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Little Rock Weekend Guide: April 2-5

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Jess Ardrey
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A new month is here, and with it comes a fresh new lineup of local fun. Let’s get into it.

 

Thursday, April 2

First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month, and that means it’s time to get your shop ‘n’ sip on. Soak up the Kavanaugh vibes while you take advantage of the specials, later hours and extra fun like a wine tasting at Hillcrest Liquor & Fine Wines. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.

ICYMI: Hillcrest Porchfest Community Music Festival to Debut This Fall

A la Carte at Arkansas Children’s // How’s your appetite? The ACH Auxiliary’s annual fundraiser returns with tastings from more than 25 of your favorite local restaurants and caterers — think: George’s, The Root, Loca Luna, Three Fold and much more — plus a silent auction to support its medical services. The night starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.

Kaia Kater at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Next up in the AMFA concert series is this “jazz-fueled” artist who’s caught the eye of NPR, The Guardian and Rolling Stone with her “artful banjo playing and lush songwriting.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.

‘Tis the season: Jazz in the Park Announces Spring Lineup

 

Thursday & Friday, April 2 & 3

Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Little Miss Sunshine” on Thursday, and then a BingoFlix screening of “Top Gun” on Friday, both at 7 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Friday, April 3

Grand Opening at Luce Italian Kitchen // Pleasant Ridge is getting a little extra flavor. WLR’s newest restaurant is opening its doors to give the public a taste of its fresh Italian fare. Check it out in the former Newk’s space starting at 3 p.m. Learn more here.

SoMa After Dark on South Main Street // Just south of 630, this recurring event features area businesses offering later hours and special activities. Expect live music, Easter festivities, pop-up shops and more. SoMa After Dark runs 4-10 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Saturday, April 4

Easter Market at Chenal on Rahling Circle // This WLR market is kicking off its 2026 season with some family-friendly springtime goodness. Along with fresh produce, pastries and local goodies, visitors can also get in on Easter fun, games, music, food trucks and more. Stop by 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.

Autism Festival & Walk at War Memorial Stadium // Happy Autism Acceptance Month! The Arkansas Autism Foundation is keeping the month-long festivities going with this free annual fest. The family-friendly day includes food, games, entertainment, an egg hunt and a one-mile walk. Gates opens at 9:30 a.m. Learn more here.

Annual Plant Sale at Oak Forest Community Garden // Green thumbs (and green thumb hopefuls), this is for you. As is its springtime tradition, this garden will have a slew of flowers, vegetables and herbs up for grabs, with all proceeds going back into its community programming and garden upkeep. Stock up from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Can’t make it? Don’t worry, it’s hosting round two next Saturday.

Yoga Warriors Fighting Colon Cancer Event at the DoubleTree Hotel // Back for another year of movement and zen, FOX16 News anchor Donna Terrell is bringing her community yoga event downtown to bring awareness to colon cancer. Join in for a free yoga sesh for all levels, raffles and giveaways. The class starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.

Flow on: Dogtown Yoga Series Returns to Argenta Plaza

Garden Fest at Laman Library // Spring is busy blooming and so is the NLR Public Library System. At this second annual event, you can expect gardening workshops, plant swaps, local vendors, scavenger hunts and lots of hands-on activities for all ages. Stop by 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.

Pocket Park Pop-Up at the Main Street Pocket Park // Let’s try this again, shall we? After its season kickoff got rained out last month, this popular outdoor market is making up for it with a full lineup of local vendors, artists, vintage finds and a few food trucks to keep you going. Come shop noon – 5 p.m. Learn more here.

The Market at Pettaway at Pettaway Square // This weekly market is getting an extra dose of hops this Saturday (and not just because Moody Brews is next door). It’s all about Easter fun this week with egg hunts, crafts, food trucks and booths to peruse. Check it out 1-5 p.m. Learn more here.

Speaking of brews: Arkansas Times Craft Beer Festival Set for April 17

Fortune Feimster at the Robinson Center // You deserve a good laugh, Little Rock, and Fortune is on your side. The standup comedian, writer and actor is bringing her Takin’ Care of Biscuits tour to town with the signature Southern flair you’ve seen on her Netflix specials, talk show appearances and T.V. and movie roles. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.

Designers Choice Fashion Preview at The Venue at Westwind // Things are about to get real stylish. Now in its 16th year, this fashion show benefiting the Timmons Arts Foundation hits the catwalk showcasing the latest from local designers. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.

The Pulse of the Season: Soirée Spring Fashion 2026

 

Sunday, April 5

Easter Eats in Little Rock // No matter how you plan to celebrate, there’s one thing we’re pretty sure makes everyone’s list: great food. From brunch buffets to make-at-home kits, we curated a list of Easter menus just for the foodie. Find it here.

Laying low this weekend? Curl up with the new edition of Little Rock Soirée.

Dillard’s Spring Fashion Show

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Little Rock Soirée Staff
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Lauren and Beau Blair

For the first time since its grand reopening, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts hosted a fashion show in its Cultural Living Room. The daytime event showcased Dillard’s spring 2026 styles and featured designers Mollie Burch, Abbey Glass and Morgan Hutchinson. Alexandra Dillard, vice president of merchandising at Dillard’s, led an engaging conversation as models took to the runway in the designers’ looks. Guests also enjoyed lunch and drinks, followed by a pop-up shop.

UA Little Rock Distinguished Alumni Awards Luncheon

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Little Rock Soirée Staff
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Myra Moses, Margaret Preston and Ronnie Dedman, Oliver and Wanda Brown, Jackie Williams

UA Little Rock celebrated standout alumni during its annual awards luncheon at the Clinton Presidential Center. The university honored Margaret Preston Dedman with the Distinguished Alumna of the Year Award, Gina Pharis with the President’s Award, Cortney Kennedy with the Young Alumni Award and Greg Flesher with the Honorary Alumnus Award.

Dancing Into Dreamland

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Little Rock Soirée Staff
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Franklin and Hana Settles, Matt McCoy, Terrence Garrett

Friends of Dreamland, the nonprofit dedicated to restoring the historic Dreamland Ballroom, hosted its annual fundraiser on the third floor of Taborian Hall. The evening marked the event’s 15th anniversary, with guests dancing the night away while cheering on a lively dance competition. The celebration also featured a silent auction, plus plenty of bites and libations to keep the party going. VIPs kicked off the night with a cocktail hour in the future Dreamland Lounge bar space.

The Hope Ball

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Little Rock Soirée Staff
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Tonya Franzetti, Ashley Harris, Laura Westlake, Emily Young

It was an evening of hope as supporters gathered for the annual Hope Ball benefiting the 20th Century Club at the Statehouse Convention Center. The black-tie gala raises funds for the organization’s lodge, which provides no-cost housing for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Christy Lund and Laura Westlake served as the 2026 co-chairs, while Lacey Caldwell and Jenny Waters chaired the Angels of Hope program. Guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining, auctions and dancing, along with the presentation of the 2026 Angels of Hope recognizing 31 high school junior girls. Emily Young received the Distinguished Service Award, and Billy Hartnedy was honored with the Hope Award.

Easterseals Fashion Event

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Little Rock Soirée Staff
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Kathryn Norton, Sandra Storment, Cathy Browne, Alyssa Schuldt

Fashion, philanthropy and fun came together at the Statehouse Convention Center for the annual Fashion Event benefiting Easterseals Arkansas. Local models joined Easterseals clients on the runway to showcase this season’s hottest looks from area boutiques, while Little Rock Soirée served as the presenting media sponsor and emceed the lively evening. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, drinks, auctions and raffles as the event raised more than $258,900 — a new record — to support programs empowering children and adults with disabilities.

“A Month of Sundays” Member Preview Night

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Little Rock Soirée Staff
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Karen McKinney, Megan McKinney

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts hosted a preview reception for its newest exhibition, “A Month of Sundays: Art and the Persistence of Time.” Members and supporters got a first look at the show before it opened to the public, exploring the concept of time through modern and contemporary works. Guests celebrated the opening with springtime refreshments and light bites during the exclusive event.

Arkansas Fitness Professionals Hall of Fame Awards Banquet

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Little Rock Soirée Staff
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Riley Hill, Quen Spencer

The inaugural Arkansas Fitness Professionals Hall of Fame Awards Banquet took over Chenal Country Club. The event celebrated 10 inductees who have made outstanding contributions to the health and well-being of Arkansans through their dedication to fitness. Guests enjoyed dinner, a silent auction and a keynote address from David Bazzel, with all proceeds supporting the nonprofit’s mission to honor excellence in the state’s fitness community.

Soup Sunday

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Little Rock Soirée Staff
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Allie Steliga, Kelly Steliga, Claire Steliga, Matt Steliga

Supporters of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families gathered for the nonprofit’s 45th annual Soup Sunday at the Jack Stephens Center at UA Little Rock. Held in a new venue and its largest setting yet, the event featured soups and bites from 45 local restaurants and chefs. Nearly 2,000 tickets were sold, helping the event raise more than $470,000 for AACF’s work supporting Arkansas children and families. The Steligas served as the event’s first chair family, and Jill McDonald and Wendy Schay of The Croissanterie were the 2026 featured chefs.

Chocolate Fantasy Ball

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Little Rock Soirée Staff
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Johnny and Phyllis Rogers

Chocolate lovers and philanthropists alike gathered at the Statehouse Convention Center for the 23rd annual Chocolate Fantasy Ball benefiting Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana. Guests indulged in an array of decadent chocolate desserts and sweet treats while bidding during a lively live auction, helping the event raise a record-breaking nearly $900,000 to house families of children receiving care in local hospitals. Chaired by Phyllis Rogers, the evening also recognized Sissy’s Log Cabin as the 2026 honoree.

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