Food trucks, golf, zombies — just another October weekend in the capital city. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Oct. 23
Tailgate at Marlsgate // If you’re up for a little bit of a drive, the iconic mansion in Scott will play host to this fundraising event for Personal Pep Rally’s mission of supporting those battling cancer. Expect lots of tailgate eats and drinks on the home’s beautiful grounds. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Camille Thurman & Darrell Green Quartet at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Next up in the AMFA concert series is this multi-talented performer who is “making a considerable and dynamic contribution to the legacy of jazz while paying tribute to its heroes.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Oct. 24
Food Truck Friday at the Pulaski County Administration Building // It’s time to fill that food truck-shaped hole in your life. This meetup at Second and Spring streets will welcome eats like Bragg’s Big Bites, Loncheria Mexicana Alicia, S & K Wings and more, plus the chance to donate at the Our Blood Institute mobile station. Be there 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Monster Bash at The Venue at Westwind // It’s heeeere. This annual amped-up costume party is bigger, better and more bloodcurdling than ever. Guests can expect signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, dancing and auctions. Proceeds from the event benefit Home for Healing. The party starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Charmed, I’m sure: Read more about what’s brewing for Monster Bash.
Saturday, Oct. 25
Race the Base Trail Run at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // An annual fall favorite, this race takes runners on a four-mile loop around the base of Pinnacle Mountain, as well as a 3/4-mile Kingfisher Kids Run. Plus, this year’s run ends with post-race Halloween festivities, and yes, costumes are encouraged. Go time is 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Keep moving: Fall Runs to Keep on Your Radar
Howl-o-Ween at the Little Rock Zoo // Here’s to you, wolfman. For one more Saturday, the zoo is bringing the Halloween fun with special activities, entertainment and costumes. It starts at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Monster Mash at the CALS Children’s Library // This annual event brings the not-so-scary family fun. Music, dancing, games, crafts, treats and giveaways await your little monsters. Be there 10 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
Harvest Fest at The Promenade at Chenal // The autumn vibes are strong with this one. The WLR shopping center is inviting the community to enjoy a petting zoo, pumpkin crafts, fall photos and lots of fall-flavored treats. Stop by 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: It’s also the grand opening of the new Painting With a Twist location in The Promenade. More on that here.
Enchanted! at the Dreamland Ballroom // A magical day awaits at Dreamland thanks to the pop-up Enchanted Metaphysics & Mystics Market. There’s a tarot and tea party at 11 a.m., then the glimmering Mystics & Misfits Affair at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday Shop Vintage Market at The Bernice Garden // In SoMa, the vintage vibes are back at Bernice for the October edition of this recurring neighborhood event, marking one year of the Saturday Shop. Expect vendors with throwback fashions, decor and art. Come shop noon – 7 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Come back on Sunday for a spooky spin on the garden’s weekly farmers market.
Shop on: The Best Antique and Vintage Stores in Little Rock
Paul Laurence Dunbar Community Festival in Dunbar // Hosted by the Dunbar Historic Neighborhood Association, this 11th annual event features good food, vendors, lots of live music, line dancing, a celebration of legacy and more, all on Chester Street from Daisy Bates (14th) to 17th. The fun lasts 2-7 p.m. Learn more here.
Festival of Darkness at Lost Forty Brewing // Bring out your undead. At this yearly Nighty Night Imperial Stout release/block party, guests are encouraged to don their zombie best — plus this year’s sub-theme: “Rodeo of No Return” — and enjoy dark beer samples from local and regional breweries. Food, live music, fire-breathers and more make this event one for the (horror) books. Plus, proceeds benefit Camp Aldersgate. It all starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Sip this: Get Your Boos With These Local Halloween Spirits
(V)Amp Out Alz at The Hall // You’re going to want to limber up your neck for this rock ‘n’ roll fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Arkansas, and with this year’s vampire theme, you might want to throw on a turtleneck to be safe. Food, drinks, silent auctions and costume contests await guests, as well as lots of live music from The Rocktown Sparks. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Music in the Wild at Wildwood Park for the Arts // We can hear it now. Wildwood is bringing back this intimate concert featuring the live sounds of jazz musician Merlon Devine. Dodging the rain, the show will be held in the Cabe Festival Theater, and make sure to hit the concession stand to further your support of the park. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Oct. 23-25
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Practical Magic” on Thursday and a BingoFlix screening of “The Goonies” on Friday, both at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday is “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at 12:30 p.m., followed by “National Theatre Live Presents: Frankenstein” at 3 p.m. and back-to-back screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, Oct. 24 & 25
Shane Connolly at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // The internationally renowned floral designer is coming to LR for a series of events showcasing his show-stopping skills and sustainability mission. Friday night is a welcoming cocktail reception with Connolly at 5 p.m. On Saturday morning, he’ll lead a discussion and demonstration “From the Woods and Gardens of Arkansas” at 10:30 a.m., then a now-sold-out floral design masterclass at 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Read our exclusive conversation with the “floral alchemist.”
Spooky Season Shows at White Water Tavern // A Halloween without some WWT hauntings? Now that’s scary. Hit the Mutants Halloween Ball with covers of Black Sabbath, Motley Crue and Def Leppard on Friday at 8 p.m. Then check out Boom Kinetic’s Thriller Night: An ’80s Halloween Event on Saturday at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Oct. 26
Farmer Trunk-or-Treat at The Root Cafe // Freshness is always up for grabs at this SoMa spot, and doubly so this weekend. The local farmers and vendors whose products beef up The Root’s menu will be in the parking lot passing out sweets to kiddos. And don’t skip the games and face painting, or the screening of “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” in the parking lot. Stop by for treats and festivities 3-5 p.m., and the movie starts just after sunset. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Oct. 23-26
Annual Art Show & Sale at Engel & Völkers // More art? Don’t mind if we do. Now in its fourth year, this exhibit features work from local artists Bunky & Bob, Meikel Church, Katlyn Eberle, Madhvi Patel, Tracy Rivers, Cary Smith and Laura Welshans. Meet the artists at the Thursday reception from 5:30-7:30 p.m. or visit the open house 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday or 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Either way, you can take home some new artwork knowing proceeds benefit Our House. Learn more here.
Friday – Sunday, Oct. 24-26
Simmons Bank Championship at the Pleasant Valley Country Club // We’ve been waiting for this moment since the inaugural PGA Tour Champions tournament wrapped up last year. This week-long event concludes this weekend as spectators watch top pros from across the globe battle it out on the WLR greens, with some extracurricular fun on the schedule like a college game day tailgate. Learn more here.
The Great Pumpkin Party at The Good Earth Garden Center // Talk about some gourdgeous weekend plans. The WLR nursery is going all in on fall with three days of food, classes, costumes, games and treats. Learn more here.
“Mrs. Doubtfire” at the Robinson Center // Hellooo! Next up in the Celebrity Attractions Broadway lineup is this hit musical based on the 1993 classic movie following the shenanigans of everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny. You have four chances to catch the show. Learn more here.
Save the dates: Little Rock’s Fall & Winter 2025 Performing Arts Calendar
Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 25 & 26
Halloween Neighborhood Markets // One corner of the city is breaking out the fiendish fun with three spooky shopping events this weekend. On Saturday, The Market at Pettaway Halloween edition doubles as a showcase of local queer artists from 6-9 p.m. On Sunday, Lost & Found Halloween Market takes over Dog Eat Dog in SoMa 1-6 p.m., then after dark, the East Village Halloween Art Market hits The Rail Yard 6-10 p.m.
Arkansas Paranormal Expo at the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History // Hope you charged your proton pack. Embrace your love of all things strange with panels on ghosts, Bigfoot, UFOs and lots more. There will also be vendors (think: tarot readings and unique art), raffles, auctions and a few food trucks to keep you fueled, plus the first annual bigfoot calling competition. Proceeds go toward the preservation of the museum. The freaky fun lasts from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. both days. Learn more here.
And believe it or not, that’s just scratching the spooky surface: Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Little Rock