Goat yoga, pop-up markets and a whole lot of local sips are on the agenda this weekend, plus more. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, Aug. 21
Grand Reopening at the Town Pump // Karaoke, anyone? Riverdale’s iconic dive bar is ready to reopen its doors after renovations. But never fear, the updates were minimal, with the new owners promising “we messed it up just enough.” Doors open at 11 a.m. so you can get your burger fix. IYKYK. Learn more here.
Rock Town Distillery Dinner at Petit & Keet // Let’s enter the weekend with another taste of our home town, shall we? Rock Town Distillery will be sharing five top-notch spirits made with ingredients sourced from Arkansas farms alongside a five-course meal. It begins at 6:30 p.m., but seating is limited, so reserve your spot ASAP. Learn more here.
Speaking of taste: Downtown Food Truck Festival Finds New Location Under 30 Crossing Bridge
Friday, Aug. 22
All Arkansas Festival at the River Market Pavilions // Raise your glass, Arkies. Another from the Arkansas Times events team, this annual fest features dozens of local beer, wine and spirits, plus food trucks and live music. Be there 6-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Bonus: Want more local excellence? Tickets to Thursday’s Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony are no longer available, but the Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame banquet on Friday is still open. More on that here.
Saturday, Aug. 23
Goat Yoga at the St. Joseph Center of Arkansas // Nothing like a little savasana surrounded by some friendly goats. Flow on the farm with this beginner-friendly session led by Lady Moon Yoga Collective and BYO mat. Class starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Stay limber: Yogathon Arkansas Comes to MacArthur Park This September
Great Southern Stone Skipping Championships at Lakewood Lake #1 // Getting the most skips is usually just worth bragging points, but this weekend it’s worth cash money. This annual Park Hill contest has different brackets for men, women and youth competitors, and the best part is that all proceeds go to the Arkansas Foodbank. The skipping starts at 10 a.m. Learn more here.
Paws on the Promenade at the Promenade at Chenal // Clear Lassie’s schedule. The WLR shopping center is teaming up with CARE for Animals for a morning of pet-fueled fun. Expect games, giveaways, activities and treats for your furry friends, plus the chance to take home another one. Stop by 10 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
Saturday Shop Vintage Market at The Bernice Garden // In SoMa, the vintage vibes are back at Bernice for the August edition of this recurring neighborhood event. Expect vendors with throwback fashions, decor and art, and at a later time to beat the heat. Come shop 4-9 p.m. Learn more here.
Entertainment District Birthday Bash in the River Market // It’s a “glasses raised” kind of weekend. It’s been six years since the River Market officially launched its entertainment district, aka the area where you can openly carry adult beverages (with guidelines, of course). To celebrate, the city’s throwing a bash including lots of live entertainment, discounts and free parking in the River Market garage. Join the fun from 6-8 p.m. Learn more here.
More River Market fun: 14th Annual Tinkerfest Returns to Museum of Discovery
East Village Art Market at The Rail Yard // Over in East Village, this monthly market invites guests to “sip, shop and stay a while,” which will be no problem thanks to the lineup of vendors, music, food, drinks and lawn games, this time with a carnival theme. Stop by 6-10 p.m. Learn more here.
Sunday, Aug. 24
Distill & Chill at Rock Town Distillery // The summer blockbuster vibes are alive and well in SoMa. Rock Town’s throwback movie series welcomes you to the barrel house for a free screening, popcorn and drink specials. August’s lineup is all about back to school season, and this week it’s “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” BYO chairs and blankets. Showtime is 5:30 p.m. Learn more here.
On a screen in a not-so-far-away galaxy: Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Brings the Music of “Star Wars” to Life
Thursday – Sunday, Aug. 21-24
Reel Queer Film Festival at the Ron Robinson Theater // Formerly the Kaleidoscope Film Festival, this annual event is marking its 11th year of celebrating and showcasing “poignant and thought-provoking films documenting LGBT lives truthfully and with respect.” We’re in. The 2025 fest includes multiple screenings and social events, including the return of the popular drag brunch screening. Learn more here.
Arkansas Travelers vs. Springfield Cardinals at Dickey-Stephens Park // Play ball, y’all. The Travs take on the Missouri team in this week’s series, which also features different specials each night like fireworks and a showcase of the Little Rock Nine. Learn more here.
More friendly competition: Where to Play Golf for Charity in Little Rock This Fall