From fantastical festivals to fashion-forward furry friends, the capital city is packed with local fun this weekend. Let’s get into it.
Thursday, April 16
CARTI Salute! at the CARTI Cancer Center // We’ll raise a glass to this. Now in its fourth year, this bash brings together some of your favorite local restaurants for a progressive wine and food tour through the gardens. Expect eats from Cache, 42 Bar & Table, George’s, Oceans and lots more, and all to benefit CARTI. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Paws on the Runway at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Looking good, Fido. This Central Arkansas Rescue Effort (CARE) for Animals event always brings the cuteness, giving you the chance to see man’s best friend (and a few humans, too) model the latest fashions on the catwalk. Save room for food, drinks, an auction and all the “awws” you’re about to let loose. It starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Paws up: Barkus on Main Rebrands, Moves to MacArthur Park
Diamond Chef Arkansas at UA-PTC Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Institute // Food Network who? This foodie faceoff features locals battling it out to be crowned the Diamond Chef, plus a full spread of food and drinks from area restaurants for guests to enjoy. It all goes down at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Saturday, April 16-18
Classic Movies at Ron Robinson Theater // The popcorn is flowing once again at the CALS theater in the River Market. Up first on Thursday is “Amélie” at 7 p.m. Then on Saturday is “Happy Feet” at 12:30 p.m. and the next Exhibition on Screen installment “My National Gallery, London” at 4 p.m., followed by an interactive screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 8 p.m. Learn more here.
Thursday – Sunday, April 16-19
Ballet Arkansas at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // It’s a huge weekend for the state’s premier dance company. On Thursday and Friday, the troupe will present “Icons of American Dance” spotlighting the work of game-changing choreographers through a mixed repertory program. Then on Saturday and Sunday, the season concludes with the Arkansas premiere of the haunting “Giselle,” described as “the crown jewel of the Romantic ballet era.” Learn more here.
Lanterns Festival at Wildwood Park for the Arts // Leave the passport at home. This annual favorite fest turns 105 acres of parkland into a cultural playground lit with luminaries and fire pits, winding around areas designed to represent different exotic locales and eras. At this year’s festival, guests will be transported to (and enjoy the tastes of) China, Egypt, Honolulu, Italy, Japan and even Oz. To mark the fest’s 15th year, you can also get in on hot air balloon rides, fireworks and camel rides. Festival hours are 6-9 p.m. Thursday, 6-10 p.m. Friday, 4-10 p.m. Saturday and 4-9 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
More festival news: Southern Tail Brewing to Host Inaugural 3492 Fest This Summer
Opening Weekend at Local Theaters // The stages are hopping this weekend and we have zero complaints. There’s “Fences” by the Actors Theatre of Little Rock at the Quapaw Quarter United Methodist Church, depicting the Pulitzer- and Tony-winning play about the long-term effects of racism and limitation on a family. Then there’s “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” at The Weekend Theater, a dark musical comedy following a man working his way up the family ladder in order to get a lofty title. Plus, across town Murry’s Dinner Playhouse is closing its run of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” And of course, “Wicked” is still taking over the Robinson Center. Get a taste here.
Friday, April 17
Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // This monthly walk invites you to stroll through the Argenta Arts District’s lineup of special exhibits and events. Highlights include the Mid-Southern Watercolorists Annual Juried Exhibit at Laman Library and an open studio with Dogtown Scents, Bang-Up Betty and Lee Lee Arts + Design. Art Walk starts at 5 p.m. Learn more here.
Arkansas Times Craft Beer Festival at Argenta Plaza // The brew is back. To enter ultimate TGIF mode, head north and get your fill of craft brews from local and regional breweries, then wash it all down with food trucks and live music. Even better? Proceeds benefit the Argenta Arts District. Raise a glass starting at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Live Music in the Metro // The local concert scene is always great, and this Friday has some throwback highlights for audiences. ZZ Top and Dwight Yoakam are playing the Simmons Bank Arena while ’80s pop icon Tiffany will take the stage at Ron Robinson Theater. For a more recent vibe, head to The Hall for It’s A 2000s Party.
Saturday, April 18
Opening Day of the West Little Rock Farmers Market // WLR is getting a much-needed dose of freshness. This inaugural market will bring a full lineup of produce, baked goods, flowers and more to Breckenridge Village, located in the parking lot between The Root, Film Alley and Epoch Church. Come shop 8 a.m. – noon. Learn more here.
Stay fresh, LR: Your Guide to Farmers Markets in the Little Rock Metro
Living Craft Saturday at Historic Arkansas Museum // Time travel, anyone? HAM’s monthly series gives guests an immersive, hands-on opportunity to learn about life in the early days of Arkansas. April continues the year-long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, and this event dives into what the phrase “establish commerce” meant in Antebellum Arkansans. Stop by 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
The Natural State Market at The Bernice Garden // The market scene just keeps getting better, and that’s thanks in part to this event backed by SoMa’s Back to Vida. Soak in the spring vibes and peruse art, vintage pieces, streetwear and more. Check it out noon – 6 p.m. Learn more here.
The Evolve Gala at the Statehouse Convention Center // With the theme “Hope Blooms,” this annual fundraiser is back to celebrate The Centers. Guests can expect dinner, drinks, music, auctions and a special tribute to the 2026 Hero of Hope Barry Simon and this year’s class of Champions of Hope. The evening begins at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
Read our cover story: How The Centers Helps Healing Take Root
Argenta Vibe Music Series at Argenta Plaza // Why, yes, the vibes are immaculate in Argenta this weekend. The NLR neighborhood’s (free!) outdoor concert series kicks off its 2026 season with live music from The Spooklights and Whoa Dakota, plus local eats, drinks and even some VIP views. The fun starts at 6 p.m. Learn more here.
“Beyond Borders” at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral // Showcasing the works of 18th century Italian composers who achieved success abroad, this concert will be performed by Camerata Little Rock, a local chamber orchestra featuring a rotating roster of musicians including members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and UCA faculty. The free concert features guest vocalist Shannon Webb and guitarist Andrew Flory. Showtime is 7:30 p.m., followed by an Italian-themed reception. Learn more here.
Plus: Tickets to the Red Carpet Recovery Gala are no longer available, but you can still join the online auction to help the Wolfe Street Foundation reach its fundraising goal.
Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19
Spring Vendor Market at BoBrook Farms // Serving up another dose of the season, this annual outdoor market has food trucks, lawn games and booths from more than 60 local vendors. And did we mention the farm has its own winery? Be there 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday or noon – 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more here.
Pop-Up Plant Sales & Swaps // For the green thumbs among us (and the wannabes with aspirations), there are multiple plant sales happening around the metro, including:
Sunday, April 19
Sunday Funday at Rusty Tractor Vineyards // Sunday scaries? Don’t know her. Patio hangs and food trucks await at the vineyard’s Sunset Lodge, plus beer, wine, cocktails and karaoke. Stop by noon – 4 p.m. Learn more here.
More alfresco fun: Mount Holly Cemetery Spring Picnic Returns to Historic Grounds
River City Men’s Chorus Spring Concert at St. James United Methodist Church // We like the sound of this. “Freedom!” is the name of this year’s spring event that marks the final concert series of the season, and it’s filled with everything from spirituals to anthems in celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary. The free show starts at 3 p.m. Learn more here.