Lakeside parties, baseball games, a smorgasbord of sweets — it’s all on the agenda this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday – Saturday, May 29-31
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market, and this time it’s a full-on Val Kilmer-thon. Up first is “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” on Thursday, then a BingoFlix screening of “Batman Forever” on Friday, both at 7 p.m. On Saturday, there’s “The Prince of Egypt” at 12:30 p.m. followed by “Willow” at 3 p.m. and “Tombstone” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Plus: Thursday’s Red Carpet Recovery Gala, the signature fundraising event for the Wolfe Street Foundation, as well as AEDD’s Curtain Call are both officially sold out, but you can still help the nonprofits reach their fundraising goals. Read more about WSF in our May issue.
Thursday – Sunday, May 29 – June 1
“Me and the Devil” Opening Weekend at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // The Rep is kicking off its 2025 SummerStage Season with a little heat. Written and directed by Rep artistic director and Little Rock native Steve H. Broadnax III, this world premiere play takes audiences to southeast Arkansas where a blues musician is in a fight for his soul after making a deal with the devil. Plus, Thursday and Friday’s performances include afterparties at The Rep’s pop-up juke joint. Learn more here.
Sporting Events in the Metro // Two local teams are keeping their stadiums busy this weekend, and whether you’re a dedicated fan or just dipping your toe in, it’s a great chance to check them out. The Little Rock Rangers will take on the Red River Raiders on Saturday night, and the Arkansas Travelers go up against the San Antonio Missions five nights in a row. Meanwhile, the Little Rock Open is wrapping up eight days of free pro tennis matches and camps at Rebsamen Tennis Center.
Friday, May 30
Crystal Bluffs Grand Opening at Big Rock Quarry // This one’s for you, adventure lovers. New rock climbing routes are in the works at this corner of the NLR park and the first section is ready for the public. A ceremony will be held at 1 p.m, and then it’s game on. Learn more here. Bonus: The Arkansas Climbers Coalition will be back out at the bluffs on Saturday, too. More on that here.
Fridays on the Lawn at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // As if you needed another reason to visit the AMFA, Fridays this season now mean free lawn games and art classes on the MacArthur Park grounds. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Maumelle Summer Kickoff at Lake Willastein // The sun is high, school is out and temps are back on the rise, and that means it’s time for some summertime fun. Head to the park for a night full of food trucks, music, games and more family-friendly activities. Be there 5:30-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Float on: River Cities Dragon Boat Festival Sails Onto Lake Willastein Next Month
Rooftop Cinema: “Fast X” at 100 Center St. // Time for another movie night with a view. Next in the lineup for Rooftop Cinema (and first at its new location) is the high-octane 2023 installment of the “Fast & Furious” franchise that kicks off with a car show from MoparMania. Popcorn and water will be available for purchase, Stone’s Throw will be on hand for beer and you can bring chairs and blankets to spread out and enjoy the sights. Showtime is at sunset, or about 8:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Miss the memo on Rooftop Cinema? Catch up here.
Saturday, May 31
12th Birthday Bash at Rock City Running // Sprint, stroll, whatever your pace, it’s time to make your way down Rodney Parham. The local running shop is marking another year in the biz with giveaways, sales, swag, mimosas and margaritas. It all kicks off with a group run at 6 a.m. Learn more here.
The Pride Market at Pettaway at Pettaway Square // This weekly market is getting an extra dose of rainbow this Saturday. It’s all about Pride fun this week with food trucks, drinks and more than 25 booths to peruse. Check it out noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Rainbow mode, activate: SoMa Pride Parade and Festival Comes to South Main
Putt Putt Pub Crawl in the River Market & Argenta // This isn’t your average pub crawl. You and your 21-and-older friends are invited to split into four-person mini golf teams and make your way from bar to bar, putting the whole way. Costumes are encouraged, and all proceeds go to Achieve Community Alliance (formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas) programs and services. The crawl begins at 1 p.m. Learn more here.
Live Music in the Metro // The local concert scene is always great, and this Saturday has some big highlights for audiences. Vince Gill is playing the Simmons Bank Arena, Wiz Khalifa is taking the stage at The Hall and Louis Michot (plus a crawfish boil) will be at The White Water Tavern.
Sunday, June 1
Cake & Bubbles Picnic at Pettaway Square // If you didn’t get enough Pettaway on Saturday, here’s your chance to come back for dessert. Daisy Pastry Shoppe is hosting this alfresco afternoon with champagne, music, flowers and unlimited cake bites. Get your fill from noon – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
“Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown” at the Robinson Center // This will definitely fulfill some lifelong dreams for some of you. The touring show sees two top-notch tribute bands face off with the greatest hits from two of music’s most legendary bands. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.