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.

 

Look here for Thanksgiving Pre-Orders & Restaurant Openings!

 

Thursday, November 25

What: Huff, Puff, Then Stuff 5k Turkey Trot

Where: Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail (Hot Springs)

When: 8 am to 10 am

Before you settle down in your comfy pants at the dinner table, participate in the Huff, Puff, Then Stuff 5k Turkey Trot. Have a morning run on the legendary Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail and support future trail construction in Hot Springs. First through third place awards will be given for males and females in the following categories: Overall, Masters, Grand Masters, Seniors and brackets. Register now to wobble before you gobble! 

 

Friday, November 26

What: Black Owned Black Friday

Where: Regency Square Suite 3117 (Pine Bluff)

When: 8:30 am

For this Black Friday, stray away from corporations and support local by attending the Black Owned Black Friday event for your holiday shopping. A free event for the public, Black-owned vendors will be lined up sharing their specialty items including food, art, retail and more. As a cute bonus, there will be a special showcase for “kidpreneurs” showing off their creativity and what the next generation of business owners have in store. Speakers and workshops are also on the schedule to share stories and advice for businesses and money management. Find the schedule for the event here.

 

Friday, November 26

What: 10th Annual Black Friday Cleanup

Where: Lyle Park (Benton)

When: 9:30 am to 2 pm

Save money and join the Saline County community for the 10th Annual Black Friday Cleanup. The focus this year will be the Saline River Crossing Regional Park at the end of River Street along with Lyle Park. Bring your work gloves, muck boots and if water levels are safe and weather permitting, boats will available for a downriver cleanup float from Lyle Park to the Saline Crossing (you are also welcome to bring your own boat). Lunch will be provided by Whole Hog, but if you have dietary needs the grill will be fired up to cook whatever you brought with you. Come ready to make the planet a little cleaner.

 

Friday, November 26

What: Loblolly at Bell Urban Farm

Where: Bell Urban Farm (Conway)

When: 1 pm to 5 pm

Chill out with some fresh ice cream and handmade goods with Loblolly and Bell Urban Farm. The Loblolly Truck will be parked outside Bell Urban Farm with holiday seasonal ice cream flavors, dairy-free and vegan options, brownie a la mode, ice cream sandwiches and a hot cocoa and marshmallow bar. If that’s not enough, Bell Urban Farm is fully stocked with locally made and sourced goods that would be perfect under your Christmas tree. Eat, drink and browse all things local.

 

Friday, November 26

What: Snow and Ice Sisters Carriage Ride

Where: The Castle on Stagecoach (Little Rock)

When: 2 pm

Hear ye, hear ye! Attention all royals, the Snow Queen and Ice Princess invite you for a magical carriage ride and holiday-themed celebration. Enjoy 15 minutes with your favorite character for just you and your family including a holiday storytime, sing-along and fun photos. Spend another 15 minutes with a private carriage ride with your family around the grounds of The Castle. RSVP and purchase your special tickets here.

 

Friday, November 26 – Saturday, November 27

What: 86th Annual World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest and Wings Over the Prairie Festival 

Where: Downtown Stuttgart

When: Schedule

One of Arkansas’ many calls to fame is happening this weekend: the World’s Championship Duck Calling Contest. The Queen Mallard and Junior Queen Mallard were named last weekend, but there are a few more titles to bestow upon the best duck callers. Once you recover from your turkey and dressing comatose, head out to contest registration Friday morning to enter everyone in your family. Various contests will be happening all weekend, so check out the full list and schedule here to check off what your skills will be best suited for. Alongside the competition is a packed lineup of side events for everyone to enjoy. A sports collectibles show, outdoor exhibits, beer gardens, hot air balloon tethered rides and the famous Wings Over the Prairie Festival. Visit the novelty shops in Stuttgart’s Downtown Shopping District and kill two ducks with one stone in having a good time with the community and taking care of your holiday shopping. Check for updates on the event here.

 

Saturday, November 27

What: Small Business Saturday

Where: Select locations across Arkansas

When: Times vary

You’ve heard of Black Friday, you’ve heard of Cyber Monday, but start making the Saturday after Thanksgiving down for the lesser know shopping day: Small Business Saturday. All across the state, and country if you happen to be traveling for the holiday, small businesses are gaining the spotlight for special deals, events and community engagement. Tell Walmart and Best Buy “no thanks” on Saturday and shop at your favorite local businesses.

 

Saturday, November 27

What: Merry Market

Where: St. Joseph Center of Arkansas (Little Rock)

When: 11 am to 3 pm

Merry Christmas, merry days ahead and most importantly, Merry Market. This annual holiday shopping event brings in some of Central Arkansas’ best makers to display gift items for merry shoppers. All gifts are one-of-a-kind and handcrafted by local artisans, so if you’re in a rut about what to put under the tree, this is the perfect place for you to find a gift as unique as your loved ones. Find the full vendor list here.

 

Saturday, November 27

What: Christmas on the Creek

Where: Shiloh Square (Springdale)

When: 12 pm to 8 pm

If you’re in the Springdale area this weekend, don’t bother worrying about how to fill your Saturday because everything is taken care of. Christmas on the Creek, an annual holiday tradition, is back this year with a jam-packed schedule of holiday events. Of the many happenings in Shiloh Square, there will be good food, live music, a holiday market, hot cocoa crawl, local art, pictures with Santa, Cycling Santas bike ride and the lighting of the tallest live Christmas tree in Northwest Arkansas. Live entertainment throughout the day will be provided by Old Time Fiddlers, Diamond State Line Dancers, Mt. Gypsies, Marshallese Christmas, Robert Honeycutt and Troubaduo. Downtown is dressed to impress with decorated Christmas trees for the Parade of Trees, lights and smiling faces. Find the full schedule here!

 

Saturday, November 27

What: Pottery Workshop

Where: Nexus Coffee & Creative (Little Rock)

When: 2 pm to 4 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 a coil mug. 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. Happy throwing!

 

Saturday, November 27

What: Lighting of Historic War Eagle Mill -First Annual Event

Where: War Eagle Mill (Rogers)

When: 5 pm to 7 pm

For the first time, join the good folks at War Eagle Mill for a special lighting of the mill. Bring the family to see Santa, enjoy music by pianist Cole Burton, shop Made in America goods, meet local author Hazel Brown at a Christmas book signing and get your hands on some hot chocolate, free cobbler and more. The first of many years to come, you don’t want to miss this new tradition.

 

Saturday, November 27

What: Christmas in Camden

Where: Downtown Camden

When: 6 pm to 7:30 pm

If you haven’t heard, it’s Christmas time, and Camden has been working their jingle bells off to bring the community event after event after event to reign in the holiday season. This Saturday will feature two special events to transition from the Thanksgiving stretchy pants to your Christmas sweaters and pom-pom earrings. Starting at 6 pm, head to Nelle Jane Dawson Park for a live performance by the Arkansas Brass. Streets will be closed and tables set up for guests to sit back and relax with outdoor dining and classic Christmas tunes. Mosey on down to Postmasters Grill at 6:30 pm for a “Dickens of a Dinner.” Wait staff and Chef will be dressed in period clothes from “Scrooge,” while serving up a feast “fit for Fizzwig himself” including figgy pudding for dessert. In the spirit of the season, guests are also welcome to show up dressed in period clothing. Bring your own Scrooge of the family and have a community-filled evening.

 

Saturday, November 27

What: Sneaker Ball 2021: 90’s Vibes

Where: DoubleTree Hotel (Little Rock)

When: 8 pm

Got some sweet kicks you’ve been itching to show off? The third annual Sneaker Ball presented by Heart and Soles is the perfect opportunity. This event explores philanthropy and sneaker culture in the community with a celebration of art, music, connecting young professionals and influencers in the city through engaging activities. Sign up for the raffle, enjoy live performances by Dayvsnn, Bijoux, CLEW and move your sneaker-clad feet around the room meeting and greeting local philanthropists. Proceeds from the event will go toward providing new footwear to the youth of North Little Rock Parks and Recreational Centers. Attire is formal, with the addition of your best sneakers, of course, and masks are required. Find your tickets for this fashion-forward community event here.

 

Sunday, November 28

What: Festival of Lights Walking Tour

Where: The Reserve at Hot Springs 

When: 5 pm

A light display on an elegant historic property covering four acres? Sign us up! The Reserve at Hot Springs has transformed into a magical holiday paradise with decorated trees and over 10,000 lights around the property. Take photos in Santa’s sleigh complete with reindeer, say hello to the gingerbread friends and angels keeping watch over the nativity scene. Finish your tour with a complimentary hot drink and fresh-baked Christmas cookies. Open every Sunday through Dec. 19, book your tour now.

 

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.

 

NOW – December 30 

What: Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights

Where: 420 Dee Jay Hudson Dr. (Sherwood)

When: 6 pm

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and that obviously means that Christmas lights are being set up as we speak. Sherwood’s Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights is running full speed ahead through Dec. 30. After a record year in 2020, the organizers of the event have added 11 new light displays to the lineup including the final installments of the 12 Days of Christmas along with a few surprises. The entrance to the trail is past the Henson Tennis Center driveway, a different location from the previous years to help with traffic. Pack a thermos of hot chocolate and enjoy the ride.

 

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!

 

November 26 – December 18

What: Dino Lites

Where: Mid-America Science Museum (Hot Springs)

When: 5 pm to 7 pm

The Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods may have unfortunately ended, but lucky for us these creatures apparently love the holidays enough to make a special appearance for the season. Mid-American Science Museum’s annual holiday light display has stomped back into the Dino Trek. Community organizations and businesses have “adopted” dinosaurs on the trail to decorate with 300 watts of holiday lights. The grand lighting ceremony will be Friday, Nov. 26 at 5 pm. Every Friday and Saturday from now until Dec. 18, pay these majestic dinosaurs a visit and be sure to attend on Dec. 18 for the announcement of the People’s Choice Award Winner. Purchase your tickets here.

 

November 27 – 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. Saturday, November 27 is getting the snowball rolling with a ribbon-cutting by Santa at 3 pm followed by a tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 pm. Lace up your skates (included in the entrance fee) and slip into the holidays.

 

Weekend Lineup at Four Quarter Bar:

November 26:

  • The Smoking Flowers; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $8.

November 27:

  • The Nobodys; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $7.

 

Weekend Lineup at the Rev Room

November 26:

  • Lucero: When You Found Me Tour with Morgan Wade; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

November 27:

  • Lucero: When You Found Me Tour with Morgan Wade; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

 

Weekend Lineup at Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack:

November 26:

  • A Tribute to Tom Petty featuring John Burnette; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $10 to $78.

November 27:

  • An Homage to The Police starring Randall Shreve; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $10 to $78.

 

Weekend Lineup at the White Water Tavern:

November 26:

  • Funkanites Holiday Show; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $10.

 

Weekend Lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge:

November 26:

  • Happy Hour with Isayah’s All Stars; doors open at 5 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $8.
  • Big Smith (Day One); doors open at 8:30 pm, show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $20 to $22 for one night or $30 for a two-day pass.

November 27:

  • Big Smith (Night Two) with Noah Richmond’s Little Monster; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $20 to $22.

 

On this day…

  • On November 25, 1715, the first English patent was granted to an American for processing corn.
  • On November 25, 1792, Benjamin Banneker published his first Farmer’s Almanac.
  • On November 25, 1920, the first Thanksgiving parade was held in Philadelphia.
  • On November 25, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

 

  • On November 26, 1789, the first national Thanksgiving in America was observed.
  • On November 26, 1865, Lewis Caroll’s “Alice in Wonderland” was published in the U.S.
  • On November 26, 1942, Casablanca directed by Michael Curtiz premiered at Hollywood Theatre in New York City. The film would go on to win an Academy Award for Best Picture in 1943.

 

  • On November 27, 1870, The New York Times named baseball as “The National Game.”
  • On November 27, 1911, an audience threw vegetables at stage performers for the first recorded time in the U.S.
  • On November 27, 1948, Honda opened in the U.S.
  • On November 27, 1957, the U.S. Army withdrew from Little Rock following the Central High School integration.

 

  • On November 28, 1843, the United Kingdom and France recognized the kingdom of Hawaii as an independent nation. The day became known as Ka Lahui, Hawaiian Independence Day.
  • On November 28, 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant women the right to vote. 
  • On November 28, 1974, John Lennon performed his final concert as a guest of Elton John at Madison Square Garden.
  • On November 28, 1994, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was clubbed to death by inmate Christopher Scarver in the Columbia Correctional Institution.

 

  • On November 29, 1877, Thomas Edison demonstrated his hand-cracked phonograph for the first time.
  • On November 29, 1935, physicist Erwin Schrodinger published his famous experiment “Schrodinger’s Cat.”
  • On November 29, 1972, co-founder of Atari, Nolan Bushnell, released “Pong,” the first commercially successful video game.

 

Holidays:  

November 25: 

  • Thanksgiving
  • National Parfait Day
  • Blase’ Day
  • International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Day
  • International Hat Day
  • National Play with Dad Day

November 26:

  • Black Friday
  • Buy Nothing Day
  • You’re Welcome Day
  • Flossing Day
  • Maize Day
  • National Day of Listening
  • National Milk Day
  • National Native American Heritage Day
  • World Olive Tree Day

November 27:

  • Pins and Needles Day
  • International Aura Awareness Day
  • Slinky Day
  • Small Business Saturday

November 28:

  • Advent Begins
  • Chanukah Begins
  • French Toast Day
  • Make Your Own Head Day
  • Red Planet Day

 

READ MORE: Gift List: Nearly 100 Arkansas Food Products