except more fun). Be on the lookout for reenactments, live demonstrations, historical dances and pioneer games on the museum’s grounds, plus lots of May flowers. The fair is free and takes place from 1-5 p.m. Learn more here.
Cirque Over Broadway at Wildwood Park for the Arts // We love any time Arkansas Circus Arts can shake up a stage, and this spring recital does just that. The show celebrates the troupe's 10th anniversary while highlighting the talents of its youth and adult students. It starts at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, May 6 & 7
"Symphonie Fantastique" at the Robinson Center // Next up in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks Series is this show featuring the talents of pianist Samantha Ege, direction of Kazem Abdullah and music of Edward Elgar, Doreen Carwithen and Berlioz. You can catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Thursday - Sunday, May 4-7
"New Works" & "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // We can't tell you how good it feels just writing that. This marks the AMFA's first weekend of regular operations, and it's kicking things off with lots of performances. On Thursday and Saturday, catch Ballet Arkansas' season finale "New Works" in the mirrored Glass Box space with choreography inspired by pieces in the museum's collection. On Saturday and Sunday, the classic tale of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" comes to the Performing Arts Theater with an elaborate puppet-based performance for all ages. Learn more here.
Dance on: Ballet Arkansas Announces 45th Anniversary Season
Disney on Ice at Simmons Bank Arena // Tell Mickey he's on in five. Whatever the Arkansas weather is doing, ignore it and focus on the ice as your kids' favorite Disney characters perform "Frozen & Encanto." Expect to see the likes of Mickey, Minnie, Elsa, Anna, Mirabel and the family Madrigal. Learn more here.
