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, Sept. 5
What: 16thAnnual Runway for the Cure
Where: Clear Channel Metroplex
When: 11am
Today, AY Magazine and Komen Arkansas are presenting Runway for the Cure.
The event is a runway show that celebrates breast cancer survivors and raises awareness for breast cancer.
AY CEO and founder Vicki Vowell founded Runway for a Cause in 2001, which raised more than $1 million for local organizations in its first 10 years. Since then, Komen Arkansas has taken the reins of the event – now Runway for the Cure – with AY has the founding sponsor.
Seventy-five percent of the proceeds stays in local communities for education, mammograms and treatment. The other 25 percent funds national research.
The event is sold out but can still donate at komenarkansas.org
What: Dancing with Our Stars
Where: Robinson Theater
When: 6pm
Local luminaries and community leaders will dance with professionals in a competition not unlike Dancing with the Stars. They are competing for the Mirror Ball Trophy.
Three judges will be evaluating their performance.
Competitors are Connie Bennett, Chanda Chacon, Alisha Curtis, Evans Dietz, Wade Radke, Pete Tanguay.
Competitors have had to practice for weeks.
This is the 10thannual event that is put on by the Children’s Tumor Foundation.
It raises money and awareness for neurofibromatosis (NF), which affects one in 3,000 people. It’s a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerve endings.
Sold out but can donate at ctfarkansas.org
What: The Second City’s Greatest Hits, Vo. 59
Where: UA – Pulaski Tech: The Center for Humanities and Arts
When: 7:30 pm
Second City is one of the most legendary names in comedy. The next generation of comedy stars is coming to Little Rock for a night of laughs. Don’t miss it! Tickets are $25-45 for reserved tickets or $15 for standing room only. Find out more here.
What: KISS: End of the Road World Tour
Where: Verizon Arena
When: 7:30 pm
We’re going to rock and roll all night at the Verizon Arena. The notorious KISS is driving through on its End of the Road World Tour – if you’re a rock fan, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime event. . Find out more here.
Thursday, Sept. 5-Sunday, Sept. 8
What: Million Dollar Quartet
Where: Arkansas Repertory Theatre
When: 7 pm (Thursday), 8 pm (Friday and Saturday), 2 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
Telling the story of the day Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis gathered in Memphis to meet with producer Sam Philips, this musical has a rousing collection of songs. . Find out more here.
Friday, Sept. 6
What: SoMa After Dark
Where: SoMa neighborhood
When: 5 pm
On the first Friday of every month, SoMa comes alive after dark. Businesses in the neighborhood remain open later, allowing pedestrians to learn more about their wares and goods. It’s a great chance to get more acquainted with a vital neighborhood. . Find out more here.
What: Little Rock Night Market
Where: Little Rock River Market
When: 5-11 pm
This Friday, the River Market will be the place to be with food trucks, local artisans and entertainment galore. Throughout the River Market Pavillons, there will be vendors selling food and goods, and you can hear some great live music as well. . Find out more here.
What: The Goonies screening
Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater
When: 7 pm
Whether you’ve seen it a hundred times or you’re seeing it for the first time, you’ve got to watch The Goonies! This beloved 80s classic would be perfect for a Friday night date or to catch up with friends. And best of all, it’s only $5. Find out more here.
What: Rocket Man! The Phenomenal Elton John Tribute
Where: Revolution Music Room
When: 9 pm
Drummerboyinfinity brings Elton John straight to Arkansas in an amazing stage show. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Find out more here.
Friday, Sept. 6-Sunday, Sept.8
What: The Rooster Rebellion
Where: The Weekend Theatre
When: 7:30 pm (Friday and Saturday), 2:30 pm (Sunday)
This play is making its U.S. debut right here in Little Rock after showing in London and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It is about a London teenager who runs away to help her homeless ex-teacher and then tries to create a utopian homeless society. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students, seniors and military. Find out more here
Saturday, Sept. 7
What: Superhero Dash-N-Bash
Where: War Memorial Stadium
When: 9 am
Arkansas Children’s Hospital’s pediatric cancer and blood disorder department is holding the 6thannual Superhero Dash-N-Bash event that assists families being treated in the department. Find out more here.
What: 4thAnnual Black Food Truck Festival
Where: Philander Smith College
When: 12-4 pm
Get ready to eat some great food! The Arkansas Association of Black Professionals is hosting the third annual Black Food Truck Festival, which aims to celebrate black culinary achievements, at Philander Smith College. Admission is free. Find out more here.
What: Pinnacle Mountain State Park Star Party
Where: Pinnacle Mountain State Park
When: 7:30-10:30 pm
During the star party, participants will get to observe multiple planets, the moon and other visible celestial objects. It’s sure to be a stellar time. Find out more here.
What: Dirty Dancing Sing-a-Long
Where: Argenta Community Theater
When: 6pm
Nobody’s putting Baby in a corner at this sing-a-long. This ladies-only event benefits Arkansas Paws in Prison. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets are $75. Find out more here.
What: Central Arkansas Battle of the Bands
Where: Cabot High School
When: 6 pm
Arkansas bands will battle it out for a full day of recording at Blue Chair Studios. Whether you’re a fan of a specific band or want to learn more about the up-and-coming bands in Arkansas, this will be an event to see. Find out more here.
What: 4thAnnual Harvest Night
Where: Arkansas Foodbank
When: 5-8 pm
Help feed hungry families while having a good time! Harvest Night is a family-friendly event highlighting delicious Southern cuisine. Find out more here.
What: Locally Sauced
Where: Christ Episcopal Church
When: 7-9 pm
Do you love cooking? Or are you a newbie who wants to learn? Either way, Locally Sauced is for you! You will learn how to make sauces, dressings and dips while enjoying a good drink and some heavy hors d’ouvres. Tickets are $30. Find out more here.
What: Catamaran Can: Family Challenge
Where: McCastlain Hall at University of Central Arkansas
When: 9 am
The Conductor is holding a fun challenge – create a catamaran from recyclable materials. There is free admission. Participants should bring canned food for cargo, which will later be donated. Find out more here.
Saturday, Sept. 7-Sunday, Sept. 8
What: Arkansas Comic Con 2019
Where: Statehouse Convention Center
When: 10 am (Saturday), 11 am (Sunday)
This is the largest comic con in the state.
Arkansas Comic Con brings guests, vendors, artists and fan groups together in one spot in Arkansas.
There will be panels, Q&As and a costume contest. There will be workshops on cosplay, how to make props and foam armor and more. There will be comics, toys, posters, shirts, games and more.
People encourage to dress in costume.
Celebrity guests will be posing for pictures and signing autographs. (Many celebrities charge for autographs/pictures – usually around $40.)
Some of the notable guests include Sean Astin (from Lord of the Rings), Michael Biehn (from The Terminator and Tombstone), Kevin Conroy (voice of Batman), Kevin Sorbo and Ric Flair.
Admission is $25 per day or $40 for the weekend. On the day of the event, admission is $30/day or $50/weekend. Children 10 and under are free.
Most famous Comic Con is the San Diego Comic-Con International. The first recognized comic con was held in New York City in 1964.
What: Arkansas Gun & Cartridge Collectors Club Gun and Knife Show
Where: Little Rock State Fairgrounds
When: 9 am
This is the oldest, largest NRA affiliated gun show in Arkansas.
Has been held since 1955.
There will be 400 tables of items and merchandise.
At the show, you will find guns, ammo, knives and military items you can’t find anywhere else.
Admission is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under are free. There is a $2 discount for military and police.
Hosted by Arkansas Gun & Cartridge Collector’s Club, a nonprofit club that encourages youth shooting sports.
Sunday, Sept. 8
What: Mommy & Daughter Afternoon Tea
Where: Honey Pies Gourmet Bakery and Cafe
When: 2:30 pm
Honey Pies is hosting an afternoon tea and etiquette lesson. The lesson will be taught by Mind Your Manners Etiquette School.
The lesson will teach the basics of tea etiquette and service.
HINT: When stirring your tea, start at the 6 o’clock position in the cup and stir to the 12 o’clock position. Don’t clink your cup with your spoon.
ALSO: DON’T PUT YOUR PINKIE FINGER UP!
Finger foods and your choice of tea will be served.
Make sure to wear your favorite dress and fascinator (those fancy hats they wear at the Royal Family’s weddings).
Cost: $59.50 per pair
What: Vinyl Brunch
Where: Stone’s Throw Brewing
When: 11 am
Start Sunday off right with some great food and creative drinks. Find out more here.
READ MORE: A Perfect Pair: Steak and Bourbon with Heather Baker and DJ Williams