We have a wild few days of weather on our hands, so first things first: keep an eye on the sky. All of these events are still on as of the time of publication, but make sure to double check organizers’ social media accounts before heading out. That said, let’s get into it.
Thursday, April 3
First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month, and that means it’s time to get your shop ‘n’ sip on. Soak up the Kavanaugh vibes while you take advantage of the specials, later hours and extra fun. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
SoMa Squeeze Release Party & Beer Crawl // We’ll raise a glass to this. SoMa 501 and Stone’s Throw Brewing collaborated to create the custom saison SoMa Squeeze in honor of the neighborhood. The night starts with a launch/tasting party at Few, then morphs into a beer crawl featuring your favorite local haunts. It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Pour one out: The Bagel Shop to Close its Doors in April
Tabriz Table at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // It’s back. For the first time since 2017, AMFA’s signature two-part fundraising event is ready to welcome guests to its MacArthur Park grounds and build on the excitement of its current exhibit “Rivera’s Paris.” This precursor bash features a fusion of French and Mexican cuisine, live music, a silent auction and interactive experiences. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
A la Carte at ACH Angel One Transport Hangar // How’s your appetite? The ACH Auxiliary’s annual fundraiser returns with tastings from more than 20 of your favorite local restaurants and caterers — think: George’s, The Root, Kemuri, Problem Child and much more — plus a silent auction to support its medical services. The night starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: Tickets to UA-PTC’s foodie fundraiser Diamond Chef and AR Kids Read’s Spellebration are sold out, but you can still show your support through online auctions.
Saturday, April 5
Red Shoe Shuffle 5K at Two Rivers Park // New name, same good vibes, same great cause. Formerly called the Shamrock Shuffle, this fourth annual 5K includes a superhero-themed, one-mile route for kids 10 and younger, and it all goes to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. Start time is 1 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: Tickets to AMFA’s famed black-tie gala Tabriz are sold out, but you can still show your support through the online silent auction. More on that here. And don’t miss our March cover story with Tabriz co-chairs Mary Olive and John Stephens.
Thursday – Saturday, April 3-5
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Memento” on Thursday and “The Royal Tenenbaums” on Friday, both at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday is “The Sandlot” at noon, “National Theatre Live Presents: Nye” at 3 p.m. and a BingoFlix (and director’s cut) screening of “Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, April 6
Rock, Paper, Run After Party at Laman Library // Say what you want about Little Rock’s runners, but they clearly like to read. CALS and the NLR Public Library System’s Rock, Paper, Run 5K is sold out, though everyone is invited to the free after party. The bash includes food trucks, games, crafts and lots of chances to celebrate National Library Week. Stop by 10 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
Barkus on Main in the Main Street Creative Corridor // Yes, we may be in April, but the Mardi party continues, and this time with puppies. Main Street from Third to Sixth will close off for this annual pet parade and block party with music, gumbo, a crawfish boil at Brewski’s, a hurricane station, five-dollar margs at Tamalcalli, a beer garden and an after party at Bark Bar. The cuteness begins at noon. Learn more here.
More al fresco fun: Dogtown Yoga Series Returns to Argenta Plaza
Saturday & Sunday, April 5 & 6
“Fairies and Flowers” at the Robinson Center // Next up in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks Series is this fanciful show featuring the talents of principal oboist Leanna Renfro, Ballet Arkansas dancers Meredith Loy and Aldrin Vendt, soprano Kara Claybrook, mezzo-soprano Nisheedah Golden and the Arkansas State University Women’s Choir alongside the music of Henry Purcell, Jean Francaix and Felix Mendelssohn. Catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
More stage news: Little Rock’s Spring & Summer Performing Arts Calendar
Bonus: And for the green thumbs among us (or the wannabes with aspirations), there are multiple plant sales happening at the moment that also support the community, including:
Or if you’d rather lie low this rainy weekend, curl up with the April issue of Soirée.