The holiday fun is already popping up on the agenda alongside a slew of shows and seasonal markets, and we have zero complaints. Let’s get into it.
Thursday Nov. 13
“Last Train South” at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center // In conjunction with its “Emmett Till & Mamie Till-Mobley: Let the World See” exhibit, the MTCC and Arkansas PBS are joining forces for this program featuring a screening of the documentary “Great Migrations: A People on the Move,” a panel discussion and a “historical dinner experience.” It starts at 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus in Argenta // Things are about to get magical at the corner of Bishop Lindsey and Magnolia. The Zoppé family first debuted its circus in 1842 Italy, and now the timeless, intimate, European-style show returns to North Little Rock. The high-flying fun begins on Thursday at 6 p.m. and runs through Nov. 22. Learn more here.
Opening Day at Film Alley Breckenridge // Movies, games and good eats? We’re there. Located in the former Regal UA Breckenridge Theater, this “movie entertainment center” is finally ready to welcome guests to its dine-in movie theaters, duckpin bowling, full-service restaurant and arcade. Doors open at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Beards & Blue Ribbons at The Hall // The signature event for the Arkansas Prostate Cancer Foundation, this annual fundraiser is back to mark the nonprofit’s 25th anniversary. Guests will have the chance to taste rare and exclusive bourbons while celebrating APCF’s legacy and honor its No Shave Club. The evening starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Wine & Words at WordsWorth Books // We dare you to name a better pairing. The Heights bookstore is teaming up with O’Looney’s Wine & Liquor for an evening of curated wines and reading recs as you “sip, savor and explore the stories behind both the books and the bottles.” It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Nov. 14
2nd Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // It’s 2FAN time, aka the monthly lineup of downtown businesses opening their doors for some art-fueled after-hours fun. Highlights this month include a birthday celebration at Bella Vita, Origami Sake tasting at Nexus, a spotlight on WWI veterans at the Old State House Museum, fall crafts at the Rock It Lab and exhibit openings at the Historic Arkansas Museum and Sixth House Studio. Also returning this month is the Cumberland block party with food and art vendors, plus the kickoff of the Holidays on Main Music Series. 2FAN runs 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
“Eternity” 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 rom-com about love in the afterlife starring Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller and Callum Turner. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
“Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Opening Night at Wildwood Park for the Arts // Donny Osmond who? Next up in Wildwood’s season is this iconic Broadway musical bringing a colorful retelling of a classic Biblical tale to the Cabe Festival Theater stage. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Run the Park 5K at Two Rivers Park // Grab your sneakers and start the day with some adrenaline. Hosted by the Little Rock Realtors Association, this 5K includes a one-miler for the kiddos, and proceeds go to Special Olympics Arkansas. It starts at 7:30 a.m. Learn more here.
Keep moving: Fall Runs to Keep on Your Radar
Bark ‘n’ Paws Rescue Fair at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // This one’s for the four-legged friends’ friends. The “largest rescue pet fair in Arkansas” features a full lineup of vendors for pet supplies, themed art, training demonstrations and workshops, plus lots of adoptable cats and dogs. Proceeds support local animal shelters. Be there 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
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. November’s event is all about the holidays and readying for winter. Stop by 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Christmas Tree Lighting at The Promenade at Chenal // The holidays are in full swing in WLR, too. Get your shop on, get your list ready for a visit with Santa, then stick around for the tree lighting ceremony with carolers and cocoa. It kicks off at 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Evening of Wishes at The Venue at Westwind // This annual Make-A-Wish Mid-South event is back for another night of helping dreams come true for kids with critical illnesses. The evening includes dinner, drinks, auctions, entertainment and more. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Alabama at Simmons Bank Arena // Prepare to have “Song of the South” stuck in your head for the foreseeable future. One of the most-awarded bands in country music history is bringing its foot-stomping tour to North Little Rock. BYO-sweet potato pie. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Seasonal Markets Around the Metro // A little harvest, a little holly and a whole lot of local goodness awaits at these pop-ups:
Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 13-15
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 documentary “The Last Class” on Thursday, then “The First Wives Club” on Friday, both at 7 p.m. On Saturday is “The Wizard of Oz” at 12:30 p.m., “The Godfather Part II” at 3 p.m. and “The Wiz” at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Nov. 13-16
“Frozen” Opening Weekend at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse // You’re up, Olaf. The magical Disney hit comes to life in this award-winning musical with all the songs and characters you know and love. And of course, the family-friendly show includes a full themed dinner menu. Learn more here.
Save the dates: 14 Can’t-Miss Holiday Shows to Celebrate the Season
Saturday & Sunday, Nov. 15 & 16
A Very Merry Holiday Vendor Market at BoBrook Farms // Newsflash: BoBrook isn’t just for your pumpkin patch photos. This year’s two-day market features more than 60 different vendors, plus food trucks, lawn games and photos with Santa. Come shop 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and noon – 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Shop on: Soirée Holiday Gift Guide Part I
The Big Dill Pickleball Tournament at Burns Park // Now in its third year, this event invites pickleballers of all levels to dink, dive and serve to raise funds for the Divine Mercy Health Center. Whether you’re ready to battle or just want to watch, it’s bound to be a day of community fun. Learn more here.
Beethoven & Blue Jeans at the Robinson Center // Let’s keep things casual this weekend. At this crowd favorite show, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will perform pieces from Revueltas, Ramos, Márquez and, of course, Beethoven with everyone in casual attire. Before each performance, the ASO will host a party outside the Robinson with food trucks, drinks and music. You can catch the show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday or 3 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here. Bonus: Get the tunes started early with the ASO’s annual children’s concert on Friday morning. More on that here.