The Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Little Rock 2019 Edition

With summer in full swing, it’s time to go out and explore everything Little Rock has to offer. This year, let us be your tour guides! There are so many festivals, events, restaurants, attractions, and summer camps to check out. We’ve compiled a list of the best the city has to offer, so you can narrow down your options and do something that you know you’ll enjoy.

Little Rock’s Summer Festivals and Events

Little Rock is a bustling city in the summertime. There’s always a festival or event going on, and new ones pop up every year. Many of the events that take place annually are family-friendly, so you’ll find something for everyone on our list.

• 45^th Annual Little Rock Farmers’ Market. The River Market District is home to the Little Rock Farmers’ Market. Every Saturday, May through September, the market welcomes famers, artists, and other vendors from around the state.
• Little Rock Scavenger Hunt: Big Fun in Little Rock. This app-lead scavenger hunt takes participants across the city in search of historic building, epic sculptures, and unforgettable views. This event runs from the middle of May to the middle of July.
• 36^th Annual Pops on the River. On July 4, visit the 36^th Annual Pops on the River festival for food, fireworks, music, and more. The event draws 30,000 people every year.
• Movies in the Park. Movies in the Park is a free summer cinema series that offers showings every Wednesday at sunset in June and July. This year’s lineup includes movies like The Greatest Showman, Dodgeball, and The Help.
• Little Rock Night Market. The Little Rock Night Market provides a platform for local chefs, startups, artists, and entrepreneurs to showcase their imagination and strengthen the local economy. This year’s market takes place on July 5 at the River Market Pavilion.
• Filmland. Hosted by The Arkansas Cinema Society, Filmland is a celebration of cinema with a mission to inspire filmmakers and expose residents of Arkansas to filmmakers and their art. This year’s festival takes place August 22-25.
• 1^st Annual Seafood Feast. Stop by the Southwest Community Center on July 12^th for the 1^st Annual Seafood Feast.
• 2019 Taste of the Rock. On June 27 at the River Market Pavilions, celebrate food and drink with local restaurants, caterers, and distributors at the Taste of the Rock.
• The 2019 Great Arkansas Beer Festival. The 2019 Great Arkansas Beet Festival takes place on July 27. Over 100 breweries will be featured.
• 4^th Annual Harvest Night. On September 7, stop by this festival for South cuisine, craft beverages, children’s activities, and live entertainment. This event benefits the Arkansas Food Bank.

Al Fresco Dining Options

There’s nothing like dining outside on a warm summer night. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special event or have a quiet evening with the family, there are so many outdoor dining options in Little Rock to choose from. Some of the eateries on our list even let your four-legged friends dine with you.

• Bark Bar. Bark Bar is Arkansas’ first indoor/outdoor dog park and bar/restaurant combo. You can bring your furry friend and let them play, while you enjoy cocktails, cheese dip, hot dogs, and more.
• Big Orange. Big Orange is the perfect place to get a burger, salad, or shake. There are two locations in Little Rock for you to visit, Big Orange West and Big Orange Midtown.
• The Fold. When you dine at The Fold, you can enjoy Mexican fair and hand-crafted drinks. Their meals are locally produced, and you can bring your dogs onto their patio.
• 42 bar and table. Whether you’re looking for brunch, lunch, or dinner, 42 bar and table has you covered. Take a seat on their relaxing patio and enjoy a beverage and conversation while you wait for your food.
• The Root Café. The Root Café strives to build community through local food. Six days a week they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their menu consists of ingredients from small farms and producers within the state.
• The Faded Rose. From burgers to seafood and comfort food, The Faded Rose is a family-run restaurant that has a variety of options for all types of eaters. They’re best known for their steak dinners and New Orleans Creole and Cajun dishes.
• Loca Luna. Loca Luna is a bold Southern bistro that has extensive lunch, dinner, brunch, cocktail, wine, private party, and catering menus.
• Capers. This New American restaurant focuses on providing their diners with fresh, gourmet seafood. Capers has been awarded a number of accolades including Best Outside Dining, Most Romantic, and Best Wine List.
• Rebel Kettle Brewery. Rebel Kettle Brewery features a wide selection of beers and Cajun-inspired menu items. They also have events throughout the week like karaoke and live music.
• Local Lime. Local Lime is a taco and margarita purveyor. Their menu features small plates for the table that can be shared, in addition to full entrees.
• Red Door. Red Door is a casual, fun restaurant that serves modern Southern cuisine. They offer a mixture of grilled meats, steaks, seafood, soups, salads, desserts, and more.
• Proof. Proof is a bar and lounge that serves beer, cocktails, wine, and food. There patio is great for enjoying summer nights.

Top Attractions to Visit in Arkansas

There’s always something new to see or do in Arkansas. The following list contains the top attractions in and around Little Rock. Whether you’re looking to find something to do on a rainy day or want to take a day-trip to a new spot, we’ve got the places for you.

• Little Rock Zoo. The Little Rock Zoo was founded in 1926. It’s home to more than 725 animals that represent over 200 species. The grounds cover 33 acres. It’s the perfect place to spend the day with the family.
• The Wonder Place. This indoor play facility is the perfect spot to take children eight and under. There are climbing, drama, and art activities. There’s also a toy store at The Wonder Place.
• Heifer Village & Urban Farm. When you visit Heifer Village & Urban Farm, you can learn about eco-friendly farming practices, meet farm animals, and enjoy a walk in the garden or tour of the barn.
• Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo. This farm and zoo has raised alligators since 1902. In addition to the alligator programs and viewings, there’s a small museum and souvenir shop to explore at the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo.
• Arkansas Air and Military Museum. The Arkansas Air and Military Museum is the largest aviation museum in Arkansas. While the museum is a couple hours from Little Rock, it’s worth the drive.
• Scott Family Amazeum. The Scott Family Amazeum is an interactive children’s museum. Through their exhibits and programs they promote creativity, curiosity, and community.
• Arkansas Railroad Museum. The Arkansas Railroad Museum is located at the former Cotton Belt yard. The former shops are now occupied by a historic collection of railroad equipment.
• Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. The Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum contains life-size wax replicas of historical and fictional people. There’s also a collection of gambling paraphernalia.
• Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center. When you visit the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, you can explore the region’s fish and wildlife through programs, trails, and exhibits.
• Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. Visitors to the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum can see artifacts from the nuclear-powered cruiser USS Arkansas, including the ship’s bell and anchor.
• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The striking Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art sits on 120 acres of land. They have a renowned collection, ranging from Rockwell to Warhol.
• Crater of Diamonds State Park. The Crater of Diamond State Park is a 911 acre state park in Pike County. The park features a nearly 40-acre plowed field where visitors can explore the diamond-bearing site.
• Hot Springs National Park. This national park was initially created by the United States Congress in 1832 to be preserved for future recreation. The pools of water in Hot Springs National Park can reach 143 degrees.

Summer Camps for Kids

Whether your child wants to hone their skills on a hobby they enjfoy or wants a traditional overnight-stay at a summer camp, there are countless opportunities in Little Rock. Some of the summer camp categories include arts, sports, cooking, science, outdoors, and music.

• Fashion Design Camp. From July 29 to August 2, young fashion designers from grades two to six will learn how to sketch designs and experiment with fabric and trims on mini mannequins at Fashion Design Camp. Participants will also learn how to use a sewing machine to create a tank dress, clutch purse, and headband.
• UpCyclers! Camp. Participants at UpCyclers! will learn how to extend the life of their clothes to transform old pieces into sustainable fashion. This summer camp runs from July 29 to August 2.
• Eggshells Kitchen Co. Summer Programs. Throughout the summer, Eggshells Kitchen Co. offers a variety of children’s cooking classes and events. This summer, some of the events include tea parties, a Harry Potter baking class, and a Star Wars cooking class.
• Ozark Mission Project 101. From July 29-31, fourth and fifth graders can learn how to help other through mission projects, games, worship, and fellowship at Ozark Mission Project 101.
• Summer Zoofari Camp. The Summer Zoofari Camp runs from the beginning of June to the beginning of August. Kids can experience close encounters with animals, participate in fun activities, and enjoy lunch from Café Africa.
• Old State House Museum Summer Fun. Participate in Camp Old State House from July 15-19 to learn about the museum from 1833 to the present. Kids will learn about art, architecture, and history with hands-on activities, games, and more.
• Unity Summer Camp. Unity Martial Arts offers 10 weeks of summer camp from June 3 to August 9. This year’s camps include Ranking Camp, Adventure Question, Movie Making, Avatar: the Last Airbender, and Magic the Gathering. Every day kids can choose between three activities that include adventure questing, karate, arts and crafts, free play, and story gaming.
• Faulkner Chamber Music Festival. From July 26 to August 4, kids 11 to 18 can study and perform music at the Faulkner Chamber Music Festival. This ten-day camp offers an immerse experience to attendees. Students must be able to play an instrument, but all levels of proficiency are accepted.
• Adventure Day Camp. From July 10-12, kids 8-12 can take part in Adventure Day Camp. Fishing, kayaking, and exploring activities will be available. Trip to local nature centers and hatcheries will also take place.
• VEX Student Camps. Depending on your child’s technological and STEM interests, there are a number of VEX Student Camps they might want to attend. There are morning and afternoon sessions in June and July.

Best Summer Wishes from McMath Woods P.A.

There’s fun to be had for all in the summertime in Little Rock. We hope you’re able to use the lists above to their full potential, so you and your family and friends can make the most out of this summer. While our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the legal representation they deserve, we also recognize that community is important. If you see us around this summer at any of the events we mentioned, be sure to stop and say hi!