Thursday, June 16
Third Thursday in The Heights, Little Rock: As if we didn’t already love this pre-weekend neighborhood get-together, it’s getting even bigger and better every time. During this monthly event, stores in The Heights extend hours until 8 p.m., and shoppers enjoy business open houses, music, hors d’oeuvres and drinks, sales and specials. Want more? Stop by Eggshells Kitchen Co. for some adult beverages and then hop over to the monthly food truck meetup, Cuisine at Calvary. For more info, click here.
“Traditional Arts of the Bedouin” at the UALR Fine Arts Building, Little Rock: With an iconic culture immortalized in film and beyond, the nomadic Bedouin people of the Middle Eastern deserts come to life in the latest exhibition to come to the UALR campus. Highlighting the features of traditional Bedouin life that survive today, this show includes everything from embellished metalwork to ceremonial coffee accoutrements. The showroom is open 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Monday-Friday or by appointment. For more info, click here.
Friday, June 17
Third Friday Argenta Art Walk in downtown Argenta, 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 Greg Thompson Fine Art, Mugs Café Gallery, Laman Library Argenta Branch, Argenta Gallery, The House of Art, Claytime Gallery, Southern Women Artisans Guild and Thea Foundation. And as always, women’s boutique Maddox is celebrating with a margarita and nacho night. More on that here. The Art Walk runs from 5-8 p.m. For more info, click here.
AfterHours at Playtime Pizza, Little Rock: To all the adults who miss the days of cutting loose at the arcade without the weird looks, we hear you. Luckily, so do the people who can bring those days back. AfterHours is essentially the adult swim of Playtime Pizza. You can play a ton of games, mini golf, bumper cars, mini bowling, go-karts or laser tag, all while you enjoy drink specials and tons of pizza. The late night party lasts from 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. For more info, click here.
The 80s Icons: Pop, Rock & Hip-Hop Concert and Dance Party at South on Main, Little Rock: They’re at it again. After the last 80s party a few weeks ago, we don’t need to explain why it’s on the to-do list. But you should know that there will be live performances from The Rodney Block Collective, DJ Hy-C and many musical guests. It starts at 9:30 p.m. Make your reservations by calling South on Main at (501) 244-9660. For more info, click here.
Delta des Refusés Opening Reception at Thea Foundation, North Little Rock: It’s like The Island of Misfit Toys, but way better. Now in its second year, this salon-style exhibition features the work of more than 80 aspiring artists whose works were rejected from the Arkansas Art Center’s current Delta Exhibition. The show runs through July 17, but kicks off with a reception on Friday from 5-8 p.m. For more info, click here.
Saturday, June 18
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 qualifies as part of the RRCA National Championship Event Series and benefits the Winston Penn Wardlaw Memorial Fund. Start time is 7 a.m. For more info, click here.
Little Maumelle Kayaking Adventure at Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock: Dig out the SPF and get ready for four and a half miles of pure, Natural State scenery that you’ll only experience from this special vantage point in your kayak. The float is guided and requires advance payment and registration. You launch from the Little Maumelle Boat Launch at 9 a.m. For more info, click here.
Psst! Not one for sun? Check out these nighttime activities at Pinnacle instead.
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 and plenty of other family-friendly activities. The fun starts at 11 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. For more info, click here.
5 Year Anniversary Party at The Root Café, Little Rock: Three cheers for The Root! Well, better make that five. The SoMa restaurant has been slinging good eats since 2011 and now it’s time to celebrate the community that has rallied around it. Stop in for food trucks, local beer, kids activities, live music from The Late Romantics and The Fried Pies and a good old-fashioned dessert potluck. The get-down goes down from 5-8 p.m. For more info, click here.
Yoga on the River at the First Security Amphitheater, Little Rock: It’s about to get bendy, y’all. Teaming up with the Little Rock Farmers Market, Big Rock Yoga is back once again to offer you a calming yoga sesh to start your day, along with some pretty stellar views of the Arkansas River. And when you’re done, you can stock up on fresh produce at the market next door. It starts at 8:30 a.m. For more info, click here.
Click here to see what’s in season for Arkansas in June.
Super Summer Saturdays at the Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock: If you haven’t started humming the Olympics theme song yet, this is where that ends. 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, American Champions: The Quest for Olympic Glory. Cue the music. The fun lasts from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. For more info, click here.
Sunday, June 19
2nd Annual Father’s Day Beer Breakfast at Lost Forty Brewing, Little Rock: Step away from the tie clip and give your pops something he really wants for Father’s Day, i.e. some life-changing biscuits and gravy. You can also fuel up on Belgian Bock bacon waffles, sausage and grits and a few new dishes to drool over. Dad can also snag a deal on the brand new Outdoorsman Camp shirts and rucksack patches. Bring him by anytime from 10:30 a.m.- 3 p.m. For more info, click here.
Father’s Day Crawfish Boil at Kent Walker Artisan Cheese, Little Rock: Is there a more quintessentially Southern way to celebrate Dad than with crawfish and beer? We think not. If that sounds like it’s right up your alley, come get your fill of mudbugs and wash it all down with special selections from Diamond Bear. The eats start at 1 p.m. For more info, click here.
Father’s Day at Del Frisco’s Grille, Little Rock: Hope you’re hungry. This restaurant at The Promenade at Chenal is offering incredible specials for you to enjoy (hellooooo, hand-carved prime rib), as well as a pretty sweet Father’s Day giveaway. In the prize pack is a YETI Tundra cooler, two prime burger patties, a set of steak knives from DFG’s Double Eagle Steak House and a $100 gift card to the Grille. You’re welcome. For more info, click here.
There’s a whole lot more on the docket for Father’s Day, including mini golf, sunset cruises, barbecue mastery and more. Click here for more dad-approved family fun in central Arkansas.