The unofficial start of summer is officially here, and the city is welcoming it with lots of local fun. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, May 22
Tacos & Tequila at Argenta Plaza // What’s in a name? Exactly what’s in the name of this tasty event hosted by the Arkansas Times. Local restaurants are offering up some of the best tacos in town for guests to enjoy, along with lots of margaritas to wash it all down. Be there 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Wine Dinners in the Metro // When the hard part is choosing which vino evening to attend, you know you’re in the right place. Downtown, The Capital Hotel is exploring Kelham Vineyards wines from Napa Valley with a five-course menu at 6 p.m. Out west, Petit & Keet will be sipping Elk Cove Vineyards from Oregon with its own perfectly-paired, five-course menu at 6:30 p.m.
Potluck & Poison Ivy at The Joint // Argenta’s storytelling project is back featuring locals sharing their stories — Southern, savory and sometimes a little poisonous — in unparalleled style. In this session, guests will hear from musician and storyteller Greg Spradlin. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, May 23
Grand Opening at Rex’s // Remember in March when we mourned the loss of The Bagel Shop for four days (still not over it, honestly) before finding out its popular dinner series Rex’s was moving into the spotlight for good? Now they’re ready to welcome back the public with a fresh look and “comfort food for everyone.” Come get a taste 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Learn more here.
Fridays on the Lawn at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // As if you needed another reason to visit the AMFA, Fridays in June now mean lawn games, music, drinks and art classes on the MacArthur Park grounds. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Bonus: Loblolly Creamery is popping up in Hillcrest again from 3-8 p.m. Miss the memo? Catch up here.
Thursday & Friday, May 22 & 23
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Heat” on Thursday marking its 30th anniversary, then “Jaws” on Friday marking its 50th. Showtime is 7 p.m. both nights. Learn more here. Bonus: Want more iconic horror fun? Check out Cinema I/O’s “The Evil Dead” watch party on Saturday. More on that here.
Press play: Rooftop Cinema Series Announces Summer Movie Lineup, New Location
Saturday, May 24
Memorial Day Weekend Kayak Tour at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // We’ve got our fingers crossed for good weather this weekend, and one reason is this annual float trip down the Little Maumelle. The trip is guided and offers views of under-explored areas of the park. Kayaks launch at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Saturday Shop Vintage Market at The Bernice Garden // Over in SoMa, the vintage vibes are back at Bernice in the May edition of this recurring neighborhood event. Expect vendors with throwback fashions, decor and art. Come shop noon – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Red, White & Brew Pub Crawl in Downtown Little Rock // We’re raising this glass to you, Uncle Sam. This patriotic pub crawl takes you to Dugan’s, Lucky Lou’s, Brewski’s and Agasi 7, plus pitstops for food at Bruno’s and Tamalcalli. The frosty freedom fun runs 4-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, May 25
Blueberry Lemon Social at Fassler Hall // One tall taste of summer, coming right up. Rock Town Distillery is celebrating the launch of its new blueberry lemon vodka with an afternoon of seasonal cocktails, lawn games and giveaways. Check it out 1-5 p.m. Learn more here.
Little Rock Mimosa Festival at the River Market Pavilions // Now in its third year, this “ultimate brunch experience” is ready to serve up the deliciousness. This fest features live music, food trucks, vendors and, of course, plenty of mimosas. The sipping starts at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Sip on: 6 Slushy Cocktail Recipes for Memorial Day Weekend
Thursday – Sunday, May 22-25
10 Year Fiesta at Heights Taco & Tamale Co. // All week long, the Ark-Mex joint has been partying to celebrate a decade of deliciousness. Stop in and enjoy menu specials, giveaways and HT&T swag. Learn more here.
Speaking of delicious: Where to Pick Berries in Central Arkansas
Monday, May 26
Memorial Day Sunrise Hike at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // The early bird gets the view. Start the holiday off right with this annual trek starting at the West Summit Trailhead and led by a park interpreter. The hike starts at 5 a.m. Learn more here.
Memorial Day Pancake Run at Fleet Feet // Talk about motivation. This yearly fun run is back and with a pancake cookoff waiting for you at the finish line. All proceeds go to Team RWB, a nonprofit whose mission is “to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity.” Go time is 7 a.m. Learn more here.
Stay smart out there: Summertime Skin Safety 101
Red, White & Zoo at the Little Rock Zoo // What’s blue and white and red all over? A patriotic penguin waiting to celebrate Memorial Day with you. Come by and get in on specials, shows and family-friendly activities. Zoo hours are 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Monday, May 22-26
Pulaski County Fair at NLR Riverfront Park // In its final weekend, this fourth annual event is taking to the north shore, inviting guests to enjoy rides, games, vendors, lots of live music and some insane food. Learn more here.
More festival news: Juneteenth Celebrations Come to MTCC This Summer
Sunday & Monday, May 25 & 26
Little Rock Open at Rebsamen Tennis Center // We’re calling this a love-love situation. UAMS is kicking off eight days of pro tennis matches and camps, and it’s all free to the public. Learn more here.