From theater and symphonies to giant spiders and dinosaurs, there's something for everyone this weekend. 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 11

Monte Rio Wine Dinner at Petit & Keet // Let's kick off the weekend with glasses raised, shall we? Renowned winemaker Patrick Cappiello will be sharing six of his delicious wines alongside a five-course meal at the WLR restaurant. It starts at 6:30 p.m., but seating is limited, so reserve your spot ASAP. Learn more here.

 

Friday, May 12

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 Ballet Arkansas performances at Historic Arkansas Museum, featured author Erin Wood at CALS Roberts Library, a belated Cinco de Mayo night at Sergio Valdivia Art, live music at the Old State House Museum, women-owned business pop-ups at Bella Vita and the grand (though a bit more intimate) return of Movies in the Pocket Park with "Jurassic World Dominion." 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here. 

Miss the memo on MITPP? Catch up here.

The Little Vintage Fashion Show at The Labyrinth // Downtown is getting even more retro. Local vintage all-stars like Crying Weasel, Dog Eat Dog, Ali Bair, Vintage Socialite and I Survived Earth are teaming up to put their best looks on display. Shop sustainable fashions, sip drinks, snag some tasty bites and more. The show starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.

Dinner on the Grounds at Heifer Village Pavilion // We'll take some fresh air with our springtime fun, please. This alfresco event benefiting Our House invites guests to enjoy a Southern meal under the stars. The night also boasts cocktails, treats from Sweet Lavender Bakes and Loblolly Creamery and live music from Lagniappe. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.

Empty Bowls at the Venue at Oakdale // Now in its 21st year, the Arkansas Foodbank’s signature event is dedicated to raising awareness about hunger and raising the funds to change it. With a summer in Sicily theme, guests will be treated to entertainment, art and auctions, as well as Italian cuisine from some of your favorite local eateries. This year's event will also honor long-time supporter Jim Cargill. It begins at 7 p.m. Learn more here.

Read on: The Growing Appetite of Empty Bowls

 

Saturday, May 13

One Year Anniversary Party at Pink Olive // Break out the confetti cannons. This SoMa shop is celebrating one whole year in business with a day of discounts, giveaways, product launches and more. Stop by 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn more here.

Buzz B-Q at the Downtown Riverside R.V. Park // North Little Rock is getting smoked this weekend. This 19th annual cookoff from 103.7 The Buzz features eats from barbecue pros and newbies alike. Get your fill from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Learn more here.

JDRF Imagine Gala at the Little Rock Marriott // The march to "turn Type One into type none" continues with this 21st anniversary Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation event. The night includes cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions and more. It all starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Thursday - Saturday, May 11-13

Cult Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the downtown theater, and the lineups keep drawing folks in. Up first is "Mamma Mia" on Thursday followed by "Eight Legged Freaks" on Friday and a BingoFlix! showing of "Big Trouble in Little China" on Saturday. Showtime is 7 p.m. each night. Learn more here.

  

Friday & Saturday, May 12 & 13

Argenta Dogtown Throwdown // The Main Street fun is back, baby. The NLR neighborhood shuts down the streets for outdoor dining, vendors, live music and local entertainment. Highlights include concerts from Just Cuz and The Big Dam Horns. From Friday happy hour to last call on Saturday night, you'll find all kinds of fun in Argenta. Learn more here.

Read on: Neighborhood News from Downtown & Argenta

 

Sunday, May 14

Mother's Day in the Metro // Whoever you're celebrating with or honoring this weekend, there's a little bit of something for everyone. Here are just a few options around the city:

Still need some inspo? Shop our Mother's Day gift guide or find brunch ideas below:

 

Thursday - Sunday, May 11-14

"Tiny Beautiful Things" at The Public Theatre // "A theatrical hug in turbulent times." That's how Variety described this play based on the bestselling book by Cheryl Strayed, and it's got our attention. Telling the tales of an anonymous advice columnist, the show was adapted for the stage by Oscar nominee Nia Vardalos and is put on by the Actors Theatre of Little Rock. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more here.

"Crimes of the Heart" Opening Weekend at Argenta Community Theater // The latest to take the ACT stage is this story of three sisters, family drama and a smoking gun, all coming to a boil in the Southern heat. The majority of this weekend's performances will be offered as dinner theater, so bring your appetite. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Thursday - Saturday (dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.) and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more here.

 

Friday & Sunday, March 12 & 14

"Heavenly Home" at Christ Episcopal Church // The Arkansas Chamber Singers are dedicated to performing the best of classical choral repertoire, and this seasonal program does just that by featuring familiar folk hymns and selections from Maurice Durufle, Johannes Brahms, Daniel Gawthrop and others. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Friday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.

 

Saturday & Sunday, May 13 & 14

58th Annual Quapaw Quarter Spring Tour of Homes // Waiting all year for this quintessential Little Rock event is tough, but it's paying off this weekend when guests get to enjoy touring historical neighborhood buildings, this time in Capitol View and Stifft Station. Extra events include Saturday’s Candlelight Tour at 5 p.m. and Sunday’s 11 a.m. brunch. Learn more here.

"Heather Headley Returns" at the Robinson Center // Next up in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Pops Series is this show featuring the talents of popular vocalist Heather Headley, direction of Ron Colvard and some of your favorite power ballads and showtunes. You can catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.

Or if you're laying low this weekend, explore the May issue of Soirée.