Ten things to do in central Arkansas this weekend (Feb. 9-11)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – This weekend in the Natural State there is plenty to celebrate including Mardi Gras, Valentine’s Day, the Super Bowl and much more.
With Mardi Gras on Tuesday, the capital city will let the good times roll with the SoMardi Gras Parade. The festivities start Friday night at Midtown Billiards with a pre-party bash from 6 until 9 p.m. featuring Butterfly from New Orleans. On Saturday, the “SoMa Under the Sea” parade rolls out at 10:30 a.m. and the annual Beard & Mustache Contest starts at noon at The Bernice Garden.
SoMardi Gras Parade coming to Little Rock Saturday
For those in need of a furry friend, Friends of Animal Village will be waiving adoption fees Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Adopted animals will be sterilized, vaccinated, and microchipped before leaving the shelter.
If you are like many and not looking forward to Valentine’s Day, join the Little Rock Zoo for UnValentine’s Day 2024. For just $10 (donations due Monday) you can purchase a cockroach and write a note about your UnValentine that one of the zoo’s hungry reptiles will eat during a live stream on Valentine’s Day.
Arkansas native Jennifer Maune finishes MasterChef in Top 3
If you have a special someone for Valentine’s Day but don’t know what to do for them, check out Valentine’s Dinner with MasterChef Jennifer Maune. On Friday and Saturday night, Maune will be serving dinner at Villa Marre that includes wine pairings, live music, heart shaped ‘I Love You Cakes’, champagne toasts and more.
Saturday morning, Jacksonville hosts the 5th Annual Cupid Shuffle 5K Walk & Run. This 5K road race is sponsored by the Jacksonville Parks and Recreation Department and takes place at 8 a.m. at 1 Paradise Park Road.
Also happening Saturday morning is the Central Arkansas Shelter Adoption Event at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry. The event is touted as the biggest multi-shelter adoption event in central Arkansas. Admission is free and adoption rates and policies are set by each individual shelter or rescue group.
Country artist Cody Johnson to make February tour stop at Simmons Bank Arena
On Saturday night, Simmons Bank Arena will feature country star Cody Johnson’s The Leather Tour, which also features openers Chris Janson and Dillon Carmichael. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and tickets start at $44.
Another major concert happening this weekend features Puerto Rican reggaeton/rap/r&b artist D.Ozi at The Hall. Music starts at 9 p.m. and tickets start at $25.
Saturday also sees the debut of the first ever Autism Awareness Sneaker Ball at the North Little Rock Community Center at 2700 Willow Street. The event will bring together sneaker enthusiasts, advocates, and families impacted by autism to raise awareness. There will be dancing, music, food and plenty of vendors, tickets cost $15.
Former University of Central Arkansas Bear playing for the San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl LVIII
If you’re a Swiftie who wants to watch the big game, check out Super Bowl Party (Taylor’s Version) Sunday night at Taziki’s at 8200 Cantrell Road. Tickets include food from local restaurants served all night, Taylor-themed cocktails, karaoke on the patio, a costume contest and much more. Tickets are $50 for adults and the event starts at 5:30 p.m.
To stay on top of all the events happening in the Natural State, check out our Events page.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
