There are always great things to do in the Natural State, and AY About You has compiled some of the most exciting events in Arkansas this weekend.
Listen to Heather Baker’s Weekend Plans every Friday morning on 103.7 the Buzz.
Friday, December 31
What: Noon Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Where: Bark Bar (Little Rock)
When: 11 am to 3 pm
The howlidays are over, and the New Year is catching up. You and your fur-child deserve to celebrate all that you’ve accomplished this past year and the pawsome opportunities waiting in 2022, and Bark Bar has just the party. At noon on New Year’s Eve, Bark Bar will be dropping tons of tennis balls from their second-floor balcony, and every ball caught wins a prize. Bring your dog to catch some balls and celebrate your wins with brunch specials.
Friday, December 31
What: Noon Year’s Eve
Where: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
When: 11 am to 3 pm
If staying up until midnight is not you or your family’s forte, then head to Crystal Bridges to welcome the new year before bedtime. Open to all ages, enjoy nostalgic games, live music, dancing, art, performances in the galleries, a Coca-Cola toast and more. For more fun, the temporary exhibit “In American Waters: The Sea in American Painting” will be open for free admission during the festivities. Don your paper crown and celebrate with Crystal Bridges.
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve Party for Old People
Where: Crisis Brewing Company (Fayetteville)
When: 2 pm
Sleep is important, and for some, a little extra sleep can go a long way. Crisis Brewing understands, so they are offering special hours to party from 2 pm to 8 pm with a free champagne toast at 6 pm in accordance with the London, England, ball drop. Party the late afternoon away with laughs, good drinks a few surprises.
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve 2021 at GloWild!
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: 5 pm to 9 pm
Do you know who’s more excited about a new year than you? The animals at the Little Rock Zoo because that means they get to party with you. GloWild will be extra bright and extra fun on New Year’s Eve with a family-friendly dance party, decorations, scheduled games and more. Find the schedule and your tickets here.
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve Celebration Dinner
Where: Arlington Hotel’s Venetian Dining Room (Hot Springs)
When: 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm
The Arlington has event after event planned to reign in the New Year. To start off the night, enjoy a special buffet served in the historic Venetian Dining Room. Good food is always a great way to start fresh. Find your tickets here.
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve with Zac Dunlap Band
Where: The Library Kitchen + Lounge (Little Rock)
When: 6 pm
Party with the Zac Dunlap Band at The Library. Throwback some signature drinks, dance and make a game plan for your next year. Buy your tickets here!
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve Charity Bash
Where: The Carriage House at Big Oak Hill Ranch (Magnolia)
When: 6:30 pm
Did someone say fireworks? The Carriage House at Big Oak Hill Ranch definitely did. Enjoy a night of dinner, dancing and the main event, fireworks. Live music will be provided by Tuesday Knights and dinner is from none other than The Smoking Bull. For an additional donation, The Flying Pig photography will take photos of you and your group. Find your ticket options here!
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve Party
Where: Piano Bar (Fayetteville)
When: 7 pm
The Piano Bar might party every night of the year, but New Year’s Eve is extra special. Tickets into the bar include a champagne toast and party favors. Get your tickets to the party here.
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve Late Skate
Where: Arkansas Skatium (Little Rock)
When: 7 pm to 1 am
Roll into 2022 on some sweet skates at the Arkansas Skatium. There will be sparkling cider and a balloon drop at midnight full of prizes including free admission passes, BOGO admission passes, season passes and more.
Friday, December 31
What: Gala Dinner Dance
Where: Arlington Hotel’s Crystal Ballroom (Hot Springs)
When: 7:30 pm
We’re back at the Arlington for the Gala Dinner Dance. This dinner includes five courses, wine pairings and a champagne toast at midnight. Also included in the festivities are party favors and dancing to the Stardust Big Band with vocalist Shirley Chauvin. The Gala is black tie optional, but why not look good for 2022? Find your tickets here.
Friday, December 31
What: ONO22: The Champagne Life
Where: Robinson Center (Little Rock)
When: 8 pm
One Night Only (ONO) is back for the welcoming of 2022. The Robinson Center has an exclusive celebration planned with live music, DJs, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne. Get your tickets now!
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party
Where: Boogies Bar & Grill (Hot Springs)
When: 8 pm to 5 am
“Masquerade, people’s faces on parade.” Mask up, but this time with a traditional masquerade mask. In addition to extravagant attire, at least on the face, there will be live music by Aaron Owens, a DJ, dancing, and premium drinking including a champagne toast. Get your ticket to the party here!
Friday, December 31
What: Festival Party
Where: Arlington Hotel’s Conference Center (Hot Springs)
When: 8:30 pm to 1 am
Now, it’s party time at the Arlington. Enjoy party favors, live music by The Intruders, a midnight champagne toast and a Black-Eyed Pea Reception in the Magnolia Room for guests of both events. Find your tickets here.
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve Mayor’s Ball: “Let’s Do Something New for 2022!”
Where: El Dorado Conference Center
When: 9 pm
“Let’s Do Something New for 2022!” Party in the best items you have in your closet (anything above casual to black tie), walk the red carpet and cheers to the New Year. Find your tickets here.
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Where: Downtown Fort Smith
When: 9 pm
Gather at Garrison Avenue for the annual lighted ball drop at midnight. Don’t miss it, because there will also be fireworks from the roof of the Area Agency. Bundle up and celebrate!
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Where: Access Control Devices Inc.
When: 9 pm
The city of Benton is hosting a special New Year’s Eve Ball Drop at the ACDI. Entertainment includes music, a laser show, food trucks, games for all ages and more. Admission is free, but canned and non-perishable food donations will be collected and donated to local food banks. Register here.
Friday, December 31
What: NYE Downtown Dance Party
Where: Basin Park Hotel
When: 9 pm
Dance, dance, we’re falling apart to the New Year. Basin Park welcomes you to a dance party at the Barefoot Ballroom. Per the organizers’ words, plan to dance barefoot with the music of Los Roscoes while enjoying an evening of flowing champagne, drinks and surprises. In case you were worried, late-night dessert is included. Get your tickets here!
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s Eve at the Crescent
Where: Crescent Hotel and Spa (Eureka Springs)
When: 10 pm
For the 135th time, it’s New Year’s at the Crescent. Dance the remnants of 2021 away with upscale fun in the Crystal Dining Room with jazz and New Year’s Eve Revelers. Get your tickets to “Swing in the New Year” here.
Friday, December 31
What: New Year’s with Eureka Springs
Where: Eureka Springs
When: Schedule
Eureka Springs has something planned for everyone around the city. Check here for all the happenings and smaller events that might be right up your alley and the perfect pace for you this New Year’s Eve.
Friday, December 31 – Saturday, January 1
What: New Year’s 2022
Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs)
When: 5 pm
Knock on wood, 2022 has the potential to be a better year, and starting the year off with a win is the perfect way to speak it into existence. Drive out to Oaklawn for dinner specials, live entertainment from Jacob Flores and Cliff and Susan, live racing and the casino. Check out the Oaklawn website for menu information and a schedule of events.
Saturday, January 1
What: First Day Hikes
Where: Select State Parks
When: Park Schedule
Start your New Year with some fresh air and gorgeous views. Petit Jean State Park is offering guided hikes on New Year’s Day as part of an annual First Day Hikes initiative in all 50 states. Reconnect with the outdoors and begin the year with a clear head.
Saturday, January 1
What: New Year’s Day Drag Brunch
Where: Fassler Hall (Little Rock)
When: 12 pm
Fight off that hangover with a special brunch at Fassler Hall and Fassler’s Hall-Stars. There will be two separate shows, one at noon and the second at 4 pm. Sleep your night off, roll out of bed and start the year with some fun.
Don’t forget about these seasonal events ending soon!
NOW – December 31
What: Light Up the City
Where: Downtown Fayetteville
When: 3 pm to 10 pm
“Light Up the City” is back for another year of healthy window competition and holiday decorations. Storefronts of downtown Fayetteville are participating in a storefront decorating competition for the “best-dressed windows.” Residents and visitors are able to take self-guided walking tours of the Art and Entertainment district’s festive buildings. This year, over 35 businesses, restaurants and museums are lighting up their buildings for spectators. Enjoy the ongoing event and hit up any of the local spots for food, shopping and entertainment.
NOW – December 31
What: Wonderland
Where: Garvan Woodland Gardens (Hot Springs)
When: 10 am to 6 pm
For the safety of visitors in light of COVID-19, Garvan Woodland Gardens are not hosting their annual holiday light trail, but they do have something new and exciting planned for the winter season in its place. Garvan Woodland Gardens has installed a daytime art installation to wow all ages of visitors. With nine main areas of themes, each piece reflects the spirit of winter and the holidays. Larger-than-life pieces tower over the walking trails and transport spectators to another world.
NOW – December 31
What: Holidaze
Where: Walton Arts Center and 101 N. Block Avenue (Fayetteville)
When: Schedule
It’s time to answer the age-old question: Have you been naughty or nice this year? At Holidaze, a holiday-themed pop-up bar in Fayetteville, you can be both! For the whole family to enjoy, head to the Walton Arts Center for a holiday wonderland of twinkling lights, vintage decor and snowglobes surrounding fire pits where family and friends can hang out and share a few laughs. If you’re looking for some adult-only fun, head to Holidaze on Block for a more mature crowd with themed entertainment. Both locations will have holiday-themed cocktails and snacks, and the best part is that you can go to both. Proceeds from drinks will go toward Washington County Children’s Safety Center, Fayetteville, Independent Restaurant Alliance and NWA Equality. Purchase your tickets for special events coming up at the pop-up here. Happy Holidaze!
NOW – January 1
What: Glisten in Greenbrier
Where: Matthews Park (Greenbrier)
When: Schedule
If you look past the barren ground and sunny skies, you’ll find a winter wonderland right under your nose. Glisten in Greenbrier is bringing to the community winter fun for an entire month including an ice skating rink, a light display concessions and more fun for every member of the family. Lace up your skates (included in the entrance fee) and slip into the holidays.
NOW – January 2
What: Winter Break Wonders
Where: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
When: 1 pm to 4 pm
The kiddos are out of school and new toys will only keep them entertained for so long. Take a trip to Crystal Bridges to create with artists, make collages and projects in the studios, listen to music as a family and enjoy special afternoon activities including artmaking, creative play, paper icicles, winter wind chimes, movement activities, art carts, visits by nature experts and more. To make the break-long event more enjoyable for the family, it is free to attend! Check out the schedule here.
NOW – January 2
What: North Forest Lights
Where: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)
When: Schedule
Wander into the woods at Crystal Bridges for a light display unlike any other. Using the beauty of the natural world, lighting elements and soundscapes transform the forest into a mystical world captivating all senses. Five distinct installations are found along the trail: Crystal Grove, Forest Frequencies, The Hearth, Whispering Tree and Memory of Water. Created and produced by Moment Factory, North Forest Lights reconnects guests with nature through art. Listen to the natural world and experience the forest like never before. Find your tickets for this experience here.
NOW – January 2
What: MAD on Ice
Where: Murphy Arts District (El Dorado)
When: Schedule
Are you MAD about ice skating? Grab your friends, significant others, kids and grandma for the third year of skating at the Murphy Arts District outdoor amphitheater. If you’re not the most skilled skater, and you’re not a fan of hanging onto the wall the entire time, skating aids or “helpers” – Bobby the Seal and Tommy the Reindeer – are available for adults and children to look like pros on the ice. Admission costs vary between guests and MAD members, but hot chocolate and concessions are available for all – and what’s ice skating without hot chocolate to warm those red cheeks and fingers? Visit the MAD website here to sign your waiver ahead of time and maybe sign up for a season pass. Have a n’ICE time!
NOW – January 15
What: GloWild!
Where: Little Rock Zoo (Little Rock)
When: Dates and Times
A whole new world awaits you at the Little Rock Zoo. Under the light of the stars, see the animals brighter than they’ve ever been before. The Little Rock Zoo is introducing a new interactive light festival featuring thousands of silk-covered lanterns glowing in the likeness of the zoo’s beloved animals. This fully immersive experience is the first of its kind at the zoo and an opportunity to create new traditions for the winter season.
Weekend Lineup at Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack:
December 30:
- Patrick Rogers; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; free admission.
December 31:
- NYE with The Big Dam Horns; doors open at 8 pm, show begins at 9:30 pm; $15 to $150.
Weekend Lineup at Four Quarter Bar:
December 31:
- NYE Bash with Rachel Ammons; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $20.
Weekend Lineup at White Water Tavern:
December 31:
- New Year’s Eve Blowout with Zilla, Lap, Moonmane and DJ Ike; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $5; all proceeds will be donated to Intransitive.
Weekend Lineup at The Vapors:
December 31:
- New Year’s Eve party with Motown and More; doors open at 8 pm, show begins at 9 pm, champagne toast at midnight; tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door.
Weekend Lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge:
December 31
- New Year’s Even Happy Hour with Full House; doors open at 4:30 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $15 to $150.
- Arkansasauce New Year’s Eve Bash; doors open at 8:30 pm, show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $20 to $23.
Holidays:
December 30:
- National Bacon Day
- National Bicarbonate of Soda Day
December 31:
- New Year’s Eve
- National Champagne Day
- Make Up Your Mind Day
- No Interruptions Day
January 1:
- New Year’s Day
- Polar Bear Plunge Day
- National Hangover Day
- National Bloody Mary Day
January 2:
- National Science Fiction Day
- National Buffet Day
- National Cream Puff Day
READ MORE: 10 Best Dishes of 2021
