The last days of summer are going out with a bang (and a whole lot of food trucks) in the capital city. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Sept. 18
Arkansas Times Fall Margarita Festival at the River Market Pavilions // Pass the salt. Yes, this fest originated as a Cinco de Mayo celebration, but when there are margs on the line, there’s no time like the present. Local restaurants will compete for best margarita while food trucks serve the eats and a DJ supplies the music. The sipping starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Catalyst Quartet at Christ Episcopal Church // Opening the season for the Chamber Music Society, this concert will feature the Grammy-winning quartet’s talents, which the New York Times calls “invariably energetic and finely burnished… playing with earthy vigor.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Save the dates: Little Rock’s Fall & Winter 2025 Performing Arts Calendar
Friday, Sept. 19
Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // This monthly walk invites you to stroll through the Argenta Arts District’s lineup of special exhibits and events. Highlights include hands-on fun at The Innovation Hub, a Delita Martin exhibition at Acansa Gallery and an open studio with Bang-Up Betty, Miranda Young and Lee Lee Arts + Design. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
A Night in Vegas at The Hall // We’re counting on you, Lady Luck. This fifth annual fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House Charities is bringing the Vegas vibes with a night of local food, signature cocktails, raffles, auctions and plenty of gaming. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Three Dog Night at First Security Amphitheater // Another weekend, another great concert on the riverbank. This time around, classic rock icons Three Dog Night are bringing the hits to the stage (and the joy to you and me) along with the Little River Band. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday & Friday, Sept. 18 & 19
Charity Golf Tournaments // With the worst of the summer heat behind us, it’s golf tourney season. These are hitting the green this weekend:
Saturday, Sept. 20
Birthday Celebration at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center // HBD, MTCC! The downtown museum is marking its 17th anniversary with a family-friendly morning of cupcakes, games, prizes and a taste of history. Stop by 10 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
Lost & Found Market at Sterling Market // No, we never get enough of all the local markets. This weekend’s edition makes its return with more than 40 vendors showcasing their art, vintage goods and much more. Come shop 2-7 p.m. Learn more here.
More shop talk: Junior League of Little Rock to Retire Holiday House
Hispanic Heritage Festival at Argenta Plaza // The National Hispanic Heritage Month festivities continue on the north side of the river this week. Now in the event’s fifth year, Seis Puentes and NLR are again “celebrating the Latinx spirit” by combining forces with the Argenta Vibe Music Series for a day of live music, good eats, activities for the kids and more. Join the festivities 4-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Southern Silks Stakes at Embassy Suites // Time to break out your best hat. The Methodist Family Health Foundation is back with its annual derby-themed bash offering faux horse races, prizes, food and auctions. Proceeds go to support MFH’s “continuum of care” for Arkansas children. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Plus: Tickets are no longer available for Gala for Life, but you can still donate to help the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute reach its fundraising goal. More on that here.
Thursday – Saturday, Sept. 18-20
Acansa Arts Festival of the South // Spanning the course of three weekends, this fest enters its final week with a schedule of performances on both sides of the river. This weekend’s lineup includes live music, a Potluck & Poison Ivy event, the aforementioned Hispanic Heritage Festival and more. Learn more here.
Jacques & Suzanne Legacy Celebration at Petit & Keet // Tastes like nostalgia. For the fifth year in a row, Petit & Keet is paying homage to the beloved downtown restaurant that closed in 1986 with a menu offering the fine Swiss-French cuisine it was known for. Get the full menu by reservation only on Thursday, or a condensed version on Friday and Saturday. 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 “GoldenEye” on Thursday at 7 p.m. On Saturday is the next Exhibition on Screen installment “Michelangelo: Love and Death” at 4 p.m., followed by an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, Sept. 19 & 20
Oktoberfest // In a city with this many breweries, we come by the beer-fueled fun honestly. Hoist your stein at these local joints:
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Sunday, Sept. 21
Yogathon Arkansas at MacArthur Park // Six hours full of all things yoga should be enough to find your zen. From restorative to high-energy sessions, it’s all here at this outdoor event led by local yogis. The flow kicks off at 7 a.m. Learn more here.
Downtown Food Truck Festival at 30 Crossing Park // New location, same pure deliciousness. For the second year in a row, this fest is setting up shop in a different area, this time in the green space under the new 30 Crossing bridge. But as always, a jam-packed lineup of trucks will be selling their tasty wares, along with dozens of vendor booths, live entertainment, artists and activities. The 14th annual event runs from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
‘Tis the season: The 2025 Guide to Your Favorite Fall Festivals in the Little Rock Metro
River City Men’s Chorus Fall Concert at St. James United Methodist Church // We like the sound of this. The local chorus will kick off its 22nd season with “The Magic of Stage & Screen,” a concert featuring some of the most beloved pieces from movies, TV, Broadway and beyond. The free show starts at 3 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Sept. 18-21
One Year Anniversary at Southern Tail Brewing // Load the confetti cannons. This East Village joint is marking its first year with a whole weekend of festivities. Expect new brew launches, live music, menu specials, brewery tours and lots more. Learn more here.
Friday – Sunday, Sept. 19-21
High Stakes Shootout at the Burns Park Tennis Center // The US Open is in the rearview mirror so it’s time for a new champ. This annual level-four tournament sees singles, doubles and mixed competitors face off to take home cash prizes while benefiting the Arkansas Cup Tennis Foundation. Festivities include a Special Olympics adaptive tennis clinic and a glow-in-the-dark players’ party. Learn more here.
Live Shows at Simmons Bank Arena // The NLR venue always has a great lineup, and this weekend is no exception. Catch Nelly, Ja Rule and Chingy on Friday at 7:30 p.m., then comedian and recent Emmy host Nate Bargatze on Sunday at 7 p.m. Learn more here.