Somehow we already made it to the end of another month, and it’s time to pay our respects by having the best weekend ever.
Thursday, April 27
Science After Dark: Anatomy Prom at the Museum of Discovery, Little Rock: No buckets of pig blood, we promise. This edition of the MoD’s monthly grownup meetup is all about the bod, so come learn about your anatomy and feel free to wear your worst/best prom attire. As always there will be drinks from Stone’s Throw, pizza from Damgoode Pies and some Loblolly Creamery treats to wash it all down. It all kicks off at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
The Fashion Event at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, North Little Rock: It’s about to get stylish, y’all. Arkansas-based designer Linda Rowe Thomas and local boutiques are taking to the runway to show off some of the season’s latest and greatest looks. Guests will also enjoy unique cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a trip to the beer garden. It starts at 7 p.m. For more info, click here.
Alley Party at 1212 East 6th St., Little Rock: The newest project from Downtown Little Rock Partnership, this event series will take place “in tucked away portions of downtown.” First up is the parking lot of the former Recycle Bikes for Kids space beside Rock Town Distillery, which will be packed with drinks from Lost Forty, Rebel Kettle and Rock Town Distillery, eats from Taqueria Jalisco San Juan food truck and live music from The Going Jesses. Be there 5:30-8 p.m. For more info, click here.
Friday, April 28
Rhythm on the River at the Robinson Center, Little Rock: Having a hard time waiting for the ASO’s annual Opus gala in November? You’re not alone. To help tide you over, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Guild dreamed up this brand new event. Like its fancier cousin Opus, Rhythm on the River aims to raise funds to support music education in Arkansas, but with a more casual atmosphere with dinner, drinks and dancing to the sounds of The B Flats. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. For more info, click here.
Saturday, April 29
Indie Arts & Music Festival, Hillcrest, Little Rock: Or as everyone knows it, Etsy Fest. Etsy Little Rock is hosting the annual fest with 75 vendor booths featuring everything from handmade jewelry and screen-printed shirts to crafted pens and items for your pets. Live music and local food trucks will also be on hand at this free event. Stop in from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more info, click here. Update: Due to weather concerns, Etsy Fest has been postponed until May 27.
Into the Blue at Pulaski Technical College, Little Rock: Thea Foundation’s annual fundraiser is back and with a whole new attitude. Located in the Center for the Humanities and Arts, the night will celebrate the foundation’s achievements with performances from past scholarship winners while guests enjoy a cocktail dinner buffet and full bar to go with the show-stopping entertainment. Also returning is the Pillar of the Arts Award, which will go to the one and only Judy Tenenbaum. The event begins at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
A Decade of Fringe at Fringe Benefits Salon, Little Rock: This calls for party hats. The salon is marking 10 years in the biz with a party that will include a champagne bar, DJ, swag bags and delicious food by Donnie Ferneau. Fringe is also partnering with Lucie’s Place, a local shelter for homeless LGBTQ young adults, to host a giveaway. Enter by dropping off a Rock Region Metro bus pass, AT&T Go Phone card or a $10 cash donation at Fringe. Stop in from 6-9 p.m. For more info, click here.
Night of Distinction at the University of Central Arkansas, Conway: Now in its seventh year, this event will once again honor notable UCA alumni, this year celebrating Charlie Strong, Herby Branscum Jr. and Sue Voegele. The evening includes dinner and a program featuring the honorees. It all begins at 6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Brews & Barks at Diamond Bear Brewing Co., North Little Rock: It’s a pup-friendly craft brew tasting benefitting the Humane Society of Pulaski County. If that doesn’t grab your attention, nothing else we can add will. It starts at 2 p.m. For more info, click here.
Argenta Reading Series with Dr. Amina Gautier at Argenta United Methodist Church, North Little Rock: If you haven’t heard, Argenta’s new monthly meetup has a goal to “connect writers directly with their audience” by inviting the two into an intimate space (and for free!). This month, award-winning author Dr. Amina Gautier will present her work to the crowd, along with writer/editor Christopher Beaumont. The night starts with live music at 6:30 p.m. Readings start at 7 p.m. For more info, click here.
9th Annual B Street Rib Off at Argenta Plaza, North Little Rock: We’re hungry already just thinking about the street filled with deliciousness. The yearly barbecue throwdown will also feature live music, food trucks, local beer and raffles. Plus, proceeds go to the American Cancer Society of Central Arkansas. It lasts from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. For more info, click here.
Party with a Heart’s Girls’ Night Out Dance Party at the Argenta Community Theater, North Little Rock: Each year, Party with a Heart partners with a different local nonprofit to host an event increasing its awareness. Bringing attention to this year’s nonprofit partner, the Literacy Action of Central Arkansas, this event is a good, old-fashioned dance party for the ladies, complete with drinks and hors d’oeuvres. In other words, gather up your girlfriends and get on the floor. The party starts at 8 p.m. For more info, click here.
ArtWorks at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Little Rock: An annual fundraiser for The Rep, ArtWorks is an art auction featuring the work of more than 90 central Arkansas artists. Guests will also enjoy libations and hors d’oeuvres followed by silent and live auctions of, well, artworks. The art-y party begins at 6:30 p.m. For more info, click here.
Sunday, April 30
Jewish Food and Cultural Festival, War Memorial Stadium, Little Rock: Mazel tov! Hosted by the Jewish Federation of Arkansas, this event allows you to enjoy live music while you learn about Jewish traditions and, of course, eat tons of delicious food. There will even be a special Western Wall replica where you can leave a blessing or prayer, which will then be taken to the real Wall in Jerusalem. Also awesome? There’s no admission fee. Stop in from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more info, click here.
IndiaFest at the First Security Amphitheatre, Little Rock: Want to forget you’re in Arkansas for a hot second? You can do just that at this annual event that includes food, cultural activities, entertainment and more. Visitors will also enjoy different exhibitions, kids activities and more throughout the day. It lasts from 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. For more info, click here.
Thursday-Sunday, April 27-30
Arkansas Literary Festival in downtown Little Rock: Listen up, literary lovers. The much-anticipated event is descending upon downtown Little Rock this weekend, and you won’t want to miss it. Hosted by the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS), the fest will feature dozens of presenters ranging from Pulitzer Prize-winners and comedians to screenwriters, journalists and artists. And if you’re interested in meeting some of your favorite writers face-to-face, don’t miss the Author! Author! party on Friday night. For more info on the weekend’s activities, click here.
Meet Therese Anne Fowler: Author of “Z: A novel of Zelda Fitzgerald”