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, Dec. 19
What: Holiday Hurrah
Where: Stifft Station Gifts and Sundries
When: 4 p.m.
Still have names on your Christmas list? Check them off this afternoon with some great local items. This holiday party will also feature complimentary refreshments and other goodies. Find out more here.
Thursday, Dec. 19
What: 4:30 Thursday! Fruity Kettles and Cumulocitron
Where: Rebel Kettle Brewing Co.
When: 4:30 p.m.
Get ready to party at Rebel Kettle! These guys are releasing two new IPAs, the Fruity Kettles and Cumulocitron, and this is the perfect chance to try them. Find out more here.
Thursday, Dec. 19
What: Gingerbread Party
Where: CALS-Dee Brown Branch
When: 4:30-7:30 p.m.
Build and decorate your very own gingerbread house!
All supplies will be provided to build and decorate a house that you can take home with you.
However, supplies are limited.
Holiday-themed drinks and snacks will be provided.
Free but RSVPs are encouraged
Email jvess@cals.org to RSVP.
Did you know? Gingerbread houses were first made in Germany during the 16th century.
Did you know? The world’s largest gingerbread house was built in Bryan, Texas in 2013. The house was 2,520 square feet, required 4,000 gingerbread bricks and required a building permit.
Thursday, Dec. 19
What: A Christmas Night Brunch
Where: At the Corner
When: 6-9 p.m.
Not just anybody can do a night brunch, but the folks at @ the Corner sure can! Just before Christmas, they will host a special pre-Christmas brunch, featuring peppermint bark biscuits and gravy, gingerbread Dutch babies, eggnog chicken and waffles and much more. Find out more here.
Thursday, Dec. 19
What: Pajama Pawty
Where: Bark Bar
When: 6-10 p.m.
Throw on your pjs and dance the night away with your pup! All the Christmas hits will be playing as you enjoy festive drinks and food, prize giveaways and pictures with Santa Paws. Tickets are $5 per human/dog while annuals are free. A portion of the proceeds go to local animal shelters. Find out more here.
Thursday, Dec. 19
What: Ugly Sweater Holiday Cocktail Class
Where: Rock Town Distillery
When: 6-10 p.m.
This is an excellent chance to learn how to make some delicious holiday cocktails and have dinner. Rock Town Distillery will teach you how to make two cocktails, the Jingle Bells Mint Martini and the Rudolph the Red Nosed Mule. El Sur Street Food Co will be preparing a three-course meal. You’ll also get the tour Rock Town. Tickets are $65 and limited to 30 people. Find out more here.
Thursday, Dec. 19
What: Home for the Holidays (ASO concert)
Where: Robinson Performance Hall
When: 7:30 p.m.
This one-night-only show is a holiday tradition you shouldn’t miss. There will be performances of Christmas classics like “O Holy Night,” “Sleigh Ride,” and many more. Tickets can be purchased here.
Thursday, Dec. 19
What: Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz
Where: Stone’s Throw Brewing
When: 7:30 p.m.
Gather your best geek friends and throw down at this weekly trivia night. The quiz is free to play, but the glory lives forever. Find out more here.
Thursday, Dec. 19-Saturday, Dec. 21
What: A Raisin in the Sun
Where: The Weekend Theater
When: 7:30 p.m.
A Raisin in the Sun is a classic American play that has captured hearts since it first was staged. The Weekend Theater is bringing this powerful play to Little Rock. Tickets are $16 for adults, $12 for students/seniors/military, and $10 for UALR students/faculty/alumni. Find out more here.
Thursday, Dec. 19-Sunday, Dec. 22
What: Brookhill Christmas
Where: Brookhill Ranch Summer Camp (Hot Springs Village)
When: 6-10 p.m.
Transport your family to the North Pole when you drive through Brookhill Ranch. They will have a fantastic lights display as well as scenes from the North Pole and Santa’s workshop set up. There will also be horseback riding, bounce houses, Christmas cookie decorating and more. The cost is$20 per car. Find out more here.
Friday, Dec. 20
What: Home for the Holidays Musical Spectacular
Where: Hot Springs Bathhouse Dinner Theatre
When: 6-9 p.m.
There’s nothing like a good dinner theater! Enjoy a meal while watching great musical performances of your favorite Christmas tunes. There might even be some appearances from notable Christmas figures like Frosty the Snowman. Find out more here.
Friday, Dec. 20
What: A Magical Musical Spectacular
Where: The Maxwell Blade Theatre of Magic (Hot Springs)
When: 7-8:30 p.m.
This event will feature the magic abilities of Maxwell Blade as well as the talents of local musicians.
There will be amazing magic tricks and holiday songs.
Tickets are $24.50 for adults, $20.50 for children and $22.50 for seniors.
Maxwell Blade is a magician who performs in the restored Malco Theatre in Hot Springs. After touring the country for years as a musician, he settled down in Hot Springs in 1994.
Blade’s shows are multi-layered productions with magic, comedy and large-scale illusions.
Blade’s Theater also features a Museum of Curiousities. Check it out!
Friday, Dec. 20
What: Charlotte Taylor
Where: Ester’s (1214 Main Street)
When: 7-10 p.m.
Central Arkansas’ Lady of the Blues, Charlotte Taylor, comes to SoMa for a night of blues, Americana, holiday tunes and more.
Friday, Dec. 20
What: Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Where: Arkansas Skatium
When: 7:30-10 p.m.
This is the perfect time of year to go skating, and what’s better than a free skate rental? Wear an ugly sweater, and you’ll get your skate rental for free at the Ugly Sweat Party. The person with the ugliest sweater will get a prize! Find out more here.
Friday, Dec. 20
What: The Spirits of Christmas
Where: 123 E. Broadway St., North Little Rock
When: 8-10 p.m.
This interactive show looks at the darker side of Christmas – like Krampus – while offering some comedy and fun. It will feature illusionism and mentalism, so come prepare for a good time. Tickets are $20. Find out more here.
Friday, Dec. 20
What: Feed Your Soul with Control Little Rock
Where: Atlas Bar
When: 8-11 p.m.
Head over to Atlas to hear rare soul records from Control Little Rock while you enjoy the delicious grub cooked up by the kitchen. While you’re at it, bring non-perishable food items to benefit The House. There’s no cover charge. Find out more here.
Friday, Dec. 20
What: The Federalis, Zakk & Big Papa Binns
Where Maxine’s Live (Hot Springs)
When: 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Enjoy some Southern-infused rock from The Federalis and some dirty Delta blues from Zakk & Big Papa Binns.
Friday, Dec. 20
What: QC Presents: Winter Soulstice VII/ Rocksteady Dance Party
Where: White Water Tavern
When: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Come celebrate the Winter Soulstice with this smooth sound from Central Arkansas music all-stars, including Marlon Cat Davis (Drums,) Corey Harris (Bass,) Chris Parker (Keys,) Norman Williamson (Sax,) Jose Holloway (Trumpet,) Joshua Asante (guitar,vocals.) Baldego (Dj.) & Featured Vocalist: Bijoux, Adam Faucett, Dazz & Brie, Osyrus Bolly, Brasher, Rah Howard, Joshua Asante, Ryan D. Davis.
Friday, Dec. 20
What: Tribute to Whitney Houston
Where: Revolution Music Room
When: 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
DrummerBoyInfinity is bringing its wildly popular Whitney Houston tribute show back to the Rev Room. Witness a performance that will astound you. Tickets are $15 online. Find out more here.
Friday, Dec. 20
What: Good Foot concert
Where: Four Quarter Bar in North Little Rock
When: 10 p.m.-1 a.m.
Central Arkansas jam band Good Food brings the funk and good vibes to warm your winter night. Get on the dance floor and groove to some of your favorite; funk, rock, jazz, reggae, and Dead covers.
Friday, Dec. 20-Saturday, Dec. 21
What: Dino-Lites
Where: Mid-America Science Museum
When: 5 p.m.
The Mid-America Science Museum is hosting its annual Dino-Lites event, and guests can help decorate the dinos for the museum’s light display. Find out more here.
Friday, Dec. 20-Saturday, Dec. 21
What: QQThrift
Where: Quapaw Quarter UMC
When: 2-5 p.m. (Friday), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Saturday)
Did you know that Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church has a thrift market? Now you do! This market has everything you would ever need. Head over there and start browsing! Find out more here.
Saturday, Dec. 21
What: Cousins Maine Lobster comes to Little Rock
Where: Domestic Disturbance (5501 Kavanaugh Blvd.)
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
If you don’t catch this event, you’re out of luck for Cousins Maine Lobster in Arkansas in 2019. This will be the last time this year they’re swinging through. Find out more here.
Saturday, Dec. 21
What: Women’s Razorbacks Basketball vs. Little Rock Trojans
Where: Simmons Bank Arena
When: 1 p.m.
This is a house divided! The women Razorback basketball team and the women Trojan team are taking on each other in a game that is a must-watch. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth. Find out more here.
Saturday, Dec. 21
What: Earring Bar and Pop-Up Shop
Where: Argenta Bead Company
When: 3-6 p.m.
Pop in at the Argenta Bead Company’s pop-up shop and make a free pair of Christmas earrings for a gift. There will be a range of fun things to do from sipping on great adult beverages, shopping for antiques and hunting for bargains. Find out more here.
Saturday, Dec. 21- Sunday, Dec. 22
What: Home Alone: Film with Orchestra” with ASO
Where: Robinson Center
When: 7:30 p.m.
The Robinson Center is screening the beloved 1990 Christmas classic Home Alone.
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra will accompany the film with a live score.
John Williams composed the score for the movie, and ASO will perform it while the movie is playing. Williams’ score was nominated for an Oscar in 1990. (Dances with Wolves won.)
Tickets start at $16 and range up to $74. Tickets are only $10 for students and military.
Home Alone is about Kevin McAllister who is left home alone and must fight off the Wet Bandits while his mother works to make her way home.
Did you know? The Home Alone house is real and is in Chicago. It sold for $1.585 million in 2015.
Saturday, Dec. 21
What: Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain
Where: Kings Live Music (Conway)
When: 9 p.m.
Did you miss Charlotte Taylor on Friday? Never fear – she has another show on Saturday with her band Gypsy Rain. Drive over to Conway to catch this great show.
Sunday, Dec. 22
What: Bird-Friendly Coffee Launch with Audubon Arkansas
Where: The Green Corner Store
When: 10 a.m.
This week, Audubon is launching a bird-friendly, fair-trade coffee brand. The Green Corner Store will have samplings of different roasts. Find out more here.
Sunday, Dec. 22
What: Christmas Brunch
Where: The Little Rock Club
When: 11:30 a.m.
Make your reservations now for this annual sell-out event. The Little Rock Club will host its popular Christmas brunch, which features a buffet of delicious options. Tickets are $29.95 for adults, $13.95 for children 6-10 and free for kids 5 and under. Find out more here.
Sunday, Dec. 22
What: Intro to Copperplate Calligraphy
Where: Stifft Station Gifts and Sundries
When: 1 p.m.
It’s never too late to learn a new skill! Sarah Richardson will be teaching this class, which will provide a solid foundation for copperplate calligraphy. This class is for beginners and immediate students. Students will receive one oblique pen holder, three nibs, ink, and worksheets. Tickets are $125. Find out more here.
Sunday, Dec. 22
What: Christmas Pool Tournament
Where: Rack Um
When: 3 p.m.
Fancy yourself a hustler? Grab your sticks and get ready to break because Rack Um is holding its first-ever Christmas tournament. The entry fee is $25. Find out more here.
Sunday, Dec. 22
What: The Service of the Longest Night
Where: First United Methodist Church – Little Rock
When: 5:30 p.m.
Find comfort during this simple worship service, which recognizes that the holidays are not always easy for everybody. Find out more here.
Sunday, Dec. 22
What: Grand Menorah Lighting
Where: Centennial Bank (520 S. Bowman Road in Little Rock)
When: 5:30 p.m.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson will be on hand to help kindle the spark for the Grand Menorah. There will be hot latkes and doughnuts, as well as music. Find out more here.
Sunday, Dec. 22
What: D’Xmas Customer Appreciation
Where: Pizza D’Action
When: 6 p.m.
It’s Christmas time – Pizza D’Action-style! Enjoy live music while you chow down on some $2 pizza slices and specials on Pizza D’Action swag. There’s also no cover. Find out more here.
Sunday, Dec. 22
What: Spa-City Santa Con
Where: Downtown Hot Springs
When: 7 p.m.
Spa-City Santa Con is a pub crawl through Hot Springs.
All the participants wear Santa costumes and other Christmas gear while they tour the bars and pubs in the Spa City.
The crawl will start at the Starlite Club of Hot Springs. The next stops will be Superior Bathhouse Brewery, Grateful Head Pizza and Beer Garden, Maxine’s Live and back to Starlite.
Participants are welcome to meet at any of the stops.
FREE (drinks are on you, though)
For ages 21+
The rule for Santa Con is that Santa cannot get drunk. Have a good time, though!
READ MORE: Arkansas Christmas Event Calendar
