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, Oct. 10
What: CabotFest
Where: Cabot
When: 6 pm
The 41st annual Cabotfest will feature something for everybody, from carnival rides to live entertainment to a kid’s zone to a food court. You shouldn’t miss this fun fall festival. Find out more here.
Thursday, Oct. 10
What: MasterChef Junior Live
Where: UA Pulaski Tech
When: 7:30 pm
This is the debut tour for the hit show MasterChef Junior.
The show will feature head-to-head cooking competitions with past MasterChef Junior participants.
The show will incorporate elements from the show, like mystery ingredients and surprise challenges.
Competitors include Jasmine Stewart, the winner of season 5; Malia Brauer, the season 7 runner-up; and Evan Estrada and Matthew Smith, from Seasons 6 and 7, respectively.
There will be cooking demonstrates, question-and-answer sessions and more.
Tickets start at $25. Reserved seating ranges from $50-75.
This is a family-friendly event.
Thursday, Oct. 10
What: Denim and Diamonds 2019
Where: Hill Barn in Bryant
When: 6:30 pm
Put on your best cowboy hat and boots for a night of good country fun. This laid-back event will have all the necessary ingredients for a good party: food, drinks and the famous Baker’s Fine Jewelry jewelry pull. The event benefits Civitan Services, which has helped men, women and children with developmental disabilities for more than 50 years. Find out more here.
Oct. 11-Oct. 20
What: Arkansas State Fair
Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds
For 10 days, the Arkansas State Fairgrounds will be packed with talented musicians, delicious carnival food, rides and all-around fun. It is non-stop action at the State Fair. Find out more here.
Friday, Oct. 11
What: WOWapalooza 2019
Where: Arkansas Governor’s Mansion
When: 5:30 pm
WOWapalooza is Women’s Own Worth’s annual fundraiser, which empowers women to regain their self-worth following traumatic experiences, including domestic violence.
This year’s WOWapalooza is aiming to raise $100,000 to build its first transitional home in Saline County.
The event will include live music, dinner, as well as live and silent auctions.
AY Publisher Heather Baker will be honored as the 2019 WOW Woman of the Year at the event.
This is the sixth annual fundraising event for Women’s Own Worth.
Brandi Passante, star of Storage Wards, will serve as the evening’s emcee. Bailey Hefley, an Arkansas country music artist, will be performing.
Tickets are $150
Friday, Oct. 11
What: 2nd Friday Art Night
Where: Downtown Little Rock
When: 5-8 pm
Every second Friday of the month, Little Rock comes alive after dark to highlight its vibrant arts and cultural scene. During 2ndFriday Art Night, you can enjoy great art galleries, museums, hotspots, bookstores and more. Find out more here.
Friday, Oct. 11
What: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater
When: 7pm
It’s the perennial question: is The Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? Or both? Whatever the answer, this is still a fantastic film which tells the story of Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, who wants to spread the joy of Christmas. Tickets are $5. Find out more here.
Friday, Oct. 11
What: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater
When: 9:30 pm
After watching The Nightmare Before Christmas, make it a double bill by staying for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This interactive showing will be a delight. After all, you should “give yourself over to absolute pleasure.” Tickets are $5. Find out more here.
Friday, Oct. 11
What: The Awesome 80s Prom
Where: The Studio Theatre
When: 7:30 pm
Blast back into the past for this 80s-themed dance party. Dress in your best 80s attire for this dance-off. At the end of the night, the audience decides who wins. Tickets are $10. Find out more here.
Friday, Oct. 11- Saturday, Oct. 12
What: 32nd World Championship Quartz Crystal Dig
Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Mount Ida
When: 7 am-3 pm
Grab your tools and get ready to start digging.
The 32nd World Championship Quartz Crystal Dig is being held in Mount Ida, the “Quartz Crystal Capital of the World.”
The Crystal Dig is part of the Quartz, Quiltz & Craftz Festival held in Mount Ida every October.
Diggers will pick a mine and start digging at 8 am each day.
There are three mines that diggers can choose from: the Upper Mine, the Lower Mine and the Twin Creek Crystal Mine.
Three divisions: adults, minors and clubs. All amateur crystal diggers invited to enter.
Participants get to keep all crystals they find. They can submit their best specimens both days to compete for awards and prize money.
There is a total of $2,250 in prize money on the line for three categories: points, cluster and young miners. First place winners get $250, second place $200 and down to fifth place.
Saturday, Oct. 12
What: Annual Vintage Military Vehicle Show
Where: MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History
When: 9 am-1 pm
This annual show will feature vintage Jeeps and other classic military vehicles provided by members of the Arkansas Military Vehicle Preservation Association and the West Tennessee Military Vehicle Collectors Club. Admission is free. Find out more here.
Saturday, Oct. 12
What: EGGfest
Where: Townley Pool and Spa
When: 10 am-4pm
All the EGGheads are coming to town. These Big Green Egg fans will be cooking up a storm, and you’re invited to come have a taste. Admission on the day of the event is $15, while early-bird tickets are $10. Kids 12 and under get in for free. Find out more here.
Saturday, Oct. 12
What: Hillcrest HarvestFest
Where: Hillcrest Historic District
When: 11 am-9 pm
Fall into fall with one of Little Rock’s major autumn festivals: Hillcrest HarvestFest. The festival will have more than 100 vendors, food trucks, live music, local beer and more. It’s a festival where you can spend all day wandering around and not experience everything. Find out more here.
Saturday, Oct. 12
What: Lion Pride’s Birthday Bash
Where: Little Rock Zoo
When: 11 am- 2pm
All of the Little Rock Zoo’s lions are having birthdays in October, so the zoo is throwing one big party for them. This month, Bakari turns 13, while Inara and Saphira turn five. There will be activities and crafts, followed by an animal parade, and then a birthday celebration with cake and refreshments. Find out more here.
Saturday, Oct. 12
What: 5th annual Cupcakes for Goodness Sake
Where: Argenta Historic District
When: 4-8 pm
During Cupcakes for Goodness Sakes, amateur and professional bakers will be challenged to bake the most delicious sweets for local cupcake enthusiasts. This year, the competitors will be challenged to create some spooky goodies. This is the signature event for CareLink. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 6-12 and free for children under six. Find out more here.
Sunday, Oct. 13
What: Baggo National Championship
Where: Arkansas State Fair
When: 11 am- 4pm
Baggo champions will be competing for the national title this weekend. There is more than $3,000 in prize money and prizes on the line. Come out to the State Fairgrounds to see the match-ups! Find out more here.
Sunday, Oct. 13
What: Hot Pepper Eating Contest
Where: The Root
When: 4-6 pm
This contest will find out who can stand the heat.
Contestants will eat hot peppers until its down the last man or woman.
It’s free and family-friendly.
Sign up for the contest at The Root. A $10 deposit will hold your spot at the table.
Did you know? The world’s hottest pepper is the Carolina Reaper, which is 2,200,000 SHU. It’s bred for heat, and it is 200 times hotter than a jalapeno. It’s a cross between a ghost pepper and a habanero.
READ MORE: Little Rock and Fort Smith Named Two of the Best Food Cities in the United States
