With the hectic holiday season behind us, it’s time to slow things down and soak up some laid-back local fun. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Jan. 4
First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month (and year!), and you know what that means — time to get your Hillcrest shop ‘n’ sip on. Soak up the Kavanaugh vibes while you take advantage of the specials, later hours and extra fun. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
“Small Works on Paper” Opening Reception at Mosaic Templars Cultural Center // More art shows in 2024? Don’t mind if we do. This 37th annual touring exhibition is launching a year-long trek across the state featuring creators in the Arkansas Arts Council’s Arkansas Artist Registry, some of whom will be on hand to meet guests and talk about their work. Doors open at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Jan. 5
SoMa After Dark on South Main Street // Friday’s fun is south of 630. This monthly neighborhood bash features area businesses offering later hours and special activities. Highlights this month include the return of screenprinting at AR-T’s and a pop-up with artist Jeannetta Darley at South Main Creative. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
A Yuletide Feast at the Cathedral of St. Andrew // No bleak midwinter here. The Choir of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew is once again hosting a traditional holiday madrigal event complete with a four-course dinner and filled with medieval and renaissance entertainment. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. in Saint Andrew Hall. Learn more here.
New Year, New Cheers Cocktail Class at Rock Town Distillery // If you’re not doing Dry January, we suggest adding a couple of new recipes to your repertoire to start your 2024 on the right sip. Grab your crew and head to SoMa to learn from the experts how to make a Rumspresso Martini and A Spritzy New Year, Rock Town’s twists on the classic espresso martini and Aperol spritz. Class starts at 7 p.m. and kicks off with a tour of the distillery. Learn more here.
More local flavors: Make Ben Brainard’s Chili Fights recipe
Saturday, Jan. 6
Creative Saturday at Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Time for some hands-on fun for the whole fam. In honor of the new exhibition “Path to Abstraction: Picasso, Braque, and Cubism’s Impact on Modern Art,” AMFA and CALS are teaming up to host a morning of themed crafting in the Windgate Art School. Come and create from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Meet AMFA’s latest artist in residence: The Uncommon Practice of Raven Halfmoon
First Birthday Bash at Smashed ‘N’ Stacked // We’ll raise a bun to this. The Pettaway Square-parked food truck has only been on the streets for a year, but its burgers have already won over much of the city. Smashed ‘N’ Stacked is celebrating the milestone with a deliciously melty menu that includes an appearance by Chey Makes Bread’s cookie spread. Stop by 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Jan. 7
GloWild! Closing Night at the Little Rock Zoo // If you’ve put off seeing the zoo’s immersive “larger than life light show” this season, this is your last chance. More than 50,000 lights and dozens of handcrafted silk lanterns all go into hibernation after Sunday night. Gates open at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Wind down your weekend: Go inside the new January issue