From carnival lights to rooftop movies to a little more Mardi Gras, it’s a great weekend to be in the capital city. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, May 15
“Sally” at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // As part of the Arkansas Cinema Society’s Sneak Series, attendees will be among the first to see this documentary following the indomitable Sally Ride, the first American woman in space. Not only will it cover her groundbreaking career, but explore the personal life she kept hidden for decades. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
DiamAndes Wine Dinner at Buenos Aires Grill & Cafe // Let’s enter the weekend with glasses raised, shall we? The renowned DiamAndes vineyard will be sharing five Argentinean wines alongside a five-course meal at the River Market restaurant. It starts at 6:30 p.m., but seating is limited, so reserve your spot ASAP. Learn more here.
Rooftop Cinema: “Waiting to Exhale” at Sixth & Scott // It’s back, movie people. The 2025 season of movie nights with a view kicks off with this iconic 1995 flick starring Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine. Rock Town Distillery will be on hand for themed cocktails and Yum Yum Halal for the food, and you can bring chairs and blankets to spread out and enjoy the view. Showtime is at sunset, or about 8:15 p.m. Learn more here.
Miss the memo on Rooftop Cinema? Catch up here.
Friday, May 16
Step Out for Stroke Walk at Baptist Health Medical Center-Little Rock // Break out the good sneakers for this inaugural walk that’s all about “hope, remembrance and community.” The 2.2-mile route loops through campus and welcomes survivors, caretakers and supporters to raise awareness and celebrate loved ones. Start time is 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Keep it movin’: Spring Runs to Put On Your Calendar
Loblolly Pop-Up at 2701 Kavanaugh Blvd. // Patience is a virtue, but it’s hard to be virtuous when there’s ice cream on the line. Loblolly Creamery understands, so they’re giving us a preview taste of their new Hillcrest location coming to the former Damgoode Pies space. Pop by for a select lineup of ice cream cups, pints and sandwiches from 3-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Craft Market at The Bernice Garden // This SoMa space is really amping up its market game this season, including the launch of another new meetup set to debut this week. The Friday night market will feature local makers, food and more goodness to explore. Check it out 4-9 p.m. Learn more here.
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 a Robert Bean exhibit opening at Acansa Gallery, self-care fun at The Innovation Hub and an open studio with Bang-Up Betty, Sulac Art Stuff and Lee Lee Arts + Design. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Read on: More neighborhood news from Downtown & Argenta
Mardi Gras in May: A Masquerade for Safe Paws at 1 Edgehill Drive // The good times are still rollin’ and you won’t find us complaining. This inaugural event benefiting Women & Children First promises an evening of food, drinks, live music, a silent auction and more. Funds raised will help provide food, bedding and toys for the pets of domestic violence survivors staying at WCF’s Forest of Hope Family Peace Center. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, May 17
Living Craft Saturday at Historic Arkansas Museum // Time travel, anyone? HAM’s monthly series gives guests an immersive, hands-on opportunity to learn about life in the early days of Arkansas. May’s event is all about domestic living with a focus on daily life for women. Stop by 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Young Arkansas Artists Exhibit Opening at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // For more than 60 years, the AMFA has featured works from kids all over the state, from kindergarteners to high school seniors, choosing the best of the best from dozens of entries. A ceremony celebrating the featured artists takes place at 11 a.m., followed by an afternoon of art activities for the whole fam. Learn more here.
East Village Art Market at The Rail Yard // Over on Sixth Street, this monthly market invites guests to “sip, shop and stay a while,” which will be no problem thanks to the lineup of vendors, food trucks and lawn games. Stop by noon – 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Cupcakes for Goodness Sake at Argenta Plaza // Step right up, sweets lovers. Heading under the sea for its mermaid era, this 10th annual event invites attendees to stroll the plaza while enjoying a cupcake competition, local vendors, food trucks and kids’ activities, all while helping to raise funds for CareLink. Be there 3-6 p.m. Learn more here.
More festival fun: Juneteenth Celebrations Come to MTCC This Summer
Thursday – Saturday, May 15-17
Birthday Celebration at Petit & Keet // We’re getting hungry already. This WLR restaurant is marking eight years in the biz with menu specials, champagne toasts and the return of some beloved retired cocktails. Operating hours are 4-9 p.m. Thursday and 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Learn more here. Bonus: They’re not the only ones celebrating a birthday. Don’t forget to show some major love to Flying Saucer on Saturday and party with Heights Taco & Tamale all next week.
Sunday, May 18
Rock, Paper, Run 5K through Downtown & Argenta // Sometimes you chase finish lines, sometimes you chase your next great read. On Saturday, it’s both. CALS and the NLR Public Library System’s Rock, Paper, Run 5K was postponed for bad weather, but now it’s ready to hit the streets. Plus, participants can get race day specials at Blackberry Market and Flyway Brewing. Go time is 7:30 a.m. Learn more here.
Sunday Funday at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Sunday scaries? Don’t know her. Patio hangs and food trucks (hi, NOLA Vibes) await at the vineyard’s Sunset Lodge, plus beer, wine, cocktails and live music by Jack Bennett. Even better? Out of the Woods Animal Rescue will be on hand with adoptable dogs for you to fall in love with. Stop by noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Tea with KLRE at The Capital Hotel // If a more delightful afternoon exists, we’d love to see it. This Little Rock Public Radio fundraiser returns, serving up a tasty spread of teas and treats set to the sounds of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra String Quartet. It starts at 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Speaking of serving: Little Rock Open Hits the Courts This Month
Thursday – Sunday, May 15-18
“On Golden Pond” Opening Weekend at the Argenta Contemporary Theatre // Closing out the season for ACT is this heartfelt tale of three generations who still have a few things to learn from each other. Showtime is 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.
Up next: Little Rock’s Spring & Summer Performing Arts Calendar
Friday – Sunday, May 16-18
Pulaski County Fair at NLR Riverfront Park // Dibs on the funnel cake. This fifth annual event is taking to the north shore, inviting guests to enjoy rides, games, vendors, lots of live music and, yes, plenty of fried food. Fair hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday and noon – 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.
Rock City Film Festival at Ron Robinson Theater // It’s a new era for this seventh-annual fest. Formerly the Made in Arkansas Film Festival, this event is designed to showcase films made by some of The Natural State’s finest. Filmmakers from across Arkansas submitted their films, and the featured selections will be screened for the public over the course of three days. Learn more here.
Pass the popcorn: Family-Friendly Nostalgia Fuels Summer @ CALS Movie Lineup
Saturday & Sunday, May 17 & 18
Sweet Summertime Market at BoBrook Farms // Ok, so it’s not technically summer yet, but it’s hot enough to count. Break out your warm weather garb and enjoy this two-day, open air market with more than 60 local vendors, lawn games, food trucks and River Bottom Winery sips. It runs from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and noon – 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.