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, July 11-Sunday, July 14
What: Mamma Mia!
Where: The Studio Theatre
When: 7:30 pm
Are you a dancing queen? Join the Studio Theatre for its production of Mamma Mia. Join a daughter and a mother as they navigate a wedding and three possible fathers!
Thursday, July 11-July 31
What: Where’s Waldo
Where: WordsWorth Books & Co.
When: 10 am
Waldo is hiding out in Little Rock, and you’ve got to find him. Pick up the search list at WordsWorth Books and start looking for him at local businesses.
Friday, July 12-Sunday, July 14
What: 2019 Fat Tire Festival
Where: Eureka Springs
When: All weekend
This three-day extravaganza is packed with events, from downhill racing to cross country racing to short track racing. There will also be live entertainment and food! Learn more here.
Friday, July 12
What: SoMa After Dark
Where: SoMa
When: 5pm
On the first Friday of every month, SoMa businesses keep their doors open a little longer to let everyone explore the neighborhood. This weekend, Argenta Bead Company, Community Bakery, Dos Rocas Beer & Tacos and more will be running specials.
Friday, July 12
What: Collin Littlejohn concert
Where: 109 & Co.
When: 8pm
Collin Littlejohn, a Memphis native, will be bringing his Beale Street blues to 109 & Co. for a rousing concert.
Friday, July 12
What: “Wandering Spirit: African Wax Prints” Opening Reception
Where: UA-Pulaski Tech: The Center for Humanities and Arts
When: 6pm
UA-Pulaski Tech is hosting the opening reception for its newest exhibit, “Wandering Spirit: African Wax Prints.” Designer Korto Momolu-Briggs will be speaking at 6:30 P.M.
Friday, July 12
What: BHealthy Farmers Market
Where: The Promenade at Chenal
When: 4pm
From 4-7 pm, head to the Courtyard at the Chenal Promenande for a special farmers market. You can find locally grown produce and baked goods while also shopping for all your fashion needs!
Friday, July 12
What: Jazz Night at Guillermo’s
Where: Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee
When: 7pm
Guillermo’s is aiming to kick off a tradition with its first jazz night. The West Village spot is welcoming a group of talented musicians, including Shirley Chauvin, Drew Stewart, David Higginbotham and Chris Parker.
Friday, July 12
What: Sandwiching in History Tour
Where: War Memorial Stadium
When: 12 pm
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program will be hosting a tour of War Memorial Stadium. Learn more about the structure, which was completed in 1948, which was built as both a sporting venue and as a memorial for Arkansas’ veterans and fallen soldiers.
Saturday, July 13
What: Tesla Fest
Where: Mid-America Science Museum
When: 10 am
Mid-America Science Museum is hosting the fourth annual Tesla Fest this Saturday.
The fest celebrates the birth and inventions of Nikola Tesla, who would be celebrating his 163rdbirthday this year. He was born in 1856. He is famous for his contributions to modern-day alternating current (AC) electricity.
There will be Tesla-themed science activities and demonstrations throughout the museum.
There will also be a costume contest. Dress up like Tesla and win a prize for being the 163rdperson to check in for his birthday.
Did you know? Nikola Tesla designed the Tesla coil, which produces AC electricity.
During the fest, you’ll get to see a live demonstration of the world’s most powerful Tesla coil, as determined by Guinness World Records, which generates 1.5 million volts.
Admission for adults is $10, and children ages 3-12 and seniors get in for $8. Children 2 and under are free.
Saturday, July 13
What: 80s Mall Party
Where: Main Street Mall
When: 7pm
Downtown Little Rock Partnership is hosting an 80’s Mall Party on Saturday at the old Main Street Mall in partnership with AY Magazine.
There will be a special appearance by Marty McFly and Doc Brown’s DeLorean.
Do you know what year Back to the Future came out? 1985 and they went back to 1955
Slick’s Grill will be serving burgers and fries, and there will be adult beverages.
Don’t miss the retro arcade, the lip sync contest and the music videos.
Did you know? Olivia Newton-John’s song “Physical” is Billboard’s #1 song of the 1980s.
Tickets are $20 and VIP tickets are $40. VIPs get access to the Rock City Kicks Lounge, 2 drink tickets and food from Samantha’s.
Saturday, July 13
What: Rodney Block Collective: A Spike Lee Tribute
Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater
When: 8pm
The Rodney Block Collective is celebrating the works of film director Spike Lee this Saturday.
Lee is the director of classic films like “Do the Right Thing”, “Malcolm X”, “Inside Man”, “25thHour” and “She’s Gotta Have It.”
It’s the 30th anniversary of Do the Right Thing (came out in 1989), which is screening at the Ron Robinson Theater on Friday.
The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) is hosting this performance, which will feature music from all of Lee’s films.
The Rodney Block Collective is a quartet comprised of a lead trumpet, piano, bass and drums.
Block is a Dumas native and a classically trained trumpet player.
General admission tickets are $15. Doors open at 7pm and the concert starts at 8pm.
Sunday, July 14
What: Outdoor Patch: Tracking Wildlife
Where: Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center
When: 2pm
Your kid can earn an Arkansas Game and Fish outdoor patch by learning more about wildlife.
Learn how to track animals that live around you at this outdoor program.
During the program, students will learn how to identify wildlife signs. They will then make an animal track that they can take home with them.
Did you know? You don’t have to find tracks to track animals. You can find animal beds, feeding areas, rubs and scratches (especially on trees) and hair/feathers to locate animals in the wild.
You know how else you can locate animals? Scat.
FREE
Sunday, July 14
What: Vinyl Brunch
Where: Stone’s Throw Brewing
When: 11 am
Stone’s Throw Brewing is partnering with Arkansas Record & CD Exchange for a delicious and entertaining brunch. While you’re enjoying chicken and waffles, hash browns, beer and cidermosas, you’ll also be jamming to some great tunes.
READ MORE: Heather Baker and DJ Williams Try Out Whole Hog Cafe NLR