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. 9

What: 2019 Little Rock Touchdown Club Awards Banquet

Where: DoubleTree Hotel

When: 11 a.m.

The Little Rock Touchdown Club (LRTC) is hosting its annual awards banquet this Thursday.

The banquet will feature Heisman Trophy Winner Archie Griffin. He is college football’s only two-time Heisman trophy winner; he played for the Ohio State Buckeyes and played seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The awards banquet recognizes a most valuable player from every Arkansas college football team.

Awards are also given to a coach and player of the year from every high school classification.

A National Collegiate Player of the Year, SEC Defensive and Offensive Players of the Year and a SEC Coach of the Year are named.

The LRTC was founded in 2004 has more than 500 members.

Tickets online and at the door are $30 for members and $40 for non-members.

 

Thursday, Jan. 9

What: Preservation Conv: History of Public Water in Central Arkansas

Where: Quapaw Quarter Association

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

Learn more about the history of public water during this free lecture. Central Arkansas Water CEO C. Tad Bohannon will discuss the history of the region’s water system and more. Find out more here.

 

Thursday, Jan. 9

What: Thea Insider Kick-Off Happy Hour

Where: Thea Foundation

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

During this happy hour, find out how you can get involved in the Thea Foundation’s mission. You can learn more about the Thea Insider program and the benefits of joining. There will be drinks and hors d’oeuvres provided by ROXOR Artisan Gin and Bonefish Grill. Find out more here.

 

Thursday, Jan. 9

What: Red Shoe Crew Meeting

Where: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

The Ronald McDonald House is hosting its first Crew meeting of the year. This is your chance to see what will be going on at the Ronald McDonald House Charities in 2020. Find out more here.

 

Thursday, Jan. 9

What: Saw-tastic Workshop

Where: Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub

When: 6-8 p.m.

This workshop will teach you all about how to operate saws. You’ll learn the basics of wood shop safety, as well as how to operate a table saw, miter saw and band saw. The workshop is $20 for members and $30 for non-members. Find out more here.

 

Thursday, Jan. 9

What: Sugar Cookies, Confetti Filled Hearts and Snowglobes

Where: Art is in Cakes Bakery & Supply (9807 W. Markham St.)

When: 6-9 p.m.

This class will teach you to make sugar cookies that you can make in any design.

For this class, you will use isomalt (a sugar substitute) to make confetti-filled hearts and snow globes.

All materials are included in the cost. Bring your apron, though!

The class is for ages 12 and older. Children ages 8-11 can participate when an adult attends with them.

Tickets are $65 apiece.

Did you know? Pillsbury set the record for the most sugar cookies iced in one hour – 1,169 sugar cookies.

Modern sugar cookies are based on recipes developed by German settlers who lived in Nazareth, Pennyslvania.

Find out more here.

 

Thursday, Jan. 9-Sunday, Jan. 12

What: Wicked

Where: Robinson Performance Hall

When: 7:30 p.m. (Thursday-Saturday), 2:30 p.m. (Thursday), 2 p.m. (Saturday), 1 p.m. (Sunday), 6:30 p.m. (Sunday)

Wicked tells the story of the Land of Oz that you’ve never seen. It’s mostly set before the events of “The Wizard of Oz.”

Wicked is about a young green-skinned girl named Elphaba who grows up to become the “Wicked Witch of the West.”

It is based on the 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” by Gregory Maguire, which was inspired by L. Frank Baum’s original Oz novels and the classic movie The Wizard of Oz.

Wicked is the 5th longest-running show on Broadway with more than 6,000 performances.

Ticket prices depend on seat location and date. This weekend, prices range from $53 to $113.

 

Friday, Jan. 10

What: Sandwiching in History: Barton Coliseum

Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds

When: 12-1 p.m.

The Barton Coliseum has a long history in Little Rock, stretching back to 1952. On Friday, participate in a free walking tour of the structure and learn all the ins and outs of the coliseum. Find out more here.

 

Friday, Jan. 10

What: SoMa After Dark

Where: SoMa neighborhood

When:5 p.m.

Explore the vibrant SoMa neighborhood this Friday as local shops and retailers stay open late. You can find great deals and delicious snacks! Find out more here.

 

Friday, Jan. 10

What: Pasta & Prosecco: Plant-based Italian Night

Where: The Green Corner Store

When: 5-8 p.m.

Celebrate the arrival of 2020 with a pop-up vegan dinner at the Green Corner Store. They will be having an all-vegan Italian dinner featuring locally-made pastas and pasta sauces made by Arkansas company ReadtheLabl. Find out more here.

 

Friday, Jan. 10

What: Jerry Colburn Pop-Up Gallery

Where: South Main Creative

When: 5-8 p.m.

Jerry Colburn will be showing off some of his doubled ink paintings during a special pop-up gallery. There will be a reception with refreshments. Find out more here.

 

Friday, Jan. 10

What: Northwoods Full Wolf Moon Ride

Where: Northwoods Trails – Hot Springs

When: 5:30-9 p.m.

Bike the trails with a group of new friends! During the Northwoods Full Wolf Moon Ride, a group will bike beginner and intermediate routes on the Northwoods Trails. All riders must bring a working mountain bike, helmet, front light, back-up light and water. Find out more here.

 

Friday, Jan. 10

What: The African Children’s Choir in Concert

Where: First United Methodist Church in Bryant

When: 7-8:30 p.m.

The African’s Children Choir will present a free concert featuring African songs and dance. This live show is designed for all ages. Find out more here.

 

Friday, Jan. 10

What: Tragikly White

Where: Revolution Music Room

When: 9:30 p.m.

When you need to get the party started, you call Tragikly White. This group will be playing all of your favorites – whether that’s the Bee Gees or Kanye West. The show’s cover is $10 and is limited to 18 ages and older. Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: Grand Re-Opening

Where: Nexus Coffee & Creative

When: 8 a.m.-9 p.m.

Nexus has expanded and is now reopening! Crave Catering will be offering brunch options, and there will be coffee, beer and wine options. Don’t miss some great musical performances from Townsend and Cosmocean. Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: Zaara’s 1stBirthday Celebration

Where: Little Rock Zoo

When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Celebrate Zaara’s first birthday at the Zoo this weekend. Zaara, who is a bear, will be having a “bear lodge” party. You can participate in crafts and storytime while enjoying s’mores and cake. Admission is included in the regular zoo admission price. Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: Cardboard Village

Where: Heifer Village and Urban Farm

When: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Kids can come to Heifer Village this weekend to build a cardboard village.

Bring gift boxes and ribbon leftover from the holidays to help decorate the village.

Children in Pre-K to 5th grade can participate in the Cardboard Village.

After the cardboard village is built, stick around Heifer Village and see the farm animals.

During the Urban Farm tour, you can meet alpacas, chickens, goats, pigs and more.

FREE

Did you know? The earliest form of cardboard can be traced by to 17thcentury China.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: Little Rock Trojans Doubleheader

Where: Jack Stephens Center

When: 2-6:30 p.m.

Catch a doubleheader of Trojans basketball as women’s team faces Georgia State at 2 p.m., and then the men’s team takes on South Alabama. This is an 80’s throwback night, so the first 500 fans get Little Rock sweatbands. There is also a $2 general admission special for both games. Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: Harper and Lee concert

Where: Fassler Hall

When: 5-8 p.m.

This husband-and-wife duo are bringing their alt-Americana sound to Fassler Hall for a unique live show. Harper and Lee fuse an older folk sensibility with a more modern sound. Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: Film Event: Love Them First

Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater

When: 5:30 p.m.

This documentary tells the story of a Minneapolis elementary school principal who sets out to change history. After the screening, co-director Ben Garvin will be on hand to discuss the film. Tickets are free. Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: Block, Beer and Bourbon

Where: The Albert Pike Masonic Center

When: 6-9:30 p.m.

Block, Beer and Bourbon is one of the classiest nights of the year. Combining the sounds of the Rodney Block Collective with the tastes of rare bourbon, this is a night you shouldn’t miss. General admission tickets are $75 and VIP tickets are $150. Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: Punks for Paws

Where: Vino’s Pizza-Pub-Brewery

When: 7-11:30 p.m.

Make a difference in the animal community by watching a great punk show! Punks for Paws is dedicated to helping local animal rescues, and all of the show’s proceeds are earmarked for ArkanPaws. The group is also taking donations of dog/cat food and other necessities. Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: Bree Ogden with Townsend

Where: Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack

When: 8 p.m.

Bree Ogden in an up-and-comer in the Arkansas music scene, and she’s going places! See her in Little Rock, along with Townsend. The show is $10 and standing room only. Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: Country Proud Fest

Where: Revolution Music Room

When: 8 p.m.

A group of talented country artists are making their way to Little Rock this weekend. The lineup includes Jay Jones & The Unwanted from Memphis, Big Shane Thorton from Little Rock, Mason Jar Revival from Tahlequah, Okla. and Moonshine Mafia from Little Rock. Advance admission is $10 and general admission at the door is $15. Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: The Big Dam Horns

Where: The Town Pump

When: 8:30 p.m.

There’s nothing like a party with the Big Dam Horns. They’re heading to the Town Pump for a lively party. There is a $10 cover. Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11

What: Woody & Sunshine

Where: Four Quarter Bar

When: 9 p.m.

Check out this wild duo that will be performing at Four Quarter Bar. They bill themselves as the “Earth’s Two-Person Jam Band.” Find out more here.

 

Saturday, Jan. 11-Sunday, Jan. 12

What: Antique Alley Arkansas

Where: Conway Expo Center

When: 9 a.m. (Saturday), 12 p.m. (Sunday)

Exhibitors are coming from more than 10 states to show off their wares at Antique Alley Arkansas. There will be 200 booths with antique toys, glassware, old advertising and more. Admission is $5 for the whole weekend; children 12 and under are free. Parking is free. Find out more here.

 

Sunday, Jan. 12

What: National Hot Tea Day – All You Can Sip

Where: Abbi’s Teas and Things

When: 1-6 p.m.

You can’t beat a good cup of hot tea in the wintertime. Abbi’s Teas and Things has you covered for National Hot Tea Day. They will have a special promotion – $5 for all you can sip hot tea. Find out more here.

 

Sunday, Jan. 12

What: Fairy Lantern Craft Class

Where: BoBrook Farms

When: 2-4 p.m.

This class will teach you have to make fairy lanterns.

During the class, you will get to choose between three different fairy lanterns and different embellishments to make yours unique.

The designs range from a Tinkerbell-like fairy, to a fairy sitting on a moon to a dragon fairy.

Tickets are $25. The cost is for one lantern, but you will have the option to make multiple.

 

Sunday, Jan. 12

What: Macrame Plant Hanger

Where: South Main Creative

When: 2-4 p.m.

This class will teach you how to make creative macramé plant hangers. The class fee is $35 and there is a materials fee of $15. Find out more here.

 

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