With a perfect weekend forecast ahead of us, can you blame us for daydreaming a little? From wild animals to fresh produce to robots, the next few days promise to be pretty extraordinary. Engaging weekend mode now.
Thursday, April 30
Science After Dark: Weather at the Museum of Discovery, Little Rock: We’re going to go ahead and knock on wood since we haven’t had too much bad weather this season, but the MoD is going for it. In this month’s Science After Dark, guests will hear from meteorologist Natalie Walters, Entergy, the American Red Cross and the US Natural Weather Service. And of course, Stone’s Throw Brewing, Juanita’s, Damgoode Pies and Kevin Delaney will be service up a solid dose of awesome. The event starts at 6 p.m. For more information, click here.
Arkansas a la Carte at Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock: As the signature event benefitting the ACH and all of its many programs (including Children’s House), this one is a no-brainer. Food from 25 of your favorite local restaurants and caterers, a silent auction and live music. Come in you best picnic chic attire (yes, really) and get there at 6:30 p.m. when the fun starts. For more information, click here.
Function at the Clinton Junction Bridge Party and Fun Walk, Little Rock: The Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency is celebrating National Donate Life Month with this fun walk grand marshaled by KATV Daybreak anchor Alyson Courtney. Walkers will cross the bridge into North Little Rock for a brief ceremony in honor of donors. Back on the other side, fireworks will mark end end of Donate Life Month, along with food, live music, giveaways and on-site donor registration. Start time is 5:30 p.m. For more information, click here.
Revolutionary Potluck with Beast Food Truck at Dunbar Community Garden Project, Little Rock: Last week, we told you about Beast Food Truck being highlighted on Small Business Revolution and the short film featuring owner Gwen Jones. To celebrate, they’re throwing a potluck exactly where Gwen grows much of Beast’s produce. The truck will provide its famous carnitas while Stone’s Throw and Flyway supply the beer. Guests are asked to bring a side dish (it’s a potluck, remember?) and enjoy the gorgeous weather watching the film on a big screen together. The potluck starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, click here.
Friday, May 1
Dinner on the Grounds at the Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock: This al fresco event benefitting Our House invites guests to enjoy a gourmet meal under the Arkansas stars. In recent years, it’s been held at places like the Terry House and the Governor’s Mansion. For the 10th anniversary, however, they’re kicking it up a notch and moving to the Clinton Center. The event starts at 6:30 p.m., and don’t forget to check out our Q&A with co-chairs Darrin and Nicole Williams. For more information, click here.
Arkansas Cancer Society Relay for Life at the Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock: As the ACS’s biggest fundraiser, the Relay always draws a crowd, aiding the fight against cancer, the celebration of survivors and the remembrance of loved ones. Festivities include a luminaria ceremony, a closing ceremony at midnight and plenty of food, fun and family-friendly entertainment along the way. Opening ceremonies start at 6 p.m. For more information, click here.
Friday-Saturday, May 1-2
Young Artists Exhibit opening night at Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock: For more than 60 years, the AAC has featured work from kids all over the state, from kindergarteners to high school seniors., choosing the best of the best from over 455 entries. The exhibit opens Friday night and runs through July 26. On Saturday, May 2, the AAC hosts the 54th Young Arkansas Artists Awards Ceremony and Family Festival from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., with an awards ceremony starting at 1 p.m. For more information, click here.
Friday-Sunday, May 1-3
Arts & the Park Festival in Hot Springs: This first annual, ten-day arts festival celebration has been on our radar and we’re ready to get our art on. This gigantic festival will feature local artists, musicians, literary, culinary and performance artists with something new happening on each of the ten days. It all kicks off at 11 a.m. on Friday and lasts through Sunday, May 10. For the full lineup of events and more information, click here.
Saturday, May 2
Little Rock Farmers Market in the River Market Pavillions, Little Rock: It’s finally happening! Kicking off its 41st year, the market brings an abundance of fresh produce straight to residents, as well as providing some family-friendly activities along the way. Big Rock Yoga will host a free class on the Riverfest Amphitheater stage at 8 a.m. and the Rock City Rescue folks will be there with adoptable pets that will be impossible to turn down. There’s a lot more in the lineup, so don’t miss it and the perfect weather. The market opens at 7 a.m. For more information, click here.
North Little Rock Mini Maker Faire at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, North Little Rock: Ok, this may be the coolest thing on the list. As part of the fourth annual Argenta Arts Festival, the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub has cooked up a conglomerate of art, science, technology and all things “made.” We’re talking rockets, robots, bicycles, power tool drag racing, DIY science and technology projects, urban farming and sustainability, music, local food and more. Bring us to glory, iron giant. It lasts from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, click here.
Go! Running 5th Anniversary Celebration at Go! Running, Little Rock: The Heights running shop is turning five years old and is throwing a party all month long with tons of giveaways. It all begins on Saturday where you can be one of five people to win a free pair of Nike shoes of your choice. New kicks and a great group of folks? Sign us up. The shop opens at 10 a.m. For more information, click here.
Southern Silks at the Clear Channel Metroplex Event Center, Little Rock: The Methodist Family Health Foundation is back with their annual Kentucky Derby celebration and fundraiser. This “post-race soirée” offers attendees food, drinks, a hat contest, faux horse races and a live auction. Proceeds go to support the programs at MFH. Read our Q&A with Kathleen Kennally, a crucial part of the team that makes Southern Silks happen, and then put on your biggest hat. The event starts at 6 p.m. For more information, click here.
Wild Wines of the World at the Little Rock Zoo, Little Rock: We’re not supposed to pick favorites, but this annual event is always high on the list. Guests will enjoy live entertainment and food from the city’s best restaurants, all paired with hand-selected wines from O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor. Learn more about event chair and Sommelier Jonathan Looney in our April issue. Afterward, you can party on down with Alice 107.7 DJ Poolboy and Tre’ Day. Um, yes, please. It starts at 7 p.m. For more information, click here.