Mardi Gras, marathon festivities, pop-up markets, live music — now this is how you welcome a new month. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Feb. 27
Grand Opening at Norwood Day Floral Co. // The city’s new florist has a new storefront to match, and it’s celebrating all day long with food, drinks, raffles and giveaways. The shop is located at 7509 Cantrell Road, Ste. 4, and operating hours are 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Miss the memo on Norwood Day? Catch up here.
Cirque du Rocher at The Venue at Westwind // Back for another trip around the big top, this yearly event is extra special in that it marks the first year of its nonprofit’s new name: Achieve Community Alliance, formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Arkansas. The magical evening includes food, libations, auctions and circus performers. As always, proceeds will go toward the mission to “advance the independence, productivity and full citizenship of people with disabilities.” It starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Still Unlocked: Celebrating Reentry in Pulaski County at Next Level Events // Hosted by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Prevention and Reentry Foundation, this annual fundraiser supports the nonprofit’s efforts to help individuals successfully reintegrate into society after incarceration. This year’s event will honor the Pulaski County reentry program that inspired the Netflix series “Unlocked: A Jail Experiment.” It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Victoria Christopher Murray at Ron Robinson Theater // Next up in the CALS Speaker Series, this New York Times bestselling author will discuss “Harlem Rhapsody,” her new novel detailing “the extraordinary story of the woman who ignited the Harlem Renaissance.” It starts at 6:30 p.m. Learn more here.
“Tinseltown Tunes” at Second Presbyterian Church // The Little Rock Wind Symphony is headed to Hollywood for its latest show. Conducted by Israel Getzov, this performance will feature some of the most recognizable songs from the silver screen, including “The Raiders March” from the Indiana Jones series and “Under the Sea” from “The Little Mermaid.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Escher Quartet at Trinity Episcopal Church // The Chamber Music Society hosts its first concert of the year this weekend and will feature the sounds of this world-renowned ensemble playing pieces by Mendelssohn, Bartok and Dvorak. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Friday, Feb. 28
“Peter Pan” Opening Night at Wildwood Park for the Arts // Second to the right, and straight on till morning (or at least until you hit Denny Road). J.M. Barrie’s legendary tale comes to life in this beloved musical with favorites like “I Won’t Grow Up” and “I Gotta Crow.” Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday, March 1
Grand Opening at Ferndale Market // Also out west, a new stop for fresh finds is officially opening its doors, offering local produce, meat and specialty groceries. The market is located at 27024 Kanis Road and is a joint venture of Krause House Farms and The Front Porch Market. Doors open at 9 a.m. Learn more here.
Pocket Park Pop-Up at the Main Street Pocket Park // Attention, shoppers. After launching last spring and running through fall, this popular outdoor market returns with a full lineup of local vendors, artists, vintage finds and a few food trucks to keep you going. Come shop 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
SoMardi Gras on South Main // Laissez les bons temps rouler, y’all. This bash gets bigger and better every year, and this year is no exception with the sparkling theme of “SoMardi Gras Disco.” The parade kicks off at 22nd Street at noon (more on that here) before morphing into a block party with food trucks, vendors, music and a kids zone. Bonus: Get the fun started early at the SoMardi Gras + Little Rock Marathon Pre-Party on Friday night at Rock Town Distillery.
And because more is more with Mardi Gras, here’s some of what you can expect around SoMa:
And yes, we’re craving it, too. Here’s where to get your king cake fix.
PSA: The inaugural Party With a Purpose Gala may be sold out, but you can still give to support Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). More on that here.
Friday & Saturday, Feb. 28 & March 1
“Proud!” at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre // Now in its second year, The Rep’s production created in conjunction with Central High’s AP African American Studies curriculum is back to “[celebrate] the African American journey through an artistic lens.” This year’s show features Verda Davenport Booher, Dorse Brown, Ricardo Richardson, Keith Harper and CC Mercer Wilson. Catch the show at 7 p.m. Friday or 2 p.m. Saturday. Learn more here.
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first is a BingoFlix (and 25th anniversary) screening of “Ms. Congeniality” on Friday, then the 1968 classic “Planet of the Apes” on Saturday. Showtime is 7 p.m. both nights. Learn more here.
Sunday, March 2
Patio Season Kickoff at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // You just found your Sunday fun day. Embrace the Mardi Gras vibes, kick back on the Sunset Lodge patio and enjoy the themed food, drinks, games and live music. Be there noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
Crybaby! Market! at The Rev Room // One more market to close out the weekend? Don’t mind if we do. This one is hosted by the Misfit Makers Market and benefits the Caldero Collective, which supports local creatives. The market runs 2-6 p.m., then closes out with shows from Signal Scope, Sonic Fuzz and Jupiter’s Flytrap. Learn more here.
Soup Sunday at The Venue at Westwind // Hope you’re hungry, Little Rock. Hosted by Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, Soup Sunday pulls in tons of soups, breads and treats from some of Little Rock’s finest and favorite restaurants, all to raise money for the organization. The good eats go down from 4-7 p.m. Learn more here.
Read more about one of this year’s co-chairs: Kevin Shalin’s Appetite for Giving Back
Oscars Watch Party at Southern Tail Brewing // It may be Hollywood’s biggest night, but the fun reaches all the way to LR at this watch party hosted by the Arkansas Cinema Society. Expect themed menus, big screens, a ballot competition and even a stroll down the red carpet. The telecast starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Saturday & Sunday, March 1 & 2
Little Rock Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K // This is it, folks. If you were putting off your last bit of training, your luck’s run out. Spanning two days with the theme “Laissez Les Bon Temps Cours” (or “Let the Good Times Run”), the kids run, 5K and 10K will take place Saturday morning, with the marathon and half marathon taking off Sunday morning. Learn more here. Bonus: If you want to celebrate afterward by raising a glass, head to post-run parties at Flying Saucer and Southern Tail Brewing. Need to hype yourself up pre-race? Treat yourself to one of these luxe running accessories.
Psst! Non-runners, avoid these places if you’re not planning on joining the cheering section.