Thursday
Start your weekend early, and head to the elegant Capital Hotel for the Duckhorn Ducktail Tasting at 5 p.m. A fabulous selection of the Duckhorn product line will be served, including labels such as Canvasback, Goldeneye and Duckhorn Merlot. Small bites will accompany each wine. The tasting is $45 per person, and reservations need to be made in advance by calling 501-370-7068.
If you’re in the Searcy area, enjoy some truly fresh eats at the Farm to Table Pop-Up Restaurant at Robbins-Sanford Grand Hall.  At 5 p.m., Burrito Day will be serving up street tacos, infused drinks, desserts and more…all cooked with farm fresh ingredients. Tickets are $15 for adults, and $6 for children 12 and under. Check out the farmers’ market while you’re there for live entertainment, and fun for the entire family.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E5232&id=74
The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas will present a free concert at the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel in Bella Vista from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Musicians will perform works by Beethoven for violin, piano, viola and flute. No tickets are required, but seating is limited.
Friday
Chocolate lovers rejoice! The Dardanelle Chocolate Festival kicks off at 5 p.m. at the Dardanelle Community Center. Vendors will offer a variety of sweet treats, from classic to creative. Fan of chocolate chipotle popcorn, chocolate gravy or chocolate covered strawberries? Catch up with some friends and try something new, all while promoting local businesses and nonprofits.
Relax and unwind at the Ozark Folk Center State Park Craft Village in Mountain View for Handcrafted Evening in the Park. Admission is free to the Craft Village from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and surprises are in store for visitors. Learn about pottery, candles, quilting, blacksmithing and more.
Saturday
Look to the sky with the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society at the Summer Star Party at Woolly Hollow State Park in Greenbrier. From 9 p.m. to 11 p.m., volunteers will be sharing telescopes with visitors so they can view astral bodies. They’ll also be answering questions for the curious among the crowd.
Admission will be only $1 per person (children under 3 get in free) at the Little Rock Zoo for Hiland Dairy Dollar Day. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and parking will also be free for the event. Be sure to take the kids to visit the newborn gorilla before the day is over!
Fassler Hall is having a “Fass-Luau” from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., complete with good eats and tropical drinks. Sponsored by SweetWater Brewing, the luau will feature live music — a first for the German-inspired beer hall.
Sunday
Celebrate National Ice Cream day at Loblolly Creamery between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. The first 100 customers will receive a free limited edition Loblolly button, and they’ll be debuting a surprise flavor just for the special occasion!