10 Events for Weekend Fun: Boo at the Zoo, Garvan Gardens Fall Fest, Harvestfest and More
Photo: Trick-or-treat in the gardens and pick up a pumpkin at the brand-new fall festival from Garvan Woodland Gardens.
Hope your kiddos have their costumes ready! Boo at the Zoo kicks off this weekend, and Garvan Woodland Gardens invites youngsters to trick-or-treat in the gardens, too. Your furry friends can even get into the Halloween spirit at two pet-friendly events hosting dog costume contests. Some of our favorite fall festivals pop up this weekend too, including Harvestfest in Hillcrest. And, of course, your weekend won't be complete without shopping the grand opening events at Outlets of Little Rock!
If the 10 fantastic fall events below aren't enough, you can also check out our round-up of October festivals and our extensive list of Halloween events for families. Plus, if you haven't been to the pumpkin patch, you'll find 19 pick-your-own pumpkin patches here.
Grand Opening at Outlets of Little Rock: From Gymboree to OshKosh B'gosh, there are plenty of family-friendly stores at the new Outlets of Little Rock and we can’t wait to dig for deals! The doors officially open at 10 a.m. on Friday, and crowds will find savings, entertainment and door prizes all weekend long. You can also check out a fashion show hosted by celebrity stylist Caron Kressley (3 p.m. Oct. 17). And spend your Sunday Funday at the Kids Day (noon-3 p.m. Oct. 18), where kids can meet their favorite princess and super heroes, have their faces painted, request a balloon animal, marvel at a stilt walker and more. Stop by the Little Rock Family booth and enter to win tickets to the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Arkansas Arts Center Children's Theatre, Museum of Discovery, Big Rock Fun Park and more! Read our full article on the grand opening events for more info. Shopping hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 16 & 17, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Oct. 18. For info: OutletsOfLittleRock.com. FREE!
Boo at the Zoo at Little Rock Zoo: Arkansas's largest Halloween festival is back and filled will with lots of howl-oween fun! Boo At The Zoo is appropriate for families with children of all ages, and features a safe environment for trick-or-treating along with other spooktacular amenities and attractions. Don your costumes and stroll through the colorful lights and Halloween themed decorations. Trick-or-treaters enjoy nightly dance contests, costume contests, free carousel rides, glitter tattoos, live music, and a dance party! Event hours: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 16 Adult Night ($25 admission); 6-9 p.m. Oct. 17 & 18; 6-9 p.m. Oct. 22-Nov. 1. $10; all inclusive arm bands are $20. For info: (501) 666-2406, LittleRockZoo.com.
Celebrate Fall at Garvan Woodland Gardens: At this brand-new event, children ages 12 and under can trick-or-treat in the gardens (costumes encouraged!), climb on the spooky "James the Train," and grab a small pumpkin from the pumpkin patch (free; available to the first 200 children who visit). There will also be a special Treasure Map that encourages youngsters to hunt for "Garvan Rocks" hidden in the gardens. Arrive hungry because the Chipmunk Cafe will be serving fall treats, including caramel apples, pecan cheesecake pie, cranberry apple chicken salad and more. 9 a.m.-Noon. Oct. 17. $15, children ages 6-12 $5, children ages 0-5 free; members free. For info: GarvanGardens.org.
6th Annual Taste of T Street at Miss Selma's School: Enjoy a day of fun, complete with a petting zoo, games, live entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Sample food from one or all of the 30 food booths! Take in live entertainment from the main stage, bid on trips, art, toys and even electronics during the live or silent auctions. The Kid Zone has a petting zoo, face painting, playground and more. The games are free and every child wins candy! For extra fun, enter your dad in the Daddy Dance Off. 2-6 p.m. Oct. 17. $15; kids 12 and under are $10. For info: (501) 225-0123, MissSelmasSchool.com.
HarvestFest in Hillcrest: Head to Kavanaugh Blvd. in Hillcrest for this day-long event that includes live music, a fashion show, activities for kids (11 a.m.-4 p.m.), street festival and cheese dip contest. Don't miss the bird walk in Allsopp Park at 7:30 a.m. and pancake breakfast at Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church from 9-11 a.m. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 17. For info: HarvestFest.us. FREE!
76th Annual Arkansas State Fair at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds: It's the last weekend to visit the fair, where you can explore the Agricultural Education Center, gawk at animals from the livestock show, meet zebras, goats, llamas and camels in the petting zoo, watch shows like the Arctic Olympics High Dive Show and Wall of Death Cycle Show, and cheer during the Show Me Swine Racers. The Midway includes all of your favorite fair foods and more than 50 rides for kids and adults! Plus, nightly concerts are free with admission. Gates open 11 a.m. daily, Oct. 9-18. Price: $10; children ages 6-12 $5; all concerts included in admission ticket; rides and food not included. Info: (501) 372-8341, ArkansasStateFair.com. *For more details, read our article, "10 Things to Do at the Arkansas State Fair."
Pooches & Pumpkins at The Good Earth Garden Center: Snap family photos in themed areas, bring your pup for a pet costume contest, snack on free hot dogs, and enjoy balloons, face painting, and live music. Kids and pets in costume receive little pumpkins while they last. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 17. For info: (501) 868-4666, TheGoodEarthGarden.com. FREE!
4th Annual Paws on Pinnacle at Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Celebrate "howl-o-ween" with a festival dedicated to four-legged friends. Programs include outdoor safety with your dog and an agility course. Dress your pup for a canine costume contest at 3 p.m. All well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 17. For info: (501) 868-5806, www.ArkansasStateParks.com/PinnacleMountain. FREE!
3rd Annual Biketoberfest at River Market Pavilions: The Little Rock River Market and Recycle Bikes for Kids present this event featuring the Southern BMX Stunt Show, and adult trike race, the Rat Rod Build-off and more. Families can join the Family Fun Ride around downtown at 2 p.m.; those without bikes can rent a ride from Bobby's Bike Hike for a discount. Plus, soft drinks, water and Lost Forty brews will be available, with proceeds benefiting Recycle Bikes for Kids. Noon-4 p.m. Oct. 18. For info, click here. FREE!
Homestead Festival at Parker Homestead in Harrisburg: Experience how Arkansans once lived by visiting genuine log buildings, a general store, grist mill and more. You can also observe sorghum being cooked in a pan over a wood fire, watch broom making and blacksmithing demonstrations, enjoy music and more. Festival hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 17, noon-5 p.m. Oct. 18. Price: $7, kids under 6 free. Info: (870) 919-0425, ParkerHomestead.com. *For more details, see the Parker Homestead's profile in our Ultimate Field Trip Guide.
For more central Arkansas events, browse our full online calendar here.