10 Events for Weekend Fun: Pooches & Pumpkins, Razorbacks and More
It's the last weekend to visit the Arkansas State Fair, and the first weekend for the 2014 Boo at the Zoo! Plus, there's still plenty of pumpkin-picking to do. And, if you need a good scare, you can head to Magic Screams (read our full article here)!
Here are 10 ideas for family fun this weekend (Oct. 17-19), from dog costume contests to live music!
1. Razorback Football: University of Georgia vs. University of Arkansas at War Memorial Stadium: Get ready, Little Rock! The Hogs take on the Bulldogs at War Memorial this weekend. Ticket prices vary. 3 p.m. Oct. 18. For info: ArkansasRazorbacks.com.
2. Boo at the Zoo at Little Rock Zoo: This popular Halloween festival is back Oct. 19-Nov. 1 (plus an adult preview night on Oct. 17!) and filled with lots of howl-o-ween fun. The festival is appropriate for families with children of all ages, and features a safe environment for trick-or-treating. Don your costumes, stroll through the colorful lights and Halloween-themed decorations, and enjoy nightly dance contests, free carousel rides, glitter tattoos, live music, a dance party and more. Zoo is closed Oct. 18 for Razorback football game; 6-9 p.m. Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m. Oct. 23-Nov. 1. $10; all-inclusive arm bands $20. For info: (501) 666-2406, LittleRockZoo.com.
3. Arkansas State Fair at Arkansas State Fairgrounds: The fair continues through Oct. 19, with rides, a petting zoo, concerts and more. For more info, read our full blog post here.
4. Farm Fest at St. Joseph Farm in North Little Rock: A celebration on the picturesque 63-acre farm includes a pumpkin patch, sorghum-Sudan maze, tours through the seven-acre Food Forest -- a project designed to feed the hungry and planted with fruit, berry and nut trees. The opening weekend (Oct. 18-19) will feature music all day, hayrides, the Arkansas Craftsman Fair, local food and a pioneer village filled with costumed actors. $15 Sat., $10 Sun.; children under 12 $7; children 2 and under free. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 18-19. For info: (870) 370-4047, StJosephFarm.com.
5. Pooches & Pumpkins at The Good Earth Garden Center: There will be many fall-themed areas for family photos, a pet costume contest, free hot dogs, hayrides, balloons, face painting, live music and much more. Local rescue groups have been invited, too. Kids and pets in costume get little pumpkins while they last. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 18. For info: (501) 868-4666, TheGoodEarthGarden.com. FREE!
6. 3rd Annual Paws on Pinnacle at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: This event features informative programs about caring for your dog, getting outside and hiking safely with your dog, and agility and working dog demonstrations. The final event of the day will be a dog "Howl-O-Ween" costume contest! Programs begin at 8 a.m., and the costume contest at 3 p.m. All well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome to attend. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 18. For info: (501) 868-5806, ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain. FREE!
7. 2nd Annual Biketoberfest at River Market Pavilions: The Little Rock River Market, Chainwheel and Recycle Bikes for Kids present this 2nd annual event that features bikes, beer, music, art and a stunt BMX show! Soft Drinks, water and beer are available for sale; with a portion of the proceeds going to the Arkansas Freedom Fund. Noon-5 p.m. Oct. 19. For info: Rivermarket.info. Admission FREE!
8. 5th Annual Arkansas Walk Now for Autism Speaks at Clinton Presidential Library: This signature event for Autism Speaks generates funds for autism research, raises awareness and connects local families. There is no fee to walk in the event, but each participant who raises at least $150 will receive a commemorative t-shirt. The one-mile family fun walk begins at 10:25 a.m. This year, runners can also participate in the 2nd Annual Arkansas 5K, held in conjunction with the walk event. the run begins at 7 a.m.; registration is $20, plus an option for a 5K t-shirt. 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Oct. 18. For info: WalkNowForAutismSpeaks.org.
9. ASO Masterworks Series: Blazing Brass at Maumelle Performing Arts Center: Richard Jorgensen, principal trumpet with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, performs selections by composers Joseph Haydn and Anton Bruckner. Performances are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 18 & 3 p.m. Oct. 19. Tickets are $19-$58, children are free to Sunday performance with the Entergy Kid's Ticket. For info: (501) 666-1761, ArkansasSymphony.org.
10. Justin Moore in Concert at First Security Amphitheatre: Local country musician (and dad!) Justin Moore brings his "Off the Beaten Path" tour to Little Rock for an outdoor concert in the First Security Amphitheatre. The night kicks off with opening act Backroad Anthem. $25.50. 7 p.m. Oct. 17. For info: Ticketmaster.com.
For more events, browse our full online calendar here.