Craft brews, the arts, performances and an opportunity to take in a bike race on a gorgeous fall day – we’re there. Check out our weekend roundup!
Thursday (Sept. 25)
Business After Hours at The Promenade at Chenal, 17711 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock: Come network with some other business types at the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours event. The event will include dining at some of the great restaurants at The Promenade — including A.W. Lin’s Asian Cuisine, Big Orange, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Café Brunelle, Local Lime, Maggie Moo’s Ice Cream and Treatery, The Tavern Sports Grill and YaYa’s Euro Bistro. Drinks will be provided by Coca-Cola, Glazer’s Distributors, Golden Eagle and Premium Refreshment Service. The cost is $5. For more information, click here. The event is from 5-7 p.m.
Zoo Brew 2014 at Little Rock Zoo, One Zoo Drive, Little Rock: What could be better than enjoying a nice, cold craft beer while also enjoying the sights and sounds of the Little Rock Zoo? We can’t think of anything either. Come do just that Thursday evening. There is one kicker: You have to be 21 to enter. The night will include live music, food from The Pie Hole, the Southern Gourmasian and the Waffle Wagon, in addition to a good sample of craft brews. Tickets are $25. For more information, and to purchase tickets, click here.
The Next Course at Clinton Presidential Center, 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock: Ever wanted to learn from some of the best culinary chefs in the business? Come to the Clinton Presidential Center on Thursday evening to do just that. The culinary staff from the library — including Executive Chef Stephen Burrow, Sous Chef Gilbert Alaquinez and Pastry Chef Anne Woodson — and Shane Henderson, executive chef at Ben E. Keith Foods, will host an instructional culinary experience that includes a wine reception and five-course meal. The night will also include tips and instructions on how to prepare the next course from the staff. The night of activities costs $150. Seating is available for 192 guests. The event is from 6-10 p.m.
A Vintage Affair for MS at Next Level Events, 1400 W. Markham St., Little Rock: It’s back again. The Second annual A Vintage Affair for MS, presented by Bank of the Ozarks, is back to bring awareness to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The night’s activities will include a wine tasting, live and silent auctions, a presentation of the MS Hope Wine and more. Cocktail attire is requested. Tickets are $100. For more information, and to purchase tickets, click here.
Saturday (Sept. 27)
Big Dam Bridge 100 at Big Dam Bridge, 800 La Harpe Blvd., Little Rock: This weekend ushers in the state’s largest cycling tour, which attracts nearly 3,000 cyclists from more than 20 countries around the world. The Big Dam Bridge 100 offers rides ranging from 15 miles to 100 miles, and offers beautiful scenery along the way. For more information, and to sign up, click here. Registration costs range from $49.95 to $89.95.
“Memphis” at Arkansas Repertory Theatre, 601 Main St., Little Rock: Need a ladies day out? Didn’t get a chance to see “Memphis” at The Rep? You’re in luck. The Rep has added an additional performance of the Tony Award-winning musical and is touting it as “Ladies Day Out.” The matinee, set to start at 2 p.m., will offer complimentary mimosas to ticket holders, 21 years or older. If you sport your school spirit you’ll be entered into a raffle for a one-hour massage. Groups of 10 or more will receive $5 off. Tickets are $55 for A seating and $40 for B seating. For tickets, or more information, click here. There are also tickets still available to final weekend shows Thursday (7 p.m.), Friday (8 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m. & 7 p.m.).
Little Rocktoberfest 2014 at War Memorial Stadium, One Stadium Drive, Little Rock: Welcome to the king of all home brew and craft beer festivals. This event, put on by the Central Arkansas Fermenters, is a yearly fundraiser for The Van, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the needs of the homeless. The event also offers the chance for people to learn about the brewing and fermentation process, while helping out a local charity. Tickets are $30 before the event, and $35 at the door. Designated drivers get in for $15. For more information, click here. The event is from 6-9 p.m.
Now-Sunday (Sept. 25-28)
ACANSA Arts Festival, Little Rock metro: You have all weekend to catch 26 performances at 17 venues throughout central Arkansas. The goal, you ask? To inspire public appreciation for the arts and enrich the economic and cultural vitality of central Arkansas. For a full schedule of the festival and ticket information, check out our complete guide here.
Friday-Saturday (Sept. 26-27)
“A Quiet End” at The Weekend Theater, 1001 W. 7th St., Little Rock: One of the earlier dramas, this one written in 1985, deals with the AIDS crisis in the United States. The drama, by Robin Swados and directed by Ryan Whitfield, tells the story of three men — a teacher, an aspiring jazz pianist and an unemployed actor — who live in a rundown apartment in Manhattan, have all lost their jobs and are outcasts of their families, because they have AIDS. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. For more information, and to purchase tickets, click here.
Saturday-Sunday (Sept. 27-28)
Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks Series at Maumelle Performing Arts Center, 100 Victory Lane, Maumelle: The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra is kicking off the 2014-15 Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks Series with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2, featuring pianist Andrew Staupe, who is a rapidly-emerging artist. The concert showtimes are set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $19, $35, $49 and $58. For more information, and to purchase tickets, click here.