From galas and Broadway shows to intimate foodie gatherings, there’s something for everyone in the city this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Nov. 6
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 specials, later hours and extra fun, like limited-time flavors at Loblolly Hillcrest that benefit Pulaski Heights and Forest Park elementary schools. It kicks off at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
GloWILD Opening Night at the Little Rock Zoo // Prepare to be mesmerized. The immersive “larger than life light show” is once again taking over the zoo for the next two months. Thousands of lights will be on display with handcrafted, silk-covered, animal-shaped lanterns around every corner, plus special events throughout the exhibit’s stay. The light display opens at 5 p.m. and runs through Jan. 4. Learn more here.
Burgundy Tasting at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Let’s enter the weekend with glasses raised. At this exclusive wine tasting, winemaker Jean-Baptiste Jessiaume will be sharing five of his personally curated bottles and his philosophy behind them. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Claremont Trio at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church // Next up in the Chamber Music Society’s season is this concert featuring the award-winning troupe touted as “one of America’s finest young chamber groups.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
More stage news: Arkansas Repertory Theatre Announces 50th Anniversary Season
Friday, Nov. 7
Toast & Taste at Wildwood Park for the Arts // If you’re in search of flavor on Friday, head west. This park fundraiser will give guests their pick of wine and whiskey, all while enjoying paired bites from some of your favorite local restaurants. The night includes live music from Just Cause, work by artist Tracy Rivers and a wine cork pull. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
“The Gold Rush” Screening at Trinity Episcopal Church // Presented by the Arkansas Cinema Society, this silent film starring Charlie Chaplin will be screened alongside a live performance of the film’s score by organist Jason Roberts. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Nov. 8
Laman Con at Laman Library // This one’s for the adventure lovers. The North Little Rock Public Library System is going all in on the quest with a day of scavenger hunts, games, art vendors, hands-on workshops and more for all ages and fandoms. It starts at 9 a.m. Then at 4:30 p.m., the after-party for grownups (cosplay contest included) hits the Innovation Hub. Learn more here. Bonus: Get the party started early with a fantasy craft workshop on Friday at Argenta Library.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s in North Little Rock // Lace up those sneakers. The Alzheimer’s Association’s annual walk is back for another year, kicking off the two-mile route at Argenta Plaza. Proceeds aid the nonprofit in its battle against Alzheimer’s and dementia. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Chili Fights in The Heights on Kavanaugh // Is there a more perfect dish than chili on a fall day? This annual street festival pits teams against each other to find the best bowl the city has to offer, all while benefiting the Arkansas FoodBank. The lineup also includes live entertainment, a petting zoo, beer garden and more. Cooking starts at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Christmas Ale Draft Release Party at Flyway Brewing // The holidays are coming in hot, and that goes double for this Argenta brewery’s new seasonal sip. Get a taste while you get in on games, crafts, cookie decorating and s’mores around the fire pit. Stop by noon – 5 p.m. Learn more here.
More foodie news: Hazel’s Public House to Open in Downtown Little Rock
Woof, Wag & Wine at Wildwood Park for the Arts // Back for its 13th year and in a new venue, this Out of the Woods Animal Rescue fundraiser is all about helping our furry friends. A night of wine, beer, Tex-Mex and dancing awaits guests, along with a silent auction. Bet there at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Good Night: Suits & Sneakers at the Roland Sports Complex & Event Center // Good Night? More like great night. This annual event is back and celebrating with food, drinks, auctions and music, all to raise funds for Community Connections’ free programs for children with special needs. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Reigning Cats & Dogs at Next Level Events // Things are getting adorable at the train station. The Humane Society of Pulaski County’s annual fundraiser is back with a night of auctions, food, drinks and lots of four-legged friends. It starts at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 6-8
CARTI’s Festival of Trees at the Statehouse Convention Center // Pass that cup of cheer this way. The three-day event benefitting CARTI returns for its 49th year, kicking off with the Sugar Plum Ball on Thursday. On Friday, the Festival of Fashion brings the spectacle of a New York runway show to downtown Little Rock with looks from local boutiques. On Saturday comes Tux ‘n’ Trees, CARTI’s signature black-tie gala with fine dining, auctions, dancing and live entertainment. Events begin at 6 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and doors open at 5:30 p.m. on Friday. Learn more here.
PSA: There are many annual philanthropic events taking place this weekend, and while some of Saturday’s are sold out, you can still donate or bid on virtual auction items to show your support. This includes:
Read on: Meet this year’s gala chairs for Opus and Tux ‘n’ Trees.
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is the new film “D(e)ad” on Thursday at 7 p.m. On Saturday is “Jumanji” at 12:30 p.m., then “The Godfather” at 3 p.m., followed by “Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Art Shows in the Metro // If you’re on the hunt for some new masterpieces, you’re in luck this weekend. On Thursday is the Ars Gratia Artis (or Arts for Art’s Sake) sale at the Art Group Gallery in the Pleasant Ridge Shopping Center from 5-8 p.m. Then on Saturday is the Little Rock Artists’ Seasonal Art Sale at the Patrick Henry Hays Center from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 9
Friendsgiving at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // You’ll never catch us complaining about an early holiday feast. Supporters are invited to this exclusive, family-style brunch that highlights “seasonal flavors and Southern favorites” surrounded by fellow AMFA fans. The eats start at 11 a.m. Learn more here.
Say It Ain’t Say’s Sweet Potato Pie Contest at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center // Hope you saved some room. Living up to every bit of deliciousness its title implies, this annual event features entries that are judged by a panel of extremely lucky judges. Guests can get in on the tasting, too, while exploring the MTCC’s exhibits. The throwdown starts at 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Holidays in The Heights on Kavanaugh // Let’s get festive, Little Rock. It’s time to officially launch the holiday season in The Heights neighborhood with hot cocoa, good eats, festive decor and some one-on-one time with Mr. Claus, plus more activities and specials at all your favorite shops. The holly jolly vibes last from 1-5 p.m. Learn more here.
While you’re shopping: Soirée Holiday Gift Guide: Part I
Misfit Maker Market at Fassler Hall // More #shoplocal goodness? 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 and a “Sweet & Sour” theme. The market runs 1-6 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Keep the market fun going with this arts and crafts festival benefiting Acts4Rwanda.
Maroon 5 at the Simmons Bank Arena // Dust off those Jagger moves. The Grammy-winning group is bringing its Love is Like Tour to NLR, finally making up for that canceled 2020 concert. Showtime is 8 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Start the night early with a pre-party at Brood & Barley. More on that here.
Thursday – Sunday, Nov. 6-9
Fun Time Shows Carnival at The Outlets at Little Rock // Bring on the fried Oreos. This weekend wraps up 11 days of fun for this traveling fair where you can expect all the hits like carnival games, rides and crazy foods. And yes, you can get a wristband for unlimited rides. Learn more here.
More family fun: Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus Returns to Argenta This Season
Friday – Sunday, Nov. 7-9
“Elf: The Musical” at the Robinson Center // By now, we all know the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Or, you could always head downtown to see your favorite elf, Buddy, take the stage in this hit touring musical production. You have four chances to catch the show. Learn more here.
Save the dates: Here’s what other Broadway shows are coming to the Robinson Center.
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 8 & 9
Squatch Till You Drop at Allsopp Park // Legends, lore, leg day — they all come into play for this two-day trail run event hosted by the departments of Little Rock Outdoor Recreation and Little Rock Parks & Recreation. On Saturday is the 5K fun run, or one lap of the Allsopp course. Then on Sunday is The Squatch, an endurance run where participants complete as many laps as they can in six hours. Lunch is provided both days, and there are prizes for top finishers. Learn more here.
‘Tis officially the season for holiday open houses and sip + shop events! Check out these around town:
Staying in this weekend? Curl up with the November issue.