The long weekend is finally here. Say farewell to summer with events like a good old-fashioned baseball game at Dickey-Stephens with the whole family, taking a weekend road trip or going on a much-needed date night to see “Monty Python’s Spamalot” at The Rep. Happy trails, weekenders!

Take a Long Weekend Roadtrip: If you're looking to getaway from home this weekend, we've got plenty of ideas for you. Check out a great list of one-tank road trips right here, featuring destinations such as the Heifer Ranch in Perryville and Lake Ouachita State Park. Or visit one of these three fun-filled cities where we've got a day full of activities planned for the whole family.

Fall in the Woodlands at Garvan Woodland Gardens: It’s the most colorful time of the year at Garvan Gardens, when Japanese maples are in full color and the hardwood forest glows in autumn’s light. Thousands of vibrant annuals and perennials, including our annual mum fest will be the show-stoppers in our fall garden. Sept. 1, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. $15; $5 ages 6-12; free for ages 0-5 and members. For info: (501) 262-9300 or garvangardens.org.

First Saturday's National Parks Centennial Iron Ranger Challenge in Downtown Hot Springs: Ranger-guided hikes on Hot Springs and North Mountains are held at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of each month. Each moderately strenuous hike is approximately 3 miles, round trip, and includes a spectacular view of Gulpha Gorge from Goat Rock. No pre-registration is necessary. Hikers will be met by a ranger on the porch of the Fordyce Bathhouse. Sept. 3 10 a.m. For info: (501) 620-6715 or nps.gov. FREE!

Take a Family Float Trip: Take advantage of one of the last weekends of summer and spend it on the river! We've got six great options to choose from right here. 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Presents "Circus Xtreme" at Verizon Arena: Experience epic family fun as legendary circus artists from around the globe perform awe-inspiring feats of daring, spectacles of strength and thrills of wonder to summon the mythical and the mysterious visions that have only existed in your imagination until now! Free to all ticketholders, the All Access Pre-show starts an hour before the show. Come down to the arena floor and meet the performers, get autographs and take photos. Performances: 7 p.m. Sept. 2; 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m. Sept. 3; 1 p.m. & 5 p.m. Sept. 4. Tickets are $6-12. Aug. 30-Sept. 2. For info: (501) 975-9000 or verizonarena.com.

25th Annual Jazz Fest at Various Venues Throughout Hot Springs: The festival is presented by the Hot Springs Jazz Society and features Arkansas’ jazz artists. $35 for non-members; $25 for Jazz Society members. Aug. 31-Sept. 2. For info: (501) 627-2425, hsjazzsociety.org.

Travs vs. Springfield Cardinals at Dickey-Stephens Park: The Arkansas Travelers take on the Springfield Cardinals at home in one of the last series of the season. Game time is 7:10 p.m. Thursday is Family Night and Saved by the Bell Theme Night; and Friday is Pyro in the Park! Tickets are $6-12. Sept. 1-2. For info: (501) 664-1555 or arkansas.travelers.milb.com.

Have a Picnic: Want to keep it simple? Pack up some sandwiches and head to one of our favorite picnic spots in central Arkansas. We've got a whole list of scenic locations right here. Bring a kite, ride your bike or just relax on your extra day off.

 

Parents' Night Out

Is date night long overdue? Get a baby-sitter this weekend and have a parents' night out at one of these fun shows.

"Monty Python's Spamalot" at The Rep: From the deliciously twisted minds of Monty Python’s Flying Circus comes the irreverent, sidesplitting Broadway smash musical that proves that you should always look on the bright side of life, especially if you’re not yet dead. Directed by Melissa Rain Anderson. $55 for A seating; $40 for B seating; $30 for students. Opening night is Sept. 2. Showtimes are Thurs. at 7 p.m. Fri.–Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. For info: (501) 378-0405, therep.org.

Electile Dysfunction at The Joint: A Little Rock family is divided when it comes to the election, and when TV’s Spy Eye News team follows their story, it turns them into celebrities. Add to the mix a local Evangelist who has opened a church so large it raises cattle in its back forty. Whether you like or hate politics, you’ll love this comedy about the opinionated people who live in our area. The Joint's cabaret theatre offers cocktails, craft beers, wines, European-style coffees, food and desserts at your table throughout the show. $22. Sept. 2, 8 p.m. For info: (501) 372-0205 or thejointargenta.com.

For more events this weekend, browse our full online calendar here.