Foodie events, family festivals, The Little Mermaid herself — there’s something for everyone in this weekend’s packed agenda. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Sept. 11
Zoo Brew & Cocktails, Too! at the Little Rock Zoo // Bottoms up, party animals. It’s that time of year when you get your craft beer on while hanging out with lions and tigers and bears. This annual event features live music, food trucks and tons of brews to sample, plus a full cocktail menu. Proceeds from the event go to the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. The night kicks off at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
More foodie fun: Little Rock’s Greek Food Fest to Make Highly Anticipated Return This Fall
Ms. Lisa Fischer & Grand Baton at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Next up in the AMFA concert series is this Grammy-winning singer and her band who “reinvent classics in an organic fusion of Caribbean psychedelic soul and jazzy progressive rock.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Sept. 12
2nd Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // It’s 2FAN time, aka the monthly lineup of downtown businesses opening their doors for art-fueled after-hours fun. Highlights this month include a new artist residency spotlight at Nexus, some DIY screen-printing at the CALS Rock It! Lab, a documentary exhibit at the Old State House Museum, a Sadie Cake Art pop-up at Bella Vita and sake and grog sipping at the Historic Arkansas Museum. Plus, this month there’s a bonus block party on Cumberland between Second Street and President Clinton Ave. that includes food, art vendors and music. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Bonus: Keep those glasses raised with Flyway Brewing‘s Oktoberfest debut and a Pride Pilsner release party at Stone’s Throw.
Saturday, Sept. 13
Tinkerfest at the Museum of Discovery // Time for some hands-on fun. This annual event is full of activities (for both kids and adults) that teach all about the way things work, from robotics to waterworks and everything in between. More than 50 activities will take place both indoors and outdoors, stretching into the green space under the I-30 Crossing. The fun lasts from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Hits ‘N’ Giggles Pickleball Tournament at the Little Rock Athletic Club // Hosted by Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas, this second annual event invites pickleballers of all levels to “serve, smash and fundraise” for the nonprofit. Whether you’re ready to battle, in it for the outfits or just want to watch, it’s bound to be a day of community fun. It kicks off at noon. Learn more here.
RibFest at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church // Hope you’re hungry. This juicy feast of a fest is back to help support St. Margaret’s community outreach programs. Per tradition, teams will compete for the best ribs in town while guests get plenty of samples along with live music, vendors and football on the big screen. Be there 4-7 p.m. Learn more here.
Fiesta de Independencia Hispana at Plaza Frida // Happy (almost) Mexican Independence Day! Ahead of Tuesday’s holiday and to kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month, this fifth annual cultural festival brings together artists, food, vendors and performers to celebrate the independence and heritage of nine Latin American countries. Be there 5-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Read on: 3 Ways to Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Little Rock
“The Bach Tradition” at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral // Showcasing the works of revered composer J.S. Bach and his sons, this concert will be performed by Camerata Little Rock, a local chamber orchestra featuring a rotating roster of musicians including members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and UCA faculty. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., followed by a German coffeehouse-themed reception. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Sept. 11-13
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “12 Monkeys” on Thursday, then “Clue” on Friday, both at 7 p.m. On Saturday is a zombie-fueled marathon with “Night of the Living Dead” at 12:30 p.m., “Dawn of the Dead” at 3 p.m. and “Day of the Dead” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
“A Raisin in the Sun” Opening Weekend at Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church // Next up in the Actors Theatre of Little Rock season is this classic drama depicting three generations on Chicago’s South Side dreaming and struggling for a brighter future. Learn more here.
Save the dates: Little Rock’s Fall & Winter 2025 Performing Arts Calendar
Friday & Saturday, Sept. 12 & 13
Dogtown Throwdown in Argenta // The Main Street fun is back, baby. This weekend, the NLR neighborhood shuts down the streets for outdoor dining, vendors and local entertainment. Highlights include yoga in the plaza, pop-up markets at Flyway, live music, family activities and more local goodness, and this time with a tailgating theme. From Friday happy hour to last call on Saturday night, you’ll find all kinds of fun in Argenta. Learn more here.
Speaking of dogs: Our Cutest Dog Contest winner Bucky makes his debut.
Sunday, Sept. 14
Peace Week Workday at the 7th Street Mural Project // Time to roll up those sleeves. As Arkansas Peace Week kicks off, community members are encouraged to flex their painting skills to help spruce up the murals and do some maintenance. Come feel the neighborly vibes 9 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
Misfit Maker Market at Fassler Hall // More local markets? Don’t mind if we do. Expect everything from jewelry to art to vintage pieces, and all with a bit of that signature Misfit flair. Plus, this month comes with brunch. The market runs 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Wings on the River at the River Market Pavilions // Bring on the heat. The team behind Truth Sauce is hosting this second annual contest with 20 competitors vying for the wing trophy. The day also promises other food vendors, music and fun. Get your fill from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Stay hungry: What to Buy at Farmers Markets in September
Thursday – Sunday, Sept. 11-14
Acansa Arts Festival of the South // Spanning the course of three weekends, this fest continues its second week with a schedule packed with all sorts of performances on both sides of the river. This weekend’s lineup includes live jazz, improv, a gospel brunch and a hands-on art day for families coinciding with Dogtown Throwdown. Learn more here.
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s officially festival season: The 2025 Guide to Your Favorite Fall Festivals in the Little Rock Metro
Friday – Sunday, Sept. 12-14
Vintage Market Days at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // Talk about flea market fabulous. This traveling pop-up market rolls into town twice a year, setting up shop so locals can get their fill of antiques, clothing, outdoor furnishings, art, home goods, food trucks, live music and more. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more here.
Shop on: The Best Antique and Vintage Stores in Little Rock
Arkansas Comic Con at the Statehouse Convention Center // Ariel, is that you? This annual gathering is back with all sorts of pop culture vendors, panels and celebs over its three-day lineup including Priscilla Presley, Randy Quaid, Wallace Shawn, Jodi Benson and Adam Baldwin. The nostalgia is strong with this one. Learn more here.
“Mark Twain Tonight!” at the Robinson Center // The South’s greatest storyteller is taking center stage this weekend. Portrayed by the Emmy-winning Richard Thomas, this one-man show offers “a slice of Americana” as Twain revisits some of his most famed tales. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 13 & 14
It’s Fall Y’all Market at BoBrook Farms // Yes, the temps are still in the 90s, but we’re dreaming of the crisp autumn days to come. Get in the spirit and come shop booths from more than 50 local vendors while enjoying food trucks, lawn games and sips from River Bottom Winery. Be there 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday or noon – 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Seasonal style: Fall fashion goes full throttle in our September cover story.