The winter weather is back, but the local event calendar is thawing out. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Jan. 15
Bard at the Bar at Fassler Hall // Who let Shakespeare into the liquor cabinet? Put on by the Actors Theatre of Little Rock, this performance of “Macbeth” is a shortened rendition, but one that includes extra drinks, way less rehearsal and 100% more fun. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.
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Jason Aldean at Simmons Bank Arena // Let’s start the weekend with the volume up. The country music star is bringing his Full Throttle Tour to NLR along with special guests Nate Smith, Lanie Gardner and Dee Jay Silver. You bring the boots. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, Jan. 15-17
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is “Misery” on Thursday, then “Harold and Maude” on Friday and “Fargo” on Saturday, each at 7 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, Jan. 15-18
Opening Weekend at Local Theaters // The stages are hopping this weekend and we have zero complaints. There’s “[title of show]” at The Weekend Theater (and no, that’s not a typo) following two struggling writers as they scramble to create a last-minute entry for a musical theater festival. Across town, Murry’s Dinner Playhouse kicks off its run of “The Second-to-Last Chance Ladies League,” a Jones Hope Wooten comedy about four longtime friends who reunite to run a chaotic business.
Friday, Jan. 16
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 Chad Caza exhibit at Caverns & Forests, crafts at NLR Public Library System‘s mobile library and an open studio with Slugknives, Bang-Up Betty and Lee Lee Arts + Design. Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
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Friday & Saturday, Jan. 16 & 17
Miss Gay America 2026 at the Robinson Center // Bring on the sequins and hairspray. Contestants vying for the crown will take the stage in the final two nights of the country’s longest-running pageant of its kind. It starts at 6:30 p.m. both nights. Learn more here.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Winter on the Water at Pinnacle Mountain State Park // If exploring The Natural State was on your resolution list, don’t let the cold stop you. Bundle up and join this guided float trip down the Maumelle River while learning about the avian life of the park. Canoes launch at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
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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. January kicks off a year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and this event dives into science and the “Laws of Nature” in the 1820s. Plus, HAM is hosting a Scout Day with a chance to work toward merit badges. Stop by 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
“Neo-Soul Favorites” at the Albert Pike Masonic Center // This is how you set the stage for some of the best jams of the modern age. As part of the traveling Candlelight Concert series, this show promises hits by Boyz II Men, SZA, Prince, Childish Gambino, Alicia Keys and more, all played by the Listeso String Quartet while surrounded by (flameless) candles. Showtime is 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Jan. 18
Dolly Parton Brunch at Southern Tail Brewing // On Monday, the incomparable Dolly Parton will turn a spry 80 years old, but first, this East Village joint is celebrating in style. Expect a themed menu, lots of music, movie screenings, costume contests and more. Doors open at 11 a.m. and brunch runs until 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended. Learn more here.
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Barkyard Market at Bark Bar // Cute pups are sharing the spotlight with local makers this weekend at this dog-friendly pub. Come peruse vendor booths, get in on good food and drinks and hang with some four-legged friends. Be there noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here. Bonus: Get your sweat on with Bark & Burn HIIT on Saturday. More on that here.
“A Night at the Opera” at Calvary Baptist Church // To keep the tunes going, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Community Orchestra will hold its winter concert featuring opera classics by Verdi, Puccini, Humperdinck and more. The performance is free and open to the public. Showtime is 7 p.m. Learn more here.