Ice cream, art shows, concerts and more are on the lineup. Let’s get into it.
COVID forecast: Community level is high. Click here to get this week’s 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, July 14
SHINE-ola at South on Main // Music-filled nights in SoMa are always a treat, and this is no exception. This inaugural concert brings a laundry list of Arkansas performers to the stage like Jason Lee Hale and the Personal Space Invaders, The Brian Nahlen Band and Cliff and Susan. The best part? Proceeds go to the Methodist Family Health Foundation. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
“Close Encounters of the Third Kind” at Ron Robinson Theater // We are not alone. CALS is continuing its Extra-Terrestrial Thursdays series with this iconic 1977 flick, and something tells us Roy Neary would have some thoughts about the James Webb Space Telescope. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Pass the popcorn: Where to Watch Classic Movies in Little Rock This Summer
Friday, July 15
Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // It’s time to 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 hands-on activities at The Hub, a Sherry J Williamson pop-up at Bang-Up Betty and a Jake Jackson highlight at the NLR Heritage Center. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Charity Art Exhibition at the Pleasant Ridge Town Center // More art? Don’t mind if we do. Hosted by the Engel & Volkers real estate group, this exhibit features artist Meikel Church’s “Was It Ever Real?” collection, as well as selected works by Laura Welshans. Meet the artists, grab some snacks and enjoy it all the more knowing proceeds benefit Our House. It begins at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, July 16
Fifth Birthday Celebration at Nexus Coffee & Creative // We’ll raise a cup of joe to that. Tasty drinks, sweet treats, local artisans, giveaways and lots of live music are all part of the downtown coffee shop’s celebrations. Get in on the fun all day from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Picnic at The Curve Market // Time for a change of scenery. Located in Scott, The Curve Market is hosting its summer festival packed with local vendors, live music from Anna Brinker and plenty of space to spread out on blankets and enjoy. Bonus: A portion of the proceeds go to the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. The al fresco fun lasts 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
3rd Saturday at Historic Arkansas Museum // Time for some time travel. HAM’s latest series gives guests an immersive opportunity to learn about life in the early days of Arkansas. This month’s event is all about how folks in the 1850s kept cool in the summer, except you get to learn about it in the AC. Stop by 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Even cooler: 6 Tips for Practicing Heat Safety and Warning Signs to Look Out For
Movies in the Park at the Market at Chenal // It’s a whole new world for 21 Rahling Circle. Kicking off a new partnership with the Arkansas Cinema Society, this WLR market is hosting a free outdoor screening of some of ACS’s short films followed by Disney’s “Aladdin” (Robin Williams, not Will Smith). Food and drinks will be available for purchase, just BYO blankets and chairs. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Discover Trust Tree at the Museum of Discovery // After a summer of rocking out with the girls, this nonprofit music camp is celebrating in style. Come learn more about Trust Tree while enjoying performances from campers, eats, signature cocktails and more. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Amp Out Alz at The Hall // You might want to do a few neck stretches before all the rocking you’ll be doing this weekend. For the first time since 2018, Alzheimer’s Arkansas is once again hosting a night of rock ‘n’ roll benefiting caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The Prickly Pickle food truck, silent auctions and raffles await guests, as well as lots of live music from local band ROXX. Doors open at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Bobby Rush at Ron Robinson Theater // Turn it up, Bobby. The two-time Grammy winner, Blues Hall of Famer and B.B. King Entertainer of the Year is performing an acoustic solo show in the downtown theater as part of the Arkansas Sounds series. The blues legend returns to the stage at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
More music: U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America to Perform at First Security Amphitheater
Sunday, July 17
National Loblolly Day at Loblolly Creamery // Scoops all around! Where else to celebrate National Ice Cream Day than with your favorite local scoop shop? They’ll be slinging limited edition flavors, hosting giveaways and having fun all day. Swing by noon – 8 p.m. Learn more here.
A flashback from the freezer: 8 Local Frozen Treats to Help You Weather a Southern Summer
Friday – Sunday, July 15-17
Paws at the Net Tournament at Rebsamen Tennis Center // It’s a love-love situation. This three-day, USTA-sanctioned, downright adorable tennis tournament benefits Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals. Attendees will enjoy competitive matches, food, drinks, vendors and will even get to meet some of CARE’s rescued cats and dogs that are up for adoption. Learn more here.
Speaking of adorable: See who won the 2022 Soirée Cutest Dog Contest!