It may have been a short week, but the lineup of fun this weekend is extensive. Let's get into it.
Thursday, Sept. 7
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 a grand opening party for Crying Weasel Vintage and a Lark in the Morning concert at Hillcrest Liquor & Fine Wines. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Neighborhood News: The Heights, Hillcrest, Midtown & Riverdale
The Art Department: Greta Kresse at Thea Foundation // The popular gallery series for Thea is back on the calendar. At this show opening, take in the work of the Little Rock native through her exhibit "Hush: The house was quiet and the world was calm" which highlights intimate moments of women throughout their days at home and "what we do with ourselves when the party is over." The food, drinks and art start at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Dancing With Our Stars at the Statehouse Convention Center // How's your samba? The Arkansas Chapter of the Children's Tumor Foundation is once again gearing up for its largest fundraising event of the year. Guests will enjoy dinner, cocktails, music and a silent auction while local celebrities team up with professional dancers for a chance to win the coveted mirror ball trophy. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Meet one of the contestants: Tanya James is Swinging for the Stars
Bourbon, Beards & Blue Ribbons at the Chenal Country Club // The signature event for the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, this annual fundraiser is back with some hands-on fun. Guests will have the chance to try out different activities like ax throwing and fly fishing casting, along with bourbon tastings. The evening starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
"The Goonies" at Ron Robinson Theater // Never say die, Arkies. Truffle shuffle your way to the River Market for a screening of this 1985 classic that launched many an acting career and many a fruitless treasure hunt. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Sept. 8
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 an ice cream party at Bella Vita, live music at the Old State House Museum, a big sale at Sergio Valdivia Art and an illusion show at Historic Arkansas Museum. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
"EXP2: 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. When you've seen it all, hit the after party next door at The Busker (formerly South on Main). Check it out 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep the art coming: Explore our gallery guide to Little Rock
Saturday, Sept. 9
Great Arkansas Cleanup at Murray Park // Want to make a positive impact in your community right now? Here's how. Keep Arkansas Beautiful is hosting this cleanup event in the park, along the trail and on the river shoreline. Meet up at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Stay outdoors: Dive into the Arkansas Watertrails Partnership
Rock, Paper, Run Cool Down Party at CALS Main Library // Say what you want about Little Rock's runners, but they clearly like to read. CALS and the NLR Public Library System's first-ever Rock, Paper, Run 5K is sold out, but everyone is invited to the free after party at Main. The bash includes food trucks, yoga, games, live music and lots of chances to celebrate Library Card Sign-Up Month. Stop by 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Bookworms unite: What to Expect at the 20th Annual Six Bridges Book Festival
JointStock 2023 at The Joint Comedy Theater // Taking the stage once again, this aptly-named Argenta event is back with an all-day lineup of local bands, stand-up and improv. The best part? JointStock benefits the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. It all kicks off at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
"The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" at UA-PTC CHARTS // The Bard is bringing the laughs this weekend thanks to this one-night-only performance by the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre. See snippets of all of Shakespeare's 37 pieces with a heaping helping of satire to go with each one. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Up next: See what else is on the 2023-2024 CHARTS Live Lineup
Thursday - Saturday, Sept. 7-9
Acansa Arts Festival at various locations // Spanning the course of three weekends, this fest returns to its traditional fall spot with a schedule packed with all sorts of performances on both sides of the river. Opening weekend is all about the live music with shows from Greasy Greens, Scythian and Damn Tall Buildings. Learn more here.
Jacques & Suzanne Legacy Celebration at Petit & Keet // Tastes like nostalgia. For the third year in a row, Petit & Keet is paying homage to the beloved downtown restaurant that closed in 1986 with a menu offering the fine Swiss-French cuisine it was known for. Get the full menu by reservation only on Thursday, or a condensed version on Friday and Saturday. Learn more here.
Still hungry? Eat Up at Big Orange for Hunger Action Month
Friday & Saturday, Sept. 8 & 9
Argenta Dogtown Throwdown // The Main Street fun is back, baby. This weekend, the NLR neighborhood shuts down the streets for outdoor dining, vendors, live music and local entertainment. Highlights include concerts from Mayday by Midnight and Woody & Sunshine, plus performances by Ballet Arkansas (more on that later). From Friday happy hour to last call on Saturday night, you'll find all kinds of fun in Argenta. Learn more here.
Sunday, Sept. 10
Sunday Funday at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Sunday scaries? Don't know her. Patio hangs and food trucks (hi, Grilled Sandwich Co. and Boards & Bubbles) await at the vineyard's Sunset Lodge, plus beer, wine, cocktails and live music by Christine DeMeo. Stop by noon - 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday - Sunday, Sept. 7-10
Arkansas Travelers Final Home Weekend at Dickey-Stephens Park // Somehow the season has already come to an end, but the Travs are doing up the last home games right. They'll take the field against Amarillo with special promotions each day, including ticket discounts, concession specials and fireworks. Learn more here.
Friday - Sunday, Sept. 8-10
Live at the Plaza at Argenta Plaza // Traditionally held in spring, late summer is looking just fine for this outdoor series from Ballet Arkansas. Guests can get in on three days of (free!) live performances of classical and contemporary works in the heart of Argenta. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Arkansas Comic Con at the Statehouse Convention Center // Is that you, Uncle Fester? This annual gathering is back with all sorts of pop culture vendors, panels and celebs over its three-day lineup including William Shatner, Christopher Lloyd, Felicia Day and Shameik Moore. The nostalgia is strong with this one. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 9 & 10
It's Fall Y'all Market at BoBrook Farms // Yes, the temps are still in the 90s, but we're already dreaming about the crisp autumn days to come. Get in the spirit and come shop booths from more than 50 local vendors while enjoying food trucks, lawn games and sips from River Bottom Winery. Be there 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday or noon - 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
