Started at a Tuesday, now we’re here: the end of a short workweek. Congrats on making it this far, now here’s what to do with it. Happy weekend, friends.
Friday, May 29
Sushi Cooking Class with Chef Brian Kelley at Eggshells Kitchen Co., Little Rock: The cooking shop in The Heights always knocks it out of the park with its regular lineup of cooking classes, and this weekend is no exception. Join Chef Brian Kelley to learn about all things fishy and uncooked, aka sushi. Ticket includes a welcome glass of wine or beer to accompany the meal the chef has prepared, and guests are encouraged to bring a beverage of choice for the meal. Dinner is at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
17th Annual Wine and Food Festival at Wildwood Park for the Arts, Little Rock: Cleanse your palates, everyone. Celebrating the best eats and drinks the city has to offer, Wildwood’s event will offer guests 100+ featured wines (you read that right), a DIY painting studio experience, silent auction and live music by Dizzy 7 featuring Craig Wilson. Participating restaurants include 1620 Savoy, Southern Gourmasian, Bravo! Cucina Italiana and Table 28. Proceeds go toward the park’s arts education programs and botanical gardens. Festivities start at 6:30 p.m. For more info, click here.
Satuday, May 30
Feast in the Field at Heifer International, Little Rock: In our May cover story, we told you about Heifer International‘s USA programs that support local farms, teach sustainable practices and bring fresh produce to your table through the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Now’s your chance to celebrate the farmers who make it all happen. The evening will raise awareness of the programs with a family-style dinner prepared by the Heritage Grille Steak and Fin, complete with local ingredients from the Heifer-partnered farms. Guests are asked to wear a white ensemble, and will enjoy the sounds of Brian Nahlen, as well as Donna Massey and Blue Eyed Soul, and will even hear from the CSA farmers. The night begins at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Arvest Little Rock Gran Fondo and Food Festival at Spokes bike shop, Little Rock: Approximately 70 miles of premium Arkansas scenery await riders on this bike tour (gran fondo means “big ride” in Italian), or 40 miles if you opt for the Medio. Whether you ride or not, you can enjoy the block party afterward. The Gran Fondo Food Festival will feature live music from folk singer Bonnie Montgomery, food from six of Little Rock’s most notable chefs, treats from Loblolly and Leiva’s Coffee and beer courtesy of Lost Forty Brewing. Click here for more on the food festival. Riders start at 8 a.m. For more info on the race, click here.
Bargain Bazaar for Arkansas Hospice at the Apostolic Church gym, North Little Rock: As part of its African Hospice Partnership, Arkansas Hospice is sponsoring this day event full of all sorts of goodies to benefit the Seke Rural Hospice in Zimbabwe. Come browse furniture, clothing and household accessories and enjoy some baked goods and snow cones. The bazaar will take place from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. For more info, click here.
Legends in Argenta at The Argenta Plaza, North Little Rock: The annual Legends of Arkansas music festival brings together more than 25 artists from Arkansas for a day of music, food and good times in September. However, the preview fundraiser event, Legends of Argenta, is right on our doorstep, complete with local vendors and live music from Runaway Planet, The Beckham Brothers Band, FreeVerse, ReCreation Studios & Cirque Arts and Paul Prater. Hungry? The Waffle Wagon, Hot Rod Weiners, Le Pops and Agrilla the Bun food trucks will be there, along with Diamond Bear Brewing Company and Moody Brews to wash it all down. It starts at 5 p.m. For more info, click here.
2015 Little Rock Take Steps for Crohn’s and Colitis on the Clinton Center front lawn, Little Rock: In order to raise funds for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, many are taking to the streets for this walk in the fight against the diseases. The walks are always a blast, and this one comes with food, family-friendly activities and live music. Start time is 3 p.m. For more info, click here.
Sunday, May 31
Donate Your Shoes to the Ozark Water Projects at Dickey-Stephens Park, North Little Rock: We know you’re cleaning out your closet, so go ahead and save a few pairs of old shoes. Bring at least two pairs of well-loved shoes to the game and Ozark Water Projects will export the shoes to distributors in Kenya, South America and Haiti, who will then resell the shoes at an affordable price to local developing economies. Generated funds will go toward purchasing well-digging rigs, water purification systems and other supplies to bring clear, fresh water to those in need. The shoes can be any size or type, as long as they are still wearable. Plus, a donation will get you $3 off the price of admission. The game starts at 2 p.m. For more info, click here.