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, September 16
What: Tails and Tunes
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: 5 pm to close
Another Thursday, another night of fun at the Little Rock Zoo with Tails and Tunes. Tawanna Campbell is the featured musician of the night. Campbell lives the double life of being an elementary school teacher and the lead voalist of her band. Spend some extra time at the zoo visiting the animals and listening to music.
Thursday, September 16
What: Cabot Firehouse Film Festival
Where: Downtown Cabot
When: 6 pm to 8 pm
Cabot’s inaugural Firehouse Film Festival showcases independent filmmakers from multiple genres. Submissions from local and regional filmmakers will be featured at the festival, and there will be a $250 cash prize for each winner in five individual categories. Don’t worry about dinner because Food Truck Frenzy will be on stand-by with plenty of options for food truck cuisine.
Thursday, September 16
What: Third Thursday Festival
Where: Downtown Benton
When: 6 pm to 9 pm
Downtown Benton’s Third Thursday Festival is, unfortunately, coming to a close for the year 2021 with one final night of community fun. Swing by for a look at the local vendors, activities for the kids and relax with talented musicians from the community. Get your last bit of fun before the cooler weather kicks in.
Thursday, September 16
What: Celebrate Little Rock Together
Where: Robinson Center (Little Rock)
When: 7:30 pm
Join the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra for a free concert celebrating the Little Rock community. Gain access to a preview of the ASO 2021-2022 season with conductor Geoffrey Robson. Highlights of the night also include guests pianist Karen Walwyn and vocalist Genine LaTrice Perez.
Thursday, September 16
What: Heartless Bastards with Tele Novella
Where: Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack (Little Rock)
When: 8:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Heartless Bastards is kicking off their Beautiful Life Tour in Little Rock. The band combines rock with influences from French pop, Celtic folk, space rock, symphonic pop and post-punk. Don’t miss this opening night of the band’s tour — get your tickets here.
Friday, September 17
What: Pettaway Square Family Movie Night
Where: Pettaway Square (Little Rock)
When: 6:30 pm
Movies are fun, but they’re even better under the stars. Watch Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark outdoors with free popcorn. If you’re feeling a little more hungry than a tub of popcorn, Phonzie’s 1Stop will be there serving up some BBQ ribs and southern homestyle cooking. Bring your blanket and lawn chair and enjoy.
Friday, September 17
What: Oak Ridge Boys
Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs)
When: 7 pm
Feeling like a night out? The Oak Ridge Boys will be performing their Elvira 40 Tour at Oaklawn Event Center, so don’t miss it! The Oak Ridge Boys have earned 12 gold, three platinum and one double platinum album with their country and gospel sounds. Buy those tickets soon!
Friday, September 17
What: Wild Wines VIP Night
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: 7 pm to 9 pm
Starting off the Little Rock Zoo’s Wild Wines festivities is the VIP Night. Top-tier wine selections and food from local restaurants ranked best in the area will be accompanied by live music and special activities. Tickets start at $175 and include access to the “Mane” event on Saturday. Find tickets here.
Friday, September 17
What: Concert in the Park
Where: Laurel Park (Conway)
When: 7:30 pm
Join the Conway Symphony Orchestra in Laurel Park for a free outdoor concert. This concert will feature the “Lord of the Rings Suite” and William Grant Still’s “Song of the Rivermen,” along with some favorites everyone will enjoy. Bring the family, picnic blankets and lawn chairs to soak in this cool weather and good music.
Saturday, September 18
What: 2nd Annual Disaster Dash 5k
Where: Murray Park River Trail (Little Rock)
When: 8 am
Benefiting the Jannette Jaco Memorial Endowment, a fund created to support nonprofit organizations that are first to respond to areas affected by natural disasters, the Disaster Dash allows participants to sign up as either a virtual participant or as a runner/walker. Participants will receive a finisher’s medal, t-shirt, goody packet and their official race timing. Registration is $25 to $30.
Saturday, September 18
What: 2021 Veterans Appreciation Day Truck, Bike and Car Show
Where: McArthur Church (Jacksonville)
When: 8 am
Open to all years, makes and models, the Veterans Appreciation Day show benefits local veterans in the community. A few of the categories for the auto show include Best of Show, Best Antique Vehicle, Best Ford, Best Import and more. In memory of US Air Force veteran Neil Smith, there will be a “Neil’s Choice” award. Learn more about the event here.
Saturday, September 18
What: Tinkerfest 2021 built by Kiewit-Massman
Where: Museum of Discovery (Little Rock)
When: 9 am to 3 pm
Back for its 10th year, Tinkerfest has so many activities in store for the kiddos that the aspiring scientists won’t know which to do first. Tinkerfest is a hands-on event that celebrates innovation, creating and the arts through science. Some activities include matchbox car ramps, magnets, DIY windchimes, bridge building, drones, cardboard construction, water energy, the floor is lava and too many more activities to count. As a precautionary measure for COVID-19, Tinkerfest is selling timed tickets for 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm. Tickets are standard Museum of Discovery prices: $10 for adults, $8 for children ages one through twelve. Senior citizens, teachers, Little Rock city employees and active and retired military are admitted for $8.
Saturday, September 18
What: Children’s Gallery Opening
Where: Mosaic Templars Cultural Center (Little Rock)
When: 10 am
The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center is opening a new exhibit: Same. Different. Amazing. This gallery is all about children and celebrating the ways that make each child unique. For the opening event, there will be a magician, craft and activity stations and galleries open for tours.
Saturday, September 18
What: Curtis the Mentalist
Where: Loony Bin Comedy Club (Little Rock)
When: 4:30 pm
Curtis the Mentalist is making a stop at the Loony Bin for an unforgettable show. Faces like Howard Stern have seen and been amazed by the performer, so do not miss it. Find out if Curtis can read your mind, and get out a few laughs while you’re there. Get your tickets now!
Saturday, September 18
What: Dogs After Dark Glow Pawty
Where: Bark Bar (Little Rock)
When: 6 pm to 10 pm
Any dog owner will attest that their pooch shines the brightest, and Bark Bar is ready to celebrate all those beloved dogs with their Dogs After Dark Glow Pawty. Blacklight outfits, for dogs and owners, are a must to be able to physically glow. A prize will be awarded to the best glowing doggo at the party. Register your dog to attend here.
Saturday, September 18
What: Wild Wines 2021 The Mane Event
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: 6 pm
Time for the “Mane” event at the Little Rock Zoo. A community favorite event gives guests the chance to sample from more than 200 wines and food from over 40 local restaurants and caterers. The guests of honor, the zoo’s animal ambassadors, will greet attendees. Live music will be provided by The Rodney Block Collective, Harp, Mike Poe, Brian Nahlen and a special drum circle. Tickets start at $85 and can be purchased here.
Saturday, September 18 – Sunday, September 19
What: Peace Week 7th Street Mural Painting
Where: 7th Street Mural Project (Little Rock)
When: 9 am to 12 pm
As part of Arkansas Peace Week kicking off on Sept. 19 through Sept. 26, the Little Rock Community is invited out to the7th Street Mural Project for some painting and time to get to know the history and artist behind the murals. All attendees over the age of 12 must have a Covid vaccination or a note from their doctor explaining special circumstances. Masks are required by all attendees. Learn more about Arkansas Peace Week here.
Friday, September 17 – Sunday, September 19
What: Vintage Market Days of Little Rock
Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds (Little Rock)
When: Times vary
To all the collectors, shabby chic decorators and antique appreciators out there, the Vintage Market is something you do not want to miss. More than 100 vendors from over 15 states will be in Little Rock to show off exquisite pieces and rare finds. There will be plenty of options for food as vendors and food trucks will be stationed all around to keep you shopping all day. An indoor event, so no need to worry about the heat or the rain.
Friday, September 17 – September, 19
What: 26th Annual Hot Air Balloon Championship and Celebration in the Sky
Where: Boone County Regional Airport (Harrison)
When: Times vary
This event dates back to 1995, and the people always come back year after year for more. The festival will take off Friday night with a live concert and balloon glow. Saturday, the competitions begin followed by another balloon glow that evening. Happening at the same time, there will be a kids paper plane zone, music, food, vendors and something for everyone. Find the schedule of events here.
Weekend Lineup at the Revolution Room:
Friday, September 17:
- Hayes Carll with Travis Linville; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $25.
Saturday, September 18:
- Monsters of Todd7: A Cancer Benefit for Goldie Grigg with The Getty’s, Bad Habit, Jet 420, Lypstick Hand Grenade, Exit from Dark, Huckleberry Jam and more; doors open at 6 pm, show begins at 7 pm; tickets are $10.
Weekend Lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge:
Friday, September 17:
- Full House 20th Anniversary Show; doors open at 4 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $8.
Saturday, September 18:
- Juice Jam 2021 Free Show; Juice & Beastie Boys Tribute with Foggy Bobcat, Witchsister and Drawing Blanks; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm.
Sunday, September 19:
- The Mountain Goats Solo Tour; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $20.
Weekend Lineup at Railyard Live:
Friday, September 17:
- The Mixtapes; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $0 to $20.
Saturday, September 18:
- Eureka Strings; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $0 to $20.
On this day…
- On September 16, 1620, the Mayflower sets sail for America from Plymouth, England.
- On September 16, 1848, slavery was abolished in all French territories.
- On September 16, 1920, a horse-drawn wagon exploded on Wall Street, New York in the infamous Wall Street Bombing; 38 people were killed and 143 were injured.
- On September 16, 1993, Frasier starring Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce premiered on NBC.
- On September 16, 1996, the courtroom reality show Judge Judy with Judge Judith Sheindlin premiered.
- On September 16, 2002, the talk show Dr. Phil with Phil McGraw debuted on TV.
- On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution is signed by delegates at the Philadelphia Convention.
- On September 17, 1849, Harriet Tubman first escaped slavery in Maryland with two of her brothers.
- On September 17, 1861, the first class for escaped slaves was taught by Mary Peake at Fortress Monroe Virginia.
- On September 17, 1947, Jackie Robinson was named Rookie of the Year by Sporting News.
- On September 17, 1954, Lord of the Flies by William Golding was published by Faber and Faber in London, England.
- On September 18, 1793, George Washington laid the cornerstone of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.
- On September 18, 1895, Booker T. Washington delivered the “Atlanta Compromise” address.
- On September 18, 1899, Scott Joplin was granted copyright for his “Maple Lear Rag.” This composition is the most famous ragtime piece to this day.
- On September 18, 2020, the earliest dated evidence of the human species was found in the Arabian Peninsula. The footprints were dated 120,000 years old.
- On September 19, 1796, George Washington’s farewell address as president was published.
- On September 19, 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant all women the right to vote.
- On September 19, 1952, the Adventures of Superman TV series premiered in the U.S. with actor George Reeves.
- On September 19, 1960, Chubby Checker’s “The Twist” hits No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- On September 19, 1970, The Mary Tyler Moore Show premiered on CBS.
Birthdays:
- James Cash Penney, department store founder of JC Penney, was born on September 16, 1875.
- David Copperfield, American magician, was born on September 16, 1956.
- Amy Poehler, American comedian and actress, was born on September 16, 1971.
- Nick Jonas, American singer, actor and producer, was born on September 16, 1992.
- Hank Williams, American country singer, was born on September 17, 1923.
- Samuel Johnson, English scholar and lexicographer, was born on September 18, 1709.
- Fred Willard, American comedian and actor, was born on September 18, 1933.
- Lance Armstrong, American cyclist, was born on September 18, 1971.
- Jada Pinkett Smith, American actress, was born on September 18, 1971.
- William Golding, English novelist and winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, was born on September 19, 1911.
- Jeremy Irons, English actor, was born on September 19, 1948.
- Jimmy Fallon, American actor and comedian, was born on September 19, 1974.
Holidays:
September 16:
- National Cinnamon Raisin Bread Day
- National Step Family Day
- Mayflower Day
- National Guacamole Day
- National Play-Doh Day
September 17:
- National Apple Dumpling Day
- National Tradesmen Day
- National Monte Cristo Day
- National POW/MIA Recognition Day
- International Country Music Day
September 18:
- National Cheeseburger Day
- Air Force Birthday
- Big Whopper Liar Day
- National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
- Boys’ and Girls’ Club Day for Kids
- Puppy Mill Awareness Day
- Responsible Dog Ownership Day
- National Clean-Up Day
- National Dance Day
September 19:
- International Talk Like a Pirate Day
- Wife Appreciation Day
- National Butterscotch Pudding Day
- National Gymnastics Day
READ MORE: ACS Unveils Lineup for Filmland: Arkansas 2021
