Weekend Guide: 17 Sunny Activities in the City

Outdoor concerts, foodie festivals, ’80s prom — it’s another great weekend to be in Little Rock. Let’s get into it.

 

Thursday, June 8

Dinosaur Explorer Opening Day at the Clinton Center // Buckle up, dino lovers. This new exhibit brings 20 larger-than-life animatronic dinosaurs to downtown Little Rock, plus interactive displays and hands-on activities to keep the learning going. Operating hours on Thursday are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more here.

Night Market at The Bernice Garden // What summertime nights are made of. This neighborhood market will have lots of local vendors, live music and a food truck on hand to fuel your fun. Peruse and enjoy starting at 5 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Friday, June 9

The Rosé Soirée at The Nest // You have our attention. An evening of entertainment, education and food trucks awaits guests at this SoMa event, all the perfect pairing for a delicious wine tasting with Flyght Black featuring, of course, rosé. Stop by 3-6 p.m. Learn more here.

Keep that glass raised: Rock City Margarita Festival and Great Arkansas Beer Festival Team Up for July Event

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 a 50th anniversary celebration of Historic Arkansas Museum‘s Trinity Gallery, a one-night-only display of historic West Ninth Street photos at UA Little Rock Downtown, live music from local punk bands at the Old State House Museum, a jewelry making party at Bella Vita and a showcase of children’s work at Sergio Valdivia Art. But that’s just the beginning. For the next three months, 2FAN will keep the party going with a pop-up market, live music, food trucks and more at Capitol Plaza. The traditional 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m., then 2FAN After Hours runs until 10 p.m. Learn more here.

Speaking of bonus summer fun, don’t forget these weekly Friday night activities to get the most out of the season:

Best Dressed Little Rock at The Hall // Time to polish that runway walk. This inaugural event benefiting the American Cancer Society of Arkansas features a fashion show, food, music and dancing. It all kicks off at 6 p.m. Learn more here.

Read our cover story: Jeni Hill is Fashionably on Time for the American Cancer Society

 

Thursday & Friday, June 8 & 9

Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the downtown theater, and the lineups keep catching our eye. Up first is “National Lampoon’s Vacation” on Thursday, then “The Princess Bride” on Friday. Showtime is 7 p.m. both nights. Learn more here.

Pass the popcorn: Where to Watch Classic Movies in Little Rock This Summer

 

Saturday, June 10

Breakfast with a Twist at the Little Rock Zoo // Animal lovers, this is for you. The zoo’s breakfast series serves guests a yummy meal alongside some of its most iconic animals, plus a session with Painting with a Twist. Up this week? Jaguars. Breakfast is served at 8:30 a.m. Learn more here.

Humane Society Dog Wash at Kroger in The Heights // Long story short, Fido stinks. To help you through the smelly summer months, the Humane Society of Pulaski County is offering to suds up your pup with all proceeds going right back to the no-kill shelter. Get Fido freshened up from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here.

Speaking of pups: Enter our Cutest Dog Contest

River Cities Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Willastein // Let the water games begin. At this annual event, teams don costumes to race Hong-Kong style in long dragon boats while onlookers get to enjoy music, food trucks, fireworks and more. Even if you’re not in a boat, this is a serious sight to see. Plus, proceeds benefit the Children’s Protection Center. The opening ceremony is set for 9 a.m. Learn more here.

BrunchFest at The Hall // Hold on to your stretchy pants. The Centers’ fundraising fest is back and it’s serving up some of the area’s best brunch bites and beverages. Expect eats from Boulevard, Kemuri, The Root, Sauced and a whole lot more, all to benefit the nonprofit. Come hungry 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Learn more here.

Sneak peek: See what Sauced is bringing to the table.

Champions of the Year at the Chenal Country Club // This annual Alzheimer’s Arkansas event is a chance for the organization to celebrate advocates and caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The night includes dinner, entertainment by Kris Allen, auctions and more, including commemorating 2023 honorees the Shell Family, Quinn Grovey and Second Presbyterian Church. The evening begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.

’80s Prom Party at Vino’s // John Hughes would be proud. Local ’80s New Wave cover band The Pretty in Pink Club will supply the music, you bring the gnarly clothes. The show starts at 8 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Thursday – Saturday, June 8-10

Tipton & Hurst Warehouse Sale at 900 Thayer St. // This is your sign to stock up. Home and holiday decor, gifts, linens, event pieces, floral supplies — it’s all on sale for 75-90% off. Shopping hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day. Learn more here. Bonus: Not enough T&H for you? The NLR location is hosting a summer block party to celebrate its reopening. More on that here.

 

Sunday, June 11

Miracle League Burger Competition in The Heights // Bring on the burgers and beer. Kavanaugh will shut down between Taylor and Pierce streets as teams compete for top honors and attendees enjoy free sliders, vote for their favorites and sip craft beer. There’s also an activity area for the kiddos, live music and a fun run kickoff. All proceeds benefit the Miracle League of Arkansas. Be there noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.

A Stars & Stripes Celebration at MacArthur Park // It may be a few days early, but the time is always right to celebrate the grand old flag. The Little Rock Wind Symphony is front and center for this annual Flag Day event, a free concert featuring marches, patriotic songs and even free ice cream. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Thursday – Sunday, June 8-11

Opening Weekend at Local Theaters // The stages are hopping this weekend and we have zero complaints. The Rep closes out its season with “Clyde’s,” a new comedy about sandwiches and second chances, while the always saucy “Lysistrata” takes The Weekend Theater stage in efforts to end the Peloponnesian War and the sounds of the incomparable Jimmy Buffett fill the air as jukebox musical “Escape to Margaritaville” comes to The Studio Theatre.

More stage news: ASO to Host Anniversary Screenings of ‘Star Wars: Episode IV’ With Live Score

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