Valentine fun, dance parties, Shakespeare — it’s all on the agenda this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Feb. 13
Galentine’s Party at Sterling Market // Let’s go, girls. Sterling and Rock Town Distillery are teaming up to kick off the heart-filled weekend with an Alley party filled with karaoke, crafts, prizes, vendors and more, plus lots of good eats and drinks. Bring your bestie 6-10 p.m. Learn more here.
Psst! If you have hearts on the brain this weekend, we rounded up all the fun things to do with your boo and your crew right here: Love is in the Air: A Guide to Valentine’s Day in Little Rock.
Friday, Feb. 14
Fridays in Rivera’s Paris at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // The much-anticipated “Rivera’s Paris” exhibit is now open to the public, and the AMFA is turning up the flavor. Through the end of March, Fridays include live jazz and a chance to dig into the new themed menu before exploring the exhibit. Reservations full? Grab a drink in the Cultural Living Room instead. Stop by 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
2nd Friday Art Night in Downtown Little Rock // It’s 2FAN time, aka the monthly roundup of downtown businesses opening their doors for an after-hours gallery walk. Highlights this month include hot cocoa at the Historic Arkansas Museum, live music at Bella Vita the Old State House Museum and art vendors and portraits at the CALS Rock It! Lab. The fun lasts 5-8 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep the walking shoes on: This Self-Led Sculpture Tour Explores the River Market Art Scene
’80s Prom at The Rev Room // John Hughes would be proud. NWA ’80s band Boom Kinetic will supply the music, you bring the radical moves. Doors open at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
“A Tribute to Coldplay” at the Albert Pike Masonic Center // This is how you set the stage for one of the most iconic bands of the early 21st century. As part of the traveling Candlelight Concert series, this show promises some of Coldplay’s biggest hits played by the Listeso String Quartet while surrounded by (flameless) candles. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, Feb. 15
Living Craft Saturday at Historic Arkansas Museum // Time for some time travel. HAM’s monthly series gives guests an immersive, hands-on opportunity to learn about life in the early days of Arkansas. February’s event is all about “weathering the winter” and the skills needed to do it. Stop by 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Black Hearts Ball at The Hall // If you’re still not over Brad and Jen, you belong at this annual bash with Dial Up, the ’90s party band. Pump up your Reeboks and dance to tunes from your favorite artists of the era, and keep it extra moody by wearing all black. Showtime is 8 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Stay in your feelings and hit up Anti-Valentine’s Emo Night at Petit & Keet.
Thursday – Saturday, Feb. 13-15
CALS Used Book Sale at 7773 Sloane Drive // Time to make a dent in that new year’s reading list. With the Main Library undergoing renovations, the CALS temporary offices in the Port Industrial Hub are full of gently read books, and they’re calling your name with pocket change price tags. Sale hours are 2-5 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Each day is open to the public, no FOCAL membership needed. Pro tip: Bring a backpack. Or maybe a U-Haul. Learn more here.
“A Year With Frog and Toad” Opening Weekend at Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church // The Actors Theatre of Little Rock is starting its third season with a strong dose of wholesomeness. This Tony-nominated, family-friendly musical is based on the beloved books by Arnold Lobel, and Saturday’s performance comes complete with storytime with Princess Tiana. Learn more here.
Cult Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Do the Right Thing” on Thursday at 7 p.m., then a double feature on Saturday with “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” at 7 p.m. and “Dolemite” at 9:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Feb. 16
“Tippi & Barb” Screening at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // Just in time for Valentine’s weekend, the Arkansas Cinema Society is hosting a hometown premiere for “Tippi & Barb,” a new documentary that follows the love story of Rep. Tippi McCullough and Barb Mariani and how it led to their activism. Following the screening will be a Q&A with the couple, executive producer Kathy Webb and filmmaker Brad Burleson, as well as a themed happy hour in the atrium. Showtime is 2:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Keep the popcorn coming: Arkansas Cinema Society to Host Screenings of Oscar-Nominated Films
Friday – Sunday, Feb. 14-16
“Romeo and Juliet” at the Robinson Center // In the latest production by Ballet Arkansas, audiences are transported to Verona to witness “the world’s greatest love story.” Shakespeare’s iconic tale comes to life on stage thanks in part to live accompaniment by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. See the show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Learn more here.
Read more in our February cover story: Garden State: A Rosy Outlook for Ballet Arkansas
Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 15 & 16
Little Rock Cat Show at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds // Had one too many average weekends? This will fix that. The Arkansas Feline Fanciers show is back and ready to give audiences two days of judged competitions, agility trials, vendors and more festivities that are just the cat’s meow. Show hours are 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.