Food festivals, harvest markets, costumes and everything else you need for one killer Halloweekend. Let’s get into it.
COVID forecast: Community level is low. 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, Oct. 27
Big Boo!seum Bash in downtown Little Rock // This area-wide favorite is back and it’s just as free and family-friendly as ever. Pack up the fam, put on your costume and check out a handful of the city’s coolest participating local museums and cultural attractions with games, activities and trick-or-treating. You have from 5:30-8:30 p.m. to get the job done, and there are even prizes for a few lucky monsters. Learn more here.
Light the PATH at Chenal Event Venue // This fundraiser is all about enjoying a night of food and fun for a great cause, while keeping things casual. Guests can get in on good eats and a silent auction all benefiting PATH, or Partners Against Trafficking Humans, in their work to eradicate sex-trafficking in Arkansas. The evening begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Hawgs for a Cause at the Holiday Inn Airport Conference Center // Self-described as the “ultimate tailgate party,” this annual Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled fundraiser lives up to the hype. Guests can go ham on a barbecue dinner while THV11’s Craig O’Neill, aka Brother Hogg, serves as emcee. The night also includes live music, a cash raffle and live and silent auctions. It all goes down at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
“Psycho” at Ron Robinson Theater // Better double check that bathroom lock. Wrapping up the Hitchcocktoberfest series is this iconic 1960 flick that changed the movie game, horror or otherwise. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
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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 MLB All-Star and philanthropist Torii Hunter. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
“Driving Miss Daisy” Opening Night at Argenta Community Theater // Right on the heels of opening its brand new Sharon Heflin Performing Arts Education Center annex, the ACT continues its season with this classic story of an unlikely friendship in the 1940s South. Upping the ante for this production is the addition of dinner theater performances. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Oct. 28
Argenta Vibe Music Series at Argenta Plaza // In case it isn’t clear, Argenta has caught several stellar vibes in the past few years. The NLR neighborhood is closing out the inaugural season of its free outdoor concert series with live music from Shinyribs, plus local food trucks, drinks and VIP tickets. The show starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Woman of Inspiration Gala at the Statehouse Convention Center // More female power, please. Honoring First Lady Susan Hutchinson as the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Woman of Inspiration, this event features fine dining, a silent auction and a Toccin runway fashion show presented by Barbara/Jean. The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas fundraiser will also present the Blue Ribbon Award to Jordyn Wieber. It all starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Monster Bash at The Venue at Westwind // It’s heeeere. This annual amped-up costume party is bigger, better and more bloodcurdling than ever. Guests can expect signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, dancing and auctions. Proceeds from the event benefit Home for Healing. The party starts at 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Bonus: There are many annual philanthropic events taking place this weekend, and while most are sold out, you can still donate or bid on virtual auction items to show your support:
- Candlelight Gala benefiting the Historic Arkansas Museum
- Starry Starry Night benefiting Access Schools
- Bowl for Kids’ Sake benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas
Camp After Dark at Camp Taco // Maybe leave Mrs. Voorhees off the camp invite list. The East Village restaurant has celebrated its one-year anniversary all month long, and it’s finishing the month in spirited fashion with a costume contest, variety show and themed menu items. It starts at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Oct. 29
Howl-o-Ween Parties in the Plaza at the Little Rock Zoo // Bring on the wolves, man. The zoo is bringing the Halloween fun with special crafts, magic shows, princess meet-ups and more, plus special themed animal shows. On the lineup for this week? Skeletons. It starts at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Chili Fights in The Heights on Kavanaugh // It’s back, y’all. This annual street festival (last held in 2019) pits teams against each other to find the best chili the city has to offer. Tons of chili? Yes, please. Benefitting the Arkansas FoodBank? Even better. Elastic waistbands? No doubt. Cooking starts at 11 a.m. Learn more here. Update: This event has been postponed due to weather. New date TBD.
Halloween Chili Cookoff at Shackleford Crossing Shopping Center // Hope you’re hungry, goblins. 100.3 The Edge is hosting its 16th annual event where competitors go head to head for the title of chili champ. Plus, there will be giveaways, trick-or-treating and live music. Proceeds go to The Van and the Humane Society of Pulaski County. It kicks off at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Forever Thrifted Halloween Bash at 608 Main St. // The thrift hunt turns into a haunt this weekend with La Rosa Antigua’s spooky market. Expect more than 30 vendors, costume contests, food trucks, music, trick-or-treating and more. Stop by 2-7 p.m. Learn more here.
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Howl-O-Ween at Bark Bar // Holy caped canine. Not to be confused with the zoo’s event, this neighborhood dog playspace/human bar is hosting the perfect pawty for pupperinos and persons alike. You and Fido can get in on spooky selfies, scary movies, a killer costume contest and more. The fun starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Fright Night in Argenta at Argenta Plaza // Time for some frightful fun. After a successful first year, the Argenta Downtown Council is bringing back this night of specialty drinks, music and costumes, all to support the revitalization of the neighborhood. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Halloween Carnival at Funland Amusement Park // Don’t let your rocketship slide PTSD scare you away from this family-friendly fest complete with spooky rides, candy, movies and more. Be there 7-10 p.m. Learn more here.
The Rocky Horror Pickin’ Show at Four Quarter Bar // Ever wondered what a crossover between “Rocky Horror” and bluegrass sounds like? Come hear it yourself and wonder no more. Something tells us Riff Raff would be into it. Showtime is 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Oct. 30
World Cheese Dip Championship at the River Market Pavilions // Dreams do come true. Now in its 11th year, this contest throws down the gouda gauntlet to pit both amateur and professional recipes against one another. Who takes home the crown? You do, because you get to taste all the cheesy goodness while raising funds for Harmony Health Clinic. The deliciousness starts at noon. Learn more here.
All Ages Trick-or-Treating at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // There’s a little something for everyone at the Sunset Lodge on Sunday. Costume contests, lots of candy (and space to run it off), food trucks, local vendors and drinks from Stone’s Throw, Flyway, Blade & Barrel, Vino Distribution and more. Be there noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
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Halloween Carnival at the Market at Chenal // This WLR market is going the spooky route on Rahling Circle. Bring out the fam and get in on food trucks, games, trick-or-treating and more. It runs noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Harvest Celebration Market at St. Joseph Farm Stand // There’s no better place to celebrate the harvest than on a farm. Come enjoy food trucks, hayrides, vendors, pumpkins, live music and more from 1-5 p.m. Learn more here.
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Thursday – Sunday, Oct. 27-30
Final Days of the Six Bridges Book Festival // Listen up, literary lovers. The Central Arkansas Library System’s 11-day signature event wraps up its fun across the city this weekend. The fest features a full lineup ranging from kids’ book authors to historians, George Michael tributes to “The Exorcist” screenings and so much more. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 29 & 30
Arkansas Paranormal Expo at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History // Hope you brought your proton pack. Embrace your love of all things strange with panels on ghosts, Bigfoot, UFOs and lots more. There will also be vendors (think: tarot readings and energy healing jewelry), giveaways and a few non-spooky food trucks. Proceeds go toward the preservation of the museum. The ghoulish fun lasts from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Learn more here.
Halloween Brunch at At the Corner // Now this is scary good. Your favorite downtown brunch spot is taking things to the next level with this Halloween-themed menu. Expect to be more treated than tricked. Brunch is served 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
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Friday – Sunday, Oct. 28-20
“Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Riverdale 10 Cinema // We almost can’t handle the antici… For more than 20 years, the Riverdale theater has held screenings of this cult classic, and each year they bring it back for another round of science fiction madness. Of course, audience participation is strongly encouraged, just make sure to check out the list of approved props. IYKYK. Learn more here. …pation.
Yes, there are even *more* Halloween happenings around the city. Here’s where to start: