A foodie festival's long-awaited return, cultural celebrations and lots of local love await. Let's get into it.
Thursday, Nov. 2.
Dia de Muertos in the Ron Robinson Theater Alley // If you've never been to a Day of the Dead celebration, it's time to change that. You're invited for an evening of honoring our ancestors, cultural festivities and authentic eats, all hosted by the Mexican Consulate of Little Rock, Central Arkansas Library System and Downtown Little Rock Partnership. The fun lasts 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
The Art Department: Jeff Horton at Thea Foundation // The popular gallery series for Thea is back on the calendar. At this show opening, take in the work of Little Rock native Jeff Horton through his exhibit "Random Experiments," which highlights his work as an architect through painting and sculpture. The food, drinks and art start at 5:30 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 music from Rock Town Sparks at Hillcrest Liquor & Fine Wines. It kicks off at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Shop on: Soirée Holiday Gift Guide: Part I
Friday, Nov. 3
Mocktail Tasting Event at Colonial Wines & Spirits // Whether you're living the alcohol-free lifestyle or carrying over from Sober October, here's a great opportunity to find a tasty new drink from connoisseur Mocktail Mo. Friday will feature Mo's Grazie Spritz, "a refreshing drink to whet your appetite before tucking into a large meal" that's perfect for Thanksgiving. Stop by 3-5 p.m. Learn more 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 a vendor market at The Bernice Garden, fall tea tastings at The Green Corner Store and artist pop-ups at South Main Creative. It kicks off early this month at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Stellekaya Wine Dinner at Petit & Keet // Let's enter the weekend with glasses raised, shall we? The renowned Stellekaya Wine Estate will be sharing five South African wines alongside a five-course meal at the WLR restaurant. It starts at 6:15 p.m., but seating is limited, so reserve your spot ASAP. Learn more here.
Saturday, Nov. 4
Walk to End Alzheimer's in North Little Rock // Lace up those sneakers. The Alzheimer's Association's annual walk is back for another year, kicking off the 2-mile route at Argenta Plaza. Proceeds aid the nonprofit in its battle against Alzheimer's and dementia. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m. A virtual option is also available. Learn more here.
Little Rock Little Market + Bella Vita Holiday Open House on Sixth Street // Seasonal shopping starts now with this tag team event. Not only will Bella Vita be debuting all its holiday goodies, but the Little Rock Little Market and all its vendors, artists and musicians will be set up just outside the shop. The store opens at 10 a.m. and the market starts at 11 a.m.
The Market at Pettaway Square // If you've been wanting to check out the latest in this little downtown neighborhood, here's your chance. Expect plenty of local vendors, artists, food trucks and more. Stop by 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Arkansas Cornbread Festival on South Main // Is it a stereotype to be Southern and in love with cornbread? Yes. Do we care? Not in the slightest. Making its grand return for the first time since 2019, tons of vendors, activities and live music make this cook-off in SoMa even sweeter. It all kicks off at 11 a.m. and lasts through 4 p.m. Even better? It benefits the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. Learn more here.
Family Fall Festival at the River Market Pavilions // The all-ages fun just keeps coming. Pack up the fam and come enjoy local food, performers and tons of activities for the kiddos. Drop in 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Boozy Brunch Fundraiser at 1612 Commerce St. // Now in its third year, this event brings in funds to support Seis Puentes Hispanic Outreach and its mission to empower Hispanic and immigrant communities in the metro, as well as its capital campaign for the nonprofit's new headquarters. Expect delicious eats, tasty drinks and some quality community building. Brunch starts at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Harvest Festival at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // Let's try this again, shall we? After getting rained out last weekend, come celebrate the harvest on the farm with food trucks, hayrides, vendors, pumpkins, live music and more from noon - 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Pop-Up Shop at The Filling Station // Last weekend's rain was more than a disappointment for many local small businesses who took a hit to their earnings when festival crowds fell through. This NLR joint is hoping to help by inviting vendors to set up shop, and now it's our job to show up. Come shop noon - 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Central Arkansas Whiskey Festival at Maumelle Center on the Lake // Well, isn't this neat? Now in its third year, this fest offers tastes of all kinds of whiskey, bourbon, Scotch and other spirits, plus live entertainment. Gates open at 4 p.m. for general admission, 3 p.m. for VIPs. Learn more here.
Dia de los Muertos at Plaza Frida // Break out the cempasúchiles. The outdoor fun and festivities for Day of the Dead continue at this 4001 W. 65th St. venue. Expect lots of food, music, Catrinas and ofrendas. Be there 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Good Night: Suits & Sneakers at Wildwood Parks for the Arts // Good Night? More like great night. This annual event is back and celebrating with food, drinks, auctions and music, all to raise funds for Community Connections' free programs for children with special needs. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Reigning Cats & Dogs at Next Level Events // Things are getting adorable at the train station. The Humane Society of Pulaski County's annual fundraiser is back with a night of entertainment, auctions, food and drinks. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Plus: The Opus Ball may be sold out, but you can still give to support the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra's youth programs. More on that here. And don't miss our November cover story on the mission of Opus.
"Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience" at the Robinson Center // The Man in Black is coming back to his home state, sort of. This show features videos of Cash’s iconic performances from "The Johnny Cash TV Show" projected on the big screen above a stage filled with a live band and singers. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday - Saturday, Nov. 2-4
Holiday House at the Statehouse Convention Center // Ready, set, shop. The Junior League of Little Rock’s annual fundraiser/shopping extravaganza helps you get everything checked off your list in one place. Cruise through the dozens of merchant booths this weekend and sleep in on Black Friday. General shopping hours are 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday. There are also special events each day, including a preview party on Thursday and the Jingle Bell Brunch on Saturday. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, Nov. 3 & 4
The Fourth Wall Ensemble: Without a Net at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // When a show promises "high-flying shenanigans," it certainly has our attention. Presented in partnership with the Chamber Music Society of Little Rock, this traveling troupe will bring a family-friendly blend of music, theater, dance and acrobatics to the AMFA Performing Arts Theater stage. Catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Friday or 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Learn more here.
Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the downtown theater, and the lineups keep pulling us in. Up first is a BingoFlix screening of "Streets of Fire" on Friday at 7 p.m., then "Vermeer: The Greatest Exhibition" documentary on Saturday at 4 p.m., followed an interactive screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" at 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Nov. 5
The Market at Chenal on Rahling Circle // Even though the Halloween carnival got rained out last weekend, the WLR market is still bringing the fall festivities with fresh produce, food trucks, local vendors and activities for the whole fam. Stop by 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Brunch in the Garden at Dunbar Garden // This one's for you, brunch lovers. All to raise funds for the garden, guests can get their fill of eats from locals like Southern Jewell and Vito and Vera. The bites start at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
20th Annual Hillcrest Pumpkin Roll // We're a few days into November, meaning your jack-o'-lantern's probably a little ripe. And since the best way to dispose of it is to propel it down a steep slope, that’s exactly what’s going to happen on Sunday at Hill Road and Midland Street, just like it’s happened for the past 19 years. It's $10 to launch your gourd, and proceeds benefit the Arkansas Foodbank. Plus, there are prizes for kids and adults. The pumpkins fly at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Fall Market at Flyway Brewing // Another carryover from last weekend, this outdoor event in Argenta brings a lineup of vintage vendors, music and craft brews to fuel the fun. The market lasts 2-8 p.m. Learn more here.
JDRF One Walk at Dickey-Stephens Park // Keep those sneakers handy this weekend. One Walk is JDRF's fundraising 5K that's all about increasing awareness of Type 1 diabetes and furthering the work to end it. Start time is 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep moving: Gobbler Turkey Trot Returns With Rock City Running Leading the Pack
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 4 & 5
Concerts at Simmons Bank Arena // The NLR venue always has a great lineup, and this weekend is no exception. Catch The Legends of Hip Hop on Saturday and Air Supply on Sunday. Learn more here.
Staying in this weekend instead? Go Inside the November Issue of Soirée
