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. Click here.

 

Thursday, July 14 

What: Baking 101- Baking a Great Cake 

Where: Art is in Cakes Bakery Supply (Little Rock) 

When: 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 

This hands-on class consists of teaching students how to bake the perfect cake! Learn about how to prepare pans, how to create a recipe, how to mix ingredients properly and how to troubleshoot any issues you may encounter when baking your own cake. An in-person seat is $65 and to sign up, click here

 

Thursday, July 14 

What: Spark Studios Color War & Foam Party 

Where: Park Hill Baptist Church Playground Parking Lot (North Little Rock) 

When: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 

Kids can head out for a night full of free food, fun and foam on Thursday. With lots of paint and foam, there will also be food available. The event is open to everyone and attendees can register for VBS.  

 

Thursday, July 14 

What: Extra-Terrestrial Thursday 

Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater (Little Rock) 

When: 6:00 p.m. – doors open. 7:00 p.m. – film starts. 

Join the Central Arkansas Library System for Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The movie is directed by Steven Spielberg and stars Richard Dreyfuss. Beer, wine and other concessions will be available for guests. Tickets are $7 and can be purchased online or at the theater. 

 

Thursday, July 14 

What: Trivia Night at Press Waffle Co.

Where: Press Waffle Co. (SoMa) 

When: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Head out to Press Waffle Co. for a fully customizable authentic Belgian waffle and test yourself with Challenge Entertainment Trivia. Prizes for winners include gift cards, ranging from $10-$50 depending on where your team places. 

 

Thursday, July 14 

What: Miami Vice L80’s Night 

Where: Petit & Keet (Little Rock) 

When: 4:00 p.m. 

Join Petit & Keet for its monthly L80’s theme night! Guests are encouraged to dress up in themed attire (though it is not required) and can enjoy happy hour prices all night. Throwback jams will be playing all night with specialty cocktails available for purchase. 

 

Thursday, July 14 

What: Redoubt | Matthew Barney  

Where: The Momentary (Bentonville)  

When: 6:30 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. 

Reserve your spot for the free film screening at Fermentation Hall. Tickets are required and can be reserved here. This acclaimed film will be screened as well as a visit to A Divided Landscape, a new exhibition at the Momentary. 

 

Thursday, July 14

What: Christmas in July 

Where: The Artisan Hub (Ward) 

When: 6:00 p.m. 

Learn how to make handmade greeting cards with Barb Sxhou from Crabby Babby’s Place. Tickets are $20 and can be bought here. Supplies will be provided from Stampin’ Up and catalogs will be available for you to purchase your own supplies in the future. 

 

Thursday, July 14

What: Evenings In Eleven 

Where: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville) 

When: 5:00 p.m. 

Reserve you tickets (Starting at $89) online for a curated dinner experience at Eleven, the restaurant inside the museum. Enjoy a locally-inspired, five-course meal by Executive Chef, Timothy Ordway and the team. Smooth jazz will be played by the in-house DJ and optional tableside bottle service will be available. View the tasting menu here

 

Thursday, July 14 

What: Preservation Conversations: A Conversation and Book Signing for Arkansas Made 

Where: Quapaw Quarter Association (Little Rock) 

When: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

This in person-only event will include a conversation and book signing for Arkansas Made. Swanee Bennett, Jennifer Carman, Victoria Chandler and Bill Worthen will  all be in attendance for the event. Books will be available for purchase by Wordsmith Books and attendees must RSVP in advance by emailing qqa@quapaw.com

 

Friday, July 15

What: Storytime 

Where: Main Library – Central Arkansas Library System (Little Rock) 

When: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. 

Join CALS with your little ones for a storytime! With books, music, games and more, help instill a love for reading in your children. 

 

Friday, July 15

What: Third Friday Art Walk 

Where: Argenta Arts District (North Little Rock) 

When: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Every third Friday of the month, Argenta hosts its public art work. Take a stroll down Main Street and take a look at original art works from local and regional artists. Patrons are welcome to enjoy a glass of wine and a snack while visiting each of the locations. Guests are also encouraged to eat dinner at one of Argenta’s local restaurants following the art walk. 

 

Friday, July 15

What: Party at the Plaza 

Where: Signature Square Plaza  (Springdale) 

When: 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Join Juan Barcenas State Farm at the Signature Square Plaza for a free family night. The evening will include music, raffles, inflatables, local vendors and more for a fun family-friendly night. 

 

Friday, July 15

What: Stranger Things: Unique Apparatuses Workshop 

Where: Arkansas Circus Arts (North Little Rock) 

When: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Try something new with Arkansas Circus Arts and experience some of the apparatuses of Arkansas Circus Arts. Christy and Ania will lead the event, spending time on the aerial sphere, anchor, octagonal lyra and more with 90’s music playing. All levels are welcome at the event 80’s attire is encouraged. Tickets are $35 and can be bought here

 

Friday, July 15

What: Pop-Up Yoga Nidra 

Where: Arkansas Yoga Collective (Little Rock) 

When: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 

Relax with instructor Wesley Pilcher, at Arkansas Yoga Collective on Friday. The event is open to the public and will focus on a guided, deep-meditative, experience with Yoga Nidra, which means Yogic Sleep. Tickets for this class cost $15. 

 

Friday, July 15

What: Oliva Cigars Big Top/West End Cigars LR 

Where: West End Cigars (Little Rock) 

When: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. 

Enjoy a night at West End Cigars, and check out all the improvements being made, with the Oliva Cigars event. West End Cigars customers have long-loved this event, and the night will include food, fun and cigars. There will also be a raffle for 10 of the first 10,000 cigras to come out of the new Oliva factory in Nicaragua. 

 

Friday, July 15- Sunday July 17 

What: Bella Rustina Modern Vintage Market 

Where: Conway Expo Center 

When: Friday/Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 11:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Bella Rustina, the Maumelle-owned vintage market, will return this year with over 250 booths in the center as well as the open-air pavilion. In addition to being able to find great vintage products such as handmade creations and vintage-inspired décor, guests can enjoy food from several food trucks and indoor food choices such as handmade fried pies, roasted candy and nuts, kettle corn and coffee. Early admission buying on Friday is $10 for adults and regular admission is $5 on Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free for children 18-years-old and younger. Get tickets here

 

Friday, July 15- Sunday, July 17 

What: Paws at the Net 2022 

Where: Rebsamen Tennis Center (Little Rock) 

When: 4:00 p.m. 

Returning this summer, Paws at the Net will benefit Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals. The event is a USTA sanctioned level five tournament that will feature singles, doubles and mixed divisions. With food, beverages and adoptable companions, guests can enjoy the free and public viewing of competitive matches. 

 

Friday, July 15- Sunday, July 17 

What: Little Rock Tattoo Arts Festival 

Where: Statehouse Convention Center (Little Rock) 

When: Friday: 2:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.; Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Go see some famous tattoo artists such as Jordi Pla from the 13th season of Ink Master, this weekend. If you’ve been wanting to get inked, this is the perfect opportunity. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased online

 

Saturday, July 16

What: Craft For Kids 

Where: Eureka Springs KOA Journey – in the game room 

When: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

Bring your kids to the game room to make a puppet theater craft. With one craft offered per child, each kid will be allowed to make their own fun and explore the creativity combined in making a craft and then making their own puppet show. 

 

Saturday, July 16 

What: Third Saturday – Beat the Heat! 

Where: Historic Arkansas Museum  (Little Rock) 

When: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 

This Historic Arkansas event will allow for guests to explore how Arkansans in 1851 passed the time in the summer heat. Go learn about Arkansas in the historic homes (which are air conditioned) and learn about how architecture worked to keep homes cool. Guests will also learn about summer fashion and fabrics with the option of trying to pull a print at The Print Shop. Ticket prices for admissions are $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for adults 65-years-old and older and $1.00 for children under 18-years-old. 

 

Saturday, July 16 

What: Nexus Coffee & Creative’s Fifth Birthday Celebration 

Where: Nexus Coffee & Creative (Little Rock) 

When: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

Spend a day in Little Rock’s River Market District with Nexus. The coffee shop and community space is celebrating its fifth anniversary of opening its doors, with live music, treats, drinks, a community-builders panel, vendor pop-ups and a giveaway. 

 

Saturday, July 16 

What: Discover Trust Tree 

Where: Arkansas Museum of Discovery (Little Rock) 

When: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 

Join the Museum of Discovery for a fundraiser, celebrating success at Trust Tree this Saturday. Trust Tree campers will perform and a highlight reel of the Summer Daydream program will play. Music, a photo booth, hors d’oeuvres, drinks – including a signature Girls Rocktown cocktail – and more will be available. The event is family-friendly and free to children 18-years-old and under. There will be a sliding scale for adults, ranging from $20- $50 and tickets can be purchased online

 

Saturday, July 16

What: Open Maker Space 

Where: Dee Brown Library – Central Arkansas Library System (Little Rock) 

When: 9:30-12:00 p.m. 

Head out to Dee Brown this Saturday for activities for kids and adults. Set up to teach invention, investigation and collaboration, guests will be helped by staff in making these guided activities. The kid’s activity will begin at 9:30 and will be focused on a Sea Mythology Create-ure. The activity for teens and adults will start at 11:00 a.m. and be focused on Sea Creature Key Holders. 

 

Saturday, July 16

What: Tai Chi at Main 

Where: Central Arkansas Library System (Little Rock) 

When: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

Join the Central Arkansas Library System this Saturday morning for Tai Chi with instructor Taylor Novay. No special equipment is needed and free, two hour parking is provided. The class will meet on the fifth floor of the Main Library in the multi-purpose programming room. 

 

Saturday, July 16 

What: Toad Suck Summer Festival 

Where: Toad Suck Mini Golf (Conway) 

When: 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Set out for some Saturday fun at the Toad Suck Summer Festival. The festival will benefit the Toad Suck Paw Friends Foundation, which funds the Faulkner County Animal Shelter. As a family-friendly event, there will be bounce houses, carnival food, grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, live princesses, magic tricks, face painting, music, a petting zoo, mini golf and various vendors available. 

 

Saturday, July 16

What: Arkansas Tech Shooting Camp 

Where: Tucker Coliseum (Russellville) 

When: 2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. 

A Wonder Boys Summer Basketball Camp, the Shooting Camp will be $50 and be for ages five to 18. This camp will focus on teaching players how to shoot the ball and focus on shooting off catch, shooting off the dribble, three-point shooting, free throw shooting, use of screens and the mid-range jump shot. Players can register online. 

 

Saturday, July 16

What: Wings & Wheels 

Where: Arkansas Air And Military Museum (Fayetteville) 

When: 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Head out to the White Hangar at the museum for a day full of cars and airplanes. This is the first fly-in for the museum in 2022 and breakfast will be available for $10, with money going to the benefit of the Arkansas Air and Military Museum as well as the local EAA chapter. Parking for the event is free. To enter your car in the car show, click here

 

Saturday, July 16

What: Mimosa Fest 

Where: Nomads Southtown (Fayetteville) 

When: 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. 

Enjoy a day full of mimosa-tasting at Nomads. With over ten signature mimosa flavors to choose from, mimosa wristbands will be sold at the bar. Nomads is encouraging early arrival to the event because of limited parking and seating. 

 

Saturday, July 16

What: Amp Out Alz 

Where: The Hall (Little Rock) 

When: 7:00 p.m. 

Join Alzheimer’s Arkansas for a rock ‘n’ roll benefit concert this Saturday night. The event will include class rock music and will feature ROXX, the classic-rock cover band. A silent auction and Corks and Keg Raffle will also be included in the evening’s festivities. Tickets can be purchased online. The Prickly Pickle food truck will also be on-site for the evening. 

 

Sunday, July 17 

What: National Loblolly Day 2022 

Where: Loblolly Creamery (Benton & Little Rock) 

When: 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (SoMa) 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Benton) 

Visit a Loblolly Scoop Shop for National Ice Cream Day this Sunday. The first 50 purchases will receive a free mystery grab bag, filled with Loblolly surprises. A limited Edition Ice Cream flavor will be available, as well as exclusive merchandise, giveaways and more fun. 

 

Sunday, July 17

What: Hike on the Ozark Plateau and Reading of The Lorax 

Where: Hobbs State Park Conservation Area (Rogers) 

When: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 

This free event is open to the public. Come take a walk in nature and see all the living things that have made this area home! This will be led by park interpreter, Trish, and everyone will be guided to see the variety of life in the forest. This activity is recommended for kids, ages five-years-old and up. For more information, click here

 

Holidays

July 14th

  • National Mac and Cheese Day 
  • National Grand Marnier Day 
  • Shark Awareness Day 
  • Bastille Day 
  • Pandemonium Day 

July 15th

  • National Give Something Away Day 
  • National Respect Canada Day 
  • Developmental Disability Professionals Day 
  • National Be a Dork Day 
  • National I Love Horses Day 
  • National Gummi Worm Day 
  • National Pet Fire Safety Day 
  • National Tapioca Pudding Day 
  • Orange Chicken Day 
  • World Youth Skills Day 

July 16th

  • National Corn Fritter Day 
  • Artificial Intelligence Appreciation Day 
  • Fresh Spinach Day 
  • Guinea Pig Appreciation Day 
  • National Cherry Day 
  • National Wedding Invitation Day 
  • National Strawberry Rhubarb Wine Day 
  • Rural Transit Day 
  • Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day
  • World Snake Day 
  • National Bridal Sale Day 

July 17th

  • National Ice Cream Day 
  • National Lottery Day 
  • World Emoji Day 
  • National Peach Ice Cream Day 
  • National Tattoo Day 
  • Lake Superior Day 
  • Yellow Pig Day 
  • National Daiquiri Day 

 

READ MORE: Feltner’s Whatta-Burger: An Arkansas Food Classic