Stay “in the know” about all the great events going on around Arkansas. AY’s Publisher, Heather Baker, will tell you what the hot spots are this weekend.
Thursday, January 31
What: Photographing Frida Opening Lecture
Where: Arkansas Arts Center
When: 5:30 p.m.
Frida Kahlo is one of the most iconic artists of the 20thcentury. Even those unfamiliar with her paintings will likely recognize Frida herself. This is due to the wide availability of images of Frida throughout popular culture. Learn more about Frida and how she created her powerful image with a lecture by Raissa Bretaña. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. with a wine reception, followed by the lecture at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for non-members and are free for museum members. Get yours here!

What: Stargazing 101
Where: Darragh Center (CALS)
When: 6 p.m.
Are you a budding Galileo? Then head over to the Darragh Center to learn the basics of stargazing with Darrell Heath. The Central Arkansas Astronomical Society is holding a series of programs in January that cover the starting points of observational astronomy. This is a must-see! Afterwards, you can reserve one of the library telescopes to practice what you’ve learned!

What: Movies of a Moment: Within Our Gates
Where: CALS Ron Robinson Theater
When: 6:30 p.m
During Black History Month, the CALS Robinson Theater will be hosting Movies of a Movement: The Civil Rights and Social Change Collection, which spotlights important films about the civil rights movement in America. To kick the program off, CALS is showing Within Our Gates, a silent film from 1920 that tells the story of an educated black woman who helps revitalize a school for poverty-stricken black children. Tickets are $5. Get yours here!

Friday, Feb. 1
What: Family Movie Day: Kung Fu Panda
Where: Maumelle Library
When: 3:30 p.m.
Every family needs a fun day out at the movies! But going to the theater can be an expensive proposition. But there’s no better price than free! CALS is hosting a Family Movie Day throughout February, starting this Friday. The first movie shown will be Kung Fu Panda, which is fantastic! There will be lemonade and popcorn and all-around fun. Make sure to make it back for the other Fridays, as well. On Feb. 8, they will show Madagascar; on Feb. 15, they will show Chicken Run; and on Feb. 22, they will show Megamind.

What: Joelle Storet: Awakening
Where: Thea Foundation
When: 6:30 p.m.
Be one of the first to see Joëlle Storet’s new exhibition “Awakening” at the Thea Foundation this Friday! The exhibit runs from February 1 to March 2, but the reception will be a great opportunity to see the work with an energy-filled crowd of art enthusiasts. You can enjoy hors d’oeuvres along with an open beer and wine bar. There will even be a chance to win a work by Storet! Tickets are $15 at the door.

Saturday, Feb. 2
What: National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Where: Loblolly Creamery
When: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Isn’t it every kid’s dream to eat ice cream for breakfast? This Saturday, live out your childhood dreams at Loblolly Creamery. Saturday is National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, and Loblolly Scoop Shop is opening early for this special occasion! Whether you love cereal milk ice cream or cold brew coffee floats, there’s going to be something sweet and delicious for everybody! Get there early for a special prize: Loblolly is handing out cool commemorative ice cream for breakfast buttons to the first 100 customers.

What: Chinese New Year Celebration
Where: CALS Main Library
When: 10:30 a.m.
Most people in Arkansas celebrated New Year’s in January, but there’s still one big New Year’s celebration left! The Chinese New Year kicks off on February 5, and the Central Arkansas Library System is getting everyone ready for the big event. Join the library on Friday for a fun day of stories, music and activities to learn more about this important cultural event. Did you know?  2019 is the Year of the Pig, which is associated with wealth and good fortune in the Chinese Zodiac. Head up to the third-floor of the Main Library and learn all about Chinese New Year! FREE

Sunday, Feb. 3
What: 15thAnnual Chocolate Festival
Where: Embassy Suites of Hot Springs
When: 12-2 p.m.
Chocolate makes life better. That’s just a fact. Make life better this weekend by going to the 15thannual Chocolate Festival in Hot Springs. Enjoy delicious chocolate treats and goodies prepared by restaurants and shops from around the Spa City while also benefiting a great cause. The chocolate festival benefits the Cooperative Christian Ministries and Clinic, which provides medical, dental, vision and pharmacy clinics for the uninsured and under-insured. But chocolate’s not the only draw for this festival. There will be local entertainers and a silent auction, offering everything from vacations to art to a day at the spa. It’s going to be a great time! General admission tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door, while VIP tickets are $50.

What: Puppy Bowl watch party
Where: Bark Bar
When: 2 p.m.This Sunday, prepare to watch the biggest sporting event of the year. That event – the Puppy Bowl, of course! The 15thannual Puppy Bowl will be showing on Animal Planet, and Bark Bar is holding a special watch party for you and your pup. Are you Team Ruff or Team Fluff? No matter what team you’re rooting for, you’ll see 93 cute puppies from shelters across the U.S., Costa Rica and Puerto Rica. After the Puppy Bowl is over, you can stay to watch something called the Super Bowl. Tickets for the watch party are $5 apiece for humans and dogs. This is a party for humans age 21 and up, but puppies under six months are welcome! (If your puppy is under six months, they get in free!)
READ MORE: Photographing Frida