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. 26
What: 2019 Power of the Purse Luncheon
Where: Statehouse Convention Center
When: 11:30 am
During the 21st annual Power of the Purse luncheon, three women will be honored for their contributions to public service, philanthropy and business. These women include Patricia Nunn Brown, Alisha Curtis and Laura Landreaux. Find out more here.
Thursday, Sept. 26
What: Belle & Blush 6th Birthday Bash
Where: Belle & Blush
When: 10 am
It’s not every day that you get to celebrate your sixth birthday! But that’s exactly what Belle & Blush is doing. All day Thursday, the store is offering 20 percent off all retail purchases, specials on express hydrafacials and dermaplaning facials, as well as gifts with purchases. Find out more here.
Thursday, Sept. 26
What: Science After Dark: Wizards, Muggles and Science
Where: Museum of Discovery
When: 6pm
The Museum of Discovery is turning into Hogwarts for one night.
During the event, you can live out your Harry Potter dreams by making potions, casting spells, and drinking butterbeer.
Science After Dark is for the 21 and older crowd. It gives them a chance to learn about science in a fun setting.
Admission gets you access to all museum galleries and exhibits.
There is food and a full bar of craft beer, wine and cocktails.
The museum is raising donation for Raptor Rehab of Central Arkansas, which provides care and rehabilitation for ill, injured or orphaned birds of prey.
Tickets are $5 or free for museum members.
Thursday, Sept. 26
What: Banned Books Week: Fight Club screening
Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater
When: 6-9 pm
We really shouldn’t even be telling you about this event. After all, the first rule of Fight Club is, well, you know. This 1998 classic starring Edward Norton, Brad Pitt and Helena Bonham-Carter is showing tonight at the CALS Ron Robinson Theater for free. Do not miss it! Find out more here.
Thursday, Sept. 26
What: “Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies” play
Where: Argenta Community Theater
When: 7 pm
Get up close and personal with Hollywood legend Bette Davis in this one-one show. The show, written by and starring Jessica Sherr, depicts the actress in the lead-up to the 1939 Academy Awards. What will Davis do when she doesn’t win? Come to the show to find out.
Thursday, Sept. 26
What: Boos and Brews tour
Where: Argenta
When: 8 pm
Get spooked with this haunted tour of Argenta. During the tour, you’ll learn all about some of the darker episodes in Argenta’s past, from an “evil bar” to multiple brothels to battles over opium and more. If you need some liquid courage, you’re in luck! The tour will stop at two bars – at least. Tickets are $20, and participants must be at least 21 years old. Find out more here.
Thursday, Sept. 26-Saturday, Sept. 28
What: ACANSA Arts Festival of the South
Where: Little Rock
When: 6 pm
ACANSA is a visual and performing arts festival that offers a wide range of fascinating events to go see this weekend, from stand-up comedy to visual arts to music and more. Find out more here.
Thursday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 29
What: Million Dollar Quartet
Where: Arkansas Repertory Theatre
When: 7pm (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. 27
What: Fall Food and Craft Fair
Where: Arkansas Department of Human Services
When: 11 am-2pm
This Friday, drop by the DHS central office to check out the amazing crafts made by Arkansans with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Support these artists and crafts makers while enjoying lunch from local food trucks. Find out more here.
Friday, Sept. 27
What: Teal Light Night
Where: Statehouse Convention Center
When: 7-10 pm
Downtown is turning teal in honor of ovarian cancer awareness. The Teal Light Night will feature dinner, drinks (including a cash bar), a photo booth, raffles and a silent auction. Tickets are $50. Find out more here.
Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 28
What: Bucks, Ducks, Fish and & Trucks
Where: Conway Expo Center
When: 1 pm (Friday), 9 am (Saturday)
This expo will feature hundreds of outdoors industry vendors and professionals.
Vendors range from hunting to fishing to outdoor recreation. There’s something for all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
Free activities for kids include an inflatable Daisy BB gun range, bow and arrow shooting, and face painting.
You can register to win the expo’s grand prize a 12 foot Ascend kayak that’s perfect for taking out on the water.
Did you know? There are 54 state parks in Arkansas. There are at least 2,340 named lakes and reservoirs in Arkansas.
Admission is $5 for adults. Kids are free.
Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 28
What: FestiVille
Where: Dupree Park in Jacksonville
When: 3 pm (Friday), 9 am (Saturday)
This two-day festival offers carnival rides, games, live music and more.
This is the seventh annual FestiVille in Jacksonville.
There will be a petting zoo for kids, along with a fireworks show on Friday night.
Both days, there will be live entertainment, a rock climbing wall, canoe rides on Dupree Lake and more.
On Saturday, there will be a Central Arkansas Volleyball Association tournament for those athletically inclined.
Of course, there will be food trucks on site.
Free admission and parking. Some activities may cost more.
Did you know? Jacksonville was first settled in 1832 and named for Nicholas and Elizabeth Jackson, two landowners who deeded their land to the Cairo & Fulton Railroad.
The city was incorporated in 1941.
Friday, Sept. 27-Saturday, Sept. 28
What: “The Night I Spent a Week in Arkansas” play
Where: The Main Thing
When: 8 pm
This local theater production depicts two strangers who arrive in an Arkansas town. Find out what ensues in this theatrical production. Find out more here.
Saturday, Sept. 28
What: Dreamland Film Series: Insecure
Where: Philander Smith College
When: 6 pm
The Arkansas Cinema Society and Philander Smith College are partnering to launch the Dreamland Film Series, which is billed as a celebration of black voices in film. For the first series, the first two episodes of the HBO show “Insecure” will be shown with producers Deniese Davis and Jayme Lemons speaking on a panel about the show. Tickets re $15 for the general public and free for Philander Smith students. Find out more here.
Saturday, Sept. 28
What: 2019 Big Dam Bridge 100 Cycling Tour
Where: Big Dam Bridge
When: 6 am
Are you ready for the state’s largest cycling tour? Last year, the tour drew roughly 3,500 cyclists from around the world. Whether you want to do a 15-mile tour or a 100-mile trip, there’s something for cyclists of all skill levels. The tour ends with a block party in downtown North Little Rock. Find out more here.
Saturday, Sept. 28
What: Sherwood Fest 2019
Where: Sherwood Sports Complex
When: 10 am
Sherwood Fest has been entertaining central Arkansas residents for the past 43 years. The festival will feature entertainment ranging from live music to rides, as well as contests and other fun activities. Find out more here.
Saturday, Sept. 28
What: Oktoberfest: Rock Out With Your Brat Out
Where: Rebel Kettle Brewing Co.
When: 11 am-11 pm
It’s Oktoberfest season, and that means celebrating with beer. That’s where Rebel Kettle comes in. This weekend, get a ½ liter or a 1 liter stein that you can take home with you for $12 and $20, respectively. After the first drink, the pints are $3. Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Oktoberfest without some tasty beer brats and kraut. Find out more here.
Saturday, Sept. 28
What: Ninja Fest
Where: Clinton Presidential Center
When: 1 pm
Ninja Fest is helping feed those in need.
Fresh2You is hosting a Ninja Warrior family fundraiser that will buy food for the Fresh2You mobile food bus.
During the event, several American Ninja Warrior celebrities, including “Big Kat” Kartsen Williams, “The Law Ninja” Brian Burkhart, and “Food Dude” Josh Harris will be meeting fans and signing autographs.
There will be open play time from 1-3 pm for ages 4 and up and a Ninja Competition for ages 7 and up. The ninja competition will have medals and prize for all age groups.
Entrance is free. However, open play is $15. The Ninja Competition is $45 for basic registration and $60 for registration and a t-shirt.
There will also be raffle prizes and donation stations.
Did you know? American Ninja Warrior is a show that airs on NBC that features a series of increasingly difficult obstacle courses.
Saturday, Sept. 28
What: Westoberfest
Where: Wildwood Park for the Arts
When: 2-10 pm
Oktoberfest is taking over the city, and that includes West Little Rock. There will be good and beer galore with the food being provided by Fassler Hall and WunderHaus. There will be plenty of great activities for kids as well. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the gate. Children 12 and under are free. Find out more here.
Saturday, Sept. 28
What: RibFest 2019
Where: St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church
When: 4:30-7:30 pm
Who makes the best ribs in Little Rock? That’s what RibFest aims to find out. Local rib teams will be preparing these delicious delicacies while you enjoy live music, crafts vendors and college football. Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for children ages 6-12 and free for children five and under. Proceeds benefit the ministries of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and the American Childhood Cancer Organization. Find out more here.
Saturday, Sept. 28
What: Bramble Farm to Table Dinner
Where The Bramble Market
When: 7-10 pm
When Bramble Market prepares a dinner, you can expect the finest quality foods, sourced from local farmers and producers. Chef Seth Bailey will be preparing the food, which will include a charcuterie board and a spread of Arkansas foods. Bring your own wine and/or beer to enjoy. There will be live music. Tickets are $50. Find out more here.
Sunday, Sept. 29
What: MacArthur Park Biergarten
Where: MacArthur Park
When: 2pm
Get into the spirit of Oktoberfest at the MacArthur Museum of Military History. There will be live music from the Arkansas Accordion Association and the Central Arkansas Kubb. Admission is $10, which includes two beer tickets, a brat plate, live music and games. Additional beer tickets are $5 for 3 tickets or $20 for 15 tickets. Find out more here.
Sunday, Sept. 29
What: Speakeasy Dinner
Where: The Capital Hotel
When: 6 pm
Go back in time to the Prohibition era for this Speakeasy Dinner. Hosted at the Capital Hotel wine cellar, there will be a four-course meal featuring old-fashioned Irish lamb stew; pecans, whiskey cheese, and pimento cheese served with house-made soda crackers and a Sazerac; pulled pork and sweet potato galette with a black coffee bourbon barbecue sauce, as well as a Captial Hotel Woodford Reserve Manhattan; and a chocolate silk pie with vanilla bourbon crème anglaise. Find out more here.
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