Top Weekend Events in Arkansas: November 11-14

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 discuss weekend events every Friday morning on 103.7 The Buzz.

Thursday, November 11

What: BYOB (Bring Your Own Breed): K9 Veterans, Veterans and Active Military

Where: Bark Bar (Little Rock)

When: 4 pm

Happy Veterans Day! Celebrating the people, and canines, that have served our country, Bark Bar is giving free entry to K9 veterans, veterans, active-duty military and their furry companions. Register your trusty canine’s shot records here, and enjoy your day.

Thursday, November 11

What: Holiday House Ladies’ Night

Where: Statehouse Convention Center (Little Rock)

When: 5 pm

This is the weekend for holiday fun and preparation all over the state. Stores are opening their doors for seasonal shopping, vendors are setting up at various locations and memories are just waiting to be made. A girls’ night out is always a good idea, but a girls’ night out with holiday festivities? A perfect evening. Best friends, sisters and co-workers are invited out to the Statehouse Convention Center for a night of hors d’oeuvres, drink tickets and shopping. Find your group’s tickets here.

Friday, November 12

What: Second Friday Art Night

Where: Downtown 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. A few highlights include live music with Brian Nahlen, Stacey Bowers with Bang-Up Betty, and a tea kettle demonstration with beer. Participating galleries will have extended hours for guests to come in, explore and enjoy the art and pieces in the community. Find a full list of participating galleries and activities here.

Friday, November 12

What: Home for the Holidays: Fall Fest

Where: War Memorial Stadium (Little Rock)

When: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Will you be home for the holidays? How about for fall? You’ll want to be for Our House’s Home for the Holidays: Fall Fest. Something for everyone in the family, there will be bounce houses, face painting, a showing of Space Jam, a full bar and concessions and more fall-themed activities. This event provides funding for Our House programs that assist with homelessness. Proceeds from the event help the organization continue providing services to the community.

Purchase tickets here to come home for fall!

Friday, November 12

What: The Commodores Live

Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs)

When: 7 pm

Attending this concert is “easy like Sunday morning.” The Commodores, the “Legends of Motown” and Grammy Award-winners will be performing live at the Oaklawn Event Center for a legendary night. Listen to all their hits and be transported back to your glory days. Tickets can be purchased here.

Friday, November 12 – Saturday, November 13

What: Holiday Open House

Where: Main Street Van Buren

When: 4 pm to 7 pm

Pop over to Old Town Van Buren for two days of holiday treats and special offers from local merchants. Ladies, as always it is your time to shine, so grab your girls and head out Friday night for Sip n’ Shop with extra savings and door prizes. Saturday is a full day of good deals, shopping, food trucks and live music to make you dance from merchant to merchant. Horse and buggy rides will be available for $10 per person and $20 per couple. Don’t forget your holiday cheer!

Friday, November 12 – Sunday, November 14

What: Güdrun Northwoods MTB Festival

Where: Cedar Glades Park (Hot Springs)

When: Schedule

Take your mountain bike experience to new heights with Güdrun Northwoods MTB Festival. Honing in on that ancestral drive for adventure, participate in the Gudrun Slow Roll, Mini-Enduro and Enduro, Jump Jam and the main event, Attila the Hun Mountain Bike XC Race. The mountains are calling, and they want you and your bike. Only a few spots are left, so pedal fast and buy your tickets here.

Saturday, November 13

What: America Recycles Day

Where: Little Rock Zoo

When: 9 am to 11 am

The state of Arkansas is a beautiful place, isn’t it? Not only that, the world is a beautiful place, too, but it desperately needs our help. The Little Rock Zoo invites you to celebrate America Recycles Day and its mission of conserving the national world. Bring your disposed papers and documents to the zoo for the ShredSmart Truck to strip into pieces and recycled by Natural State Recycling. Grab your collected glass bottles and jars without caps or lids to recycle with ACE Glass Recycling. There will also be electronic waste recycling with Esco and Recycle Bikes for Kids. For more information, contact recycle@littlerock.gov.

Saturday, November 13

What: 2021 Girl Fest: STEAM Expo

Where: Conway Expo Center

When: 9 am

Who run the world? Girls. Join experts in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) for specialized workshops and hands-on activities. Geared toward the future leaders in innovation and creativity, Girl Fest is presented by Girl Scouts – Diamonds of Arkansas to show the young girls what all is waiting for them. Register here for the next generation of women.

Saturday, November 13

What: 2021 PuppyUp Little Rock Walk

Where: MacArthur Park (Little Rock)

When: 11 am

Those wet noses, fuzzy ears and wagging tails that we love so much could be at risk for canine cancer. If you’re not familiar with canine cancer or what to look for in your pet, consider joining the PuppyUp Little Rock event. Raising awareness for the disease, the PuppyUp Walk brings together pet parents and their fur children for a community walk around MacArthur Park. To get the most out of the day, walk the two miles with the group and then learn more about early signs of canine cancer and ways to keep your pet healthy for the long fulfilled life it deserves. Find fundraising and registration information here.

Saturday, November 13

What: Faucette Festivals

Where: Faucette Park (North Little Rock)

When: 12 pm to 8 pm

Pack up your blankets and jackets for a fun afternoon with Faucett Park. Live music will be provided by Gibbs, Watson, Teknolicious, Rainmaker, Anonymous, Eastie and Psynetik. Bring your own food and hot drinks for your very own fall picnic.

Saturday, November 13

What: The Amazing Turkey Race

Where: Downtown Benton

When: 1 pm

You’ve heard of the Amazing Race, a popular show pitting teams against one another in wild games — now get ready for the Amazing TURKEY Race. Participate in a scavenger hunt following mysterious clues to win a free turkey and sides for your Thanksgiving table. Hosted by the Benton Farmers Market and sponsored by Big Red Stores and Vibrant Occasions, have fun while getting that gobbler.

Saturday, November 13 – Sunday, November 14

What: 48th Annual Ozark Rugby Tournament

Where: Greater Little Rock Rugby Complex (Little Rock)

When: Times vary

Football’s rougher, tougher cousin, rugby, is a feature of this weekend that you do not want to miss out on. The 48th Annual Ozark Rugby Tournament will be taking place Saturday and Sunday. If you’re not familiar with the sport, maybe read up on the rules and moves before you head out on that field prepared to win. The event will also be holding a donation drive for Shoal Bay Animal Haven for select items:

Thick blankets
Cat litter
Milk bones
Towels
3 mL syringes (1 inch)
20 gauge needles
Canned cat and dog food
Dry cat/dog/kitten food

Following the game will be a Harry Potter-themed competition, so grab your robes and wands and be prepared to score some points for your House. Spectators are always welcome to watch!

Saturday, November 13 – Sunday, November 14

What: Anastasia on Tour

Where: The Robinson Center

When: Schedule of Shows

Have you heard? There’s a rumor in St. Petersburg that “Anastasia” the musical will be performing at the Robinson Center. Inspired by two favorite films and the true story of the lost Russian princess, join Anastasia on her journey from royalty to orphan to the future she may not have imagined. Relive your Russian history phase through music, dancing and your favorite characters. Reserve your seats here for this special event. Long live the Romanovs!

Sunday, November 14

What: Holidays in the Heights

Where: Kavanaugh Boulevard (Little Rock)

When: 11 am to 4 pm

Head uptown for some holiday festivities this weekend for Holidays in the Heights. Everyone’s favorite jolly old man, Santa, will parade down Kavanaugh starting at Sotheby’s escorted by the Mount Saint Mary’s Rockettes, and his entourage will lead the sleigh to Santa’s Workshop (The Toggery). Mom & Pop will be performing a few holiday originals and traditional favorites for the afternoon. Starting at 12:30 pm, herd your little elves over to J Parkey for photos with Santa and grab a cup of warm apple cider from Mrs. Claus while you roam around. Your four-legged elves are also invited for photos with the Claws, sorry, with the Clauses. There will also be bounce houses, roasted chestnuts, storybook time, cookie decorating, a holiday light show, face painting and tinsel extensions, appearances by Elsa and Anna, food trucks, a “Letters to Santa” station and a holiday shopping spree giveaway valued at over $2,000.

Sunday, November 14

What: Tipton & Hurst’s Holiday Open House

Where: Tipton & Hurst (Little Rock, Conway)

When: 12 pm to 4 pm

While you’re wandering around Holiday in the Heights and Conway’s Downtown Christmas, make an effort to step into Tipton & Hurst for their Holiday Open House. Chris Norwood will wow the crowd with wreath demonstrations at the Heights location, and guests at both store locations will be able to take home free roses, Tipton & Hurst cash and enter special giveaways. Happy Holidays Tipton & Hurst style!

Sunday, November 14

What: Downtown Christmas Open House

Where: Historic Downtown Conway

When: 1 pm

For the past 50 years, Conway’s downtown merchants have let the breeze in on a Sunday afternoon in early November. This year is one of those years. In the early holiday weeks, the Downtown Christmas Open House is the perfect time to find your gifts and goods for the season. A welcome station for the afternoon will be set up at Oak and Chestnut. Get your bags and comfy shoes ready for the shopping fun.

Sunday, November 14

What: Shiloh Square Skateboard Jam

Where: Shiloh Square (Springdale)

When: 1 pm to 5 pm

Grab your board and helmet for an afternoon with the Springdale skateboarding community. There will be boxes, rails, quarter pipes and the specialty box/mobile skate park from the previous Shiloh Jam Skate. Participate in a game of S.K.A.T.E., a best trick contest and the Shiloh Skate Jam flat ground and obstacle course. Look here for a list of sponsors and vendors participating with the event.

Thursday, November 11 – Sunday, November 14

What: Lit’l Bita Christmas Arts and Crafts Show

Where: First National Bank Arena (Jonesboro)

When: Schedule of Events

We all need a “Lit’l Bita Christmas.” It’s that time of year when the bells start ringing and the wallets open up for holiday gifts. Lit’l Bita Christmas Arts and Crafts Show is one of the largest holiday craft events in the region with more than 200 vendors in attendance sharing their goods. The event not only brings joy for avid decorators and gift buyers, it is also a fundraiser for athletic scholarships for A-State students. Spend the weekend visiting each and every vendor and get that holiday spirit running.

Thursday, November 11 – Sunday, November 14

What: Crystal Bridges 10th Anniversary

Where: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

When: Schedule of Events

Celebrating the big 10, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has lined up a full schedule of events. Since its opening in 2011, Crystal Bridges has become a leader in the state’s attractions. American art through the ages, indoor and outdoor, draws in crowds from all over. This weekend brings a little something extra for fans including live music with the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas and NWA Jazz Society, special demonstrations, seminars and more. Each day, from opening to close, there is something to do. Celebrate Crystal Bridges’s successful decade with some extr”art”inary events!

Wednesday, November 10 – Saturday, November 13

What: 30th Annual Holiday House

Where: Statehouse Convention Center (Little Rock)

When: Schedule of Events

The holiday spectacle of Central Arkansas, Holiday House, is finally upon us with holiday shopping and festivities aplenty. After a brief break in 2020 due to COVID-19, Holiday House is back with over 165 merchants from around the country. In the past, around 14,000 shoppers would come out for the event. There is plenty to do all weekend long with Jingle and Mingle, Donuts with Santa, private shopping and more. Happy holidays!

November 4 – January 15

What: GloWild!

Where: Little Rock Zoo

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 JJ’s Live:

Thursday, November 11:

Aaron Watson; door opens at 6 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm; tickets are $22 to $1200.

Weekend Lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge:

Thursday, November 11:

Rightfield with The Ivy; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $15 to $45.

Friday, November 12:

Happy Hour with Flip Off Pirates; doors open at 5 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $8.
Read Southall Band with The Weathered Souls; doors open at 8:30 pm, show begins at 9:30 pm; tickets are $22 to $25.

Saturday, November 13:

The Monster Energy Outbreak Tour presents Larkin Poe with Tyler Bryant; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $25 to $30.

Weekend Lineup at The Gravel Bar:

Thursday, November 11:

Los Roscoes; show begins at 5 pm.

Friday, November 12:

96 Miles; show begins at 7 pm.

Saturday, November 13:

96 Miles; show begins at 7 pm.

Sunday, November 14:

Front Porch; show begins at 5 pm.

Weekend Lineup at the White Water Tavern:

Friday, November 12:

Colour Design with Morbid Visionz; show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $10 to $25.

Saturday, November 13:

Sister Dynamite; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $7.

Weekend Lineup at the Rev Room:

Thursday, November 11:

Pecos & The Rooftops with Jacob Stelly; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:15 pm; tickets are $20.

Friday, November 12:

Miles and Marvin with Joshua Asante featuring The Velvet Kente Arkestra; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $15 to $20.

Weekend Lineup at Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack:

Saturday, November 13:

Texas Hill; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:15 pm; tickets are $15 to $120.

Weekend Lineup at the Vapors Live:

Thursday, November 11:

The Blues Brothers: On a Mission from God; doors open at 6:30 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm; tickets are $30 pre-sale and $35 at the door.

Friday, November 12:

Frank Sinatra Tribute with comedian Bob Goss; doors open at 6:30 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm; tickets $45 pre-sale and $50 at the door.

Saturday, November 13:

Frank Sinatra Tribute with comedian Bob Goss; doors open at 6:30 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm; tickets $45 pre-sale and $50 at the door.

Weekend Lineup at Four Quarter Bar:

Friday, November 12:

Red and the Revelers; show begins at 9 pm; free to attend.

Sunday, November 14:

Hummin’ Bird with Peach Blush; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $5.

Weekend Lineup at Murphy Arts District:

Thursday, November 11:

Comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White; show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $50.

On this day…

On November 11, 1954, the second book of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Two Towers, was published.

On November 12, 1933, the first known photo of the Loch ness monster was taken by Hugh Gray.
On November 12, 1966, Buzz Aldrin took the first “space selfie.” The photo is of Aldrin performing an extravehicular activity in space during the Gemini program.

On November 13, 1856, Big Ben’s bell chimed for the first time at the foot of the then unfinished clock tower outside the Palace of Westminister.
On November 13, 1895, canned pineapple is shipped out of Hawaii for the first time.
On November 13, 1940, Walt Disney’s animation Fantasia is released.
On November 13, 1987, Sonny and Cher performed for the last time with their hit “I Got You, Babe.”
On November 13, 2002, Eminem released his single “Lose Yourself.” This was the first rap song to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

On November 14, 1851, Moby Dick by Herman Melville was published.
On November 14, 1883, Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson was published.
On November 14, 1908, Albert Einstein presented his Quantum Theory of Light.

Holidays:

November 11: