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.
Thursday, January 13
What: Paint the Whitehouse Black
Where: Robinson Center (Little Rock)
When: 4 pm
Start the weekend with a laugh at the Robinson Center for the production of Bennie Rodgers’ Paint the Whitehouse Black. Follow the story of three friends through triumph and tragedy and comedy riddled throughout. Leave the play with a powerful message and witness one of the most praised productions in history. Find your tickets here.
Thursday, January 13
What: Art on the Bricks Art Walks: Pandemonium
Where: Downtown Rogers
When: 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Dozens of regional artists showcase art created during the trying times of the past couple of years. Creativity was able to flourish during the emotional and turbulent times of the pandemic, and that creativity is being shared with the community. Participating artists will be showing their art in select galleries for visitors. Find more information and a list of participating artists and galleries here.
Thursday, January 13
What: Cocktail Tour: For the Birds
Where: Eleven at Crystal Bridges (Bentonville)
When: 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Unwind at Eleven with art, drinks and a good time. Join Crystal Bridges for an evening tour of the museum and specialty cocktails inspired by the special theme for the night: the birds. Learn how to make a handcrafted cocktail from Eleven’s master mixologists and then head into the galleries with a Guide for a look into how artists have featured birds in their works. Register here for your special night.
Thursday, January 13 – Sunday, January 16
What: Grease
Where: The Royal Players (Benton)
When: 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Grease is taking to the stage at The Historic Royal Theatre. Performed by the Young Players Second Stage, dance in your seat along to your favorite songs. Look here for more information and purchase your tickets for the weekend.
Friday, January 14
What: BYOB: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
Where: Bark Bar (Little Rock)
When: 4 pm to 9 pm
January 14 is National Dress Up Your Pet Day, so natural Bark Bar wants to celebrate the holiday in style. Dress up your pet in whatever they look best, and most importantly cutest, and walk them over to Bark Bar. All doggos dressed up will get in free! Fill out this form before you come and pawty!
Friday, January 14
What: Virtual 2nd Friday Art Night
Where: Participating Galleries (Little Rock)
When: 5 pm
It’s Central Arkansas’ favorite time of the month: the second Friday. Hit up participating galleries and vendors in Downtown Little Rock for featured artists, special galleries and a few surprises that only come once a month. This month’s event has moved online with live music by singer-songwriter Charlotte Taylor. Charlotte’s sound is reviewed to be a soulful and blues style to make you want to dance. Find a full list of participating galleries and activities here.
Friday, January 14
What: Stand Up Comedy: Copenhagen Bandit
Where: Six Twelve Coffeehouse & Bar (Fayetteville)
When: 8 pm
The Copenhagen Bandit is returning to Fayetteville for more laughs. Hailing from Joplin, Missouri, the Copenhagen Bandit pulls humor from his life growing up with a “redneck, beering drinking family and friends.” Here for one night only, don’t miss out and get your tickets today.
Friday, January 14 – Saturday, January 15
What: Dinner Date Night
Where: Ozark Grape Escape Winery (Springdale)
When: 5 to 9 pm
Grab your honey and head to Ozark Grape Escape for a date night on either Friday or Saturday. Enjoy steaks, seafood, pasta and more paired with your choice of wine. Stay tuned, because the date nights will be weekly, or weekend-ly, events. Reservations are not required but recommended, so make yours today!
Saturday, January 15
What: Saline County Polar Plunge
Where: Hurricane Lake Estates (Benton)
When: 9 am
It is once again the time of year when community members take a dive into freezing water in support of the nonprofit Special Olympics Arkansas. By participating in the plunge, opportunity and inclusion are provided to over 19,500 Special Olympics athletes and young athletes across the state. The Saline County Polar Plunge is one of 24 in Arkansas’ Polar Plunge Season, so check here for Polar Plunges you can participate in (in-person or virtually) here!
Saturday, January 15
What: 3rd Saturday at Historic Arkansas
Where: Historic Arkansas Museum (Little Rock)
When: 10 am to 4 pm
A new series is coming to the Historic Arkansas Museum that everyone should be excited about. On the third Saturday of each month, the museum is hosting an educational experience to learn more about the history of Arkansas. This Saturday’s event will feature life during the winter of 1847 as townspeople prepared for colder months. Visitors will interact with costumed staff and experience mid-19th century skills through demonstrations and hands-on activities. Find out if you have what it takes to survive the winter.
Saturday, January 15
What: Learn to Irish Dance
Where: McCafferty Academy of Irish Dance
When: 11 am
This is your chance to learn how to Irish Dance with professionals at the McCafferty Academy of Irish Dance and their eight-week introductory program. Classes are offered Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. All dancers will participate in the Little Rock St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Find more information here.
Saturday, January 15
What: Mix Cocktail Competition
Where: Wake & Bake (Fayetteville)
When: 2 pm to 4 pm
Got cocktails? Pull up a chair at Wake & Bake for the 8th Annual NWA Cocktail Competition. Local bartenders will compete for the best cocktail with a public vote. You might be asking who gets to judge, and the good news is that you can. Ticket holders get to taste and vote for their favorite cocktail. This event is a fundraiser for Ozark Mixology Education so other individuals out there can be expert mixologists. Get your tickets here!
Saturday, January 15
What: Neon Cactus (Glow) Paint and Sip
Where: 121 West Walnut Street (Rogers)
When: 5 pm to 7 pm
Looking to let loose with a paintbrush? Head to the Neon Cactus (Glow) Paint and Sip for popular art and music. This is an immersive, free-spirited, UV painting experience where guests use black lights to create a painting showing off their personal style. A painting instructor will guide guests through the basics of mixing paint and painting techniques. Guests will be surrounded by music, aromas and visuals to inspire creativity. Look here for more information and purchase tickets.
Saturday, January 15
What: Till Death Do Us Part Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
Where: BoBrook Farms (Little Rock)
When: 6 pm
To all the crime fans and amateur detectives out there, this is your chance to shine. A magical wedding goes haywire when a member of the wedding party is murdered. Solve the case, enjoy a buffet dinner, dessert and a nail-biting show. Costumes aren’t required but encouraged. Wear a wedding dress or the tackiest wedding attire you have in your closet. The show is PG-13 and geared toward adults. Find your tickets for the murder here.
Saturday, January 15
What: Shen Yun
Where: Robinson Center (Little Rock)
When: 2 pm and 7 pm
At two separate times, be amazed as you experience a multi-dimensional moving journey. Featuring one of the world’s most ancient and richest dances, classical Chinese dance, along with animated backdrops and original orchestral works, Shen Yun gives insight into a civilization of beauty and wisdom. Shen Yun Performing Arts is a nonprofit organization based in New York with a mission to revive 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. Don’t miss this experience and buy your tickets here.
Sunday, January 16
What: 2022 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Bridal Show
Where: Statehouse Convention Center (Little Rock)
When: 11:30 pm to 4 pm
2022 is the year of the wedding boom, and vendors are booking faster than you can say “I do.” Recently engaged couples and friends are invited to the largest bridal show in Central Arkansas full of caterers, DJs, wedding attire, jewelry, venues and more. There will be fashion showcases, prizes and contests throughout the day, and don’t miss the Ultimate Giveaway! When buying your tickets, look into the VIB (Very Important Bride) experience. Whether you already have everyone booked or starting at the very beginning, this event has everything a couple could dream of. Get your tickets here!
NOW – January 15
What: GloWild!
Where: Little Rock Zoo (Little Rock)
When: Dates and Times
For one more weekend, 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.
Basketball Weekend Lineup:
Saturday, January 15:
Men’s Basketball:
- Arkansas Razorbacks vs. LSU Tigers
Where: Pete Maravich Assembly Center (Baton Rouge, LA)
When: 1 pm
- UCA Bears vs. North Alabama Lions
Where: Farris Center (Conway)
When: 3:15 pm
- UAPB Golden Lions vs. Florida A&M Rattlers
Where: H.O. Clemmons Arena (Pine Bluff)
When: 5:30 pm
Women’s Basketball:
- A-State Red Wolves vs. Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
Where: First National Bank Arena (Jonesboro)
When: 1 pm
- UCA Bears vs. North Alabama Lions
Where: Farris Center (Conway)
When: 1 pm
- UAPB Golden Lions vs. Florida A&M Rattlers
Where: H.O. Clemmons Arena
When: 3 pm
- ATU Golden Suns vs. Ouachita Baptist Tigers
Where: Bill Vining Arena (Arkadelphia)
When: 1 pm
Sunday, January 16:
Women’s Basketball:
- Arkansas Razorbacks vs. South Carolina Gamecocks
Where: Bud Walton Arena (Fayetteville)
When: 2:30 pm
Weekend Lineup at The Rev Room:
January 13:
- Cody Hibbard; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:15 pm; tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
Weekend Lineup at Four Quarter Bar:
January 13:
- Special Jam with Jonathan DeGarzarian; doors open at 8 pm, show begins at 9 pm; free to attend.
January 14:
- Chucky Waggs & His Company of Raggs; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $7.
January 15:
- The Chad Marshall Band; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $7.
Weekend Lineup at the White Water Tavern:
January 13:
- Emily Fenton, with Michael Richard Hall and Turquoise Tiger; show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $7.
January 15:
- Brick Fields with Fonky Donkey; show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $5.
Weekend Lineup at TC’s Midtown Grill:
January 14:
- Donnie Lee Strickland; show begins at 9 pm.
January 15:
- Triot Quiet; show begins at 9 pm.
Weekend Lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge:
January 13:
- Nimesh Patel Late Show; doors open at 9:30 pm, show begins at 10:15 pm; tickets are $20.
January 14:
- Happy Hour with Simply Seger: The Ultimate Bob Seger Tribute; doors open at 5 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $8.
- Chad Cooke Band and Cody Hibbard; doors open at 8:30 pm, show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $12 to $15.
January 15:
- Mixtapes; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $15.
Weekend Lineup at JJ’s Live:
January 14:
- Buckcherry & The Lacs; doors open at 6 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm; tickets are $27.50 to $3,000.
Weekend Linep at Mulekick at Mad:
January 14:
- Dallas Moore; show begins at 7 pm.
January 15:
- Jimmy Lewis; show begins at 7 pm.
Holidays:
January 13:
- Korean American Day
- National Peach Melba Day
- National Rubber Ducky Days
- National Sticker Day
January 14:
- National Dress Up Your Pet Day
- National Hot Pastrami Sandwich Day
- Ratification Day
January 15:
- National Bagel Day
- National Hat Day
- National Booch (Kombucha) Day
- National Strawberry Ice Cream Day
- National Use Your Gift Card Day
January 16:
- National Fig Newton Day
- National Nothing Day
- National Religious Freedom Day
- National Without a Scalpel Day
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