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, May 16

What: LR Zoo Bear Awareness Week

Where: Little Rock Zoo

When: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

No lions and tigers:It is Bear Awareness week at the Little Rock Zoo! Come out and learn about some of your favorite furry creatures with bear crafts, Keeper Chat, Bear Bio Facts at the Plaza and more! Bear activities are included with general admission. Click here for more info.

 

Thursday, May 16

What: Hammer N’ Ales

Where: Fassler Hall Little Rock

When: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Beer tasting: Habitat for Humanity is hosting Hammer N’ Ales at Fassler Hall this Thursday! This craft beer tasting event will have live music and prizes raffle prizes. Entry fee is $20 and proceeds will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Central Arkansas. Click here for more info.

 

Thursday, May 16

What: Summer Cocktails

Where: eggshells kitchen co.

When: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Whipping up drinks:Mark Hooper is teaching a summer cocktails class at eggshells kitchen co. this Thursday where he will serve three different connections. Light snacks will be provided but it is recommended to eat before attending. Tickets for this event are $50. Get your tickets here.

 

Thursday, May 16 – Saturday, May 17

What: Made in Arkansas Film Festival

Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater

When: Thurs: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Fri: 7:00 p.m., Sat: 12:00 p.m. 

On the silver screen:Come out to the Made in Arkansas Film Festival this weekend at the CALS Ron Robinson Theater. This event will showcase a variety of films from all over the Natural State and gives local filmmakers the chance to show their work. All day access to the events costs $5 per person per day. Get your tickets here.

 

Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19

What: 35th Annual Arkansas Greek Food Festival

Where: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

When: Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. ,Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Opa!:The 35th Annual Arkansas Greek Food Festival is this weekend! Come out Friday, Saturday or Sunday for great Mediterranean food and culture at Arkansas’s largest ethnic festival. Admission for the festival is 3 cans of food or $3. Children 12 and under get in free. Click here for more info.

 

Saturday, May 18

What: 5th Annual Heroes Ruck Challenge

Where: Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum

When: 7 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Accept the challenge:Come out to the Maritime Museum this Saturday in North Little Rock for the fifth annual Heroes Ruck Challenge! This race/march will have teams of five carrying a minimum 35-pound rucksack/duty gear. Every mile on the path will honor a fallen first responder or service member. Individual registration for this event costs $50. Register here.

 

Saturday, May 18

What: The Big Catch Fishing Derby (Reschedule to May 18)

Where: MacArthur Park in Downtown Little Rock

When: 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Do you have pictures?: The Big Catch Fishing Derby is this weekend at MacArthur Park! Activities will include fish cooking demonstrations, BB gun shooting, archery and much more. This event will be a day of food, fun, fishing, games and prizes! Registration is free and lunch will be provided. Be sure to bring your own fishing gear! Click here for more info.

 

Saturday, May 18

What: How to Start Your First Garden

Where: St. Joseph Center of Arkansas

When: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Taking root:Wanting to start a garden? Head on over to St. Joseph Center of Arkansas where they can teach you the proper steps to building one step by step. The class will cover basic plant needs, sprouting seeds, locating where to put your garden and much more! Registration for this class costs $5. Register here.

 

Saturday, May 18

What: HBD AAC!

Where: Arkansas Arts Center

When: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Happy birthday:The Arkansas Arts Center is hosting its 56th birthday this Saturday with free admission, free art-making activities, free docent tours, and much more. Come out and see the expansive international art collection this weekend for this fun celebration!

 

Saturday, May 18

What: Fourth Annual Messtival presented by Zips Car Wash

Where: Museum of Discovery

When: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Get messy: Messtival is this weekend at the Museum of Discovery! Get ready to get messy at the activities this year, including the “BubbleTron 3000”, slime tent, human car wash, mud pie kitchen and Oobleck pools. Regular Museum admission gets you into this event.

 

Saturday, May 18

What: Beer and Loathing in Little Rock 2019

Where: Rebel Kettle Brewing Co.

When: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Brewing it up:Rebel Kettle Brewing Co. is hosting its third anniversary with Beer and Loathing in Little Rock 2019 this Saturday! Events will last all day and will extend into the Beer Garden. Heifer International is also bringing interactive yard games for this family fun time! Live music starts at 2 p.m.

 

Saturday, May 18

What: Senator Tom Cotton Book Signing

Where: Barnes & Noble- Little Rock (Financial Centre Parkway)

When: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Bookstore fun:Head to Barnes and Noble this Saturday for Senator Tom Cotton book signing! He will be signing copies of his book Sacred Dutythat tells the behind-the-scenes story of the Arlington National Cemetery.

 

Saturday, May 18

What: Under The Big Top | Benefiting ALS

Where: Hall of Industry | 2600 Howard St. Little Rock

When: 7 p.m.

A night of magic:The ALS Wonderland Foundation is hosting its Under The Big Top event this Saturday for a night of magic, fashion and art! This event will have a silent auction, an open bar, and food will be catered by Bar Louie, BRAVO and Bonefish. This event will benefit those with ALS. General admission is $50. Get your tickets here.

 

Saturday, May 18

What: Official Attempt to Break a Guinness World Record

Where: Park Plaza

When: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Break the record: Park Plaza is scheduled an attempt to break a Guinness World Record this Saturday for the title of most people applying sunscreen at the same time. Attendees will receive a free sunscreen sample and the attempt will take place at 1 p.m.

 

Sunday, May 19

What: 14th Annual Books in Bloom Literary Festival

Where: 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa

When: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Blooming books: Calling all writers and readers! The 14th Annual Books in Bloom Literary Festival is this weekend at the 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs. This free event will feature authors such as Wiley Cash, Chris Bohaljian and James Dean. This event is presented by the Carroll and Madison Public Library Foundation.

READ MORE: A May Full of Festivals