The first weekend of May is coming in hot with festivals, concerts and lots of local goodness. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, May 2
First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month, and you know what that means — time to get your shop ‘n’ sip on. Soak up the Kavanaugh vibes while you take advantage of the specials, later hours and extra fun, like live painting at Crying Weasel Vintage and music from The Rocktown Sparks in the Hillcrest Fine Wines & Liquor parking lot. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Shop on: Our 2024 Mother’s Day gift guide
Rooftop Cinema: “Barbie” at Sixth & Scott // Just when you thought the pint-sized queen of pink couldn’t get any bigger, now she’s taking over parking decks. This is the first Rooftop Cinema screening of the year, the latest evolution of the free Movies in the Park series. Stone’s Throw will be on hand for beer purchases, and you can bring chairs and blankets to spread out and enjoy the view. The show starts at sunset, or about 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, May 3
All Drinks Considered at Camp Taco // If you’re excited by the idea of pairing cocktails with public radio, you’re our kind of people. This happy hour marks National Public Radio Day with a live broadcast of “All Things Considered” with Little Rock Public Radio, and is part of the restaurant’s “Camp MAYhem” lineup of summertime kickoff festivities. Showtime is 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Chroma Night at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // The grand finale of AMFA’s one-year anniversary events, this “bash in blue” promises guests a night of music, craft cocktails, an exclusive Park Grill menu, lots of art and even a few treats for those who miss Tabriz. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Dinner on the Grounds at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // We’ll take some fresh air with our springtime fun, please. This alfresco event benefiting Our House invites guests to enjoy a Southern meal under the stars. The night also boasts cocktails, treats from Sweet Lavender Bakes and Loblolly Creamery and live music from Lagniappe. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
MacArthur Park 5K at MacArthur Park // This annual neighborhood race takes to the city park as all ages battle it out for the top time. After you finish up, stick around for the awards ceremony/lawn party complete with live music, food and beer. This year’s proceeds will help fund improvements to the park. Go time is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday & Friday, May 2 & 3
Live Music in the Metro // The local concert scene is always great, and this weekend has some big highlights for audiences. On Thursday, Nickel Creek and Gaby Moreno will take the Little Rock Hall stage, followed by The Wallflowers and Joe & The Feels on Friday. Also on Friday, NEEDTOBREATHE will be at the First Security Amphitheater and Whiskey Myers at the Simmons Bank Arena.
Saturday, May 4
Little Rock Farmers Market Opening Day at the River Market Pavilions // Time to freshen things up a bit. Saturday kicks off five months — the market’s 50th anniversary season! — of local produce, vendors, special events and more. Bring a bag and stop in anytime from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Be a Part of the Cure Walk at War Memorial Stadium // Break the fam out of the house for this walk that’s all about raising awareness for cancer research and prevention while benefiting the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Start time is 8 a.m. Learn more here.
Keep it movin’: Spring Runs to Put On Your Calendar
Neighborhood Block Party at Williams Library // The CALS Sue Cowan Williams Library has a whole new look and now it’s ready to party. To help “reintroduce” the Dunbar library to the community, locals are invited to come get in on food trucks, music, tours and family activities. Stop in 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Yoga in the Rock at Rock City Yacht Club // Let the zen begin. Close out the week and get your ohm on at this outdoor community class with a perfect view of the water. BYO-mat, if you’ve got it. The session starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
501 Fest in SoMa // Time to party with some hometown pride. This festival is the biggest recurring celebration of 501 Day, and it just keeps growing. On Saturday, SoMa will be filled with food trucks, concerts, a kids’ zone, local vendors and so much more, including the return of the Running of the Bulls benefiting Family Promise of Pulaski County and the first-ever MuralFest on East 15th. The all-day fun lasts from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Want to keep the party going on Sunday? Hit the 501 Fest after party.
Cupcakes for Goodness Sake at Argenta Plaza // Step right up, sweets lovers. Boot-scootin’ into its cowboy era, this annual event invites attendees to stroll the plaza while enjoying a cupcake competition, local vendors, food trucks, kids’ activities and signature drinks, all while helping to raise funds for CareLink. Be there 3-6 p.m. Learn more here.
Neighborhood News: Downtown & Argenta
Preservation Crustaceans at 507 Main St. // Bring on the boil. Preserve Arkansas will once again host its annual bash at the historic NLR site (now home to Clements & Associates) while serving up all-you-can-eat crawfish and the fixin’s. Come hungry, leave historically educated. It starts at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Bollywood Nights at The Venue at Westwind // Who else is up for a colorful night of cultural celebrations? Benefitting Harmony Health Clinic, this yearly event features Indian food, cocktails, dancing and a Bollywood show. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Bark Bar After Hours at Bark Bar & Grille // This pet-lover’s paradise is taking things to outer space to launch its new late-night event series. A Star Wars Day celebration awaits guests with themed drinks and music. It starts at 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, May 3 & 4
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market, and things are getting science fiction-y. Up first is “The Matrix” on Friday, then a BingoFlix rendition of “Spaceballs” on Saturday. Both shows start at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, May 5
Territorial Fair at the Historic Arkansas Museum // Let’s get historical, y’all. In a celebration of Arkansas heritage, guests will experience life in the territorial days (except more fun). Be on the lookout for reenactments, live demonstrations, historical dances and pioneer games on the museum’s grounds. The fair takes place from noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, May 2-5
Cinco de Mayo in Little Rock // The metro is full of restaurants and organizations celebrating the holiday over the next few days with pop-ups, menu specials and festivals. We made a cheat sheet of some of the best celebrations, which you can find here.
“Bravo” at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Set on the AMFA Museum Theater stage, this Ballet Arkansas production is billed as “a jubilant celebration of the arts.” The show features live music by pianist Fei-Fei Dong and world premieres from various choreographers, including BA’s Michael Fothergill. Learn more here.
Read more: Ballet Arkansas is Setting the Barre
Saturday & Sunday, May 4 & 5
Brahms “Symphony No. 4” at the Robinson Center // Next up in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks Series is this show featuring the talents of pianist Michelle Cann and direction of Geoffrey Robson. The program not only showcases the music of Johannes Brahms, but also Richard Wagner and Clara Schumann. You can catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Staying home this weekend? Curl up with the brand new issue of Soirée.