Stay “in the know” about all the great events going on around Arkansas. AY’s Publisher, Heather Baker, will tell you what the hot spots are this weekend.
Thursday, August 8
What: Rare Beer Tasting
Where: Vino’s Pizza-Pub-Brewery
When: 6 p.m.
Sometimes we like our beer like we like our steaks. Rare. And that’s exactly what Vino’s is serving up this week with a range of limited release, specialty and vintage beers from multiple breweries including Rebel Kettle, Boulevard, Founder’s, Moody Brews and more. The event is $20 at the door and includes a sample pour of each beer. Find out more here.
What: Star Wars: Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater
When: 7 pm
When you blow up the Empire’s Death Star, they usually don’t take it well. That’s where Episode IV leaves off, and Darth Vader and the Empire come back with a vengeneance against the Rebels. Check out this classic film on the big screen. Tickets are only $5. Check it out here.
What: PunchLine Primetime Comedy Showcase
Where: The Joint Theater & Coffeehouse
When: 8 pm
A group of talented comedians will be tickling everybody’s funny bone at the Joint this week. Wes Corwin, Ashley Wright Ihler and more will be performing. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Find out more here.
Thursday, August 8-Saturday, August 10
What: Hope Watermelon Festival
Where: Hope
When: 12-7 p.m. (Thursday), 11am-8pm (Friday), 9am-9pm (Saturday)
This is the 43rdannual festival, celebrating the Hope watermelon industry.
The Watermelon Festival features a variety of activities, from arts and crafts to a baggo tournament to a 5K race.
There are dozens of food booths, with watermelon as well as burgers, corn dogs, pork rinds and more.
Always has live music.
Did you know? The festival dates back to the 1920s. During these early days, Hope citizens served watermelon to train passengers as they passed through the town.
The festivals stopped in 1931 but restarted in 1977.
Around 50,000 visitors come to Hope during the festival every year.
Friday, August 9
What: Paws at the Net
Where: Rebsamen Tennis Center
When: 5 p.m.
Support Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals (CARE), by participating in Paws at the Net. The tournament allows guests to match some fun tennis matches while enjoying great food trucks, a silent auction and more. It is free for spectators. Check it out here.
What: Seth Walker concert
Where: South on Main
When: 9 pm
Relax on Friday with some soulful music at South on Main. Seth Walker will be bringing his new album “Are You Open?” to Little Rock for a main stage performance. Tickets are $8 in advance or $12 in advance. Check it out here.
What: 2ndFriday Art Night
Where: Downtown Little Rock
When: 5-8 p.m.
Starting at 5 p.m., downtown Little Rock opens up and all the artists come out to play. The best galleries in the city and museums will be open for patrons to view. Discover new artists and entertainers as you wander downtown.
What: Ashley Wineland concert
Where: The Rail Yard
When: 7:30 pm
Ashley Wineland will be performing an Unplugged concert. This is a can’t miss!
What: David Adam Brynes concert
Where: Stickyz Rock ‘N’ Roll Chicken Shack
When: 9 p.m.
David Adam Brynes is a traditional country musician who scored a number 1 hit with his song “Beer Bucket List” earlier this year.
His debut album “Premium Country” had the hit single “Sweet Distraction,” which went to the Top 20 on the Music Row Country Breakout Chart and Top 65 on Billboard Country Airplay.
He will be playing with Bree Ogden, an Arkansas-native singer songwriter.
Bree was named the 2019 Young Artist of the Year at the Arkansas Country Music Awards.
Cost: $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show
Standing room only
Doors open at 7:30p.m. and the show starts at 9pm
Friday, August 9-Sunday, August 11
What: Between Riverside and Crazy
Where: The Weekend Theater
When: 7:30 pm (Friday and Saturday), 2:30 pm (Sunday)
Written by Stephen Adly Guirgis, this show is about an ex-cop and his son and their difficulties with the police department, the church, the landlord and more. This dark comedy won the 2015 Pulitizer Prize for Drama. Tickets are $12 to $16.
What: Singin’ in the Rain
Where: Staples Auditorium (Conway)
When: 7 p.m. (Friday and Saturday), 2 p.m. (Sunday)
This is a beloved musical that deserves to be seen time and time again. Whether you’ve already seen it or it’s your first time, you’ll be tapping your toes in no time. Tickets are $17 for students/seniors/military, $22 for adults and $12 for children 10 and under. Check it out here.
Saturday, August 10
What: 4thAnnual Hot Rods and Hot Dogs car show
Where: Lifesong Baptist Church in Greenbrier
When: 10 a.m.
This is a classic car show that features cars, trucks and hot rods.
You’ll be able to see classic cars from before 1950 to the present day, along with muscle cars, Jeeps, and off-road vehicles.
There will be live music, raffles and prizes, as well as food and drinks. There will be a kid’s zone featuring a bounce house.
FREE admission for the public. $20 registration fee for car entries.
All proceeds benefit Water for Christ, which provides clean drinking water in developing countries.
What: 72ndAnnual Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry
Where: Mt. Nebo State Park
When: 6 am-9 pm
This chicken fry, presented by the Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce, dates back to 1948.
It started as a fish fry, but now the focus is on the fried chicken. The event celebrates the poultry industry in the Arkansas River Valley.
Plenty of live music throughout the day, like Mike Mayberry and the Slow Hands. Blaine Howard, the 2018 and 2019 Arkansas Country Music Award Male Vocalist of the Year will be performing during the evening.
John Wayne’s grandson is coming up to promote True Grit and the True Grit Highway.
There are chicken calling events, a bubble gum blowing contest, a log sawing competition and more.
It is a prominent political event. Candidates frequently announce candidacies here and kick off their campaigns.
FREE ADMISSION
What: 2019 Boosters + Big Rigs
Where: Jack Stephens Center
When: 9 a.m.
At this family-friendly, free community event, children can get dental, vision and wellness screenings ahead of the school year. During the event, kids can learn more about police cars, fire trucks and more. Free lunches will be provided.
What: 4thAnnual Hot Rods and Hot Dogs car show
Where: Lifesong Baptist Church in Greenbrier
When: 10 a.m.
This is a classic car show that features cars, trucks and hot rods.
You’ll be able to see classic cars from before 1950 to the present day, along with muscle cars, Jeeps, and off-road vehicles.
There will be live music, raffles and prizes, as well as food and drinks. There will be a kid’s zone featuring a bounce house.
FREE admission for the public. $20 registration fee for car entries.
All proceeds benefit Water for Christ, which provides clean drinking water in developing countries.
What: A State Corvette & SS22 Slingshots “All in One” Parade
Where: Little Rock High School National Historic Site
When: Noon
The A State Corvettes and SS22 Slingshotswill ride through Little Rock , starting at Little Rock High School National Historic Siteand ending at War Memorial Stadium, where there will be food and music.
What: Bald is Brave
Where: Rebel Kettle Brewing Co.
When: 6 p.m.
This Saturday, a number of brave individuals will shave their heads to support the fight against childhood cancer and blood disorders. Learn more here.
What: The 6thAnnual Vanapalooza
Where: Revolution Music Room
When: 7:30 p.m.
It’s going to be standing room only at the Rev Room this Saturday. The Rev will be highlighting the work of The Van again with a night of great music. The Big Dam Horns, Dazz & Brie and more will be performing. Tickets are $10.
Sunday, August 11
What: Vinyl Brunch
Where: Stone’s Throw Brewing
When: 11 am
When you wake up on Sunday, nothing’s better than a great brunch. At Stone’s Throw, the AphroSense kitchen will be whipping up delicious chicken and waffles, hash browns and more, alongside cidermosas and bloody beers.
What: Trace Adkins
Where: Bank OZK Arena
When: 4 pm
This country music superstar is coming to Hot Springs in support of the 2019 FLW Cup. This will be free concert at Bank OZK Arena. You can’t miss this!
READ MORE: Festivals for the Rest of Us
