The heat is on, but there’s plenty of local fun to cool you off. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Aug. 24
River Market Live at the River Market Pavilions // Turn it up, downtown. The latest seasonal concert series from the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau brings free, weekly concerts throughout the month of August. Up next is The Gravel Yard while Stone’s Throw and Diamond Bear serve up their craft brews. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Potluck & Poison Ivy at The Joint // Argenta’s storytelling project is back, featuring locals sharing their stories — Southern, savory and sometimes a little poisonous — in unparalleled style. In this session, guests will hear from guitarist, composer and educator Dr. Jake Hertzog. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Aug. 25
Art Rocks at Rock Town Distillery // Art, dogs and drinks? Count us in. Rock Town Distillery is teaming up with a troupe of local artists for a night of pup-themed cocktails, original artwork and silent auctions all to benefit the Humane Society of Pulaski County. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
“She Beast” at The Labyrinth // Might want to sleep with the lights on after this. Next up in the monthly Friday Night Frights series is this 1966 horror flick with witchcraft, “monsters in human form” and B movie goodness. On the fence about frights? Proceeds from the screening benefit Arkansas Community Advocates to support our unhoused and low-income neighbors. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Argenta Vibe Music Series at Argenta Plaza // We can already tell the vibes are going to be immaculate in Argenta this weekend. The NLR neighborhood’s (free!) outdoor concert series continues its 2023 season with live music from Jason Boland & The Stragglers, plus local eats, drinks and even some VIP tickets. The show starts at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
More Argenta fun: Acansa Arts Festival of the South Announces 2023 Lineup
Saturday, Aug. 26
Fifth Birthday Party at Full Out Barre // Hope you’re ready for a whole lot of anniversary celebrations this weekend. Kicking things off (literally) is this WLR fitness studio, which is hosting a day of free classes, giveaways, drinks, snacks and permanent jewelry from Lux Links by Paige. It starts at 7 a.m. Learn more here.
Goat Yoga on the Farm at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // Nothing like a little savasana on the farm surrounded by some friendly goats. Flow with this all-levels session led by Lady Moon Yoga Collective, and BYO mat. Class starts at 10 a.m., then stick around for the farmers market afterward. Learn more here.
Need to catch your breath? 9 Coffee Shop Sips for the Hottest Month
Barknauts & Aliens: Sixth Barkday Pawty at Bark Bar // This is just doggone fun. Bark Bar is marking six years of doggy happiness and National Dog Day fun with a day of “extra-tail-estrial” menu specials, contests, photo opps and giveaways. Join in 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Back to the ’80s Trivia Pub Crawl in Downtown Little Rock // We’ll take “Doc and Marty” for 500. Kicking off at Copper Grill, this themed crawl traverses five downtown bars while testing your knowledge, all to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House. Full ’80s wardrobe very much encouraged. The crawling starts at 3 p.m. Learn more here.
20th Anniversary Celebration at Willy D’s Rock & Roll Piano Bar // It’s not every day an icon meets a milestone. The River Market nightlife staple is marking two decades with a sold-out bash — but don’t worry, standing room is still available. Along with performances from Matteo Ellis, Brad Perkins and Cliff and Susan Prowse, organizers are promising “high-voltage music, trips down memory lanes and many surprises,” so come ready to party. Doors open at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
The downtown countdown is on: Razorbacks Roll Into Town Labor Day Weekend With Parade, Pep Rally and Season Opener
Star Party at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // Scram, clouds. We’ve got some star gazing to do. Weather permitting, you can try your hand at amateur astronomy from one of the region’s best viewing spots. Telescopes will be provided by the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society, so all you have to do is show up to the park’s visitor center with eyes wide open. Activities begin at 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Aug. 24-27
WCF Pop-Up Shop at the Riverdale Shopping Center // Is that you, Jimmy Choo? This annual Women & Children First fundraising event offers gently used women’s and men’s pieces along with brand new clothes, accessories and decor from some of Little Rock’s best boutiques and beyond. Guests have their pick of everything from evening gowns to furniture to fall shoes, all in one place (aka the former Tuesday Morning space). There’s a preview party from 5-8 p.m. Thursday complete with refreshments and first dibs. Regular shopping hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon – 4 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.