So fresh and so very, very covered in sunscreen.
Thursday, June 15
Third Thursday Shop ‘n’ Sip in The Heights, Little Rock: It’s like pregaming for the weekend. During this monthly event, stores in The Heights extend hours until 8 p.m., and shoppers enjoy music, eats, drinks, sales and specials. There’s a lot going on in the June edition, but we suggest stopping by Domestic Domestic’s catfish social, a Father’s Day Galaga tournament at Bologna Joe’s and sipping watermelon sparklers with Eggshells Kitchen Co. For more info on Third Thursday, click here.
Alley Party at 332 Main St., Little Rock: The new project from Downtown Little Rock Partnership is back for the third and final bash of the series, bringing parties to the “tucked away portions of downtown.” This time the fun will take place in the alley behind Samantha’s Taproom (entrance on 4th Street), which will be packed with craft beer from Rebel Kettle, wine, food and live music from the Buh Jones Band. Be there 5:30-8 p.m. For more info, click here.
Serving up Solutions at Noah’s Event Venue, Little Rock: The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance is marking 10 years of this annual fundraiser with its most delicious menu yet. The event originated in an effort to encourage bipartisan awareness of hunger in Arkansas while joining forces to find solutions. The night’s proceeds help provide grants to the state’s food banks and pantries, while guests enjoy a four-course dinner prepared by local chefs and served by members of the Arkansas Legislative Hunger Caucus. The good eats start at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
A Day in the Life of Ginger Beebe, Former First Lady and Serving Up Solutions Co-Chair
Steak and Bourbon Pairing at Colonial Wine & Spirits, Little Rock: Get the Father’s Day festivities started early. You can sample your choice of Booker’s Bourbon, Jefferson’s Reserve Bourbon or Woodford Reserve while the experts help you sort out the perfect beverage to pair with dad’s favorite dish. Stop in from 4-7 p.m. For more info, click here.
Friday, June 16
Third Friday Argenta Art Walk, North Little Rock: It’s time to go on a walk, everybody. Lace up your comfy shoes because this fun walk is all about strolling through the Argenta Arts District’s monthly lineup of special exhibits. Walkable galleries include Barry Thomas Fine Art & Studio, Claytime Pottery, Mugs Café, House of Art, Laman Library, Greg Thompson Fine Art, Core Brewery, Ruth Pasquine Fine Art Studio, Paramount Skateboards, Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, StudioMain and the Southern Women Artisans Guild. The Art Walk runs from 5-8 p.m. For more info, click here.
Saturday, June 17
Beer Yoga at Rebel Kettle Brewing, Little Rock: You can thank us later, but we just found your new favorite weekend activity. Join instructor Valerie Talburt on the Rebel Kettle lawn, where it’s just $10 for the class and your first beer. BYO mat, towel, water and sunscreen. Doors open at 9 a.m. and the flow starts at 10 a.m. For more info, click here.
Want more? We got the scoop on beer yoga from Valerie Talburt. Read on.
River Cities Dragon Boat Festival at Lake Willastein, Maumelle: Let the absurdity begin. At this annual event, teams donhilarious costumes to race Hong-Kong style in long dragon boats while onlookers get to enjoy music, food trucks, kids activities and more. Yes, really. Even if you’re not in a boat, this is a serious sight to see. Plus, proceeds benefit the Children’s Protection Center. The fun kicks off at 8 a.m. For more info, click here.
Go! Mile at the Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock: Forget the long run, this weekend is all about the sprint. This annual family fun run is just one mile long, but packs in a punch. There’s an elite runners race, a half-mile for kids and The First Mile, a heat designed for newbies with zero pressure, just fun. The run is part of the Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix and benefits the Winston Penn Wardlaw Memorial Fund. The first heat starts at 7 a.m. For more info, click here.
Juneteenth Celebration at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Little Rock: Originating in Texas, this holiday commemorates the end of slavery in the U.S. with a focus on education, freedom and forward thinking. The MTCC is celebrating once again with a full-on block party complete with food trucks, vendor booths, live music (including V.I.C. and iheartmemphis) and plenty of other family-friendly activities. The fun starts at noon and lasts until 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Father’s Day Kayak Float at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock: Hope you got Pops some SPF for Father’s Day. This 4.5 – 5 mile float is a guided trip along the Maumelle River that requires no prior paddling experience. The group sets out from the Little Maumelle boat launch at 9 a.m., and advance payment and registration are required. For more info, click here.
Psst! Here’s a guide to last-minute Father’s Day gifts, you procrastinator, you.
Super Summer Saturdays at the Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock: Yes, those are giant bugs. No, you didn’t get zapped into “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.” Back for another year, this weekly summer special gets all ages involved with free educational activities, and this time they coincide with the center’s newest temporary exhibit, Xtreme BUGS. The creepies crawl from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. For more info, click here.
The Rosé Event at O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor, Little Rock: Oh hey, rosé. This libation is back in a big way, and O’Looney’s is loving every minute of it. Join their team at this annual event as they share some of their favorite bottles with guests. Yes, please. The tastings start at 1 p.m. For more info, click here.
Sunday, June 18
Arkansas Tomato Festival at the Bernice Garden, Little Rock: It’s not summertime in Arkansas without an abundance of tomatoes, and that’s exactly what we’re looking forward to at the Bernice Garden Farmers Market this weekend. Come celebrate with an heirloom tomato showcase, new recipes, live music, food and more. It all goes down during market hours of 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. For more info, click here.
Father’s Day Fishing at Wildwood Park for the Arts, Little Rock: And now in the “awesome family tradition” category, we present this annual event where you and Dad can fish Swan Lake (the only day it’s open to do so), play lawn games and explore woodland trails. Bring your gear and settle in from 12-5 p.m. For more info, click here.