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, April 28 – Sunday, May 1
What: Live at the Plaza
Where: Argenta Plaza (North Little Rock)
When: 7 pm
Argenta Plaza is starting the weekend off on a high note with free mixed-repertory performances and education programs. Featuring excerpts from Ballet Arkansas’ best productions, guests will enjoy excerpts from the 21-22 season repertory, world-premieres and celebrated works of classical and contemporary dance. This outdoor series also provides children and adults of all ages and abilities with access to free classes in various dance disciplines taught by the professional artists of the organization. Find more information here!
Friday, April 29
What: AR SHIIP Day
Where: The Bryant Senior Center (Bryant)
When: 10 am to 2 pm
Join the folks with AR SHIIP, CareLink and the Central Arkansas Development Commission for the opportunity to ask Medicare questions, learn about support programs and receive the latest COVID-19 booster and pneumonia vaccine through Cornerstone Pharmacy. Find more information here.
Friday, April 29
What: Engage and Taste
Where: Brightwater NWA (Bentonville)
When: 6 pm to 8 pm
If you’ve ever lusted over the dishes on Chopped, this is the event for you. Take part in this mix n’ mingle event as chefs provide live cooking demos and tastings. Three teams of IGNITE students enrolled in Brightwater’s culinary program will prepare three dishes presented at stations throughout the venue: appetizer, pizza and dessert. Dishes within each course will include a key ingredient from that station sponsor’s public portfolio. Each student in the winning team will receive a $1,000 post-high school scholarship to the school or professional training program of their choice. Find more information here!
Friday, April 29 – Saturday, April 30
What: Wild Wines
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: Schedule
It’s a jungle out there, but the Little Rock Zoo is classing things up this weekend with the annual Wild Wines at the Zoo. Friday is VIP Night with catering from Arthur’s Ben E. Keith, Black Apple Cider, Cypress Social, Petit & Keet, SO, Trio’s and selections from the Zoo’s Cafe Africa and other local specialties. Friday will also include a premium wine selection and music from the Rodney Block Collective while Animal Ambassadors make their rounds. The “Mane” event on Saturday is the wildest party this side of the Sahara with over 200 wines from O’Looney’s to sample and food from dozens of restaurants and caterers. Animal Ambassadors will all make their grand appearance to meet and greet guests. Find more information on the event here!
Friday, April 29 – Sunday, May 1
What: TGIF Block Party: 501 Edition
Where: The Rail Yard LR, Status Playground, US Pizza Hillcrest (Little Rock)
When: Schedule
Why don’t we make 501 Day an annual thing? Oh, we have? Cool. Start the celebrations with The Rail Yard LR at TGIF Block Party: 501 Edition with a local DJ, Little Rock food trucks and local vendors. Head to the Status Playground Saturday evening for a Little Rock Legends Showcase and finish the weekend at US Pizza in Hillcrest with a chill brunch. Find more information on the weekend here.
Friday, April 29 – Sunday, May 1
What: 2022 Italian Food and Wine Festival
Where: Penick Boys and Girls Club (Little Rock)
When: Schedule
Stretch those limbs because it’s time for the 3rd annual Italian Food and Wine Festival and the bocce tournament is leaving no survivors. Besides the much-anticipated bocce throwdown, there will also be live entertainment, food demonstrations, grape stomping competitions, sauce competitions, the “Waiters Race” activities for the kids. There’s so much going on that you should plan to stick around for the entire weekend. Find more information here.
Friday, April 29 – Sunday, May 1
What: The Original NWA Home Show 2022
Where: NWA Convention Center (Springdale)
When: Schedule
What makes a home besides love? Quality windows, flooring, interior design and eye-catching cabinets, of course. Find all of this and more at the NWA Home Show located a the NWA Convention Center. Check here for updates and more information.
Friday, April 29 – Sunday, May 1
What: Toad Suck Daze
Where: Downtown Conway
When: Schedule
The legendary Toad Suck Daze is this weekend and the lineup is monumental. Starting Friday, slip into some running shoes for the Toad Suck Daze 10k/5k Run and Tadpole Trot followed by the Tour de Toad and Iron Toad on Saturday. Both Friday and Saturday you can take part in the Crawl Drag and Squirt and the kids may enjoy Omelets with the Toad Master on Sunday. There is much more to do, so hop to it and find more information here.
Saturday, April 30
What: 2022 Be a Part of the Cure Walk
Where: War Memorial Stadium (Little Rock)
When: 8 am
The first lady of Razorback basketball, Danyelle Musselman, is leading this year’s Cure Walk. The walk aims to raise awareness in the community about cancer and provide the participants with education on cancer prevention, screening and services in Arkansas. Proceeds from the walk support cancer research at the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Find more information about the Be a Part of the Cure Walk and register here.
Saturday, April 30
What: 2022 Central Arkansas Heart Walk
Where: North Shore River Walk (Little Rock)
When: 8:30 am
Join the American Heart Association Saturday morning for the Central Arkansas Heart Walk. The walk will be a 1, 2 or 4-mile walk including a Kid’s Zone, a small petting zoo, a Pet Zone and more. The Heart Walk is a premier fundraising event to save lives from the country’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers: heart disease and stroke. Take part in this great cause and find more information here.
Saturday, April 30
What: The Royal Cheese Dip Festival
Where: Tyndall Park (Benton)
When: 11 am to 3 pm
Royalty might not be a normal thing in these neck of the woods, but that’s not stopping the Royal Cheese Dip Festival. Try different cheese dips from local vendors and vote on which you think is the best in the qualifying categories. Leadership Saline County Class XVI is hosting the Royal Cheese Dip Festival to raise money for Benton’s Royal Theatre. Funds raised will also provide four $750 scholarships to one student each from Benton, Bryant, Bauxite and Harmony Grove. Find more information and tickets here.
Saturday, April 30
What: Cinco de Mayo at the Mill
Where: War Eagle Mill (Rogers)
When: 11 am to 4 pm
Join War Eagle Mill for the second annual Cinco de Mayo celebration. There will be kids’ Cinco de Mayo coloring pages, the Cafe special featuring chicken enchiladas and Spanish rice, a sampling of War Eagle Mill salsa and party dips. Find more information here.
Saturday, April 30
What: Oaklawn’s Infield
Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs)
When: 11 am to 6 pm
Plant yourself on the multi-acre Infield at Oaklawn Jockey Club this Saturday. The Club is a family-friend environment with spring scenery and the excitement of Thoroughbred racing. Have a picnic, enjoy concessions, kids’ activities, live Mutuel tellers, food trucks and live entertainment. Find more information and racing times here.
Saturday, April 30
What: Coil Pottery Workshop
Where: Nexus Coffee & Creative (Little Rock)
When: 2 pm
Sometimes getting your hands dirty is exactly what you need to reset, and Nexus Coffee has your hook-up. Chris Swasta with Rolling Hills Pottery will be at Nexus Saturday afternoon for a small workshop on how to make coil pots. For the first 15 minutes of the session, Swasta will demonstrate the process on the banding wheel, and then it’s your turn to sink your fingers into some clay. A class for all ages, bring your family to make new memories. The fee for the class includes tool rental, clay and two kiln firings. Find more information here. Happy throwing!
Saturday, April 30
What: It’s Gonna Be May
Where: Petit & Keet (Little Rock)
When: 4 pm
Let’s see those denim on denim and ramen noodle hair looks as you roll into Petit & Keet Saturday evening because the restaurant is throwing it back to the early 2000s. Join the restaurant staff on the patio for themed cocktails, wine flights and a sweet throwback playlist featuring hits from our favorite boy bands. Find more information here.
Saturday, April 30
What: Bollywood Nights 2022
Where: Windsong Performing Arts Center (Little Rock)
When: 5:30 pm to 9 pm
Bollywood Nights invites you on a quick trip out of the country while never leaving the ground. Fully immerse yourself in Indian culture, cuisine, fashion and dance. The night includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, Bollywood dance performances, a fashion show, Indian cuisine and the chance to get on the dance floor yourself to show what you’ve learned. All proceeds from the event go toward Harmony Health Clinic, a 501(c) nonprofit health center serving veterans, the uninsured, underinsured and homeless population. Find more information here.
Saturday, April 30
What: Glow and Flow Fluid Art Experience
Where: Paint Your Power (Rogers)
When: 7 pm to 9 pm
Let that artist dying to crawl out of your skin free with the Paint and Glow Fluid Art Party at Paint Your Power. If you’re wondering what awaits you at the party, prepare for a night of immersive, free-spirited UV painting where black lights are used to create a painting exhibiting personal style and flair. A painting instructor will guide guests through the basics of mixing paint and painting techniques. Surrounded by music, aromas and visuals, this is an experience like no other. Find more information here.
Saturday, April 30 – Sunday, May 1
What: 501 Day
Where: North Little Rock
When: Schedule
501 Day is taking over all of North Little Rock. Events and deals are taking place across the city to celebrate every hour of the 501 weekend. Though there are too many to list, here is a glimpse inside North Little Rock’s surprises: free performances by Ballet Arkansas at the Argenta Plaza, 501 deals at McCain Mall, $501 reduction in real estate fees for homes listed during May with Sara Lynn of iRealty NLR, $5.01 armbands at Funland Amusement Park and more. Drop whatever you had planned and spend the weekend in North Little Rock. Find more information and specials here.
Sunday, May 1
What: 501 Day Outdoor Market
Where: South Main Creative (Little Rock)
When: 10:30 am to 5 pm
Local creative merchants are gathering at South Main Creative for a community celebration of 501 Day. From 10:30 am to 5 pm, meet several merchants on the lawn and get a first look at new creations and vintage finds. Find more information and creators in attendance here.
Sunday, May 1
What: 501 Fest 2022
Where: Main Street (Little Rock)
When: 11 am to 6 pm
As DJ Khaled would say, another one. Find your place on Main Street in Little Rock for festivities, food, fun and entertainment. Live music performances include DJ Zavier Riley, Funkanites, Dee Dee Jones, De France, Whoa Dakota, Steve James Indie, Monsterboy Lives and Rampage Woods. Find more information on what’s waiting for you here.
Sunday, May 1
What: 501 Day!
Where: Bark Bar (Little Rock)
When: 12 pm
All of Central Arkansas is wagging its tail for 501 Day. Trot into Bark Bar where day passes are only $5.01 and a special cocktail for $5.01 (plus tax). Find more information here!
Friday, April 29 – May 8
What: Arts & The Park
Where: Hot Springs National Park
When: Schedule
Looking for local creativity? Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance has the hook-up for you with the annual “Arts & The Park.” The theme for this year is “Creative Roots.” Highlights of the event include the Art Moves exhibit, Art Springs two-day outdoors festival (Chalk Walk, Children’s Book Giveaway, songwriting competition, live performances and Quapaw traditional dancers and storytelling by Quapaw tribe members), Disfarmer Photography exhibit, studio tours and Gallery Walk. Read more about this unique festival in our April issue of AY Magazine and find more information here.
NOW – July 1
What: And the Beat Don’t Stop: 50 Years of Hip-Hop
Where: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (Little Rock)
When: Hours of Operation
And the Beat Don’t Stop: 50 Years of Hip-Hop, the traveling exhibit from the National Hip-Hop Museum’s Pop Up Experience, is now open at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center. The National Hip-Hop Museum has the largest collection of hip-hop memorabilia and artifacts in the world, many of which are on loan to MTCC for this special pop-up exhibit, including custom tennis shoes, plaques, awards and boomboxes.
Weekend Lineup at The Rev Room:
April 29:
- Henry Rollins: Good to See You 2022; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:15 pm; tickets are $30 to $155.
April 30:
- Dead Poet Society; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $15.
Weekend Lineup at Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack:
April 30:
- Vintage Pistol with Turtle Rush; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $8 to $10.
Weekend Lineup at Four Quarter Bar:
April 29:
- KG & The Drive with Peach Blush; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $7.
April 30:
- Mike Frazier Band; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $7.
- Little Dylan and the Dylan Triplett Band; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $8.
Weekend Lineup at White Water Tavern:
April 28:
- Joe Sundell with Bob Marston; show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $10.
April 29:
- Funkanites; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $10.
April 30:
- D.O.T., Princeaus and DJ Ike; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $10.
May 1:
- Blues House Party with The White Water All-Stars; show begins at 4 pm; free to attend.
Weekend Lineup at TC’s Midtown Grill:
April 29:
- Stone the Crow; show begins at 9 pm.
April 30:
- Brass Tacks; show begins at 9 pm.
Weekend Lineup at TempleLive:
April 28:
- Charles Wesley Godwin with Josh Meloy; show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $20 to $25.
April 30:
- Black Stone Cherry with Dusty Grand and Endfall; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $20 to $39.
Weekend Lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge:
April 29:
- Happy Hour Concert with Brick Frields and Gone Country Lounge Stage; doors open at 5 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $8.
April 30:
- I Love Fayetteville Big Party; show begins at 7 pm; tickets are $75.
Weekend Lineup at MuleKick at MAD:
April 30:
- Ashtyn Barbaree; show begins at 7 pm.
April 22:
- Razorbacks vs. Ole Miss
Where: Baum-Walker Stadium
When: 6:30 pm
April 23:
- Razorbacks vs. Ole Miss
Where: Baum-Walker Stadium
When: 7 pm
April 24:
- Razorbacks vs. Ole Miss
Where: Baum-Walker Stadium
When: 12 pm
Holidays:
April 28:
- Workers’ Memorial Day
- Take Our Kids to Work Day
- Stop Food Waste Day
- National Kids and Pets Day
- National Superhero Day
- National Brave Hearts Day
- National Blueberry Pie Day
- Poetry Reading Day
April 29:
- National Zipper Day
- National Shrimp Scampi Day
- National Peace Rose Day
- National Hairball Awareness Day
- National Arbor Day
- International Dance Day
April 30:
- National Sarcoidosis Day
- National Rebuilding Day
- National Raisin Day
- National Oatmeal Cookie Day
- National Kiss of Hope Day
- National Bubble Tea Day
- National Bugs Bunny Day
- National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
- International Jazz Day
- Honesty Day
- National Sense of Smell Day
May 1:
- National Mother Goose Day
- May Day
- National Chocolate Parfait Day
- National Infertility Survival Day
- National Lemonade Day
- School Principals’ Day
- Silver Star Service Banner Day
- Be Kind to Animals Week
May:
- Pacific Islander Month
- Latino Books Month
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- National Barbecue Month
- National Salsa Month
- National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
- National Pet Month
- National Strawberry Month
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