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, Nov. 21
What: Holiday Open House
Where: Pleasant Ridge Town Center
When: 4-7 pm
Pleasant Ridge Town Center is hosting another open house, featuring appearances from Santa and his elves, as well as carriage rides, music and general family fun. Find out more here.
Thursday, Nov. 21
What: Boston Brass – Christmas Bells are Swingin’
Where: Reynolds Perfomrance Hall (Conway)
When: 7:30 pm
This jazz band is bringing is vibrant holiday show to Conway, performing jazz standards and showcasing their boisterous personalities. Tickets range from $27-$40. Find out more here.
Thursday, Nov. 21
What: Friendsgiving Cocktail Class
Where: Rock Town Distillery
When: 6-9 pm
The holidays aren’t complete without some boozy fun. Learn how to make your own holiday-centric drinks at Rock Town Distillery. This Little Rock favorite will be hosting a Thanksgiving cocktail making class, which will teach participants how to make a real eggnog and a Mudslide Martini. The class is limited to 30 people, and tickets are $30 apiece. Find out more here.
Thursday, Nov. 21
What: Taste of the Holidays
Where: Mid-America Science Museum (Hot Springs)
When: 6-9 pm
Head back to the disco era in the 70s-themed holiday party as the Mid-America Science Museum celebrates its 40thanniversary. During the event, you can enjoy some of the finest food and drinks in Hot Springs, as well as a fun silent auction. Tickets are $100, and proceeds benefit the museum’s educational programs. Find out more here.
Thursday, Nov. 21
What: Around the World Wine Tasting
Where: Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse
When: 6-9:30 pm
Take a trip around the world without leaving Little Rock. Arthur’s is offering an international wine tasting featuring more than 60 wines from eight different countries. Of course, you can expect some equally delicious food to complement the wine. Tickets are $130. Find out more here.
Thursday, Nov. 21
What: Geeks Who Drink Pub Quiz
Where: Stone’s Throw Brewing
When: 7:30 pm
Every Thursday, participate in eight rounds of trivia of all things geeky and nerdy. There will be prizes and gift cards for the winning teams. Each team is limited to six players. Find out more here.
Thursday, Nov. 21
What: Turkey, Tinsel and Tension
Where: South on Main
When: 8-10 pm
The Yarn is bringing its show “Turkey, Tinsel and Tension” to South on Main. It’s a show about coming home for the holidays, and it is sure to provide some heartwarming and laugh-inducing moments. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Find out more here.
Thursday, Nov. 21-Saturday, Nov. 23
What: Dazzle Daze
Where: Conway Expo Center
When: 6 pm (Thursday), 10 am (Friday-Saturday)
Dazzle Days is a three-day shopping event.
There will be more than 70 merchants, offering gourmet food, holiday items, jewelry, clothing, accessories, art, home décor and more.
Dazzle Daze kicks off with Girls’ Nite Out on Thursday. You and your girl squad can shop, sample good, and register for prizes. Tickets are $30 online or $40 at the door.
The next two days are general shopping days.
On Friday and Saturday, there will be photo sessions with Santa.
There will be a grant raffle – prizes include a diamond tennis bracelet valued at $9,000+; a travel package to Costa Rica, Disneyworld or Sonoma Wine Country; a zero-turn lawnmower; a Louis Vutton bag and more. Raffle tickets are $100.
The event is an annual fundraiser for Conway Regional Women’s Council. Funds go toward medical scholarships, equipment, and patient and community programs.
This year’s event will specifically go toward the latest 3D mammography equipment.
COST: General shopping days are $7.50 per day online or $10 per day at the door. Thursday night is $30 online or $40 at the door.
There is also a $100 Girls’ Nite Out Ultimate ticket, that includes admission Friday and Saturday, including swag.
Friday, Nov. 22
What: World Woman Summit
Where: Clinton Presidential Center
When: 9 am-5 pm
This year, the World Woman Summit will focus on redefining rules for and by women and how women can effect change. There will be multiple conversations, panel discussions, interviews and more.
Friday, Nov. 22
What: Food Truck, Fire & Music Night
Where: The Bramble Market
When: 5-8 pm
Enjoy the November evening with food from Delta Biscuit Company and Low Ivy Catering trucks and the sounds of Farmer Fin. Find out more here.
Friday, Nov. 22
What: Book Signing – The Beginner Art Book for Kids
Where: Dog Ear Books in Russellville
When: 5:30 pm
This is the release party for The Beginner Art Book for Kids. Get your copy of the book and get it signed at the party. Find out more here.
Friday, Nov. 22
What: A Christmas Carol
Where: Hot Springs Bathhouse Dinner Theatre
When: 6 pm
This classic tale from Charles Dickens is coming to a stage near you this weekend. Follow Ebenezer Scrooge as he is guided by Christmas spirits through his past, present and future and learns the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets are $39.95 for adults for the dinner and show, and tickets are $25 for children ages 5-12 for dinner and the show. Find out more here.
Friday, Nov. 22
What: It’s Waxgiving with Control Little Rock
Where: Atlas Bar
When: 8-11 pm
Atlas Bar is taking Friendsgiving up a notch with its first-ever Waxgiving. Control-Little Rock is bringing a carefully-chosen collection of vinyl to spin during the party. Bring non-perishable food items to support Our House. Find out more here.
Friday, Nov. 22
What: Harry Potter Party & Lock-In
Where: Spec Ops Gaming Loung
When: 8 pm
Dive into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter during this fun lock-in! There will be a cosplay contest, as well as a house sorting ceremony, a wand-making workshop, trivia contest and more. All ages are welcome, but adults must be present for guests ages 15 or younger. Admission is $25 and includes unlimited video game and board game play. Find out more here.
Friday, Nov. 22
What: Whoa Dakota performance
Where: Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Chicken Shack
When: 9 pm
Little Rock native Whoa Dakota is coming back for a hometown performance. The Cosmic Farmer will be opening for the indie-pop musician. Tickets are $12. Find out more here.
Friday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Nov. 23
What: Gurhan Little Rock Trunk Show
Where: Roberson’s Fine Jewelry
When: 11 am-6 pm
Love jewelry? Then you’ll love this trunk show, featuring Gurhan Jewelry! The company will be highlighting Gurhan’s signature pieces. Find out more here.
Friday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Nov. 23
What: 42nd Annual Holiday Craft & Gift Sale
Where: Jacksonville Community Center
When: 2 pm (Friday), 9 am (Saturday)
Jacksonville is hosting its 42nd annual Holiday Craft & Gift Sale.
It’s a two-day event.
You can purchase original art works and gifts from Arkansas vendors. These works include woodworks, paintings, jewelry and more.
Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children ages 12-18.
You can also bring one new, unwrapped toy for a toy drive to get in free.
Did you know? Christmas gift giving was originally banned in American by early Puritan leaders. Christmas celebrations only became legal in the 1680s.
Friday, Nov. 22-Saturday, Nov. 23
What: Museum School Sale
Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds
When: 6 pm (Friday), 9 am (Saturday)
Looking for that perfect gift for the holidays? Head to the state fairgrounds for the annual Museum School Sale to find artwork made by students and faculty from the Museum School. Friday is a members-only preview party, and the public is invited on Saturday. Admission is free. Find out more here.
Saturday, Nov. 23
What: Photos with Santa Paws
Where: Hollywood Feed (8212 Cantrell Road)
When: 10 am- 2pm
Everybody wants pictures with Santa Claus – even your pets! Bring your dog, cat or other pets to Hollywood Feed for a photo session with St. Nick. For a $15 donation, you can get the photos emailed to you to display and use for Christmas cards. Find out more here.
Saturday, Nov. 23
What: Vintage and Craft Market
Where: The Bernice Garden
When: 10 am-4 pm
On Saturday, get a head start on your holiday shopping. This vintage market will have a bevy of cool vintage and handmade items, from arts and crafts to clothes. There will also be food and music. Find out more here.
Saturday, Nov. 23
What: Beaded Ornament Covers workshop
Where: Argenta Bead Company
When: 11 am
Are your ornaments not looking ornamental enough? Solve that this weekend with Argenta Bead Company’s Beaded Ornament Covers workshop. This class will teach you how to create a beaded net that will fit over ornaments. The cost is $35 plus materials. Find out more here.
Saturday, Nov. 23
What: Home for the Holidays Musical Spectacular
Where: Hot Springs Bathhouse Dinner Theatre
When: 6 pm
Bask in the Christmas spirit while you enjoy a great dinner and show at the Hot Springs Bathhouse Dinner Theatre. This performance features classic and modern Christmas songs and will have appearances from beloved Christmas characters from Santa to the Grinch. Tickets are $39.95 for adults for the dinner and show, and tickets are $25 for children ages 5-12 for dinner and the show. Find out more here.
Saturday, Nov. 23
What: Three Dog Night
Where: Robinson Center
When: 7:30 pm
Get ready to “Celebrate” when Three Dog Night rolls into town. This classic band will be performing at the Robinson Center and is a perfect choice for a Saturday night of entertainment. Tickets range from $39-$89. Find out more here.
Saturday, Nov. 23
What: Ghost Town Blues Band
Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
When: 10 pm
Ghost Town Blues Band is bringing its intense blues style to Silks Bar this weekend. Find out more here.
Saturday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Nov. 24
What: Holiday Lights
Where: Garvan Woodland Gardens (Hot Springs
When: 4 pm
Garvan Woodland Gardens’ annual Holiday Lights display opens this week and runs through Dec. 31.
There are more than 4.5 million lights throughout the gardens.
The light display features the Garden of the Pine Wind, the 50-foot tall Holiday Tree (it plays holiday tunes), the Parterre garden on the Great Lawn and various holiday scenes in the woods.
There’s always free hot chocolate at the end of the tour.
If you’re hungry for more, the Chipmunk Café is open until 9 pm. It serves soup, sandwiches and more.
The only days that the gardens are closed are Thanksgiving and Christmas days.
Admission is $15 for adults and $5 for children aged 4-12. Kids ages 3 and under get in free.
Members get in free.
Did you know? Garvan Woodland Gardens was founded by Verna Cook Garvan, who began planning the gardens in the 1950s. Upon her death in 1993, she bequeathed the land to the University of Arkansas’ Department of Landscape Architecture, and it is now an independent department of the Fay Jones School of Architecture
Sunday, Nov. 24
What: Pluck Threads Pop-up
Where: Crying Weasel Vintage
When: 11 am-4 pm
Pluck Threads is bringing its unique wearables to Little Rock for a special pop-up events. You can meet the founders, browse their wares and even enjoy some treats. Find out more here.
Sunday, Nov. 24
What: Why Trap That?
Where: Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center
When: 2:30-3:30 pm
This workshop will teach attendees about the history of trapping in Arkansas and why it’s still relevant. Attendees will also learn which traps they can use today. Find out more here.
Sunday, Nov. 24
What: Sarah Cecil performance
Where: Rusty Tractor Vineyards
When: 3-5 pm
Sarah Cecil will be performing at Rusty Tractor Vineyards’ open house. During the event, kick back and take in the music, as well as great food from local food trucks. Find out more here.
Sunday, Nov. 24
What: Fall Centerpiece Workshop with Chris Norwood
Where: Tipton & Hurst Florist-Heights (1801 N. Grant St.)
When: 3-5 pm
Learn how to make the perfect fall centerpiece during this workshop.
The workshop will be taught by Chris Norwood, Tipton & Hurst vice president.
Norwood is a noted floral designer. He served as the National President of the American Institute of Floral Designers and as past CEO and Chairman of the AIFD Foundation
All supplies are included in the cost.
Tickets are $75.
Did you know? Tipton & Hurst has been family-owned and operated since 1886.
Did you know? The earliest known flower arrangements date back to ancient Egypt around 2,500 BC.
Sunday, Nov. 24
What: Hope and Charity performance
Where: St. Peter’s Episcopal’s Parrish Hall (Conway)
When: 4 pm
The Lantern Theatre will be performing two one-act plays – Terrence McNally’s “Hope” and Leonard Melfi’s “Charity” in this unique theater experience. Tickets are $15. Find out more here.
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