The heat is back and so is the school year, but not without a healthy dose of local weekend fun. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Aug. 7
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 later hours and extra fun like live music at Hillcrest Liquor & Fine Wines, Origami sake flights at Kemuri and a neighborhood takeover by Rock Town Distillery featuring its new salted vanilla vodka. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Art Department: Amber Cardinale at Thea Foundation // The nonprofit’s popular series is back for one last summer fling. At this show opening, explore the paintings of local artist Amber Cardinale through her mesmerizing exhibit “Unseen Forces.” The art starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Get your art on with our annual gallery guide to Little Rock
Friday, Aug. 8
2nd Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // It’s 2FAN time, aka the monthly lineup of downtown businesses opening their doors for after-hours fun. Highlights this month include the fourth annual Soul Explosion Music Festival at the Old State House Museum and back-to-school-themed games at the Historic Arkansas Museum. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
More local sounds: Jazz in the Park Announces Fall Lineup
Purr-fectly Crafted at Southern Tail Brewing // It may be the dog days of summer, but this one’s all about the feline friends. Friday is International Cat Day, and to celebrate, Southern Tail is showcasing catty art, permanent jewelry, pet treats and even adoptions, and it all benefits Community Cats of Central Arkansas. Stop by 5-10 p.m. Learn more here.
Pink’s Adult Bike Night Through Downtown LR & NLR // You ready to roll? This monthly ride is taking a lap by the river starting at the Clinton Center before making a pit stop at the aforementioned Soul Explosion Music Festival and then heading to the Travs game. Fire up your flashing lights and meet up at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Family Fest: Art in Bloom at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Next up in this AMFA event series is some hands-on, all-ages fun coinciding with the exhibit “The Long View: From Conservation to Sustainability: Works from the Bank of America Collection.” Activities include sculpting flowers, printmaking, botanical arrangements and more. Check it out 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Bingo on the Patio at BoBrook Farms // All that time in front of the tube is about to pay off. BoBrook’s monthly outdoor bingo sesh includes big prizes, a costume contest, food and plenty of beer and wine, and August’s game is TV-themed. Doors open at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Guitar Wars 3: Revenge of the Riffs at Ron Robinson Theater // The licks don’t lie. This third annual showdown sees guitar players of all ages compete to become music legends. The all-day battle starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here. Bonus: If you want less shred and more silly, head to the theater on Thursday for a 45th anniversary screening of “Airplane!”. More on that here.
Lost & Found Market at Sterling Market // No, we never get enough of all the local markets. Hosted by Dog Eat Dog, this market makes its return with more than 40 vendors showcasing their art, vintage goods and much more. Come shop 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Want to (lost and) find some new flavors? Try these five restaurants worth the commute.
Sunday, Aug. 10
Foam Fest for Pups at Bark Bar // What were we saying about the dog days of summer? This SoMa mainstay is marking them in full force with ’90s-themed tunes, treats and threads to go with the “mountains of foam for dogs to romp in.” The rad fun starts at 3 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: You can also snag a portrait of your pup while you’re there. More on that here.
Speaking of pups: Have you seen the winner of the 2025 Soirée Cutest Dog Contest?
Distill & Chill at Rock Town Distillery // The summer blockbuster vibes are alive and well in SoMa. Rock Town’s throwback movie series welcomes you to the barrel house for a free screening, popcorn and drink specials. August’s lineup is all about back to school, and this week “Grease” is the word. BYO chairs and blankets. Showtime is 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Aug. 7-10
“The Amen Corner” Opening Weekend at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // The Rep is taking audiences to church in the latest production of its SummerStage season. Written by James Baldwin and featuring the soulful sounds of local gospel choirs, the play follows a Harlem pastor whose world is turned upside down when her estranged husband returns. Learn more here.
Arkansas Travelers vs. Frisco RoughRiders at Dickey-Stephens Park // Play ball, y’all. The Travs take on the Texas team in this week’s series, which also features different specials each night like fireworks and a chance to meet Bluey and Bingo. Learn more here.
Laying low this weekend? Curl up with the art issue.