People say there’s no such thing as love at first sight. Those people don’t know our relationship with Fridays. We’ve rounded up the can’t-miss happenings from around the metro to celebrate our truest of affections.
Weekend, glorious weekend, how do we love thee? Let us count the ways…
Friday, May 15
Mary & Friends at South on Main, Little Rock: Actress, Arkansas native and fellow lover of South on Main Mary Steenburgen just can’t seem to stay away. Who could blame her? This event, now in its second year, will celebrate and benefit the Oxford American with a night filled with incredible food from chef Matt Bell and killer drinks from David Burnette, along with live music and an auction. We got a chance to chat with Steenburgen about what to expect, which you can check out here. Mary & Friends starts at 7 p.m. For more info, click here.
Assembly Required: Hack into Your Social Justice Super Power at the Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock: This late night aspect of the current 30 Americans exhibit offers guests a “highly interactive, fun, non-traditional adult museum experience” complete with drinks, music and a little art-making of your own. Curious about why 30 Americans has been called “provocative” and “challenging?” Check out our Q&A with AAC Chief Curator Brian Lang. The event lasts 6-10 p.m. For more info,click here.
The Fashion Event with Easter Seals at the Little Rock Marriott, Little Rock: A night full of food, fun and fashion – all for a good cause? Yes, please. The annual fashion show will feature spring looks from premiere local boutiques with the help of professional and Easter Seals models. The event will also include a slew of silent auction items (click here to preview) and some pretty awesome live auction items, some of which you can preview here. You can even check out a Q&A with Easter Seals model Michael Joe Lanari from our sister publication Little Rock Family. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Hat Club Crawfish Salute at the River Market Pavillions, Little Rock: We’re hungry. Are you hungry? Thought so. Make plans to visit this event now in its sixth year and benefitting UAMS and Heifer International. Guests will enjoy crawfish, sausage and corn, cold beverages, live music, raffle items, a silent auction and the Crawtucky Derby, a crawfish race that is every bit as ridiculous as it sounds. You can even opt for a VIP pass and sidestep the lines. The event kicks off at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
3rd Friday Argenta Art Walk at various galleries, North Little Rock: You know what time it is. Put on your walking shoes and head for these eight spots in this monthly tradition. Check out the House of Art, Mugs Café, Art Connection, Claytime Gallery, First Presbyterian Church, Greg Thompson Fine Art, the NLR History Commission and of course, the Argenta Gallery. Doors will be open from 5-8 p.m. For more info, click here.
Friday-Saturday, May 15-16
BKD River Cities Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Willastein, Maumelle: Let’s just set the scene real quick: You and 21 team members are at lovely Lake Willastein. You’re on a boat and you’re going fast and you’re wearing 80s workout gear with a sweet sweatband. Yes, really. Teams in absurd costumes will race Hong-Kong style in 46-foot-long dragon boats while onlookers get to enjoy live music, food trucks and fireworks. Even if you’re not in a boat, this is a serious sight to see. It all kicks off with team practices at noon and a pre-party at 5 p.m. on Friday. For more info, click here.
“The Member of the Wedding” at The Weekend Theater, Little Rock: This award-winning play by Carson McCullers and directed by Margaret Pierson Bates is based on the novel by the same name. It paints a picture of life in a small, racially-divided town in the middle of World War II, and one girl’s dreams of escaping it all. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. both nights. For more info, click here.
Friday-Sunday, May 15-17
International Greek Food Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Little Rock: We’re almost too excited to even continue writing because it’s finally here! The 31st annual festival comes complete with entertainment, cultural dancing, church tours, an Old World Market and of course, more authentic Green and Mediterranean food than you can shake a gyro at. But if fighting crowds isn’t your thing, you can place and pick up orders to go, and now Chef Shuttle will even deliver it right into your impatient hands. Opa! Stop in from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more info, click here.
Saturday, May 16
Jazzlights in the Park on the lawn of the Clinton Presidential Library, Little Rock: Grab your crew or pile the family into the car for this annual cultural event. With proceeds going to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas, this year’s festival will feature performances by Jonathan Butler, Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers, Amasa Hines and the Boys and Girls Club jazz band. Check out our Persons of Interest feature on Amasa Hines in this month’s issue of Soirée. The event will take place from 1-9 p.m. For more info, click here.
10th Annual Caribbean Cabaret at the home of Tiffany & Daniel Robinson, 40 Edgehill Rd., Little Rock: Time to get tropical, y’all. This annual fundraiser for Women & Children First will celebrate a decade of island style with heavy hors d’oeuvres and tropical libations. Stock up on tiny umbrellas and get ready for a night of live music, dancing and auctions. You can see sneak peeks of auction items on the WCF Facebook page. The cabaret starts at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Three Fold Vegetarian Dinner at Three Fold Noodles and Dumpling Co, Little Rock: Holy veggie dream, Batman. Our favorite downtown dumpling spot is gearing up to host an eight-course vegetarian dinner. Yes, you read that right – eight whole courses. According to the restaurant’s Facebook page, the menu will “host a blend of wholesome vegetarian dishes that represent the core of vegetarianism in China.” The eats start at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Sunday, May 17
The Seersucker Ride in downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock: Don your best Southern summer vintage attire (seersucker or not) and ride your bike down to the starting line at the Clinton Library. This annual casual ride will take you around some of the sights downtown and across the river, then back for happy hour at South on Main. Don’t have a bike, but dying to show off those suspenders? Bobby’s Bike Hike is offering discounted rental rates to Seersucker Riders. Start time is 2 p.m. For more info, click here.
The First Lady’s Tea at the Governor’s Mansion, Little Rock: The pearls, the dainty gloves, the fancy hats; there’s just something about a tea party that feels special, and this is one of those special occasions. Hosted by Arkansas First Lady Susan Hutchinson, all mothers and daughters are invited for sandwiches, sweets and hot teas, as well as plenty of good company. Tea time is at 2 p.m. Fancy hats and dainty gloves encouraged. For more info, click here.