14 Events for Weekend Family Fun
There's so much happening this weekend we can barely keep track of it all! From food trucks to Disney shows to delicious festivals, there's something for everyone.
Friday, April 20
Critter Crawl at Garvan Woodland Gardens: Join Garvan Naturalist Lydell Lively on a night hike through Garvan Gardens, observing the sights and sounds of the Natural State’s nocturnal community. Reservations are required; reserve online or by phone. The hike goes from 7-9 p.m. and tickets are $10 per person. Call (800) 366-4664 or visit the website for more details.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" Opening Night at Argenta Community Theater: Whether your kids are reading this book in school or you just want to introduce them to a classic, this play is sure to do the trick. The story gets new life on stage thanks to a group of local performers. Prepare to be transported back to 1930s Alabama. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 apiece. For more info, click here.
Friday & Saturday
Italian Food and Culture Festival at Riverfront Park: This inaugural fest will take over North Little Rock to offer guests cooking lessons and competitions, bocce ball and soccer tournaments, an Italian car show, a group bike ride and heaps of delicious pasta and other food. Festival hours are Friday from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door and kids 5 and under are free! For more info, click here.
Saturday
14th Annual Rocket 5K & Kids' Rocket Dash at Catholic High School: Run the 5K, walk the 3K or have the kids participate in the Kids’ Rocket Dash (for ages 10 and under)! You can even bring your dog to walk the 3K with Titus, the Catholic High School pet. Each Kids’ Rocket Dash participant goes home a winner with his or her very own medal! Ages 1-5 will run a 100-meter dash, and ages 6-10 will run a 300-meter dash. Registration ranges from $10-$30. The run starts at 8 a.m. Visit the website for details.
Safety Fair at McCain Mall: Bring the family for a day of safety education. Meet with public safety officials, get children fingerprinted, learn safety tips from various agencies and more. The fair goes from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call (501) 758-6317, ext. 221 or visit the website for more information. FREE!
10th Annual B Street Rib-Off at 512 N. Main: This yearly barbecue throwdown will feature live music, food trucks, local beer and raffles. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society of Central Arkansas. The event is open to the public from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more info, click here.
Brews and Bites at the Outlets of Little Rock: The weather is beatiful which means it's time to get outside — and what better way to do that than as you peruse delicious food trucks? Enjoy treats from The Wunderbus, Haygood BBQ, Loblolly and more while mom and dad can enjoy sipping craft beer and live entertainment. Enjoy the fun from noon-5 p.m. Tickets are $5 ahead of time or $10 at the gate; children 12 and under can get in free. For more info, click here.
Children's Dining Etiquette Lesson at The Butcher Shop Steakhouse: During this two-hour lesson, your child will learn the basics of dining etiquette. The first hour will consist of learning the correct place setting, how to correctly pass around the table, menu etiquette and more. Then in the final hour, each child will order a three-course meal and put their new skills to the test. The meal and lesson goes from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and the cost is $49.50 per participant. Click here for details.
Little Rock Rangers Season Opener at War Memorial Stadium: The Little Rock Rangers Soccer Club is kicking off its third season against the Shreveport Rafters. Arrive early to enjoy food trucks outside the stadium. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the match starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $5 for ages 11 and under and $10 for ages 12 and up. For more info, click here.
Saturday & Sunday
Earth Day Weekend Celebration at The Green Corner Store: All weekend long, this SoMa staple is offering a lineup of gifts and samples, activities for kids, drink specials and door prizes, all in the name of sustainability and localism. Be there both days from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more info, click here.
Sunday
10th Birthday Backyard Bash at ZaZa Fine Salad + Wood Oven Pizza Co.: Celebrate 10 years of delicious salad, pizza and gelato at this birthday celebration for this staple restaurant in The Heights. ZaZa's party brings a ton of pizza, a mini farmers market, a beer garden (for mom and dad), activities for kids and live music. Plus, you can donate items for the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance. The fun goes from noon-4 p.m. For all the info, click here. FREE!
Earth Day at The Promenade at Chenal: Celebrate all things green at this event at The Promenade. The day is filled with fitness classes, family activities, giveaways, snacks and recycling. Stop in from noon-5 p.m. For more info, click here. FREE!
Friday-Sunday
"Disney on Ice: Reach for the Stars" at Verizon Arena: Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy set the stage for a star-studded talent extravaganza! Anna, Elsa, Ariel, Flynn Rider, Rapunzel, Belle and the Beast are all part of this magical show. Guests under age 14 can come dressed in their favorite character costume to watch the show. Shows take the ice Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $16.Head to the website for more details.
"The Lion King" on Broadway at the Robinson Center: Hakuna matata, the show is finally here! Watch the Pride Lands come to life right here in Little Rock as Simba, Mufasa and all your favorites take the stage. The curtain opens at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets start at $38. Click here for more information.