There are always great things to do in the Natural State, and AY About You has compiled some of the most exciting events in Arkansas this weekend. Also, listen to 103.7 The Buzz every Friday morning for Morning Mayhem to learn more about what’s going on during the weekend, featuring AY About You President and Publisher Heather Baker.
Valentine’s Day (and Galentine’s Day) is this weekend! AY About You has composed a list of 23 ideas to celebrate, including some great dining opportunities and places offering some adorable treats for the special day. Click here to check them out!
Thursday, Feb. 13
What: 2024 Broyles Award Ceremony
Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino & Resort (Hot Springs)
When: Doors open at 6:15 p.m.
The 29th annual Broyles Award reception and dinner will be held in the brand-new ballroom at Oaklawn. The event will be filled with opportunities to connect with nominees, past winners and honored guest. This year’s finalists include Marcus Arroyo, Bryant Haines, Al Golden, Tim Banks and Pete Kwiatkowski.
Thursday, Feb. 13
What: Sip ‘N Sail: Taste of River Cruising
Where: 5713 Kavanaugh Blvd. (Little Rock)
When: 5 p.m.
Hosted by Cindy Minor of Small World BIG FUN and Marci Neu of AmaWaterways, join this Sip ‘N Sail event and get a taste of the luxury and adventure of river cruising!
Thursday, Feb. 13
What: 2025 LEGO Contest
Where: Fort Smith Convention Center (Fort Smith)
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The LEGO contest, sponsored by Firstar Bank, returns at the 2025 Home Show. Showcase your creative house, home or dwelling. The winners will be announced during a ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 13
What: AGC Arkansas 30th Annual Associates Division Derby
Where: Maumelle Event Center (North Little Rock)
When: 6 p.m.
This is AGC Arkansas’ BIGGEST fundraising event, and has been an annual tradition since 1995. It’s a unique spin on Casino Night & Horse Racing — so enjoy networking, gaming, prizes, food, booze and more!
Thursday, Feb. 13 – Saturday, Feb. 15
What: Horseback Ride for Valentine’s Day
Where: Take the Lead Academy (Conway)
When: Times vary
Make this year the best Valentine’s Day ever! Treat your sweetie to a horseback ride with some fun extras thrown in. No gift is as good as creating memories. To reserve a time, call or text Miss Toby Hart at 501-733-3525.
Thursday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 16 (runs through March 23)
What: “American Sunrise: Indigenous Art”
Where: Crystal Bridges (Bentonville)
When: Thursday & Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Guided by three themes, Indigenous Futurism, Place, and Kinship, “American Sunrise” celebrates the historical and ongoing relationships Indigenous peoples carry between the land, intergenerational artistic expressions, and the resilience of kinship between Indigenous artists and place.
Thursday, Feb. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 16 (runs through April 13)
What: “Best in Show: Pets in Contemporary Photography”
Where: The Momentary (Bentonville)
When: Thursday & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
This free exhibit celebrates and acknowledges animals as constant companions, their presence in Western art and popular culture, and their multifaceted relationships with humans. And the best part? Domesticated pets are welcome inside the galleries!
Friday, Feb. 14 (every Friday through March 28)
What: Rivera’s Paris
Where: Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (Little Rock)
When: 5 p.m.
Immerse yourself in the world of Rivera’s Paris! Experience a taste of Rivera’s life during the early 1900s with French dinner specials at Park Grill, live jazz performers and more special surprises across the museum – perfect for a night out.
Friday, Feb. 14
What: Valentine’s Sux Party
Where: Crisis Brewing Company (Fayetteville)
When: 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
If Valentine’s Day has never been your jam, this is an event where you can find your people. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, this event will have special food, decor, music and more!
Friday, Feb. 14
What: Speed Dating (ages 25 – 35)
Where: 810 Billiards & Bowling (Fort Smith)
When: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Don’t spend Valentine’s Day alone! At 810’s first-ever speed dating event, make new connections and maybe even find love! Admission is just $20 and includes one drink ticket and appetizers.
Friday, Feb. 14 – Saturday, Feb. 15
What: Arkansas Ducks Unlimited State Convention
Where: Embassy Suites Hotel (Little Rock)
When: Times vary
On Friday, guests can get excited for a roaring ’20s-themed casino night with Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Texas Hold’em, 3 Card Poker and more! The awards banquet, auction and dance will be held on Saturday evening.
Friday, Feb. 14 – Saturday, Feb. 15
What: “Murder Among Three’s Company”
Where: Murder and Macabre Mystery Dinner Theater (Hot Springs)
When: 6 p.m.
The play is set in the 70’s, so come dressed as a character from “Three’s Company” or in 70’s attire and help solve this comedy “who dun it.”
Friday, Feb. 14 – Saturday, Feb. 15
What: CALS Used Book Sale
Where: 7773 Sloane Dr. (Little Rock)
When: Thursday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
With $1 paperbacks and $2 hardbacks, show that special someone you really care by bringing them to the CALS Used Book Sale on Valentine’s weekend and get them all the books their heart desires!
Friday, Feb. 14 – Sunday, Feb. 16 (and Monday, Feb. 17)
What: Arkansas Razorback Baseball 2025 Opening Weekend
Where: Baum-Walker Stadium (Fayetteville)
When: Times vary
Arkansas begins its 2025 baseball season hosting Washington State for a four-game set with opening day falling on Valentine’s Day. The Razorbacks own a 7-3 all-time series record against the Cougars, as the two teams will clash for the first time since meeting in the 2010 NCAA Fayetteville Regional.
Friday, Feb. 14 – Sunday, Feb. 16
What: “Romeo & Juliet” – The World’s Greatest Love Story
Where: Robinson Center (Little Rock)
When: Times vary
Experience a timeless tale of love and tragedy like never before as Ballet Arkansas presents “Romeo & Juliet” – The World’s Greatest Love Story set to Prokofiev’s epic score with live music by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
Saturday, Feb. 15
What: Make a Blanket Day
Where: St. Luke Lutheran Church (Fort Smith)
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Project Linus of Western Arkansas delivers new, handmade blankets to children ages 0-18 in Crawford and Sebastian counties who just need an extra hug. Whether you come with a friend or by yourself, get ready to have fun making fleece blankets for children in the community! Never made a blanket? No problem. There will be guides available to teach you.
Saturday, Feb. 15
What: Tommy Terrific’s Wacky Magic Show – Black Cowboys of the West
Where: Bentonville Public Library (Bentonville)
When: 11 a.m.
All ages are welcome to join magician Tommy Terrific for a magic show featuring famous Black cowboys of the Wild West, including Bill Pickett, Mary Fields, Nat Love, Bass Reeves and more! Free tickets are required!
Saturday, Feb. 15
What: Celebrating Legends & Legacies
Where: Hillary Rodham Clinton Children’s Library & Learning Center (Little Rock)
When: 10 a.m.
Join CALS for a celebration of legends and legacies, featuring activities, crafts and movement. This family-oriented event welcomes everyone to observe Black history, culture and important milestones.
Saturday, Feb. 15
What: Valentine’s Day Cave Tour & Distillery Experience
Where: 229 S. Main St. (Bentonville)
When: 9:45 a.m.
Embark on a unique adventure with a guided cave tour showcasing stunning underground formations, followed by an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to a local distillery. Explore a .3-mile trail through breathtaking geology before diving into the art of distillation, complete with a tasting session for guests 21 and older. Perfect for nature lovers and spirit enthusiasts alike, this experience blends exploration, education and indulgence into one unforgettable day.
Saturday, Feb. 15
What: Cash Mob
Where: The 1988 (El Dorado)
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
What a fun and impactful way to boost our local economy! How does it work? First, visit The 1988 anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Then, commit to spending $25 in the store to support a local business. Lastly, enter to win door prizes just for showing up!
Saturday, Feb. 15
What: Inspyral Circus
Where: Fayetteville Public Library Event Center (Fayetteville)
When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
This free event is a magical journey that will inspire and delight as performers juggle, glow dance, hand balance and more! Experience the magic in this all-ages show that even includes chances to play along!
Saturday, Feb. 15
What: Anti-Valentine’s Emo Night
Where: Petit & Keet (Little Rock)
When: 4 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Whether you’re celebrating being single or just want to relive the glory days of MySpace and LiveJournal, join Petit & Keet for themed cocktails, emo anthems and a chance to embrace your inner scene kid once again.
Saturday, Feb. 15
What: SNUGS & HUGS Farm Event
Where: P&P Legacy Farm (Rogers)
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Join this SNUGS & HUGS event with fuzzy farm animals in honor of Valentine’s Day AND support one of our favorite nonprofits! AND enjoy a hand-led horse ride in the arena, a photo op with a unicorn and a sweet treat to end your experience! Ponies, horses, goats, rabbits, chickens, highland cows, ducks, cats, dogs and, of course, the famous unicorn, will be at the farm.
Saturday, Feb. 15 – Sunday, Feb. 16 (runs through May 11)
What: “The Animation Academy”
Where: Mid-America Science Museum (Hot Springs)
When: Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This traveling exhibit invites visitors to embark on a hands-on exploration of the history, artistry and technology behind animation. Interactive stations allow guests to experiment with stop-motion techniques, create scenes using 3D models, and share their own animated creations.
Saturday, Feb. 15 – Sunday, Feb. 16
What: Cat Show & Feline Agility Competition
Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds (Little Rock)
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
See over 150 purebred and household pet cats compete for top cat in five different judging rings throughout each day. Meet Maine Coon Cats, Ragamuffins, Persians, Siamese, Devon Rex, Ragdolls, Bengals and up to 30 other breeds!
Sunday, Feb. 16
What: Celebrating Black Love: An Evening of Paint and Poetry
Where: TheatreSquared (Fayetteville)
When: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Roses are red, violets are blue, who wants to attend a T2 Black Love Event? That’s right, it’s you. This free event guarantees an exciting evening of painting, poetry, music and good vibes in partnership with My-T-By-Design.
Sunday, Feb. 16
What: Say ‘I Do’ Wedding Expo
Where: Benton County Fair (Bentonville)
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Enjoy an unforgettable showcase of the NWA wedding community, featuring the latest wedding trends and everything needed to plan your big day. Explore wedding venues, formal wear, music, photography, catering, flowers and so much more!
RECURRING EVENTS
- The “Best in Show: Pets in Contemporary Photography” exhibit will be on display at the Momentary in Bentonville from Nov. 23 through April 13.
- “Rivera’s Paris” will be held every Friday through March 28 at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
- Archery Deer Season will run through Feb. 28.
- “American Sunrise: Indigenous Art” will be on display at Crystal Bridges in Bentonville through March 23, 2025.
- “The Animation Academy” will be on display at the Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs through May 11, 2025.
- Join The Rail Yard every Thursday evening for SINGO.
- Join Oaklawn Casino Racing Resort every Thursday from 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. for Hot Springs Village Day.
- Head out to AMFA for Creative Saturdays every Saturday as the museum dives into new exhibits.
- Head out to Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort every Thursday for Thursday night trivia hosted by Roger Scott.
Feature Photo Credits: VEZA Experience LLC on Facebook, Rock Town Distillery, Arkansas Feline Fanciers Cat Club on Facebook
READ ALSO: Live Music Lineup: Feb. 13 – Feb. 16
