Buckle up, readers. It’s one of our biggest lineups of the year — fiestas, festivals, fairs and all. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Oct. 9
Popcorn & Purpose Movie Night at Rockwater Marina // A movie under the stars for a good cause? You have our attention. Spread out by the river and snag some popcorn and a TBA flick while proceeds go to Providence Park, a tiny home community for the chronically homeless. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Celebrate! Maya FriendRaiser at Trapnall Hall // The Celebrate! Maya Project, an Arkansas-based nonprofit honoring Maya Angelou, will host this annual bash including poetry, music, hors d’oeuvres and more. Get your friendship on from 6-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Charity Olive Hour at Next Level Events // This yearly fundraiser is back for another year of toasting Special Olympics Arkansas. The night features a martini bar, wine and beer, plus hors d’oeuvres, live music, raffles and an extensive auction, both live and silent. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
“Outer Space” at the Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock // Led by conductor Israel Getzov, the Little Rock Wind Symphony is opening its season with a program showcasing some of the most mesmerizing pieces “inspired by the cosmos,” including pop culture favorites from “Star Wars” and “Interstellar.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
The Rock Orchestra at the Robinson Center // This isn’t your mother’s orchestra. The hit touring show brings all the candlelit goth vibes with a classical take on some of your favorite metal and rock songs. Showtime is 8 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: The Mayfly Project’s annual Mending the Line event is sold out, but you can still donate to help the nonprofit reach its fundraising goal. More on that here.
Friday, Oct. 10
Tour the Vines at The Capital Hotel // A night of fine dining and sipping is just what this Friday needed. Guests can explore more than 50 wines and conduct a blind tasting, as well as partake in a perfectly paired five-course meal. It all starts at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
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 René Hein pop-up at Bella Vita, fall flavors and crafts at Nexus, live music at the Old State House Museum and exhibit openings and spooky stories at the Historic Arkansas Museum. Also returning this month is the 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.
More arts news: The Studio Theatre Officially Faces the Final Curtain
An Evening of Jazz at the Cathedral of St. Andrew // Smooth, stylish and all for a good cause, this benefit concert for Jericho Way brings the musical stylings of Rodney Block, Dorothy Moore and Bijoux to the stage, along with food and drinks for attendees. Showtime is 6 p.m. Learn more here.
“High School Musical” Opening Night at Wildwood Park for the Arts // Disney busts out the dance moves in this stage production of the hit movie starring a local cast. Join Troy, Gabriella and the gang as they challenge the status quo and step into the spotlight. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Carnival Bizarre at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // Not into haunted houses? Maybe cirque and sideshow theatrics are more your Halloween style. This annual show with Arkansas Circus Arts promises plenty of both. The bizarre bash starts at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Boo, y’all: Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Little Rock
Saturday, Oct. 11
Local Races & Fun Runs // A full schedule and a break in the heat means it’s a runner’s paradise this weekend in the metro. There’s the Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s Race for a Healthier Tomorrow, the Stride for a Cure 5K for breast cancer awareness, the NAMI Arkansas End the Stigma 5K and the Dogtown Beer Mile benefiting Recycle Bikes for Kids. Bonus: Still not enough? Put in a few more miles at the Spooky Sprint 5K/10K/Half Marathon on Sunday.
Keep moving: Fall Runs to Keep on Your Radar
Native Plant Sale at The Bernice Garden // Green thumbs (and wannabes), you’re up. The SoMa garden is lining up a slew of local growers who will be offering all sorts of native selections, as well as some educational elements to guide you in the right direction. Stock up from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Viva la Fiesta at the CALS Children’s Library // There’s one week left of Hispanic Heritage Month and the festivities are still going strong. This family-friendly celebration includes traditional food, games and crafts that celebrate the Hispanic communities. Be there 10 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
Little Rock Swap Con at the Statehouse Convention Center // If you’ve got the urge to buy, sell or swap, this event is for you. Dozens of vendors will be on hand with everything from vintage clothing to collectable toys for you to peruse. Check it out 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Fall Fundraiser at The Gaines House // We’re all about finding fun ways to support the community, and this is exactly that. The day promises family-friendly games and food for attendees helping further the nonprofit’s mission to provide a safe transitional residence for unhoused women. Stop by 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Pints & Pumpkins at Stone’s Throw Brewing // Step away from the PSL. Soak up the season in the Stone’s Throw biergarten with this annual pumpkin carving contest while you enjoy their delicious drafts. (We’ve got our eye on the seasonal cranapple cider.) Festivities kick off at noon. Learn more here.
Let the gourd times roll: Your Guide to Pumpkin Patches in Central Arkansas
Arkansas Salsa Festival at the West Central Community Center // If we already have a cheese dip festival, why wouldn’t we have one for salsa? Little Rock Parks & Recreation is answering the call with this contest for pros and amateurs alike. The heat starts at noon. Learn more here.
Casino Night & Texas Hold’em Tournament at Next Level Events // Put on your poker face. Back for another year, this Youth Home event’s stakes are higher than ever. Play craps, blackjack, roulette, bingo and more, all staffed by experienced dealers as you vie for raffle tickets. And don’t worry, there’s plenty up for grabs at the Texas Hold’em tables, too. The opening reception begins at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Dogtober Fest at Southern Tail Brewing // We’ll gladly raise a glass to Fido. Come hang on one of the city’s best patios while you sip the new Braver Hund brew, watch the Hogs on the big screen and meet some adoptable pups from Last Chance Arkansas. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Get more cuteness with a wiener dog race for Dugan’s Pub’s birthday. More on that here.
Gala for Good at the Statehouse Convention Center // With a theme of “Let the Good Times Roll,” this third annual fundraiser celebrates and benefits the Goodwill of Arkansas Foundation. The night promises dinner, signature drinks, auctions and live music with a Big Easy vibe, including the presentation of this year’s Spirit of Goodwill Award to the late Mitch Chandler. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Little Rocktoberfest at Argenta Plaza // Hosted by the Central Arkansas Fermenters, this is the state’s premier brew and craft beer festival. Stop in for tons of great beer, music and other activities, as this year’s fest is part of Dogtown Throwdown (more on that later). Plus, a portion of the proceeds go to Women’s Own Worth. The fun lasts 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
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Arkansas Black Hall of Fame at the Robinson Center // Now in its 31st year, this annual event is part-induction ceremony, part-entertainment show. This year Linda Pondexter Chesterfield, Marion A. Humphrey, Garbo and Archie Hearne, Cleon Aurelius Flowers, Latriece Watkins and Charlie Nelms will be recognized for their contributions to the state, the nation and beyond. The evening begins at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, Oct. 10 & 11
Dogtown Throwdown in Argenta // The Main Street fun is back. For the final time this year, the NLR neighborhood will shut down the streets for outdoor dining, vendors, live music and local goodness. Highlights include music from Whoa Dakota, the first-ever Argenta Mural Walk, lots of fall comfort foods, the aforementioned Little Rocktoberfest, plus a pop-up market at Flyway Brewing. From Friday happy hour to last call on Saturday night, you’ll find all kinds of fun in Argenta. 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 “Death Becomes Her” on Friday at 7 p.m. On Saturday is the next Exhibition on Screen installment “The Curious World of Hieronymous Bosch” at 4 p.m., followed by a special 50th anniversary screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 7 p.m. and “Shock Treatment” at 9:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Oct. 12
Camp Aldersgate Fish Fry at Camp Aldersgate // Clear eyes, full stomachs, can’t lose. That’s the motto we’re counting on for this 42nd annual feast of a fundraiser. Across the campgrounds, guests are invited to enjoy catfish and all the fixin’s, not to mention a fishing derby for kids, games, crafts and other family-friendly activities. Stop by 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. 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 live music. The market runs 1-6 p.m. Learn more here.
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Wine & Swine at Cypress Social // A pairing we can get behind. This al fresco event features a lengthy list of wines, “elevated” buffet bites (think: barbecue and oysters), live music and more, all on the restaurant’s scenic grounds. Come get a taste from 2-6 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Oct. 9-12
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Heads up, Ichabod. This creepy classic tale gets a new life thanks to this retelling from Ballet Arkansas. You have five chances to catch the season opener, and don’t skip the signature cocktails and treats. Learn more here.
Save the dates: Little Rock’s Fall & Winter 2025 Performing Arts Calendar
Friday – Sunday, Oct. 10-12
Arkansas State Fair at the State Fairgrounds // It’s back, y’all. Some things never change, and one of those things is the fair. The lights, the sights and the deep fried perfection are all waiting for you. All you have to do is answer their siren call and get yourself a turkey leg (or two). Learn more here.
And the 2025 festival season is still going strong. Here’s the rundown.
Rock City Rally PPA Challenger at the Little Rock Athletic Club // The courts are calling, pickleballers. The Professional Pickleball Association Tour Challenger Series is coming to town with this three-day tournament featuring pros and amateurs for men’s, women’s and mixed doubles and singles. Learn more here.
The Big Bounce America at the Northshore Golf Range // NLR is flying high this weekend thanks in part to the arrival of “the world’s largest bounce house.” The giant inflatable playground features 24,000 square feet of wall-to-wall play, plus multiple structures with built-in obstacle courses, a sports arena, a space-themed adventure and more. Learn more here.