Congratulations, guys. We made it to the weekend and that means we deserve all the greatness the next few days are promising. Michael Jackson tribute bands? Food festivals? Fleetwood Mac? Oh, yes.
Thursday, April 16
Stephano’s Showcases works by John Kushmaul at Trio’s, Little Rock: Do you like good food? What about art? Then you won’t want to miss this weekend’s art show at Trio’s. Presented by Stephano’s Fine Art Gallery as part of its spring art series, works by well-known Arkansas artist John Kushmaul will be on display in the Trio’s Pavilion Room. The reception will be held Thursday, April 16, from 5:30-9 p.m. and is free and open to the public. Trio’s will provide hors d’oeuvres and there will be a cash bar. For more info, click here.
Opening Reception for SYMBIOTIC: Art, Nature and Spirituality at Wildwood Park for the Arts, Little Rock: Part of Wildwood’s Art in the Park series, SYMBIOTIC features the work of women artists who share an interest in the cycle of plants, people and spirit that make up the substance of life. The art incorporates textile, collage, sculpture and more in materials ranging from natural dye to beeswax and plants. Participating artists include Barbara Cade, Jessica Louise Camp, Sofia V. Gonzalez, Nichole Howard, Lisa Krannichfeld and Rachel Trusty. Wildwood will host an opening reception Thursday, April 16, from 6-8 p.m. with complimentary food and drinks from Whole Foods. There will also be a silent auction featuring artwork by Sally A. Williams with proceeds benefiting the Sally A. Williams Artist Fund. The event is free and open to the public. For more info, click here.
Thursday-Friday, April 16-17
Lena Skadegard Jewels Trunk Show at Barbara/Jean Ltd., Little Rock: We are in love with the rough, yet delicate jewelry designs of Lena Skadegard. Lucky for us (and you), Barbara/Jean is hosting a trunk show to showcase the designer’s newest pieces Thursday, April 16, and Friday, April 17, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Stop in and peruse the collection, which features hand-crafted pieces in 18K gold with precious and semi-precious gemstones. For more info, click here.
Friday, April 17
UAMS Cancer Institute’s RockStar Lounge at Rock Town Distillery, Little Rock: Hosted by an outreach group of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation known as the Envoys, this event is headlined by Who’s Bad, the “ultimate Michael Jackson tribute band.” And seriously, they are. Guests won’t stop until they get enough, and even when they do, they’ll also get to enjoy DJ G-Force (a personal fave of ours) and plenty of food, drinks and good times. The event starts at 7 p.m. For more info, click here.
Outdoor Entertaining with Chef Brian Kelley at Eggshells Kitchen Co., Little Rock: It’s patio season, y’all! That doesn’t mean just at a restaurant, either. In this installment from Eggshells, Chef Kelley will make sure you know how to utilize your own backyard by teaching you foolproof, classic dishes to impress all your friends at your own patio party. The class starts at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Friday-Sunday, April 17-19
Ballet Arkansas performs “Who Cares?” at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Little Rock: This is a very big deal. Ballet Arkansas is the first in the state to get approved by the George Balanchine Trust in New York City to perform this show. Choreographed by George Balanchine and set to the music of George Gershwin, the performance is full of well-known classics like “I Got Rhythym,” “Strike Up the Band” and “Clap Yo’ Hands.” Translation, this is not your grandma’s ballet. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more info, click here.
Saturday, April 18
Arkansas Earth Day Festival at Heifer International, Little Rock: Earth Day isn’t until next week, but we’re celebrating early with the Arkansas Earth Day Foundation’s annual event. The festival includes eats from food trucks like Katmandu Momo and lots of activities for the whole family. The event will of course be completely green and eco-friendly. Bonus: It’s free. The festival begins at 11 a.m. For more info, click here.
CHI St. Vincent 5K at War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock: We’ll just start stretching now. This 5k fun run will benefit nursing excellence at CHI St. Vincent Health System. The course begins at War Memorial Stadium, winds through the golf course and the CHI St. Vincent campus before and ends on the War Memorial field with your face on the Jumbotron. Really. Runners, walkers and virtual runners are all welcome, and day-of registration will be available. Start time is 8 a.m. For more info, click here.
“Joey’s Journey” performance at the St. Joseph Center, North Little Rock: Make plans to see the inaugural drama put on by The Voices of St. Joseph, a group of advocates dedicated to telling the story of the former St. Joseph’s Orphanage and raising funds for its preservation. Guests will enjoy a meal together before the show, good old fashioned family-style, with wine, beer and a farm-to-table menu. It all starts at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Saturday-Sunday, April 18-19
Spring Super Sale at Botanica Gardens, Little Rock: The one-stop shop for all things landscaping is ready to get you geared up for all that spring gardening you’ve been putting off. Newsflash: This is the time. You can get 25 percent off tropical plants; 30 percent off fountains and pottery; quart-sized perennials are buy-one-get-one 60 percent off; plus more specials. Sale hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and 12-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more info, click here.
Sunday, April 19
Fleetwood Mac, Verizon Arena, North Little Rock: I mean, who doesn’t like “Landslide” and “The Chain?” Get your fill of those hits and Fleetwood Mac’s numerous others this Sunday, April 19, at a concert at Verizon Arena. But hurry, tickets are almost sold out! Find out more and order here.
India Fest, River Market Pavilions, Little Rock: Need an exotic vacay? You’ll be transported to India this Sunday, April 19, at the inaugural India Fest at the River Market Pavilions. The event will include a “Taste of India” food fest, cultural activities, entertainment, fashion, art and authentic Indian merchandise for sale. Throughout the day, organizations and efforts devoted to helping children and children’s education will be honored, while different exhibitions and work from nonprofits will also be on display. This mini-vacation is going to be extra sweet for your bank accounts, too: It’s completely free. For more info, visit the India Fest website or check out the Facebook event page.