Holiday block parties, movie marathons, cozy wine dinners — it’s a good week to be in the capital city. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Nov. 20
Miracle League Double Header at Southern Tail Brewing // Let’s start things off with a home run. This annual event brings great food, drinks, raffles and auctions to the East Village joint, and all to support Miracle League’s mission to help those with special needs live out their baseball dreams. It all starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush at Ron Robinson Theater // Next up in the CALS Speaker Series, this writer, civil rights advocate and faith leader will discuss his goal “to forge powerful alliances among people of diverse faiths and beliefs to build a resilient, inclusive multi-faith democracy.” It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Ausome: Boots & BBQ at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Back for a third year, this Arkansas Urology Foundation fundraiser is packed with flavor. Wright’s Barbecue is serving up the eats along with a bourbon tasting, lawn games, raffles and live music from Midnight South. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Zeitgeist Reading Series at Hibernia Irish Tavern // The stories are rolling in on Rodney Parham as this series wraps up its 2025 lineup. This month, author Khem K. Aryal and Hibernia’s own Gerry Ward will share their work with the crowd to send you off into the holidays. It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
PSA: Tickets to A Gratitude Gathering are no longer available, but you can still donate to help Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas reach its fundraising goal. More on that here.
Friday, Nov. 21
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 the last-ever Make It Merry Market at The Hub (more on that below), a Too Far Out exhibit at Acansa Gallery and an open studio with Crazy Cat Creations, Bang-Up Betty and Lee Lee Arts + Design. The Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
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“Twilight” Marathon at Sterling Market // This is the lineup of a killer, Bella. Forks comes to The Alley for a binge-watch of the full “Twilight” saga complete with themed drinks and games. Come sparkle starting at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Nov. 22
Cookies & Cocoa With Santa at Park Plaza // You can always count on the mall for some quality Santa time, and Saturday is no exception. It starts with sweet treats and a meet-and-greet with the big guy at 9 a.m., followed by storytime and activities with CALS. Learn more here.
Holiday Open House at the Pleasant Ridge Town Center // Can’t stop, won’t stop this holiday train. Luckily this WLR shopping center is totally on board and celebrating with an afternoon full of Santa visits, music, special shopping promotions and holiday window displays. The fun lasts from noon – 3 p.m. Learn more here.
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Full Hearts Fall Market at The Commons at Pettaway // Set above Pettaway Coffee, this market showcases local vendors, music and a chance to give back through a nonperishable food drive. Stop by noon – 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Northern Lights Holiday Festival at Argenta Plaza // Oh, what fun! This 10th annual, can’t-miss NLR bash brings with it a holiday market, food trucks, Santa visits, caroling, brews from Flyway and more. The festivities run from 3-7 p.m. Learn more here.
Barrel Tree Lighting Party at Rock Town Distillery // Keeping with the holly jolly, this SoMa distillery is throwing its annual bash starting with the lighting of its stacked barrel “tree” and followed by an outdoor screening of “Elf.” The night also includes movie-themed drinks and a donation drive for the Arkansas Foodbank. It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
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Riley Green at Simmons Bank Arena // ‘Tis the season. The singer-songwriter is bringing his hit country sounds to NLR for this “Duckman Jam” to help kick off hunting season and benefit Ducks Unlimited. Special guests include Jamey Johnson, Drake White and Lauren Watkins. Showtime is 6:45 p.m. Learn more here.
The Loom Art Lounge at The Only Option // On Saturday, one West Markham tattoo parlor is playing host to local art and musicians for a mini gallery night. Check it out 8-11 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday & Saturday, Nov. 20 & 22
Wine Dinners in the Metro // When the hard part is choosing which vino event to attend, you know you’re in the right place. On Thursday, Petit & Keet will explore Slouch Hat Wines (by Arkansas native Matt Fowler) with a five-course menu at 6:30 p.m., while SO Restaurant sips Italian wines with a menu by Chef Joseph Salguiero at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday, Chef Amanda Ivy is back in town for her own perfectly-paired menu and French wines at Rusty Tractor Vineyards at 6:30 p.m.
Antonius-Tín Bui at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // The AMFA’s latest visiting artist is this creator known for their intricate paper pieces. This weekend, they’ll offer a free artist talk on Thursday at 6 p.m., then demonstrations and workshops on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday & Saturday, Nov. 21 & 22
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Mortal Kombat” on Friday at 7 p.m. On Saturday is “The Godfather Part III” at 3:30 p.m. and “The Last Waltz” at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Nov. 20-23
Opening Weekend at Local Theaters // The stages are hopping this weekend and we have zero complaints. There’s “The Thanksgiving Play” at The Weekend Theater where combining Thanksgiving and Native American Heritage Month goes hilariously wrong, as well as the one-day-only Downtown Playmakers Project at The Rep featuring plays written by local fourth-graders. Meanwhile, Wildwood Park for the Arts closes out its run of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and the Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus wraps up its 2025 appearance in Argenta. (And if you had Argenta Contemporary Theatre‘s “A Christmas Story: The Musical” on your calendar, note the opening night has been moved to Dec. 10.)
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