5 Events for Weekend Fun: Arkansas Literary Festival, Ragtime & More
What will you do this weekend? Pick strawberries at a local farm, explore the Arkansas River Trail, hang out with literatis at the Arkansas Literary Festival? Of course, there are plenty more events where that came from, including Catholic High's annual Rocket Race, a couture fashion show for kid designers at the Clinton Center and the traveling production of Broadway's "Ragtime." Read on for more weekend inspiration!
13th Annual Arkansas Literary Festival at Central Arkansas Library System's Main Library: This premier gathering of readers, writers, filmmakers and journalists in Arkansas takes place at The Central Arkansas Library System's Main Library campus and other venues in Little Rock. Most of the children's special events will take place April 16: At the Children’s Library and Learning Center, families can watch a play based on "How the Camel Got His Hump" by Rudyard Kipling (10 a.m.); at the CALS’ Main Library, enjoy a concert by The Kinders (10 a.m.); at Heifer Village, listen to a reading of the new children’s book by Peggy Reiff Miller called “The Seagoing Cowboy,” which tells the real-life story of seagoing cowboys who took livestock to those suffering the effects of World War II (11 a.m.). Also at the Children’s Library, families can join an interactive poetry and prose presentation by Nikki Grimes (1 p.m.), an author chat with 11-year-old author (and Little Rock resident) Gabrielle Simone (1 p.m.), and learn about the library’s 3-D printers and greenhouse (2 p.m.). For our full guide to the Lit Fest's family events, click here. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 16. Info: (501) 918-3000, ArkansasLiteraryFestival.org. FREE!
12th Annual Rocket 5K Race and Kids’ Rocket Dash at Catholic High School: The race, known for its challenging, hilly course, has earned the motto, “Yeah, it’s tough. Get over it!” The young men of Catholic High apply this motto to academics, athletics and other life challenges. The event begins at 8 a.m. with the Rocket 5K Race and is followed by the Kids’ Rocket Dash, a fun run for children age 10 and under. Activities for kids include an obstacle course, face painting, a blow up slide and bounce house, putting greens, football toss, bag-o, go fish and more. Don't miss a special 3K, where leashed pets are welcome to join the school’s canine, Zeke, in a stroll. Registration is at 6:30 a.m. at Catholic High School; the 5K starts at 8 a.m. Proceeds from the Rocket 5K benefit the Catholic High School Foundation. 8 a.m. April 16. $25 in advance; $30 race day; Kids Rocket Dash is $10. Info: (501) 664-4625, LRCHS.org.
It's berry season! Click HERE to read about pick-your-own berry farms in Arkansas!
"Ragtime" at Maumelle Performing Arts Center: The stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician unfold—set in turn-of-the-century New York—all three united by their desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow. Their compelling stories are set to theater’s richest and most glorious Tony Award-winning score. NOTE: Because of the show's historical context, some of the material may be inappropriate for children under 13. 8 p.m. April 15 & 16; 2 p.m. April 16 & 17. $32-$67. Info: (501) 244-8800, CelebrityAttractions.com.
Nitro Circus Live at War Memorial Stadium: Nitro’s daredevils—30 of the best athletes in freestyle motocross (FMX), BMX and more—ride a host of bicycles, skateboards, 4-wheelers, wheelbarrows, a child-sized car and other ridiculous contraptions on wheels, launching 50-feet into the air for a choreographed, theatrical spectacular. 6-10 p.m. April 16. $19-$79. Info: (501) 537-5227, NitroCircus.com.
Curbside Couture Fashion Show at Clinton Presidential Center: Not only does this fashion show feature green, recycled designs—all of the designs that come down the runway were created by local students in third-12th grades. Earlier in the year, students had the opportunity to attend a mentoring session with acclaimed fashion designers, including Korto Momolu. Selected designs will be highlighted in the runway fashion show, and cash prizes will be awarded to students chosen by a professional panel of judges. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a silent auction; fashion show begins at 7 p.m. April 17. $20. For info: ClintonFoundation.org.