Food trucks, margs, cultural festivals — it’s all on the menu this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Sept. 14
The Bernice Garden Night Market // What warm nights are made of. This week’s edition of the neighborhood market promises lots of local vendors, music and a food truck on hand to fuel your fun and kick off your weekend. Peruse and enjoy starting at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Arkansas Times Fall Margaritafest at Argenta Plaza // Pass the salt. Yes, this fest originated as a Cinco de Mayo celebration, but when there are margs on the line, there’s no time like the present. Local restaurants will compete for best marg while food trucks serve the eats and a DJ supplies the music. The sipping starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Don Bryant & The Bo-Keys at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Who’s ready to groove? Legendary R&B artist Don Bryant and funky soul band The Bo-Keys are taking the AMFA stage to kick off the museum’s inaugural concert series. Tickets are going fast, so make your move now. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep groovin’: 10th Annual Jazz in the Park Announces Fall Lineup
Friday, Sept. 15
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 Hannah May highlight at The Hub, a Sherry J Williamson pop-up at Bang-Up Betty, a Devon Carlson exhibit at the NLR Welcome Center and a Slugknives and Sulac exhibit at Argenta Library. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Lettuce Grow at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // Back again, this al fresco event celebrates and supports St. Joseph’s mission to preserve the historical space through sustainable farming and community outreach. Guests will enjoy a farm fresh menu along with tours of the grounds, craft beer, live music and more. It all begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
More menus for good: Eat Up at Big Orange for Hunger Action Month
Trivia Bee at Christ Church // This is your time to shine, factoid aficionados. Come compete for the proverbial trophy to raise funds for Literacy Action of Central Arkansas. If your palms are sweating at the thought, never fear. You can cheer on a team from the crowd and get in on food and drinks while you’re at it. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday & Friday, Sept. 14 & 15
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the downtown theater, and the lineups keep pulling us in. Up first is “Stand By Me” on Thursday followed by “The Blues Brothers” on Friday. Showtime is 7 p.m. both nights. Learn more here.
Speaking of CALS: What to Expect at the 20th Annual Six Bridges Book Festival
Saturday, Sept. 16
Tinkerfest at the Museum of Discovery // Time for some hands-on fun. This annual event is full of activities (for both kids and adults) that teach all about the way things work, from robots to waterworks and everything in between. More than 50 activities will take place both indoors and outside, and there’s even a sensory station for guests in need of a more calming environment. The fun lasts 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Hispanic Heritage Festival at Argenta Plaza // Happy Mexican Independence Day! Now in the event’s third year, Seis Puentes and NLR are again “celebrating the Latinx spirit” with a day of live entertainment, delicious food, art vendors and more. Join the festivities 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Fiesta de Independencia Hispana at Plaza Frida // The festivities continue on this side of the river, too. Also in its third year, this festival brings together artists, food, vendors and performers to celebrate the independence and heritage of nine Latin American countries. Be there 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.
It doesn’t stop there: 3 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Little Rock
Southern Silks Stakes at Embassy Suites // Put on your best hat. The Methodist Family Health Foundation is back with its annual derby-themed bash offering hobby horse races, prizes and auctions. Proceeds go to support MFH’s “continuum of care” for Arkansas children. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Sept. 17
Yogathon Arkansas at The Venue at Westwind // Seven hours full of all things yoga should be enough to find your zen. From restorative yoga to high-energy sessions, it’s all here at this event that doubles as a community builder by supporting the Westwind Performing Arts School and Canvas Community homeless shelter. The flow kicks off at 7 a.m. Learn more here.
Main Street Food Truck Festival in downtown Little Rock // Start working up that appetite now. Pure deliciousness will descend on our city for a few precious hours on Sunday, and we couldn’t be more excited about it. More than 60 trucks will be selling their tasty wares, along with dozens of vendor booths, live entertainment and a kids zone, all lining Main Street between Third and Ninth. The 12th annual event runs from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
More on-the-go goodness: Wheels, Wine & Pours in Motion
River City Men’s Chorus Fall Concert at St. James United Methodist Church // We like the sound of this. The chorus will kick off its 20th anniversary season with “Heal the Word,” a concert featuring pieces designed to “fill your souls and inspire you to reach out to your brothers and sisters everywhere.” The free show starts at 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Sept. 14-17
Acansa Arts Festival at various locations // Spanning the course of three weekends, this fest returns to its traditional fall spot with a schedule packed with all sorts of performances on both sides of the river. This weekend’s lineup includes performances of “Doubt: A Parable” and “The Spirit of Harriet Tubman,” as well as live music from Caesar and Take3. Learn more here.
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s officially festival season: The 2023 Guide to Your Favorite Fall Festivals
Friday – Sunday, Sept. 15-17
Jurassic Quest at the Statehouse Convention Center // Ok, who stole the dino DNA? Dozens of dinosaurs are stomping into town as part of this family-friendly exhibit’s return. Expect animatronic dinosaurs, dino-themed rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, bounce houses, photo ops, a play area for “triceratots” and more. Your quest awaits noon – 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more here.
Vintage Market Days at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // There’s no doubt about it, flea market fabulous is definitely a thing. This traveling pop-up market rolls into town twice a year, setting up shop so locals can get their fill of antiques, clothing, outdoor furnishings, art, home goods, food trucks, live music and more. Even better? This season’s event is bigger than ever, taking over both the Hall of Industry and the Arts & Crafts Building. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more here.
Shop on: The 10 Best Antique and Vintage Stores in Little Rock