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, May 5
What: Cinco de Doggo
Where: Bark Bar (Little Rock)
When: 4 pm to 9 pm
Why do humans get all the fun? This one’s for the dogs, the real party animals. Bark Bar has planned a special celebration for pups and pup parents with food specials, drink specials, a “festive” selfie station and pawty favors. Find more information here!
Thursday, May 5
What: Cinco de Rhino
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: 5:30 pm
Cinco de Mayo is going to get a little wild this year at the Little Rock Zoo. Join the young professionals of Generation Zoo for the first-ever Cinco de Rhino event on Thursday, May 5. On top of margaritas, a tequila tasting, delicious food and live music by Harp Steel Drums, guests will be able to meet the happy rhino family. A limited number of VIP tickets are available for a behind-the-scenes opportunity to feed the proud father himself, Johari. All proceeds from the event will benefit the International Rhino Foundation for the conservation of rhinos in the wild. Tickets to the party include a special keeper chat about the zoo’s rhinos and a talk about rhino conservation by Dr. Laura Bernstein-Kurtycz. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend. More information about the fundraising event can be found here.
Friday, May 6
What: First Friday: Pet-a-Palooza
Where: Bentonville Square
When: 11 am
Dogs, cats and birds – oh my! Join Downtown Bentonville and Best Friends Animal Society for First Friday: Pet-a-palooza. All kinds of pets will be celebrated with live music, food trucks, multiple family-friendly activities and local vendors. Find more information here.
Friday, May 6
What: Cinco De Mayo Storytime
Where: Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library (Little Rock)
When: 1 pm
Bring your kids to Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s library to learn the true meaning behind Cinco de Mayo. The library is bringing in guest speakers and dancers to teach children all about this special holiday. Find more information here.
Friday, May 6
What: Mother’s Day Market
Where: Bentonville Brewing Company (Bentonville)
When: 4 pm to 8 pm
Bring mom by for a cold beer and community fun with Bentonville Brewing Company’s Mother’s Day Market. Sips and Sweets NWA, Simplicity Lavender Farms and Enchanted Designs are a few local vendors that will be in attendance with goods and sweets. Treat you mama, support local and have a good time. Find more information here.
Friday, May 6
What: Scott Family Amazeum Un-Gala FUNdraiser
Where: Scott Family Amazeum (Bentonville)
When: 6 pm to 10 pm
Climb on into the way-back machine with the Amazeum to return to a more normal time: 2019. The Scott Family Amazeum UnGala FUNdraiser is back in person and onsite with all the fun that’s been missing the past couple of years. Join the Amazeum for a hands-on, interactive and no-formal-attire required party to raise funds for Amazeum accessibility programs. Find more information here.
Friday, May 6
What: MacArthur Park 5K
Where: MacArthur Park (Little Rock)
When: 7 pm to 9 pm
The MacArthur Park 5k is this weekend and the MacArthur Park Group, Little Rock Parks & Recreation and Downtown Little Rock Partnership. The annual race is 3.1 miles starting at the North Lawn of MacArthur Park in front of the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. Proceeds from the race go toward the installation and maintenance of the MacArthur park UnLimited Playground. Find more information about the race here.
Saturday, May 7
What: 2022 Little Rock Farmers’ Market
Where: Little Rock River Market
When: 7 am to 3 pm
“Orange” you glad the Little Rock Farmers’ Market is back? Shop for produce, locally prepared foods, handmade artisan products and more! Find more information here.
Saturday, May 7
What: Love Your Mom to the Farm & Back
Where: Rivercrest Orchard (Fayetteville)
When: 8 am to 4 pm
How much do you love your mom? Hopefully at least to the farm and back, because that’s all that Rivercrest Orchard requests for the special maternal figure in your life. Celebrate at the orchard with themed specials beverages and food, activities for everyone and, best of all, quality time. Find more information here.
Saturday, May 7
What: Hot Springs VW Show
Where: Hot Springs Mall
When: 9 am to 3 pm
Roll up in style to the Hot Springs VW Show at the Hot Springs Mall. There will be a VW parts swap meet, a Volkswagen cruise and dinner to follow and a performance by Feelin Groovy. Bring your VW or just check out the gems others bring along with them. Find more information on the Hot Springs Volkswagen Club event here.
Saturday, May 7
What: GeekCon
Where: Bentonville Public Library
When: 10 am to 1 pm
Get geeky at the Bentonville Public Library with GeekCon 2022. Drop in for a comic book giveaway, workshop with graphic novelist Sean Fitzgibbon, superhero-themed storytime, Dungeons and Dragons demo, video gaming trailer and more. Family-friendly costumes are welcome so wear your favorite fandom and have fun. Find more information here.
Saturday, May 7
What: Rocketing to Success: Entrepreneur Showcase and Fair
Where: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (Little Rock)
When: 10 am to 2 pm
The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in collaboration with the Rock-It Lab is hosting a small business fair featuring Arkansas Made Black Crafted vendors and participants in the Rock-It Lab entrepreneur development program. The showcase will provide opportunities for the community to view and purchase products from local Arkansas Black-owned small businesses. Three select participants in the Rock-It Lab program will be featured and their products will be available for sale in the MTCC store throughout the year. These participants will be featured in the special Facebook Live “Talk About It” segments that will allow the public to learn more about the entrepreneur, their products, and their personal journey to becoming a small business owner. Find more information on everything in store here.
Saturday, May 7
What: 2022 Ducky Derby
Where: Lake Atalanta (Rogers)
When: 11 am
Have you heard of the Ducky Derby? IF not, it’s time to get quackin’ and have your first Ducky Derby experience. Guests will adopt a (rubber) duck and the adopted ducks will be dropped into the creek at Lake Atlanta Park. The ducks will race to the finish line and the winners will win prizes for their adopted owners. Find more information here!
Saturday, May 7
What: Faucette Festivals
Where: Faucett Park (North Little Rock)
When: 12 pm
Warmer weather means the return of outdoor activities – most excitedly, the return of outdoor concerts. Faucette Festivals is kicking off the spring season with performances by Gibbs Disco, Ewell, Steph P, DJ Bobby D, Manipadme, Sleepy Genius, DJ Haze and Psynetik. Bring your own food, drinks and chairs or blankets to kick it in the setting sun. This concert is free for the community to attend, but donations are appreciated to keep these festivals going. Find more information here.
Saturday, May 7
What: Opening Day
Where: Magic Springs (Hot Springs)
When: 12 pm
Witness the magic this weekend at Magic Springs’s opening day of the season. To celebrate, Maxwell Blade will give a special performance featuring some of his signature tricks and illusions. Find more information on opening day and season passes here.
Saturday, May 7
What: Cinco de Thunderdome
Where: The Fold: Botanas & Bar (Little Rock)
When: 3 pm to 10 pm
Bring on the Thunderdome this Cinco de Mayo with a classic block party. Celebrate with Arkansas Circus Arts performances, drag queens, live music from Los Colognes, Diamond States and Modeling; local beer, local makers, balloon arches by Just Peachy and a plethora of margaritas and tacos. Come dressed in your best “Mad Max” meets “Burning Man” fits for a chance to win prizes for best costumes. Find more information on “Cinco de Thunderdome” here!
Saturday, May 7
What: 10th Annual Mini Derby
Where: Equestrian Bridges (Rogers)
When: 4 pm to 8 pm
Don’t tell the Kentucky Derby, but the annual Mini Derby might be the most anticipated race of the year. Enjoy a live performance by Boom Kinetic, a Kentucky Derby watch party on the big screen, some local specialties and of course, a live miniature horse race. To make the deal sweeter, there will also be local NWA food trucks, a silent auction, fancy attire and a hat and bowtie contest. All proceeds from the 10th Annual Mini Derby will go toward helping with emotional and mental health through Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT). Find more information about the event here.
Saturday, May 7 – Sunday, May 8
What: Meet the Budweiser Clydesdales
Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs)
When: Saturday: between races 3 and 7; Sunday: between races 4 and 6
Head to Oaklawn for a chance to meet the “Gentle Giants.” The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, symbols of quality and tradition for Anheuser-Busch since 1933, will make an appearance on the Oaklawn track and infield. The eight-house hitch will be harnessed to the famous red beer wagon and parade on the track both days and be available for photo opportunities in the infield. Find more information on the history of the horses and where to find them here.
Sunday, May 8
What: Mother’s Day Brunch
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: 8:30 am to 10:30 am
Mom is used to constantly being surrounded by wild animals, so brunch at the zoo will feel just like home! Take Mom out to the Little Rock Zoo for an omelet station, ham carving and more. There will be live music featuring Christine DeMeo, animal ambassador encounters and kids will have the opportunity to make something special for Mom. Find more information on the special brunch here.
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:
May 5:
- Brother Moses; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $15.
May 6:
- Lainey Wilson with Jackson Dean; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $15 to $20.
May 7:
- The Band of Heathens with Chicago Farmer; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:45 pm; tickets are $16 to $20.
Weekend Lineup at Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack:
May 5:
- The Big Dam Horns Cinco De Mayo Party; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $10 to $72.
May 6:
- Arlie x Betcha with Nox Holloway; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $12 to $15.
Weekend Lineup at Four Quarter Bar:
May 6:
- Lily B Moonflower; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $7.
May 7:
- Doctor Junior; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $10.
Weekend Lineup at White Water Tavern:
May 5:
- Jess Harp Record Release Show with Adam Faucett; show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $10.
May 6:
- John R. Miller with Vincent Neil Emerson; show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $15.
May 7:
- Greyhounds; show begins at 9 pm; $10.
May 8:
- Tom Petty’s Wildflowers at the White Water with Isaac Alexander, The Libras and Jesse Aycock; show begins at 7 pm; tickets are $10.
Weekend Lineup at TC’s Midtown Grill:
May 6:
- Big Shane; show begins at 9 pm.
May 7:
- Lipstick Hand Grenade; show begins at 9 pm.
Weekend Lineup at TempleLive:
May 6:
- Five for Fighting with String Quartet; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $35 to $39.
Weekend Lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge:
May 6:
- Happy Hour Concert with Divas on Fire; doors open at 5 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $8.
- Opal Agafia & The Sweet Nothings with Mountain Sprout; doors open at 8:30 pm, show begins at 9:30 pm; tickets are $10 to $12
May 9:
- Todd Snider with Dean Morrison; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $20 to $25; tickets are $20 to $25.
Weekend Lineup at Walmart AMP:
May 8:
- Miranda Lambert & Little Big Town with The Cadillac Three; show begins at May 8; tickets are $30 to $190.
Weekend Lineup at Oaklawn Racing Casino:
May 6:
- George Thorogood and The Destroyers: Good to be Bad Tour – 45 Years of Rock; doors open at 6 pm, show begins at 7 pm; tickets are $45 to $70.
May 6:
- Razorbacks vs. Auburn
Where: Auburn, AL
When: 7 pm
May 7:
- Razorbacks vs. Auburn
Where: Auburn, AL
When: 4:30 pm
May 8:
- Razorbacks vs. Auburn
Where: Auburn
When: 1 pm
Holidays:
May 5:
- Cinco de Mayo
- National Day of Prayer
- National Hoagie Day
- International Midwives Day
- National Astronaut Day
May 6:
- National Space Day
- School Lunch Hero Day
- National No Pants Day
- National Beverage Day
- National Military Spouse Appreciation Day
- National Nurses Day
- National Public Gardens Week
May 7:
- World Fair Trade Day
- National Tourism Day
- National Roast Leg of Lamb Day
- National Homebrew Day
- National Fitness Day
- National Bombshells’ Day
- National Scrapbook Day
- National Barrier Awareness Day
- Beer Pong Day
- National Babysitter’s Day
- Free Comic Book Day
- International Astronomy Day
- Kentucky Derby
May 8:
- National Have a Coke Day
- Victory in Europe Day
- National Student Nurse day
- National Coconut Cream Pie Day
- Mother’s Day
- National Women’s Health Week
- National Hospital 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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