Thursday

The 5th Annual Fountain Fest at the Arkansas Arts Center is Thursday evening from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 501 East 9th Street in Little Rock. Tickets are $25 and proceeds are used to support efforts to expand the Arkansas Arts Center Collection and “provide exceptional programming for young professionals in Little Rock.” The highlight of the festival is the reveal of a surprise installation in the fountain in front of the Arts Center. There will be heavy hors d’oeuvres by Canvas restaurant, beer by Lost Forty Brewing and Stone’s Throw Brewing, and cocktails by Roxor Gin. Local duo Luke Johnson and Brian Nahlen will provide music. Museum School instructors and students will assist with a variety of art-making activities and Children’s Theatre company members will provide a shadow puppet photo booth.

If you’re in for some spooky fun, the Central Arkansas Library System and Ernie Biggs Little Rock is hosting An Eerie Alley Party: CALS Edition next to the CALS main campus. This is a free party and the fun starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. The fun will feature live music from Ernie Biggs, wine, and craft beer from Rebel Kettle Brewing Co. Costumes are encouraged… and expected. For more details go to the event Facebook page.

Friday

Boo at the Zoo kicks off with Adult Night on Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Little Rock Zoo – 1 Zoo Drive in Little Rock. Tickets are $25 for Zoo members and $30 for non-members. Boo Adult Night allows those 21 and older to enjoy all the fun of Boo at the Zoo in an adults-only environment. Guests trick-or-treat for fun libations and candy or enjoy haunted attractions such as the Haunted Train, Haunted House, rides, games and other more. There is even a costume contest at the amphitheater stage. Live music will keep your feet moving and food trucks will have food available for purchase.

For some family fun on Friday evening head over to the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub in North Little Rock for Fall Fun at the Hub. The Hub’s Fall Holiday Workshop blends making and design with a whole lot of fun, for an opportunity to create holiday decorations with a personal touch. All ages are welcome. The workshop offers participants the chance to create Halloween T-shirts, carve pumpkins, laser etch pumpkins and eat and drink ghoulish concoctions. You’ll take home whatever you make – supplies are included, and beverages will be provided. Costumes are encouraged. The cost for this workshop is $15 for adults 18 and older, $10 for kids ages 5-17 and free for kids younger than 5.

An Exhibition of Female Artists called “SHE” begins at M2 Gallery on Friday with an opening from from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. M2 Gallery is located at 11525 Cantrell Rd Suite 918 in Little Rock. The exhibition celebrates over 15 female artists who have shaped and continue to shape the art world. The amazing group of artists spans from coast to coast and covers an age range that spans more than 6 decades. “This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” gallery owner and featured artist Ashley Murphy said. “Everything finally fell into place and we’ve been able to include an amazing group of artists. I’m am excited about the show and to be a part of it.” The show will transition into the gallery’s holiday showcase at the end of November, but will remain on display through the end of the year. Check out the Facebook event for more details.

Saturday

The 2017 Arkansas Cornbread Festival in the South Main Street Commercial Historic District is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Amateur and professional cornbread entries and side dishes are judged by everyone with a tasting ticket as well as a panel of celebrity judges – with the winners of both categories winning $1,000. Tasting Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the festival. VIP tickets are $50. Ticket proceeds benefit the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and South Main St. South Main will be lined with vendors displaying and selling Arkansas art, handmade crafts, clothes, jewelry, home furnishings, locally produced food and gifts of all sorts. Food trucks will also be on hand. It is a festival that truly exemplifies Southern tradition.
For details go to arkansascornbreadfestival.com

The 2017 Arkansas Senior Expo is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Statehouse Convention Center. All seniors and baby boomers 55 years and older are invited to come to this free event, as well as family and caregivers. Everyone who enters will be given a bag to use throughout the event to carry the information they receive from 50+ businesses who are in attendance. The first 500 attendees will receive a complimentary newspaper as well.

Sunday

Bruno Mars will perform in North Little Rock at Verizon Arena on Sunday at 8 p.m. The R&B, funk and soul singer-songwriter is on his 24K Magic Tour in support of his third studio album, “24K Magic.” Mars is known for hits such as “Uptown Funk,” “Grenade, “Just the Way You Are” and “The Lazy Song.” Tickets range from $56.10 to $144.

Click here to see Publisher Heather Baker talk to Fox 16 Good Day about the Weekend Planner.