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, Jan. 23
What: Brown Bag Lunch Lecture: Wiley Jones
Where: Old State House Museum
When: 12 p.m.
This lecture will explore the contributions that Wiley Jones made to Pine Bluff and Arkansas during the Reconstruction era. Jones became a nationally renowned African American businessman during this period. Find out more here.
Thursday, Jan. 23
What: Annual ASBVI Chili Cook-Off
Where: Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
When: 4:30-7:30 p.m.
This cook-off will benefit the ASBVI Athletics department. There is a $5 entry fee if you think your chili has what it takes to win. The entry fee to taste the chili is also $5 at the door. Find out more here.
Thursday, Jan. 23
What: Crawfish Boil
Where: The Blitzed Pig
When: 6-9:30 p.m.
Usually, we enjoy crawdads in the summer, but it’s never a bad time for some mudbugs! A plate with two pounds of crawfish and sides is $16. Find out more here.
Thursday, Jan. 23
What: French Macrons workshop
Where: Art Is In Cakes, Bakery Supply
When: 6-8 p.m.
This class will teach you the basics of making French macarons at home. Impress all your friends when you whip out some homemade macrons. The class is $65. Find out more here.
Thursday, Jan. 23
What: Miranda Lambert concert
Where: Simmons Bank Arena
When: 7 p.m.
This “Wildcard” is coming to North Little Rock. Head over to Simmons Bank Arena to catch this wildly popular musician’s concert. Tickets are $25-114.75. Find out more here.
Thursday, Jan. 23
What: Star Trek Movie Night
Where: The Preserved Moose
When: 7 p.m.
Star Trek isn’t just a television show. There are numerous movies, and you’ll have the chance to catch one of the classics this week. The Preserved Moose will be offering a screening of one of the Star Trek movies in honor of Deforest “Bones” Kelley’s 100thbirthday. Find out more here.
Thursday, Jan. 23
What: Date Night Comedy Show
Where: Little Rock Christian Academy
When: 7 p.m.
Looking for a night out? Comic and pastor Ted Cunningham is holding a date night comedy show at Little Rock Christian Show. Prepare to have your funny bone tickled. Find out more here.
Thursday, Jan. 23
What: Adelitas Way with Blacklite District
Where: Revolution Music Room
When: 7-11 p.m.
Las Vegas band Adelitas Way is making the trip to Little Rock for a headbanging concert. Find out more here.
Thursday, Jan. 23
What: The Bronze Age with Mason Stills
Where: Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Shack
When: 8 p.m.
This North Carolina band is bringing its anthemic songs to Arkansas and will be rocking out at Stickyz. Find out more here.
Thursday, Jan. 23-Sunday, Jan. 26
What: Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group Conference
Where: Statehouse Convention Center
When: 8 a.m.
This conference will provide practical information for both new and experienced organic producers. During the conference, there will be field trips, networking sessions and a trade show. There is a sliding scale of prices based on what you chose to participate in, starting at $85 and going up to $250. Find out more here.
Friday, Jan. 24
What: Oaklawn Opening Day
Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
When: 11 a.m.
This is opening day for Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. It kicks off the 2020 season.
The main event on Friday is the Smarty Jones Stakes, which has a $150,000 purse.
The Smarty Jones is the first of four Kentucky Derby points races at Oaklawn.
The gates open at 11 a.m. and the first post is 12:30 p.m.
The 2020 racing season is 57 days long and runs through May 2.
This season, there are four $1 million races – the Arkansas Derby, Apple Blossom, Oaklawn Handicap and the Rebel.
In total, there is $10.7 million in stakes this season. That’s an average of around $600,000 a day.
The casino’s new 28,000 square foot gaming expansion will open the day before Opening Day.
Free to get in the races. Not free to bet.
Friday, Jan. 24
What: Food Truck Friday: Twisted Fries
Where: Stone’s Throw Brewing (Stifft Station Taproom)
When: 5-9 p.m.
This week, Twisted Fries its bringing its delicious treats to Stifft Station. You can get their fantastic poutine or their Winnebago fries. Find out more here.
Friday, Jan. 24
What: Magic 105: The 40 Year Reunion
Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater
When: 7-10 p.m.
Catchu up with the folks from Magic 105. A host of the Magic gang will be at the Ron Robinson Theater, telling stories. Free admission. Find out more here.
Friday, Jan. 24
What: Guillermo’s Underground Dance Music
Where: Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee
When: 7-10 p.m.
This event is an all-ages dance music event. You’ll find Arkansas’ best DJs and talent while you enjoy local beer and wine. Along with coffee, of course! Admission is $10. Find out more here.
Friday, Jan. 24-Sunday, Jan. 26
What: Arkansas Big Buck Classic
Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds
The Big Buck Classic is an Arkansas tradition – it’s where you come to see the biggest deer from around the state. There will be a ton of events during this weekend. Don’t miss it. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: National Seed Swap Day
Where: Pinnacle Mountain State Park (Roland)
During National Seed Swap Day, you can trade and exchange seeds, from rare seeds to basic varieties. Master Gardeners and park interpreters will help you learn about this tradition and add a few seeds to your collection. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Big Buzz Chili Cook Off
Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
103.7 The Buzz will host the Big Buzz Chili Cook Off during the Arkansas Big Buck Classic.
Cooks will go head-to-head to see who has the best chili.
The first place prize is $1,000. The second place and third place prizes are $500 and $250.
There is also a Best of Show and a People’s Choice Award for $100 each.
There are $5 taster cups for the public until the chili runs out.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
It is held during the Big Buck Classic, which highlights hunting and sportsmanship in Arkansas.
Entry into the Big Buck Classic is $15 for adults, $5 for kids 5-12 and free for kids under 5.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Letter Writing Workshop
Where: Bella Vita Jewelry
When: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Love the look of a hand-written letter? This workshop will teach you all the elements of a proper letter. The price is $35. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Boots on the Ground, Shovels in the Dirt
Where: River Valley Horticultural Products
When: 10 a.m.
This fun workshop will focus on the practical side of gardening, from using available tools to how and where to start. There is a $5 for the class. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Chinese New Year
Where: The Rail Yard
When: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Celebrate the Year of the Rat at the Rail Yard. You can dine on BBQ eggrolls from Count Porkula or some Asian dishes from the Lab Food Truck. Don’t forget about Ashtyn Barbaree’s performance from 6-9 p.m. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Rainbow Magic
Where: Painting with a Twist
When: 12 p.m.
Embrace the magic of painting during this Rainbow Magic session. This is a family-friendly event that is recommended for ages 6 and up. The cost is $27 for a 16×20 canvas. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Amish Knot Round Rug with Molly McVey
Where: South Main Creative
When: 1-4 p.m.
Every skill you learn is valuable! Learn how to make an Amish Knot Round Rug using colorful fabric scraps. It’s the perfect way to repurpose fabric that’s been hanging around your house. The class fee is $55 and the materials fee is $25. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Arkansas Wolves vs. Tulsa Athletic-UPSL soccer game
Where: Scott Field
When: 6 p.m.
The Arkansas Wolves will be going head-to-head with Tulsa this weekend. Cheer them on while enjoying some tacos from local food trucks! Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: 2020 Culinary Initiative Kick-Off Event
Where: 201 W. 4thStreet in North Little Rock
When: 6-8 p.m.
Chef Rob Nelson of Tusk & Trotter and Chef Scott Rains of Table 28 are joining forces for a collaborative dinner.
This is the launch of Argenta Arts District’s 2020 culinary initiative.
They will be making a dinner menu that includes applewood smoked Maple Farms duck ham stew, as well as Ralston Family Farms rice crusted steelhead trout and cocoa-rosemary rubbed short ribs.
There will also be specialty appetizers from the Flyway Brewery kitchen.
All the food will be paired with Tusk & Trotter’s famous black walnut Manhattan, Flyway Brewery beers and wines from Natural State Distributing.
Seating is limited.
Tickets are $100.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Winter Jam 2020
Where: Simmons Bank Arena
When: 6-9 p.m.
A host of Christian bands will be performing this weekend at Simmons Bank Arena. Catch Crowder, Hillsong Young & Free, Andy Mineo and more during the concert. Tickets are $15 at the door. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Central Arkansas Astronomical Society Monthly Meeting
Where: River Ridge Observatory
When: 6-10 p.m.
Gaze at the stars during the first CAAS meeting of 2020. There will be special Supper Bowls available for $6 each. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Flavor-Grain Bourbon Whiskey Masterclass
Where: Rock Town Distillery
When: 6:30-9 p.m.
Phil Brandon is the man to talk to when you want to know about whiskey and bourbon. He will be leading a masterclass, talking about flavor-grain and how it influences bourbon. A tasting, naturally, will follow. Tickets are $60. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Ashtyn Barbaree Trio
Where: The Rail Yard
When: 7 p.m.
This Fayetteville-based singer-songwriter is coming down for a special performance at the Rail Yard. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Splash Winter Wine Taste
Where: Cranford Co.
When: 7-9 p.m.
Ballet Arkansas’ Winter Wine Taste is back! There will be live music, dancing and wine. What else do you want? Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: Dial Up Takes Little Rock
Where: Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack
When: 8 p.m.
Travel back to the 90s during this awesome party. Dial Up will be playing your favorite songs, from the Spice Girls to Tupac to the Backstreet Boys. Tickets are $10. Find out more here.
Saturday, Jan. 25
What: David Adam Brynes concert
Where: Jimmy Doyle’s Country Club
When: 8 p.m.
This country crooner is making his Jimmy Doyle’s debut this weekend. Find out more here.
Sunday, Jan. 26
What: Amazing Owls of Arkansas
Where: Witt Stephens Central Arkansas Nature Center
When: 2-3 p.m.
This program will teach you all about owls and their habitats.
Raptor Rescue will be bringing in several owls during the program.
Seating is limited to 60.
FREE
Owls have the largest eardrums of any bird. Their hearing can pinpoint sounds such as mice feeding on a floor.
Twenty (20) species of Arkansas breed in North America, and nine species have been seen in Arkansas.
Four species – the barn owl, screech owl, great horned owl and barred owl – are permanent to Arkansas.
Sunday, Jan. 26
What: Retro Charm Bracelets
Where: Stifft Station Gifts and Sundries
When: 3 p.m.
Embrace your crafty side during this jewelry workshop. You’ll learn how to create your own retro charm bracelet. Supplies, charms, tool and snacks are provided. Tickets are $30. Find out more here.
Sunday, Jan. 26
What: Athletic Racquet Club Championship 2020
Where: The Little Rock Athletics Clubs
When: 4-7 p.m.
There will be a full slate of matches during this year’s tournament. There will be men’s and women’s singles and doubles, along with ranked matches and combined categories. Find out more here.
Sunday, Jan. 26
What: The Iceman Special and Monk is King
Where: Four Quarter Bar
When: 8 p.m.
The Iceman Special is bringing a little bit of New Orleans up to North Little Rock this weekend. Catch this free performance alongside Monk is King. Find out more here.
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