We have another beautiful spring weekend on our hands (fingers crossed for less rain this time), and the city is blooming. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, May 9
Music in the Garden at Dunbar Garden // This is how you liven up a field. The first installment of this Dunbar Garden party (the second is in June) includes delicious eats from local food trucks, cooking demos, tasty sips and plenty of live music, all to support the community garden. BYO lawn chairs and blankets and get comfy for a good cause. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // It’s never too late for Cinco. Presbyterian Village’s annual fundraiser is still in the salsa spirit, promising guests an evening of Mexican cuisine, drinks, entertainment and auctions to support the foundation’s efforts to provide continuous care for older Arkansans. It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Ovation! Gala at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // 601 Main is never short on magic. Last year The Rep reimagined its black-tie gala to much success, and it returns this weekend with “Defying Gravity”-themed glitz, glam, live entertainment, luxury auctions and more. It all starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Read on: Swept Away with The Rep
River Market Live at the River Market Pavilions // Get into the groove, downtown. After a celebrated debut last summer, this concert series brings free, weekly concerts throughout the month of May. Up first this season is R&B singer DeeDee Jones with special guest comedian Brittany Wright, not to mention food trucks and Stone’s Throw serving up its craft brews. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, May 10
2nd Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // It’s 2FAN time, aka the monthly lineup of downtown businesses opening their doors for after-hours artistic fun. Highlights this month include art and wine at The Billion, a Howdy Bonita pop-up at Bella Vita, a “Momarrita” party at Sergio Valdivia Art, art vendors at the CALS Rock It! Lab and concerts and drinks at the Historic Arkansas Museum and Old State House Museum. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
More neighborhood news from Downtown & Argenta
Saturday, May 11
Buzz B-Q at the Downtown Riverside R.V. Park // North Little Rock is getting smoked this weekend. The 20th annual cookoff from 103.7 The Buzz features eats from barbecue pros and newbies alike. Get your fill from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Argenta Crawfish Boil & Pub Crawl // Still hungry? Join this first-time crawl hosted by Ol’ Bart at Diamond Bear. A ticket gets you in on the boil and live music, plus a pass that gets you discounts on brews at Flyway, Skinny J’s, Four Quarter and Draft + Table. Even better? Proceeds go to Women & Children First. The event lasts all day from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., so feel free to take your time. Learn more here.
Sip & Shop at Neverwhere Hillcrest // Having already built a fan base in WLR, the “coffee, comics and oddities” shop is breaking in its new Kavanaugh location in style. Come get caffeinated and shop pop-ups from Thrift & Plant, poppychild, Chey Makes Bread and more. They’ll be set up 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Second Saturdays Open Studios at Park Plaza // A mall may seem an unlikely place to take in high-quality art, but Zero Empty Spaces has changed that. The movement helps growing artists set up studios in, well, empty spaces in cities across the country. This monthly open house gives guests a chance to explore and find a new favorite local artist. Stop by noon – 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, May 10 & 11
Argenta Dogtown Throwdown // The Main Street fun is back, baby. This weekend, the NLR neighborhood shuts down the streets for outdoor dining, vendors, live music and local entertainment. Highlights include concerts from Nik Parr & The Selfless Lovers, Just Cuz and Chris “Bucket” Shelton, plus more mudbugs at Four Quarter and a Roper Romp for all the Helens out there. From Friday happy hour to last call on Saturday night, you’ll find all kinds of fun in Argenta. Learn more here.
Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Footloose” on Friday at 7 p.m. On Saturday is the next Exhibition on Screen installment “Leonardo: The Works” at 4 p.m., followed by an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, May 12
Mother’s Day in the Metro // Whoever you’re celebrating with or honoring this weekend, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Brunch reservations are filling up fast, so check with your favorite spots before popping in. And here are a few non-brunch options around the city:
- Mothers Day Market at Pettaway Square
- Sip & Shop at Rusty Tractor Vineyards
- Mother’s Day Out at South Main Creative (Saturday)
- Sweet or Salty Wine Pairing at River Bottom Winery
- Mother’s Day Shopping Event at Painted Tree (Saturday)
- Mom & Me Candle Making Experience at Pour Candle Bar (Friday)
- Board games (ok, and brunch) at Caverns & Forests
Still need some inspo? Shop our Mother’s Day gift guide or make your own French-inspired Mother’s Day brunch.
Saturday & Sunday, May 11 & 12
59th Annual Quapaw Quarter Spring Tour of Homes // Waiting all year for this quintessential Little Rock event is tough, but it’s paying off this weekend when guests get to enjoy touring historical neighborhood buildings, this time in the Dunbar and Governor’s Mansion neighborhoods. Bonus events include Saturday’s Candlelight Tour at 5 p.m. and Sunday’s 11 a.m. brunch. Learn more here.
Where to? These homes will be on the QQA route this weekend
Arkansas Talent at the Robinson Center // Closing out the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s season is this show featuring the talents of six Arkansas Talent finalists. The singers have been battling it out since November, vying for two winning slots and the chance to perform with the ASO. Finalists will compete over two nights, and the program includes performances by the four contest judges: Kris Allen, Bonnie Montgomery, Rodney Block and ASO Music Director Geoffrey Robson. Catch the shows at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
“Snow White” at UA-PTC CHARTS // Also closing out its season, Ballet Arkansas is bringing a family classic to the stage as part of its children’s series. The magical production features the story you love but “tailor-made for young children” with interactive elements for audiences and photo-ops with the cast. Showtime is noon on Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Inside the new season: Ballet Arkansas is Setting the Barre