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.

Heather Baker

 

 

 

Thursday, October 14

What: Halloween Movies in the Pocket Park

Where: Main Street Pocket Park (Little Rock)

When: 7 pm

There’s no need to wait 300 years for a virgin to light a candle, Pocket Park is screening Hocus Pocus tonight. For two Thursday nights in October, Main Street Pocket Park is inviting the community to come out with their blankets and chairs and enjoy classic Halloween movies in the park. The fall nights are upon us with low temperatures and spooky vibes, so it is the perfect time for festive outdoor movies. Bring your own beverages and movie snacks, and maybe a ring of salt for good measure.

 

Thursday, October 14

What: Theresa Caputo Live

Where: Robinson Center (Little Rock)

When: 10:30 pm

Straight from Long Island, Theresa Caputo is in Little Rock for one night to share personal stories and her gift at the Robinson Center. Theresa Caputo has been a practicing medium for more than 20 years, but her ability to sense the spirits of the deceased has been with her for most of her life. Helping individuals find closure and reconnect with loved ones who have passed, Theresa Caputo has developed a reputation as a healer. The medium will deliver messages to audience members and maybe alleviate some pain in others by sharing that those who are no longer here in person, are still present. Look here for tickets to the event.

 

Thursday, October 14 – Saturday, October 16

What: Haunted Argenta Ghost Tours

Where: Faucette Brothers Park (North Little Rock)

When: 7 pm to 8:30 pm

Do you ever feel a sudden chill going to your favorite restaurant in Argenta? Or like someone is watching you? Argenta has a long history of construction, revitalization and countless footsteps that have walked down the same streets we walk today. Join Haunted Argenta Ghost Tours for a walking tour of the district and listen to stories of Argenta’s history. Those brave enough will learn about the original buildings, the interwoven lives of those buildings and the dwellers that aren’t always seen but live there still. You will hear the story of Anastasia, see photos of the Argenta Devil and stand in places where history was made. Wear some comfy shoes because traveling through time is not an easy trek. Find your tickets here.

 

Friday, October 15

What: Pumpkin Plunge

Where: Russellville Aquatic Center (Russellville)

When: 6 pm to 9 pm

You’ve been to a pumpkin patch on the ground, but have you ever been to a pumpkin patch in the water? Well, you’re about to. The Russellville Aquatic Center is hosting the “Pumpkin Plunge” where guests can swim with pumpkins in the floating pumpkin patch. There will also be face painting, pumpkin races, snow cones and more for all ages. Reserve your spot in the pool here. 

 

Friday, October 15

What: Jeepers Creepers 

Where: Oaklawn Casino

When: 6 pm to 10 pm

Jeepers creepers, where’d you get those headlights? Every Friday in October, Oaklawn is hosting weekly qualifying drawings. On Saturday, Oct. 30, one lucky Silver guest will win a 2021 Jeep Renegade Latitude, one Gold guest will win a 2021 Dodge Challenger and one Elite guest will win a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Overland. Feeling lucky? Head down to Oaklawn, put your name into the drawing and try your hand in the casino.

 

Friday, October 15

What: Ghost Hunting and Investigation

Where: MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History (Little Rock)

When: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Most of us have fallen down the wormhole of shows like Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, Paranormal Witness and others of the nature that allow us a glimpse into the other world that might be walking among us: the spirit world. Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back. If you find yourself wanting to dive into paranormal investigating and the tools and methods Zak Bagans and his team use, then this event is right up your alley. Meet up with local paranormal investigators at the MacArthur Museum on either Friday, Oct. 15 or Friday, Oct. 22 for hands-on experience in the paranormal world. Instructor Rhonda Burton will take guests through equipment, proper technique and methods used in investigations. As one of the most haunted sites in Arkansas, guests will put their newfound knowledge to work at the MacArthur Museum. Register here to begin your journey as an investigator.

 

Friday, October 15

What: NLR CVB Presents: Dazz & Brie

Where: Argenta Plaza (North Little Rock)

When: 7 pm to 9 pm

Ready to rock? You’re in luck because NLR Convention & Visitors Bureau is hosting a FREE concert at Argenta Plaza. A rock n’ roll soul woman duo and band, Dazz & Brie, also known as “The Emotionalz,” are bringing their mix of heavy rock and soulful harmonies to Argenta for a popping night. Stop by any Argenta restaurant or bar for food and drinks and then let your hair down.

 

Friday, October 15 – Saturday, October 16

What: Arkadelphia Festival of the Arts

Where: Downtown Arkadelphia 

When: Friday: 11 am to 11 pm; Saturday: 10 am to midnight

The small town home to two colleges might need to consider changing its name to “Art-adelphia” after this weekend. For two days, Oct. 15 and 16, the first annual Arkadelphia Festival of the Arts will be taking over Downtown Arkadelphia. Talented individuals, artists and artisans from the Southwest Arkansas region will be set up between Main Street and Clay and 9th to 7th Streets with booths for viewing and sales. A few highlights to look forward to include wood carving, fiber art, pottery, paintings, handmade purses, photography, basket weaving, paint pour and jewelry. The festival will start with the artists’ booths on Friday followed by live music beginning at 5 pm. Anyone who lives in the south knows that food is as much an art as Davinci’s masterpieces, so attendees can of course look forward to food trucks and kiosks of various cuisine. Find the full schedule of events here.

 

Friday, October 15 – Saturday, October 16

What: Ozark Regional Craft Fairs NWA

Where: Northwest Arkansas Convention Center, Washington County Fairgrounds (Springdale)

When: Friday: 9 am to 9 pm; Saturday: 9 am to 8 pm

Two locations, two cities, multitudes of crafters – it must be the Ozark Regional Craft Fairs. From October 14 to October 16, the Fayetteville Ozark Arts & Crafts will run at the Washington County Fairgrounds with over 200 craft booths, local food and live music. From October 15 to October 16, the Springdale Ozark Arts & Crafts will take over the NWA Convention Center with all the shopping, crafting and entertainment your Ozark heart desires. This event might be split into two locations, but there is definitely no competition. There is only double the opportunity to get out there and learn what local artisans and craftsmen have been up to.

 

Saturday, October 16

What: Howl-O-Ween Parties in the Plaza

Where: Little Rock Zoo (Little Rock)

When: 9 am to 3:30 pm

What makes Halloween festivities even better? The gorgeous animals at the Little Rock Zoo, of course. On every Saturday in October (except the 23rd) the zoo is hosting Howl-O-Ween Parties in the Plaza. Your curious pups, the human ones that is, can come dressed in costume according to the theme of the Saturday, be awed at a magic show, show off their Monster Mash moves at a dance party and ride the Scaredy Cat Carousel. This Saturday’s theme is Wild West Day, so bring your Axl, Ozzy and Olivia Rodrigo out for the special enrichment activities of the day: great apes, the sloth bear and live music at the Civitan Elephant Stage with Juice Duo from 11 am to 2 pm. There’s a full day of activities, both Howl-O-Ween and regularly scheduled, so get those walking shoes on and “howl” a great time.

 

Saturday, October 16

What: 11 Year Anniversary Celebration

Where: Rock Town Distillery (Little Rock)

When: 11 am to 11 pm

Cheers to 11 years! Rock Town Distillery is celebrating its 11th year of making local favorite drinks. Even though it’s always a party with Rock Town, the distillery has something a little special up its sleeve in celebration: a limited edition 11th Anniversary Whiskey. But wait, there’s more. Rock Town will also be hosting a special VIP 11th Anniversary Masterclass that includes a guided tour and tasting hosted by founder Phil Brandon in the barrel house. The tasting will feature four whiskeys, three of which are not yet for sale: 11th Anniversary Cognac Cask Finished Bourbon, Cask Strength Peachwood Smoked Bourbon, Cask Strength Single Malt finished in a Sherry Cask and Cask Strength Peated Single Malt finished in a Sherry Cask. The Masterclass will also include an autographed 750ml bottle of the 11th Anniversary Bourbon, a Rock Town t-shirt, a Rock Town Glencairn nosing glass, a Rock Town pint glass and an 11th Anniversary Challenge Coin that is good for 15 percent off all Rock Town purchases in the tasting room for the next year. Phew, that’s a lot, and there’s limited space — so make your reservation now.

 

Saturday, October 16

What: Junior Ranger Jamboree

Where: Hot Springs National Park

When: 11 am

As part of Hot Springs National Park’s centennial events, Junior Ranger Day will be accompanied by a joint event: Archaeology Day. For the little aspiring park rangers and archaeologists out there digging in the backyard, this event will explore the importance of archaeology in state and national parks with hands-on activities, archaeological displays, plenty of chances to get dirty, workshops and guided hikes through the grounds. Put on some old britches and worn shoes because things are about to get messy.

 

Saturday, October 16

What: NW Arkansas: Community Cat Day

Where: Best Friends Animal Society (Bentonville)

When: 11 am to 2 pm

Happy Caturday! Join Best Friends Animal Society for a day all about local felines and how to love them. Learn what to do if you see cats roaming around the neighborhood, find resources and support for local shelters, vets and agencies, show off your skills in DIY craft activities and most importantly, consider adopting or fostering one of the lonely floofers that will be in attendance. The Best Friends Animal Society will also be sharing information about their new Pet Resource Center that is in the works. It’ll be a purrfect day celebrating all things cats!

 

Saturday, October 16

What: Halloween Weekends

Where: Magic Springs Theme and Water Park (Hot Springs)

When: 12 pm to 6 pm

October at Magic Springs is finally here, and that can only mean Halloween Weekends festivities are upon us. On Saturdays and Sundays for the entire month of October, guests are welcome to the Trick or Treat Trail, a pumpkin patch, Fright Flix Terror Trail, fall festival photo opportunities, the Undead Graveyard, Blacklight Bumpin’ Carz 2.0 and a frighteningly long list of more activities. Day and season passes are your tickets for Halloween Weekend fun.

 

Saturday, October 16

What: Fancyful Princess Ball

Where: Junior League of Little Rock

When: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

For all the little princes and princesses out there, you are invited to the Fancyful Princess Ball with the Junior League of Little Rock. Royal appearances include Elsa, Anna, Cinderella, Belle, Tiana, Rapunzel, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Moana and Snow White. Attendees will have the utmost pleasure of a grand entrance dance performance by the princesses, interactive games, personal meet and greets with each attending princess, a make-your-own-crown station, a fabulous photo booth, a candy bar and a sing dance party minus the woodland animals. Your ticket to the ball awaits you here.

 

Saturday, October 16

What: Mediterranean BBQ Dinner Grand Opening on World Food Day

Where: Maryam’s Grill (Little Rock)

When: 5 pm

Southern BBQ gets a lot of hype, but many people don’t realize that Mediterranean BBQ is stiff competition. Cooked with vegetables and spices on skewers, the meat is barbequed over bread that absorbs all the delicious juices that trickle out. Served with that same bread, Maryam’s Grill boasts that the flavor is unlike anything you’ve ever tried before. World Food Day celebrates the diverse flavors and cooking styles around the world, and I’d say this is a great meal to showcase just that.

 

Saturday, October 16

What: Friday Night at the Promenade

Where: The Promenade at Chenal (Little Rock)

When: 5 pm

The Promenade is bringing the spook on the first-ever Fright Night. Fun for all ages, so bring those costume-clad kiddos for a Thriller Dance Show, trick-or-treating with participating merchants, costume contests, Witch Hat Scavenger Hunt, Trunk-or-Treat car show, a selfie-booth (#PromFrightNight), pumpkin patch fun and live music. If that’s not enough, local off-site vendors will also be in attendance including Flyway Brewery, Twisted Fried food truck, Top Dog Catering and more. The main event of Fright Night will be the donations going toward Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. Come out to have fun, get spooky and give to a great local cause.

 

Sunday, October 17

What: Central Arkansas Pride: Rainbow Race Scavenger Hunt

Where: 301 W 7th Street (Little Rock)

When: 2 pm

Have a group of friends looking for something to do together on a Sunday afternoon in Downtown Little Rock? Central Arkansas Pride has just the thing: Rainbow Race Scavenger Hunt. Grab your team and go around Little Rock following clues that will lead to historical places, LGBTQ+-owned businesses and a few more fun spots because why not? Important rules to remember: the scavenger hunt must be completed in two hours, you must stay together with your team at all times, each team is allowed two hints, you must snap a photo at each location and upload it with #LRPRIDESCAVENGERHUNT and tag @Centralarkansaspride and you must wear a mask when interacting with event volunteers. The first 25 to complete the scavenger hunt will receive a pride mystery box, and the top three teams will win a gift card. Register your winning team here.

 

Sunday, October 17

What: The Price is Right

Where: Robinson Center (Little Rock)

When: 7 pm

Come on down! Get off your couch and catch your favorite show live at the Robinson Center. The Price is Right is coming to Little Rock, and this could be your chance to WIN. All these years you’ve spent perfecting the art can finally be put to use. To register for the chance to be a contestant, show up three hours before showtime to the venue box office to put your name in. A ticket purchase is required to register — start planning your outfit!

 

Friday, October 15 – Saturday, October 16

What: 30th Annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival

Where: Hot Springs National Park

When: Times vary

As legendary as the films it screens, the 30th Annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is the longest-running non-fiction film festival in North America. Over 90 non-fiction films are scheduled to air both in-person and online throughout the week. Arkansas is lucky to have this film festival each year showcasing the stories and voices of real people and artists. To finish out the festival, the final weekend will screen the last few films and celebrate with the Red Carpet Circle Reception and after parties on both Friday and Saturday. Find the full schedule of the closing weekend’s events and films here. 

 

Friday, October 15 – Sunday, October 24

What: Arkansas State Fair

Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds (Little Rock)

When: Times vary

No, you did not misread that — the State Fair is back and here until Oct. 24! All the favorite fair staples — fried foods, amusement rides, livestock, pageants and lifelong memories — are making a comeback after a pandemic-induced hiatus. Get your funnel cakes, corn dogs, smothered and covered carbs and anything else your stomach desires. If you’re not a fan of rides, be sure to check out the concert schedule to party with your favorite performers. Bring your kids, friends, distant cousins and estranged relatives for the most exciting event of the year. Get your tickets here!

 

Weekend Lineup at Arkansas State Fair:

Friday, October 15:

  • Maddie & Tae; show begins at 8 pm.

Saturday, October 16:

  • Bone Thugs-N-Harmony; show begins at 8 pm.

Sunday, October 17:

  • Bel Biv Devoe; show begins at 7 pm.

Find the rest of the Arkansas State Fair’s concert lineup here.

 

Weekend Lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge:

Thursday, October 14:

  • Josh Ward with Palmer Anthony; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $15 to $18.

Friday, October 15: 

  • Happy Hour with HoneyJack; doors open at 5 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $8.
  • John Fullbright & The Tulsa Revue with Jacob Tovar, Paul Benjaman & Jesse Aycock; doors open at 8:30 pm, show begins at 9:30 pm; tickets are $20 to $25.

Saturday, October 16:

  • Andy Frasco & The UN with Nick Gerlach’s Cult Conference; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $20 to $25.

Sunday, October 17:

  • Moonsong, Olympics & Fight Dream; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; free to attend.

 

Weekend Lineup at Railyard Live Rogers:

Friday, October 15:

  • MK Ultra (Miller +Kay); doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $0 to $20.

Saturday, October 16:

  • Railyard Live Season Finale: Earth, Wind, and Fire Tribute with Full House, Trout Fishing in America; doors open at 3 pm, show begins at 4 pm; tickets are $0 to $20.

 

Weekend Lineup at The Rev Room:

Friday, October 15:

  • Andy Frasco & The UN with Nick Gerlach’s Cult Conference; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:45 pm; tickets are $20 to $25.

Saturday, October 16:

  • 100.3 The Edge Presents Joyous Wolf with Luke Shoemaker; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:15 pm; tickets are $10 to $12.

 

Weekend Lineup at Walmart AMP:

Thursday, October 14:

  • NF Clouds Tour with Michl; gates open at 6:30 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $29.50 to $140. 50.

 

Weekend Lineup at The White Water Tavern:

Thursday, October 14:

  • Cory Branan; show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $12.

Friday, October 15:

  • Bonnie Montgomery with Sophia Johnson; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $10.

Saturday, October 16:

  • B.L.A.S.T. Record Release Show with Peach Blush, Revenge Bodies and PETT; show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $7.

Sunday, October 17:

  • John Calvin Abney; show begins at 7 pm; tickets are $10.

 

Weekend Lineup at Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack:

Thursday, October 14:

  • Mikaela Davis; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $10 to $60.

Friday, October 15:

  • Emily Wolfe; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:45 pm; tickets are $15.

Saturday, October 16:

  • Benjamin Del Shreve; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $10 to $60.

 

Look here for pumpkin patches in your area! 

 

On this day…

  • On October 14, 1892, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. 
  • On October 14, 1926, A.A. Milne’s novel, Winne the Pooh, was released.
  • On October 14, 1964, Martin Luther King Jr. was announced as the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

 

  • On October 15, 1520, King Henry VIII of England ordered bowling lanes to be installed at Whitehall.
  • On October 15, 1860, eleven-year-old Grace Bedell wrote a letter to President Abraham Lincoln requesting that he grow a beard.
  • On October 15, 1924, the Statue of Liberty was declared a national monument by President Calvin Coolidge.
  • On October 15, 1937, Ernest Hemingway’s novel To Have and Have Not was published.
  • On October 15, 1951, I Love Lucy debuted on CBS with Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball starring.
  • On October 15, 1952, E.B. White’s novel, Charlotte’s Web, was published.
  • On October 15, 1966, the Black Panther Party was created by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California.
  • On October 15, 1973, Dolly Parton released her hit single “Jolene.”
  • On October 15, 1991, Clarence Thomas was confirmed as a US Supreme Court Justice.
  • On October 15, 2017, actress Alyssa Milano ignited the “Me too Movement” with her tweet, “If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too.”

 

  • On October 16, 1847, Charlotte Bronte’s book Jane Eyre was published.
  • On October 16, 1901, Booker T. Washington and his family were invited to dine at the White House by President Theodore Roosevelt and Edith Roosevelt.
  • On October 16, 1916, Margaret Sanger opened the first birth control clinic in the United States in Brooklyn, New York.
  • On October 16, 1950, C.S. Lewis’ first edition of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe was released in London.
  • On October 16, 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis began after President JFK was show photos confirming the existence of Soviet missiles in Cuba.
  • On October 16, 1968, American Olympians Tommie Smith and John Carlos gave the famous Black Power salute on the 200m medal podium during Mexico City Olympics.

 

  • On October 17, 1888, Thomas Edison filed for a patent on the Optical Phonograph (first movie).
  • On October 17, 1933, Albert Einstein arrived in the U.S. as a refugee from Nazi Germany.
  • On October 17, 1957, “Jailhouse Rock” with Elvis Presley premiered in Memphis, Tennessee.
  • On October 17, 1972, Chuck Berry’s single “My Ding-a-ling” hit No. 1 in the music charts.
  • On October 17, 1978, President Jimmy Carter signed a bill restoring U.S. citizenship to Jefferson Davis.
  • On October 17, 1979, Mother Teresa was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
  • On October 17, 2007, the Dalai Lama received the United States Congressional Gold Medal.

 

Holidays:

October 14:

  • National Dessert Day
  • Be Bald and Be Free Day
  • Spider-Man Day

 

October 15:

  • National White Cane Safety Day
  • National Mammography Day
  • National Aesthetician Day
  • National Cheese Curd Day
  • National I Love Lucy Day
  • National Grouch Day
  • National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
  • National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day
  • Blind Americans Equality Day
  • Global Handwashing Day
  • International Day of Rural Women
  • National Boss’s Day
  • National Cake Decorating Day
  • National Shawarma Day

 

October 16:

  • National Liqueur Day
  • National Dictionary Day
  • Department Store Day
  • Global Cat Day
  • National Feral Cat Day
  • World Food Day
  • World Spine Day

 

October 17:

  • National Pasta Day
  • National Edge Day
  • National Mulligan Day
  • Wear Something Gaudy Day
  • Black Poetry Day
  • International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
  • National Playing Card Collectors Day

 

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