From parades to fairytales to cats in costumes, it’s all going down in LR this weekend. Let’s get into it.
COVID forecast: Community level is low. Click here to get the latest by-the-numbers report, and click here for a simplified version of what it means for how to go out into the city safely and responsibly.
Friday, Feb. 17
Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // Let’s go on a walk, everybody. Lace up your comfy shoes because this monthly walk invites you to stroll through the Argenta Arts District’s lineup of special exhibits and events. Highlights include a Shelbey Morris showcase at the NLR Welcome Center, a Six Bridges Watercolor Group exhibit opening at Argenta Library and pastries and photoshoots at Bang-Up Betty. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
“A Night of Poetry and Jazz” at the Clinton Presidential Center // As part of the center’s Black History Month programming lineup, local poet, artist and educator Leron McAdoo will perform a blend of spoken word and musical entertainment described as “Africa’s oral tradition [served] over a bed of beautiful jazz music” by Tim Anthony and Friends. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Dwight Yoakam at Simmons Bank Arena // In the eternal words of Mr. Yoakam: “Turn it on, turn it up, turn me loose.” The honky tonk man himself is taking the NLR stage to perform the favorites from his decades-long, award-filled career, with JD Clayton bringing the opening act. Showtime is 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Turn it up: The Chicks, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Coming to Simmons Bank Arena This Summer
Saturday, Feb. 18
Little Rock Cat Show at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // Had one too many average Saturdays? This will fix that. The Arkansas Feline Fanciers show is back and ready to give you a day of judged competitions (costumes included), vendors and more festivities that are just the cat’s meow. Be there 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Mardi Gras Celebration at the Little Rock Zoo // If you want to walk on the wild side for Mardi Gras, but in a super family-friendly way, this is for you. The zoo will host a mini parade, specialty treats, activities and animal visitors to mark the occasion. It starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
SoMardi Gras on South Main // The beads are flying once more, friends. Pre-pandemic, this bash got bigger and better every year, and after its triumphant return last year, there’s even more fun to be had. The parade kicks off at 24th Street at noon (more on that here) before morphing into a block party with food trucks, vendors and music.
Because more is more with Mardi Gras, here’s some of what you can expect around SoMa:
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The Root’s 10th annual beard and mustache contest
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Raduno cocktail and pizza specials
- A Mardi Gras market at The Bernice Garden
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Rock Town Distillery’s sidewalk hurricanes
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Bark Bar’s Mardi Paw for the pups
And yes, we’re craving it, too. Here’s where to get king cake in Little Rock.
“The Jungle Book” at Wildwood Park for the Arts // You’ve never seen Shere Khan quite like this. Performed by Bellydance Evolution, this one-day-only production follows Mowgli on his adventures through the jungles of India. Showtimes are 3 and 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Feb. 16-18
Cult Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the downtown theater, and the lineups just keep getting better. Up first is “Austin Powers in Goldmember” on Thursday, followed by “Purple Rain” on Friday and closing out with an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Saturday. Showtime is 7 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 9 p.m. Saturday. Learn more here.
Sunday, Feb. 19
Cast Party Cabaret at The Studio Theatre // As the theater wraps up its run of “Next to Normal,” the stage-worthy fun continues. This cabaret series is back in the Lobby Bar featuring some of Broadway’s most-loved tunes and singers’ favorites to perform. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Feb. 16-19
“Sleeping Beauty” at UA-PTC CHARTS // Fairytale magic is coming to the stage in Ballet Arkansas’ first production of the year. Of course, you can expect princesses, witches and love triumphing over evil in this classic tale. Catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.
More arts news: AMFA Announces Inaugural Programs, Artist Talks and Art Classes
Friday – Sunday, Feb. 17-19
Oscar-Nominated Short Films at Riverdale 10 Cinema // Even more popcorn on deck. Over the span of six days, the theater is hosting screenings of nominated short films in the categories of animation, live action and documentary. It all kicks off on Friday at 1:30 p.m. Learn more here.