From ten gallon hats to tutus and robots, this weekend is shaping up to be a good one. Here’s our roundup of the best things around the city to see, do and drink.
Friday (Dec. 12)
2nd Friday Art Night at the Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E. Third St., Little Rock: Along with their annual Nog-Off (so good it deserved it’s own listing below, the museum has two new exhibits open: “Capturing Early Arkansas in Depth: The Stereoview Collection of Allan Gates” and “this is the garden: colors come and go” Works by Rachel Trusty. A free shuttle will transport visitors between Art Night venues and ends at 8:30 p.m. The event starts at 5 p.m. For more information, click here.
10th Ever Nog-Off at the Historic Arkansas Museum: We don’t know about you, but we’re nog people. The annual Nog-Off is a friendly competition for the best eggnog in the metro. Nogs are judged by a guest panel, and there’s also a people’s choice winner. Yes, that means you get samples. The fun starts at 5 p.m. with a ceremonial cracking of the first egg by the first two inducted Nog Emeriti at 4:45 p.m. For more information, click here.
Saturday (Dec.13)
Beer, Brats and ‘Bots at The Launch Pad, 201 E. Broadway, North Little Rock: Beep beep boop! Come one and all to watch robots fight to the death, or error at least. Rather be a commander? Sign up with your team and pilot one instead. Either way, there will be plenty of beer and brats to go around. Teams need to show up by 9 a.m. and doors open to the public at noon. For more information, click here. For tickets and registration, click here.
Nick Flora and Stacy Lantz Christmas Show at Mugs Café, 515 Main St., North Little Rock: Get your holiday groove on while you get your coffee sip on. Relax to the Nashville sounds of indie- pop singer/songwriter Nick Flora and Stacy Lantz. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, click here.
Holly Trolley Day in the River Market and Argenta: Maybe they should add “jolly” to the title because you don’t get much more Christmas cheer than this. Not only do you get free trolley rides all day, but with your wristband, you’ll get access to all sorts of specials at participating shops and restaurants.
Thursday-Saturday (Dec. 11-13)
The Garth Brooks World Tour featuring Trisha Yearwood at Verizon Arena, North Little Rock: For the first time in nearly 25 years, the country music mega-superstar will be in the metro along with his country music mega-superstar wife. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For more information and the few tickets still available, click here.
Friday-Saturday (Dec. 12-13)
“A Fertle Holiday” at The Joint, 301 Main St., North Little Rock: The tiny town of Dumpster, Arkansas is the setting for this original comedy. Follow the Fertle Family, brought to life by The Main Thing comedy trio, as they fumble through a holiday reunion. The coolest part? The trio portrays all the relatives and townspeople, and there are definitely a lot of them. For tickets and more information, click here.
Friday-Sunday (Dec. 12-14)
Christmas at the Old State House, 300 W Markham St, Little Rock: Enjoy the seasonal sounds of the Arkansas Chamber singers at this annual favorite. Come hear traditional music of the season, music of new composers and music popular during the American Civil War. Plus, the acoustics can’t be beat! Friday and Saturday performances will be at 7 p.m., and on Sunday at 3 p.m. For more information, click here.
“The Nutcracker” at the Maumelle Performing Arts Center, 100 Victory Ln, Maumelle: The Christmas musical celebrates another season brought to life by professional ballet company, Ballet Arkansas. Accompanied by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, “The Nutcracker” performances will take place on Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. For tickets and more information, click here.