However you plan to celebrate the holiday, there’s plenty of Fourth fun to go around. Let’s get into it.
Friday, June 30
Fridays on the Lawn at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // As if you needed another reason to visit the AMFA, Fridays in June have meant lawn games, music, drinks and art classes on the MacArthur Park grounds, and this week marks the end of the series. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
“The Lost World: Jurassic Park” at the Clinton Presidential Center // Paging Jeff Goldblum. As part of the current “Dinosaur Explorer” exhibit, the center is hosting a free screening of the 1997 movie (the second in the original trilogy) complete with concessions. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Pass the popcorn: Where to Watch Classic Movies in Little Rock This Summer
Rainbow Rave at Bark Bar // Closing out the month with an extra dose of paws and Pride, Bark Bar will be serving up menu specials and festivities for humans and pups alike. Dress up, come down and get in on the rainbow cuteness from 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Speaking of cute pups: Have you seen the winner of our Cutest Dog Contest?
Boards & Bordeaux at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Where better to host a wine pairing than in a vineyard? Back for another installment of this tag-team series, Thursday’s dinner will feature individual charcuterie boards from Board and Bubbles with Bordeaux region sip selections from Vino Distribution. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
“Mars Attacks!” at Ron Robinson Theater // Time for some intergalactic nonsense. CALS’ popular BingoFlix series is back, offering prizes to viewers who can fill up their bingo cards with cheesy, “so-bad-they’re-good” movie cliches. This 1996 cult favorite has everything: Jack Nicholson as president, Glenn Close as first lady, a chihuahua-woman hybrid and lots and lots of alien death rays. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
“Scream Bloody Murder” at The Labyrinth // Might want to sleep with the lights on after this. Next up in the monthly Friday Night Frights series is this 1973 horror flick with plenty of gruesome “wall-to-wall insanity.” 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.
For less spooky summer nights: Explore Little Rock’s Rivers With a Guided Sunset Kayak Tour
Saturday, July 1
EDM-Pendence Day at Wildwood Park for the Arts // Put on your boogie shoes, Little Rock. Festivals and holidays go hand in hand, and this outdoor event is the perfect example. Two stages of EDM DJs, vendors, food trucks and lawn and water games await for all ages. The fun lasts from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
For those of you making it an extra long weekend …
Tuesday, July 4
Independence Day Sunrise Hike at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // Start your holiday off with a bang and the best view of your city starting at the West Summit Trailhead. (Just make sure to tag us in all those amazing pics you post!) The guided hike starts at 5 a.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Stick around the West Summit Area after the hike to get in on lawn games, sprinklers and park fun. More on that here.
Firecracker Fast 5K in The Heights // This “quick and dirty” race isn’t called “firecracker” just for the holiday. With a start line at 6150 Kavanaugh Blvd. and the finish line at War Memorial Stadium, you’ll definitely get your sweat in for the day. Plus, the timed race includes lots of downhill stretches, so you just might make a new PR. Start time is 7:30 a.m. Learn more here.
Run on: Summer Runs to Have on Your Radar
Frontier Fourth of July at the Historic Arkansas Museum // Huzzah! If you’d like a peek into how this holiday was celebrated on the Arkansas frontier, don’t miss out on this family-friendly event. The day includes cool treats, games, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and more. Patriotism ensues from 10 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
Pops on the River at the First Security Amphitheater // It’s bigger, better and more booming than ever. Now in its 39th year, there’s even more to accompany the fireworks extravaganza over the Arkansas River (think: food trucks, music, kids pavilion, etc.). Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9:15 p.m. Learn more here.
More flying sparks: Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in the Metro
Don’t forget these local farmers markets:
And last, but certainly not least, a toolkit for heat wave survival: