Whether you’ve got your heart set on some Valentine’s Day fun or simply want to spend game day surrounded by dogs, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get into it.
COVID forecast: Community level is medium. 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.
Thursday, Feb. 9
The Art Department: Bryant Phelan at Thea Foundation // The popular series for Thea is back on the calendar. At this show opening, take in the handcrafted, one-of-a-kind leather goods of local designer Bryant Phelan through part two of his exhibit “Artcessories.” The art starts at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep the art coming with our gallery guide to Little Rock.
Friday, Feb. 10
Fourth Anniversary at The Blue Umbrella // The downtown gift shop is throwing a birthday bash. Cake and festivities await at the corner of Main and Seventh to celebrate four years of the shop’s mission to showcase Arkansas artisans with developmental disabilities. Stop by 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Second Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // Bring on the 2FAN. It’s time for the monthly roundup of downtown businesses opening their doors for an after-hours gallery walk. Highlights this month include Valentine’s Day-themed art and music at the Historic Arkansas Museum, a Bri Peterson pop-up at Bella Vita and featured potter Soyoon Ahn at The Galleries & Bookstore at Library Square. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Feb. 11
The Bernice Bazaar at The Bernice Garden // An afternoon in the garden? Don’t mind if we do. This SoMa pop-up features a slew of local makers and food trucks, all set up for you to peruse around the garden. Stop by 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Forever Thrifted: Valentine’s Market at Main Street Pocket Park // Now this is some first-rate, secondhand goodness. Local thrift pro La Rosa Antigua is pulling out all the stops for a heartfelt edition of this monthly market complete with vintage vendors, music, art, food trucks and more. Check it out 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Meet the man behind La Rosa: Maximiliano Dominguez is Coming Up Roses
Lucky at Love Market at Boulevard Bread Company // Leave the bad candy to the rookies. Shop items from local vendors and creators and snag Valentine’s Day gifts for the ones you love (including yourself). Expect everything from art prints to jewelry to clothing and more. The shopping lasts from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Psst! If you have hearts on the brain this weekend, we rounded up all the fun things to do with your boo, your crew and your little dog, too, right here: Love is in the Air: A Guide to Valentine’s Day in Little Rock.
Dancing Into Dreamland at the Dreamland Ballroom // Dust off your best moves. This annual fundraiser benefiting Friends of Dreamland is back to help restore the historic Taborian Hall. The event offers guests a front row seat to a dance competition on the ballroom’s iconic dance floor, plus plenty of good eats and libations to keep the party going. It kicks off at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Feb. 9-11
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing at the downtown theater, and the lineups just keep getting better. Up first is “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” on Thursday, followed by “The Bodyguard” on Friday and closing out with a 3D screening of “My Bloody Valentine” on Saturday. Showtime is 7 p.m. each night. Learn more here.
More CALS news: Main Library to Undergo Large-Scale Renovation, Galleries & Bookstore to Close Permanently
Sunday, Feb. 12
Super Bowl Watch Parties in Little Rock // Ok, we’ve got a pretty good guess as to what your Sunday night plans are. There are lots of places to watch the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs around the metro (don’t forget her royal highness Rihanna at half time), many with menu specials to celebrate. A few favorites include:
- The Flying Saucer
- Pizza D’ Action
- Dugan’s Pub
- Stone’s Throw
- Lost Forty
- and, of course, The Puppy Bowl at Bark Bar
Hosting your own watch party? Try this: 3 Super Bowl Recipes That Make the Most of Your Favorite Beers
Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 11 & 12
Central Arkansas Home & Garden Show at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // This week’s warm weather have you itching to break out the green thumb? This local showcase will do the trick. Formerly the Little Rock Home Show, the event features vendors and experts in home improvement, remodeling, interior design and outdoor solutions. It runs 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Learn more here.
“Dancing & Romancing” at the Robinson Center // Sounds like love to us. Next up for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is this show featuring the talents of professional dancers Joan Hess and Kirby Ward as they move to the live sounds of classics like “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “Singin’ in the Rain.” You can catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Rather fast forward to Mardi Gras? Here’s where to get your king cake fix in Little Rock.
Divas in the Rock: A Whitney Houston Tribute at The Hall // Join Opera in the Rock for a night of fabulousness with the return of this signature show. This year the city’s opera troupe will celebrate the legendary Whitney Houston with a concert featuring music from her expansive repertoire, all under the musical direction of Little Rock’s own Nicky Parrish. Catch the show at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday or 3 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more here.