Whether you’re into Valentine’s Day or not, we’ve got some pretty sweet stuff happening around Little Rock. From parades and Peanuts to von Trapps and Fred Astaire, it’s a good weekend to be in the city.
Friday (Feb. 13)
Second Friday Art Night at the Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E. Third Street, Little Rock: This month’s installment features two new exhibits that will be opening, “Public Face” by John Harian Norris and “She” by Lisa Krannichfeld. You can enjoy the musical stylings of Whale Fire, as well as February’s Year of Arkansas Beer offering: Stone Throw Brewing’s Chocolate Stout. The event starts at 5 p.m. For more information, click here.
Saturday (Feb. 14)
12th Annual Chocolate Fantasy Ball at the Little Rock Marriott, 3 Statehouse Plaza, Little Rock: The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas will host the annual black tie event that includes music, dancing, auctions, dinner, live entertainment and of course, unbelievable amounts of chocolate. The sweetness starts at 6 p.m. For more information, click here.
Art of Motion: Tango at the Arkansas Arts Center, 501 E. 9th St, Little Rock: Dance is a love language in itself, just ask the AAC. In this special Valentine’s Day edition of Art of Motion, dancers will enjoy a romantic dinner from Best Impressions and a night twirling through the galleries. No partner required. The magic starts at 7 p.m. For more information, click here.
SoMa Mardi Gras on S. Main St., Little Rock: There will be food trucks, a beard contest, tons of food AND a parade, all combining Mardi Gras and Valentine’s Day. It’s pretty simple logic. Be there. For more information, click here.
A Charlie Brown Valentine’s Day Party at The Clinton Center, 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock: To coincide with the “Pigskin & Peanuts” and “Heartbreak in Peanuts” exhibits at the Center, pack up the family and enjoy this free program. Guests can make valentines for patients at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and take part in other Peanuts-themed fun. It lasts from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, click here.
Friday & Saturday (Feb. 13 & 14)
“Frost Bite Me” at The Joint Theater, 301 Main St., North Little Rock: Stop by The Joint and get your dose of The Main Thing. They’ve got a show full of sketch comedy and parodies, including an original piece about Sherwood, Arkansas’ number one private eye. Plus, The Joint has plenty of food and drink to make the night even better. The show starts at 8 p.m. both nights. For more information, click here.
Saturday & Sunday (Feb. 14 & 15)
Dancing & Romancing at the Connor Performing Arts Center, 12701 Hinson Road, Little Rock: The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra adds to the Acxiom Pops Live! Series with a night of music and dance. Watch performers Joan Hess and Kirby Ward combine Broadway and Hollywood, inspired by the likes of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Gene Kelly and Eleanor Powell. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, click here.
Friday-Sunday (Feb. 13-15)
“The Sound of Music” at The Weekend Theater, 1001 W. 7th St., Little Rock: Yes, THAT “Sound of Music.” Catch the plight of Maria and the von Trapps, seeing it on stage in all its glory. Revisit an old favorite or introduce your kids to a new obsession. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, click here.
The Mid-Southern Watercolorists 45th Annual Juried Exhibition at the Arkansas Arts Center, 501 E. 9th St, Little Rock: The first year in a three-year partnership between the group and the AAC, the exhibit includes 30 works (narrowed down from nearly 200), chosen by nationally renown watercolorist Linda Baker. For more information, click here.
Thursday-Sunday (Feb. 12-15)
“How to Kill: World War II Watercolors by Robert Andrew Parker” at the Arkansas Arts Center, 501 E. 9th St., Little Rock: Based on the series of poems by WWII soldier Keith Douglas, the work of Robert Andrew Parker is a more gentle take on the poems’ harsh themes, creating an odd and fascinating contrast. The exhibit will only be at the AAC until March 8, so plan accordingly. For more information, click here.
Art in the Park UALR Exhibit at Wildwood Park for the Arts, 20919 Denny Road, Little Rock: Come out and enjoy the newest exhibit in the Art at the Park lineup. The show includes work from students, faculty and alumni from UALR in a variety of mixed media. The exhibit is open on weekdays from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and on weekends from noon- 4 p.m.. For more information,click here.