Weekend Guide: 17 Activities for Killer Fun

Zombies, cowboys, lightsabers—it must be October in Little Rock. Let’s get to it.

Thursday, October 19

Blue Jeans & Bubbles in Argenta Plaza // Let’s start. Now in its third year, the party will feature delicious food, a champagne bar, live music from Juicebox Jake and the Lunchables and more. It’s all Western-themed and benefits Ronald McDonald House charities in Arkansas and North Louisiana. Be there at 17-9 pm Find out more here.

Autumn preview evening at Domestic Domestic // There’s something about the change of season that makes you want to shop. Follow your heart to Kavanaugh to enjoy food, music, discounts and be the first to grab some of the season’s newest items. Come in at 17-19. Details here.

It’s Fall, Y’all: Where to Catch the Best Fall Foliage in Arkansas

River Market live in the River Market pavilions // Let’s play in the city center. The August concert series was a success, so they brought back free weekly concerts within a month. This week, the Big John Miller Band will perform, Stone’s Throw and Flyway will serve their craft beer, and the Grilled Sandwich Company will serve food. Show time is 18:00. Find out more here.

Friday, October 20

Third Friday Art Walk in Argenta // Let’s all take a walk. Lace up your comfortable shoes because this monthly walk takes you through special exhibits and events in the Argenta Arts District. Highlights include creepy DIY crafts on Hubat the opening of an exhibition inspired by Frida Kahlo, in Akansa Gallery and a pop-up with Jennifer O’Brien at Bang Up, Betty. The art walk will begin at 17:00. Find out more here.

Bernice Garden Night Market // Think of it as a fond farewell. Last of the season, this week’s Neighborhood Market promises more than 30 local vendors, music and a food truck to get your fun started and kick off the weekend. Watch and enjoy starting at 17:00. Find out more here.

Fridays on the Lawn at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts // As if you needed another reason to attend AMFA, October Fridays now mean food, drink and live music on the grounds of MacArthur Park, this week from The Rodney Block Collective. Come in at 17-20. Details here.

Woof, wag and wine at the Rusty Tractor vineyards // Now in its 11th year, this Out of the Woods Animal Rescue of Arkansas fundraiser is dedicated to helping our furry friends. Guests will enjoy a night of wine, beer, Tex-Mex food and dancing, as well as a silent auction. Put it there at 18:00. Find out more here.

Hail Little Rock: Enjoy These Local Halloween Spirits

“Beetlejuice” at the Ron Robinson Theater // It’s show time. There’s nothing better than watching this 1988 film on the big screen. And if anyone knows how we can get Winona Ryder to go on supernatural adventures with us, let us know. Starts at 19:00. Find out more here.

Saturday, October 21

Fall Festival at River Valley Horticultural Products // Do you want to dive headfirst into all things fall? Don’t mind if we do this. Now in its fifth year, this seasonal party offers amazing fall food and discounts on gardening supplies, as well as the opportunity to meet and network with local non-profits like The Mayfly Project and Feed the Vets. How to get enough from 9:00 to 16:00 Find out more here.

Sun Market at Dunbar Community Garden // File this under “pretty lovely Saturday.” Hosted by Paper Hearts Bookstore, this market features local women-owned businesses offering everything from yoga to jewelry to snacks. Come in and shop from 10:00 to 14:00. Find out more here.

Creep ‘N’ Crawl at Two Rivers Park //

Let’s balance it out with some Halloween candy, shall we? Girls, ghouls and freaks of all stripes are invited to this “amazingly creepy” 5K half marathon and “little monster run” where walkers, the undead and more are welcomed. The first group leaves at 15:30. Find out more here.

Carry on, ghouls: More fall races to keep on your radar

Pints ​​and pumpkins at Stone’s Throw Brewery // Calling all Halloweens. Spend the season at Stone’s Throw Beer Garden, participating in the annual pumpkin carving contest while enjoying delicious beverages. (We offer a seasonal pumpkin pie porter.) The celebration will begin at 4 p.m. Find out more here.

Let the Pumpkin Times Roll: Your Guide to Central Arkansas Pumpkin Patches

Festival of Darkness at Lost Forty Brewery // Bring out your undead. At this annual Nighty Night Imperial Stout release/lockdown party, guests are invited to don their best zombies—plus this year’s zombie costume contest sub-theme: pirates—and enjoy samples of dark beers from local and regional breweries. Food trucks, live music, fire breathing people and more make this event one for the horror books. It all starts at 17:00. Details here.

Night of fear on the embankment in Chenal // It’s never too early for trick-or-treating, right? Kick off the fun with an evening of entertainment, costumes, sweets, vendors, music and more. Be there at 17:00-20:00. Find out more here.

And That’s Just Scratching the Spooky Surface: Your Ultimate Guide to Halloween in Little Rock

Thursday – Sunday, October 19–22.

Last days of the Arkansas State Fair at the fairgrounds // Some things never change, and one of those things is the fair. Lights, sights and deep-fried perfection await you. All you have to do is answer the siren call and buy yourself a corndog. Find out more here.

Friday – Sunday, October 20–22.

“Star Wars: A New Hope” at the Robinson Center // To our ears this is intergalactic music. Next up on Arkansas Symphony Pops Live! It’s the 1977 space epic that started it all, coming to the big screen with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra bringing John Williams’ iconic score to life. Catch the show at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday or 3pm on Sunday. Find out more here.

Save the Dates: Little Rock’s 2023 Fall Performing Arts Calendar

Saturday and Sunday, October 21 and 22.

Argent Central Arkansas Pride Festival // Get ready to celebrate, Little Rock. This annual festival returns this year with a community parade, food trucks, live entertainment, vendors and more, starting at noon Saturday and ending brunch the next day at the Clinton Center. BEO rainbow. Find out more here.