Break out the sparklers, Little Rock. The star-spangled fun is on in a big way this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, July 3
First Thursday Shop & Sip in Hillcrest // It’s the first Thursday of the month, and you know what that means — time to get your Hillcrest on. Soak up the Kavanaugh vibes while you take advantage of the specials, later hours and live music. This month, everyone is screaming for the annual ice cream social where visitors will enjoy free ice cream, cookies, lemonade and other treats, all set to the sounds of the Quapaw Brass Quintet. It all kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Boot Scoot’n American Good Time at Camp Taco // Nothing says “U.S.A.” quite like a well-placed “yeehaw.” This restaurant is getting the Fourth festivities started early with cowboy-themed menu specials, country karaoke and a western wear contest. Be there 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, July 4
Sunrise Hike at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // Start your holiday off with a bang and the best view of your city starting at the West Summit Trailhead. The guided hike starts at 5 a.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Stick around the West Summit Area after the hike to get in on lawn games, sprinklers and park fun. More on that here.
Firecracker Fast 5K in The Heights // This speedy race isn’t called “firecracker” just for the holiday. With a start line at 6150 Kavanaugh Blvd. and the finish line at War Memorial Stadium, you’ll definitely get your sweat in for the day. Plus, the timed race includes lots of downhill stretches, so you just might make a new PR. Go time is 7:30 a.m. Learn more here.
Run on: Summer Runs to Have on Your Radar
Fourth of July Activities at the Clinton Presidential Center // Another of the city’s institutions is getting in on the Fourth fun. Along with free admission to the museum, the day includes Revolutionary War reenactments, patriotic crafts and free ice cream. Doors open at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Frontier Fourth of July at the Historic Arkansas Museum // Huzzah! If you’d like a peek into how this holiday was celebrated on the Arkansas frontier, check out this family-friendly event. The day includes cool treats, games, a reading of the Declaration of Independence and more. Patriotism ensues from 10 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
BYO Pool Party at Southern Tail Brewing // This just might be our new favorite way to beat the heat while bringing the holiday vibes. Southern Tail is screening some of your fave summer movies on the big screen in the yard all day with food specials, its brand new “Above Ground Pool” pilsner and the invite to bring your own mini pools and lounge chairs to spread out and soak up the sun. Restaurant hours are 10:45 a.m. – 10 p.m. Learn more here.
Hoppy 4th of July at Lost Forty // The brewery’s (very cheeky) monthly meetup is making the move to the holiday in order to properly toast the land of the free. Load up on all-day drink specials, flights of your favorite brews and house-smoked pulled pork sandwiches. Pub hours are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Learn more here.
Pops on the River at the First Security Amphitheater // It’s bigger, better and more booming than ever. Now in its 41st year, there’s all sorts of fun to accompany the fireworks extravaganza over the Arkansas River (think: food trucks, music, kids activities). Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m. Learn more here.
More flying sparks: Where to Watch Fourth of July Fireworks in the Metro
Saturday, July 5
Grand Opening at the Two Rivers Garden Center Farmers Market // More freshness on the menu? Yes, please. Located at 6722 Two Rivers Drive, the new market offers locally grown fruits, flowers and vegetables. It’s also cash only, so plan accordingly. Shop 8 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
Backyard BBQ Party at The Rail Yard // This corner of East Village is turning up the heat for the holiday weekend. Expect specials on barbecue and drinks, plus lawn games, food trucks and live music. Yard hours are 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Learn more here.
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “An American Tail” at 12:30 p.m., then “The Music Man” at 3 p.m. and, naturally, “Independence Day” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Press play: Where to Watch Classic Movies in Little Rock This Summer
Sunday, July 6
Distill & Chill at Rock Town Distillery // The summer blockbuster vibes are coming to SoMa. Rock Town’s throwback movie series welcomes you to the barrel house for a free screening (this week it’s “Jaws”) and popcorn, plus drink specials. BYO chairs and blankets. Showtime is 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Little Rock Rangers vs. Texas Spurs at War Memorial Stadium // Gather the Red Watch, it’s game time. Come cheer on Little Rock’s women’s soccer team as they take on the Allen-based club and host their first-ever playoff match. Sunday’s faceoff starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, July 3-6
Arkansas Travelers vs. Frisco RoughRiders at Dickey-Stephens Park // Peanuts and Cracker Jack on deck. The Travs take on the Texas team in this week-long series, which also features different specials for fans each night like all-you-can-eat picnics and post-game fireworks both Friday and Saturday. Learn more here.
And last, but certainly not least, a toolkit for heat survival: