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Explore Little Rock’s Rivers With a Guided Sunset Kayak Tour

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Looking to make the most of longer days, colorful skies and fresh air? Get your fill this summer with a guided sunset kayak tour from Rock Town River Outfitters.

The scenic tours are back for the season and have easily become one of Little Rock’s most popular outdoor activities, floating the Arkansas River from the Rock City Yacht Club. Whether you’re looking for a unique date night or an adventure with your friends, the guided kayak tours offer a fun way to see downtown Little Rock from a new perspective.

The two-hour guided excursion does not require any experience, so all you need to bring is a water bottle, water-friendly shoes, sunscreen and bug spray. Before setting off on the river, you’ll be greeted by an experienced RTRO guide who will get you set up with everything you need, including a kayak, a life jacket, a light-up vest, paddles and a waterproof phone case. After the guide gives the rundown on proper water safety, you’ll be ready to explore.

Within minutes of starting your kayaking journey, you’ll leave the crowds behind and immerse yourself in the peaceful sounds of nature as you float. Your guide will also share facts and the history of the area as you ride along. As the sun sets, you’ll find yourself paddling through a river of melting colors and lights.

Sunset tours are offered daily and begin at 7:30 p.m. If kayaking isn’t your sport, RTRO offers other outdoor activities such as bike rentals (e-bikes, mountain bikes and comfort hybrids), bike tours, stand-up paddleboard rentals and pontoon boat tours.

To learn more and get your tickets, visit the Rock Town River Outfitters website and follow along on Facebook and Instagram.

Where to Find Copies of Little Rock Soirée

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At the beginning of each month, printed copies of Soirée are distributed to local businesses, shops, restaurants and standalone boxes throughout the Little Rock metro.

If you’re looking for a hands-on reading experience, there are plenty of stops near you where you can pick up a physical copy.

To name just a few…

Shops:

  • Ava Bella Day Spa
  • Barbara/Jean
  • B.Barnett
  • Baumans Fine Men’s Clothing
  • Belle & Blush (both locations)
  • Box Turtle
  • By Invitation Only
  • Cobblestone & Vine
  • Cynthia East Fabrics
  • E.Leigh’s
  • The Full Moon
  • J.Parkey
  • Pink Olive
  • Scarlet
  • Sissy’s Log Cabin (Heights)
  • The Social Type
  • Unveiled Bridal
  • Vesta’s
  • Winc Beauty

 

Restaurants:

  • Brave New Restaurant
  • Burge’s
  • Ciao Baci
  • Community Bakery (SoMa)
  • Copper Grill
  • Doe’s Eat Place
  • Hillcrest Little Bakery
  • Iriana’s
  • Mugs Cafe
  • Petit & Keet
  • Taziki’s (Cantrell)
  • The Oyster Bar
  • U.S. Pizza Co. (Chenal)

 

Institutions:

  • Argenta Public Library
  • Baptist Health
  • Capitol Post Office
  • CARTI
  • Central Arkansas Library System
  • Edward’s Food Giant
  • Little Rock Athletic Club
  • Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
  • Museum of Discovery
  • UAMS

And so many more, not to mention a long list of bars, grocery stores and standalone boxes on the street.

If you ever have any questions for our circulation team, you can email them at circulation@abpg.com or give them a call at 501.372.1443.

And if you never want to miss an issue, you can subscribe to get yours in your mailbox every month. More on that here.

Happy reading!

Little Rock Weekend Guide: June 19-22

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Summer makes her official appearance this weekend and the city is ready to greet her with open arms (and extra SPF). Let’s get into it.

 

Thursday, June 19

Martini Magic at Petit & Keet and Cypress Social // Enter weekend territory with your glass raised, LR. These sister restaurants are taking advantage of National Martini Day with exclusive menus just for the occasion. Petit & Keet is going for a 1960s Palm Beach theme while Cypress Social‘s lineup features classics like the iconic vesper. The sips start at 4 p.m. at both locations.

Sunset Yoga in Da Park at the River Market Pavilions // Bring on the zen. At this Juneteenth in Da Rock affiliate event hosted by the Arkansas Minority Health Commission, mark the federal holiday with a free session with a view led by local yogi Sarah Thomas. The flow starts at 6:30 p.m. BYO mat. Learn more here.

 

Friday, June 20

Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // This monthly walk invites you to stroll through the Argenta Arts District’s lineup of special exhibits and events. Highlights include the “Found Again” exhibit opening at Acansa Gallery, Adaja Cooper’s latest at Thea Foundation, hands-on fun at The Innovation Hub and an open studio with Bang-Up Betty and Lee Lee Arts + Design. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.

Craft Market at The Bernice Garden // This SoMa space is really amping up its market game this season, including the addition of this craft-fueled meetup. The Friday night market will feature local makers and goodness to explore. Check it out 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Saturday, June 21

Juneteenth in da Rock Festival at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center // The city’s largest Juneteenth celebration is making its way back to Ninth Street to honor freedom, culture and community. The MTCC is pulling out all the stops once again with a day of live music, food trucks, local vendors, family-friendly activities and more, and it all kicks off with a 5K highlighting Black historical sites. Learn more here. Bonus: Keep the celebration going with another affiliate event, a free concert with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Jazz Quartet. More on that here.

There’s even more on the agenda: Where to Celebrate Juneteenth in Little Rock

Lost & Found Pride Market at Sterling Market // Let’s try this again, shall we? After getting rained out last weekend, this market makes its return with a special Pride edition complete with more than 40 vendors and queer-owned businesses. Come shop noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.

East Village Art Market at The Rail Yard // Next door, this monthly market invites guests to “sip, shop and stay a while” — this time with later hours to beat the heat — which will be no problem thanks to the lineup of vendors, food trucks and lawn games. Stop by 6-10 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Friday & Saturday, June 20 & 21

Rock the Country at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // New season, new festival. This two-day touring show brings some big names to the big stage. Think: Nickelback, Kid Rock, Travis Tritt, Afroman, Hank Williams Jr., Ying Yang Twins and more. Gates open at 2 p.m. Friday. Learn more here.

Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is a BingoFlix screening of “Flash Gordon” on Friday at 7 p.m. On Saturday is “Free Willy” at 12:30 p.m., “Casino” at 3 p.m. and “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” (and yes, it’s the extended version) at 7 p.m. Learn more here.

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

 

Sunday, June 22

Minding My Black-Owned Business Vendor Expo at 2627 Pike Ave. // Wallets at the ready. Along with the chance for entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, this annual event invites those who are passionate about supporting Black-owned businesses to do just that. This year’s event promises more than 50 vendors, plus food trucks, a bounce house for kids and live performances. Check it out 2-6 p.m. Learn more here.

Rockchella at the Main Street Pocket Park // Now in its third year, this outdoor event invites you to this secluded slice of downtown for a night of music, food trucks and fun. Check it out 4-10 p.m. Learn more here.

Distill & Chill at Rock Town Distillery // The summer blockbuster vibes are coming to SoMa. Rock Town’s throwback movie series welcomes you to the barrel house for a free screening (this week it’s “The Birdcage”) and popcorn, plus drink specials. BYO chairs and blankets. Showtime is 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.

“The Wiz Revisited” at The Hall // Ease on down the road to West Ninth for this fresh take (on a take) on “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” Hosted by Drummerboyinfinity Productions, this show is for all ages and will have you feeling a brand new day. Showtime is 8 p.m. Learn more here.

 

Thursday – Sunday, June 19-22

“God of Carnage” Opening Weekend at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // Next up in The Rep’s SummerStage season, a playground scuffle goes off the rails when grownups get involved in this Tony-winning dark comedy where tact is an afterthought. Learn more here. Bonus: Just a few blocks away, the Actors Theatre of Little Rock will close out its run of “The Prom” on Saturday by crowning the best-dressed guests at intermission. More on that here.

Dark Comedy ‘God of Carnage’ Opens at Arkansas Repertory Theatre

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The Arkansas Repertory Theatre opens the next installment of its 2025 SummerStage season with “God of Carnage,” one of the most celebrated dark comedies of the 21st century. The biting, fast-paced, Tony Award-winning comedy by playwright Yasmina Reza runs June 18-29 at The Rep.

Originally debuting on Broadway in 2009, “God of Carnage” became an international sensation, lauded for its sharp dialogue and ferocious satire. The story centers on two sets of parents attempting to resolve a playground scuffle between their sons. What begins as a civil discussion quickly unravels into verbal warfare, revealing the chaos lurking beneath social politeness.

Translated by Christopher Hampton and directed by Zack Steele, the production features a standout cast of local and national talent including Kelsey Claire, Verda Davenport, Wendell B. Franklin, Greg Myhre and many more. “God of Carnage” was adapted into a film in 2011 titled “Carnage,” which was directed by Roman Polanski and featured stars like Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz. 

The Rep is adding a local flavor to the experience with pre-show wine tastings in its Foster’s Lounge on select evenings. Sommelier John Martin of Arkansas Wine & Spirits will lead complimentary tastings before the performances on Wednesday, June 18, and Friday, June 27. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy a glass of wine before settling in for one of contemporary theater’s most unforgettable comedies.

For more information or to purchase tickets to “God of Carnage,” visit The Rep website or call The Rep’s box office at 501.378.0405. Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Click here to read about The Rep’s full 2025 SummerStage season lineup.

Summer Runs to Have on Your Radar

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There’s no doubt about it, summertime is here in full force. So since you’re going to be sweating anyway, you might as well max it out, make the most of it and enjoy the extra hours of sunshine. This list of local races, fun runs and walks will help you do just that.

 

June

6/21: Juneteenth in Da Rock 5K – Little Rock

6/27: SoMa Main Street Mile – Little Rock

 

July

7/04: Firecracker Fast 5K – Little Rock

7/05: CRC Firecracker Fun Run 1M/5K – Conway

7/12: US 1M/5K/10K/15K/Half Marathon – Little Rock

7/19: All American 4M/8M – North Little Rock

7/19: River City Run/Walk 5K – Little Rock

7/26: Fat Cow 5K/Kids Dash – North Little Rock

7/26: H2GoRun 2 Miler Fun Run – Jacksonville

 

August

8/02: Conway Kid’s Triathlon – Conway

8/09: Ninja 1M/5K/10K/15K/Half Marathon – Little Rock

8/16: Scorchin’ Squirrel Trail Run 10K/11M/15M/20M – Little Rock

8/30: ARK 5K Classic – North Little Rock

8/30: Run the Ville 5K – Jacksonville

 

September

9/06: Central Mobility 5K Dash – Little Rock

9/07: Summer Sizzler 1M/5K/10K/15K/Kids Dash – North Little Rock

9/13: Omega Prostate Cancer Awareness 5K – Little Rock

Where to Get Your Snow Cone Fix in the Metro

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Summertime is officially here! Whether or not this season is your thing, take to the outdoors for any amount of time in this heat and you’ll be craving some shaved ice real quick. To help you keep your cool, we updated our annual cheat sheet of snow cone stands in the Little Rock metro.

 

Brainfreeze Snowcones & Snacks

Where: 2727 S. Arch St.

When: noon – 6 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday

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Cajun Sno

Where: 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock

When: 2-9 p.m. daily

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Cold Bites Snoballs

Where: 111 NW Fourth St., Bryant

When: 1-7 Sunday, 3-8 Tuesday – Friday, 1-8 Saturday

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Cozy’s Shaved Ice

Where: 2829 Parkway Drive, North Little Rock

When: 12:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday – Friday, noon – 8:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: 20724 AR-365, Maumelle (new!)

When: 1-8 p.m. Sunday – Friday, 12:30-8 p.m. Saturday

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Hobo Joe’s Shaved Ice

Where: 2124 Military Road, Benton

When: 1-7 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday

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Ice World Snow Cone & Sweet Treats

Where: 3621 Camp Robinson Road, North Little Rock

When: 1-9 p.m. daily

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Jeepney Shave Ice

Where: 901 N. First St., Jacksonville

When: noon – 7 p.m. Sunday, 1-8 p.m. Tuesday – Thursday, noon – 8 p.m. Friday – Saturday

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Polar Delite

Where: 8000 Hwy 107, Sherwood

When: 2-9 p.m. Monday – Thursday, noon – 9 p.m. Friday & Sunday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday

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The Rev 7:9 Snoball

Where: 14601 Cantrell Road

When: 3-7 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 3-8 p.m. Friday – Saturday

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Shiver Shack Snack Shop & Shaved Ice

Where: 901 W. Main St., Cabot

When: 1-8:30 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, noon – 8:30 p.m. Saturday

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Sno Shack

Where: 10425 Shannon Hills Drive, Shannon Hills

When: 2-7 p.m. Monday – Tuesday, Thursday – Friday; 2-5 p.m. Wednesday; noon – 3 p.m. Saturday

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Sugarush Snoballs

Where: 4001 Club Manor, Maumelle

When: 2-7:30 p.m. Sunday; 3-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday – Friday; 1-7:30 p.m. Saturday

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Summer Thang Shave Ice

Where: 15401 Arch St.

When: 2-8 p.m. Monday – Friday, 1-8 p.m. Saturday – Sunday

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Sweet Shiver Sno

Where: 14900 Cantrell Road

When: 2-8 p.m. daily

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Windy City Eats

Where: 7420 Counts Massie Road, Maumelle

When: noon – 5 p.m. Sunday, noon – 8 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday

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The Yellow Sno Cone Shack

Where: 5409 Hwy 5 N., Bryant

When: 3:30-7 p.m. Monday – Friday, 3-7 p.m. Saturday – Sunday

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And because we know you’ll ask, yes, the Arkansas Pineapple Whip truck is back in Sherwood, too.

 

We’ll be updating this list as more places announce summer hours. Know one we missed? Tell us! Shoot us an email with the details to info@littlerocksoiree.com.

Where to Celebrate Juneteenth in Little Rock

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This month, several Little Rock events will honor Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. on June 19. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas after the Civil War in 1865 when enslaved people discovered they were declared free under the terms of the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday in 2021.

Celebrations are taking place all across the city, and some have already gotten underway. Here are just a few options of where to join in:

 

Juneteenth in Da Rock

The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center will host the 16th annual Juneteenth in Da Rock Celebration on June 21 from 7 a.m.- 7 p.m. This free festival will take place on historic Ninth Street with a block party for the whole family. There, you’ll find food trucks, activities for kids, vendor booths, educational opportunities and more, as well as a day full of live music. In the morning, the fourth annual Juneteenth 5K walk/run will tour through Little Rock’s Black historical sites beginning at 7 a.m. Click here for more information on Juneteenth in Da Rock.

 

ASO Jazz Quartet presented by Juneteenth in Da Rock

A free concert from the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s jazz quartet will be held on June 20 in affiliation with the Mosaic Templars’ Juneteenth in Da Rock celebration. Honoring the legacy of African American emancipation, the concert will feature music by Black jazz composers and will be held outside on the lawn of the ASO Stella Boyle Smith Music Center from 5:30-7 p.m. For more information, click here.

 

The Art of the Abolitionist Movement with Aston Gonzalez, Ph.D.

On June 25 at 6 p.m., the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, in partnership with the Clinton Presidential Library and the Clinton Foundation, will welcome Aston Gonzalez, Ph.D., to speak about his book “Visualizing Equality: African American Rights and Visual Culture in the Nineteenth Century.” The free event, which is held in conjunction with the Arkansas Civic Education Institute, will include a moderated conversation that details how daguerreotypes, lithographs, cartes de visite and steam printing presses enabled artists to advocate for social reform. Click here for more information.

 

Juneteenth at the Little Rock Zoo

Commemorate Juneteenth at the Little Rock Zoo with special discounted days from June 19-21. All visitors will enjoy a $2 discount on regular admission to the zoo. Peruse the park and meet some local animal friends, take the kids on the carousel or express train and enjoy a fun meal at Café Africa. For more information, click here.

 

“Sounds in the Stacks” at CALS

CALS will host soulful singer/songwriter Kami Renee at the Dee Brown Library on Monday, June 23. The free concert takes place from 5-7 p.m. and is the perfect way to celebrate Juneteenth while enjoying live music. Click here for more information.

 

Juneteenth Creative Morning at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Honor Juneteenth through creativity during AMFA’s family-friendly drop-in artmaking activity on June 19. You’ll explore themes of resilience, freedom and community by creating a personal keepsake using photographs of you and your family taken and printed at the Museum. For more information, click here. AMFA is also hosting a special Artist Talk with Michael Grice on June 18. “Pine Bluff Through the Lens” features compelling photography by Geleve Grice and his son, Michael Grice. Click here for more information.

 

Juneteenth Freedom Ride

This year marks the inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Ride in Little Rock. Hosted by Rock Ryders, this free bike ride commemorates Juneteenth and is an inclusive, casual, family-friendly event. The ride takes place on Friday, June 20, at 6 p.m. and begins on historic Ninth Street. Along the ride, there will be many stops to appreciate historical places in the metro. All types of bikes are welcome and helmets are strongly recommended. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.

 

River Market Live!

Don’t miss the first River Market Live! outdoor concert of the season featuring local artists Rodney Block & His All-Star Friends. Admission is free, and beer, soft drinks and water will be available for purchase to benefit the Art Porter Music Education, Inc. The concert takes place on Sunday, June 29, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the First Security Amphitheater. Click here for more information.

 

If you’re unable to participate in these activities, you can take the self-led Little Rock Civil Rights Tour, the Arkansas Civil Rights History Audio Tour or simply opt to spend the day in Black-owned Little Rock.

June Party Pics Now Online

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The June issue of Little Rock Soirée is on newsstands, and you know what that means: There’s a fresh batch of event photos to peruse. As always, each edition’s Party Pics are posted right here on littlerocksoiree.com, and the latest photos from the new issue are now online.

Here are this month’s featured events:

Now, go ahead and share the links on socials, text your friends and spread the good times around.

Baja Grill to Close in The Heights

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After a week of exciting restaurant news, the latest is in the “say it ain’t so” category: Baja Grill will close at the end of the month.

Born from a Benton food truck, Baja Grill opened its first brick-and-mortar location at the corner of Kavanaugh and University in 2014. Its fresh Mexi-Cali menu became a fast favorite not only for residents of The Heights, but for central Arkansans across the board.

On Thursday night, the restaurant announced the closure of its Little Rock location with a post on social media:

This is not just a goodbye, my darling, this is a thank you.
After 11 beautiful years, it is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye.
This is not easy, and it is certainly not what we want, but it is sadly what is our reality.
Each and every one of us want to say thank you for loving us.
Thank you for letting us watch your children grow up. Thank you for spending your special days here. Thank you for coming here on your bad days to let us cheer you up.
Thank you for all the laughs and thank you for all the love.

We have one final favor to ask of you:
Please eat local.
And please be kind to your hospitality workers (ok, two favors).

With love (and a lot of tequila),
The Baja Heights Crew

Baja Grill’s last day will be Saturday, June 28, so you still have some time to take in the Kavanaugh flavors. The Benton location will remain open.

Follow Baja Grill on Facebook and Instagram for more info.

Where to Watch Classic Movies in Little Rock This Summer

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There’s nothing like a little nostalgia to help you cool off, and theaters around the city know exactly what we mean. So stock up on the popcorn and Sour Patch Kids because these classics have you set until fall.

 

Riverdale 10 Cinema

  • June 14-15, 18 – “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”
  • June 17 – “The Insider”
  • July 5-7 – “This is Spinal Tap”
  • July 13, 16 – “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
  • July 15 – “Bringing Out the Dead”
  • Aug. 3-4 – “Sunset Boulevard”
  • Sept. 13-14, 17 – “The Sound of Music”

For more info on special screenings at Riverdale 10, click here.

 

CALS Ron Robinson Theater

  • June 12 – “But I’m a Cheerleader”
  • June 13 – “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
  • June 14 – “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990)”
  • June 14 – “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”
  • June 17 – “Dracula (1931)”
  • June 20 – “Flash Gordon”
  • June 21 – “Free Willy”
  • June 21 – “Casino”
  • June 21 – “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (Extended Edition)”
  • June 24 – “Frenzy”
  • June 26 – “To Wong Foo: Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar”
  • June 28 – “Kung Fu Panda”
  • June 28 – “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (Extended Edition)”
  • July 5 – “An American Tail”
  • July 12 – “Mary Poppins (1964)”
  • July 19 – “Shrek”

And there’s more on the way. For more info and other summer programming at Ron Robinson, click here.

 

Rock Town Distillery

  • June 15 – “The Big Lebowski”
  • June 22 – “The Birdcage”
  • July 6 – “Jaws”
  • July 13 – “Shark Tale”
  • July 27 – “Deep Blue Sea”
  • Aug. 3 – “Freaky Friday”
  • Aug. 10 – “Grease”
  • Aug. 17 – “Legally Blonde”
  • Aug. 24 – “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
  • Aug. 31 – “Matilda”

For more info on the Distill & Chill series at Rock Town Distillery, click here.

 

Cinemark Colonel Glenn (The Rave) 

  • June 14-15, 18 – “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”
  • June 22, 25 – “Brokeback Mountain”
  • June 25 – “Shrek 2”
  • June 29-30 – “Clueless”
  • July 5-7 – “This is Spinal Tap”
  • July 13, 16 – “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
  • Aug. 3-4 – “Sunset Boulevard”
  • Sept, 13-14, 17 – “The Sound of Music”

For more info on special screenings at The Rave, click here.

 

Movie Tavern

  • June 14-18 – “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade”
  • June 29-30 – “Clueless”
  • Sept. 13-15, 17 – “The Sound of Music”

For more info on special screenings at Movie Tavern, click here.

 

Credit: Downtown Little Rock Partnership

Bonus Flicks:

Ok, they’re not exactly classics, but we can’t not mention the Rooftop Cinema summer series including favorites like “Fast X.” More on that here.

Meanwhile, Movie Tavern, AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas each have discounts on more recent family films returning to their screens like “The Wild Robot,” “Trolls” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”

And as is summertime tradition, Studio Ghibli Fest will bring beloved films like “My Neighbor Totoro,” “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Spirited Away” to theaters throughout the season.