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.

 

Listen to Heather Baker discuss weekend events every Friday morning on 103.7 The Buzz.

Heather Baker

 

 

Thursday, October 21

What: Conway Art Walk

Where: Downtown Conway

When: 5 pm to 8 pm

Thursday, otherwise known as Friday Eve, is starting off hot with drinks, food, live music, shopping and local art demonstrations. On the third Thursday of each month, Downtown Conway is hosting the Conway Art Walk with a new of artists each month featured in retail shops. In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, artists Sector Sick will be creating live art throughout the night. Live music will be provided by Ron Jensen-McDaniel and a duet from the Conway Symphony Orchestra. You really just have to go to experience the excitement, so have fun and mark your calendars for the next Conway Art Walk on Nov. 18!

 

Thursday, October 21

What: Denim and Diamonds 2021

Where: Hill Barn Event Center (Bryant)

When: 6:30 pm 

After a brief pause for 2020, Denim and Diamonds is back! Benefiting the individuals with developmental disabilities of Civitan Services, Denim and Diamonds will have food from Down Home Restaurant and Catering, live music by Liquid Kitty Band, a silent auction, horseshoes and more. Throw on your favorite pair of blue jeans and shiniest diamonds for a family-fun night. Buy your tickets here, and if you can’t make it out consider making a donation to Civitan Services here.

 

Thursday, October 21

What: 38 Special

Where: Reynolds Performance Hall (Conway)

When: 7:30 pm

A band that has broken records, been on the radio for over four decades and has a timeless sound of Southern Rock — 38 Special. The five-man band will be performing at the University of Central Arkansas’ Reynolds Performance Hall TONIGHT. Relive your best memories with the guys of 38 Special with your “special” tickets here!

 

Thursday, October 21

What: Boos & Brews: The Wild and Lascivicious Tales of Argenta

Where: Faucett Park (North Little Rock)

When: 8 pm to 10 pm

Needing a good spook and an even better drink? Join the Haunted Arkansas Ghost Tours for the sordid stories of Argenta’s past. Guests will learn about the most sinister bar in Argenta where a murder occurred, a fight over opium in a laundry facility, multiple brothels, historical figures and the souls that still linger in these locations. Along the way, the tour will stop at a couple of bars for drinks and more stories about the spirits potentially sitting right next to you. If that’s not enough “Boos,” the final stop will be at a seance to attempt making contact with the spirits. Come with an open mind and a thirst. Tickets can be reserved here.

 

Friday, October 22

What: Tusk V Meet & Greet

Where: Little Rock River Market 

When: 5:30 pm

Arkansas’ sweetheart is making an appearance in the capital city for his beloved fans. Tusk V will be at the Little Rock River Market for a special meet and greet before Saturday’s Arkansas vs Arkansas game, or the University of Arkansas vs. University of Arkansas Pine Bluff game. Stop by and say hello to the snaggle-toothed golden boy.

 

Friday, October 22

What: Jeepers Creepers 

Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs)

When: 6 pm to 10 pm

Jeepers creepers, where’d you get those headlights? Every Friday in October, Oaklawn is hosting weekly qualifying drawings. On Saturday, Oct. 30, one lucky Silver guest will win a 2021 Jeep Renegade Latitude, one Gold guest will win a 2021 Dodge Challenger and one Elite guest will win a 2021 Jeep Gladiator Overland. Feeling lucky? Head down to Oaklawn, put your name into the drawing and try your hand in the casino.

 

Friday, October 22

What: Ghost Hunting and Investigation

Where: MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History (Little Rock)

When: 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Most of us have fallen down the wormhole of shows like Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, Paranormal Witness and others of the nature that allow us a glimpse into the other world that might be walking among us: the spirit world. Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back. If you find yourself wanting to dive into paranormal investigating and the tools and methods Zak Bagans and his team use, then this event is right up your alley. Meet up with local paranormal investigators at the MacArthur Museum on Friday, Oct. 22 for hands-on experience in the paranormal world. Instructor Rhonda Burton will take guests through equipment, proper technique and methods used in investigations. As one of the most haunted sites in Arkansas, guests will put their newfound knowledge to work at the MacArthur Museum.

Save your spot here.

 

RELATED: Something Strange in the Neighborhood: Arkansas X Files

 

Friday, October 22

What: Goodies & Ghosts

Where: The Fee House (Little Rock)

When: 7 pm

If you haven’t been around the Fee House or know what it’s about, this is the perfect opportunity to maybe learn a little much about the infamous home. Join paranormal investigators for a two-hour investigation in the haunted house. Hear the stories that span decades and possibly take away your own story front the experience. All that investigating and adrenaline will make you hungry, but don’t worry, that’s the “goodies” part of this event. Snacks will be provided, and memories are guaranteed. Spots are frighteningly limited, so get your name in there before it’s too late. 

 

Friday, October 22

What: Styx

Where: First Financial Music Hall (El Dorado)

When: 7:30 pm to 10 pm

Feeling like a trip back in time? Styx has just the thing: a live concert of old favorites and new hits from the recently released album “Crash of the Crown.” Join JY, Tommy Shaw, Chuck Panozzo, Todd Sucherman, Lawrence Gowan and Ricky Phillips for a night of the ages.

You might not have another chance like this in a while, so buy your tickets now.

 

Friday, October 22

What: Cos-Play Night

Where: Cregeen’s Irish Pub (North Little Rock)

When: 8 pm

If you’re needing an excuse to dress up as your favorite movie, TV, video game or book character with your friends, this is it. Hang with the crowd at Cregeen’s for a night of pub games, hot food and cold drinks. Just show up in your best fit and make-up!

 

Friday, October 22 – Saturday, October 23

What: Colorama Fall Festival

Where: Mountain Village 1890 (Bull Shoals)

When: Times vary

You might want to sit down for a minute because there is a whole host of activities to prepare for at the Colorama Fall Festival. To kick-off the whole shebang, there will be a kick-off concert with Eureka Strings followed by a 5k race, the Outhouse Races and the Haunted Hollow Village Tours. It would be strange if you didn’t have a few questions about the Outhouse Races, and to those that compete every year, it’s just another shot at the Golden Toilet Seat. Teams for the race must consist of three to four members with one member sitting inside an outhouse while the others push, pull or drive the outhouse. Sounds like a good time? Get your team together! Find the full schedule of events here.

 

Saturday, October 23

What: Arkansas Razorbacks vs. UAPB Golden Lions

Where: War Memorial Stadium (Little Rock)

When: Stadium gates open at 9 am

The most anticipated game of the season is finally here as the Arkansas Razorbacks go up against another Arkansas school for the first time since 1944. The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Lions will meet the Razorbacks on the field for a history-making game. If you haven’t already purchased your tickets, which you should have, you can find a few here.

 

Saturday, October 23

What: Halloween Weekends

Where: Magic Springs Theme and Water Park (Hot Springs)

When: 12 pm to 6 pm

October at Magic Springs is finally here, and that can only mean Halloween Weekends festivities are upon us. On Saturdays and Sundays for the entire month of October, guests are welcome to the Trick or Treat Trail, a pumpkin patch, Fright Flix Terror Trail, fall festival photo opportunities, the Undead Graveyard, Blacklight Bumpin’ Carz 2.0 and a frighteningly long list of more activities. Day and season passes are your tickets for Halloween Weekend fun.

 

Saturday, October 23

What: The Bramble Market Harvest Festival

Where: The Bramble Market (Little Rock)

When: 9 am to 4 pm

The locals’ favorite market, the Bramble Market, is back with their Harvest Festival celebrating all the fresh flavors of the fall season. Get their first thing and stay for the day enjoying community time, homegrown flavors and a performance by The Gravel Yard.

 

Saturday, October 23

What: Festival of Darkness: Nighty Night 2021 Release Party

Where: Lost Forty Brewing (Little Rock)

When: 4 pm

If you’ve never been to the most frightening beer festival in the region, it’s your lucky weekend. Festival of Darkness is back with dark beer, live music, magicians, video installations, stilt-walking ravens, food trucks, games and the annual Zombie Lumberjack costume contest. As if the night can’t get any better, the Barrel-Aged 2021 batch of Nighty Night Imperial Stout is making its debut Proceeds from the event are donated to Recycle Bikes for Kids of Arkansas, a nonprofit that provides bicycles to youth in need. Rise from the dead, or your couch, throw on your best zombie costume for the booziest Halloween party of the year. Nighty night!

 

Saturday, October 23

What: Howl-O-Ween Pawty

Where: Bark Bar (Little Rock)

When: 6 pm to 10 pm

Ah-oooo! Your favorite canines should never miss out on the Halloween festivities, sorry, Howl-O-Ween festivities. Bring your pup all costumed up for a spooky selfie station, scary movies, candy for humans and treats for doggos and more. Humans must be 21 years or older to get in and dogs must be 4 months or older — a dog’s legal pawtying age. Costume contest categories include Best Duo (human+dog), Best Small Dog (under 25 pounds), Best Medium Dog (25-50 pounds) and Best Big Dog (50+ pounds). Remember to fill out your shot records for your little werewolf before you buy your tickets! Be-were of a good time!

 

Saturday, October 23

What: The Finest Gala

Where: Argenta Plaza (North Little Rock)

When: 6 pm

Combining the Breath of Life Gala with the Taste of the Finest into one big event, The Finest Gala. This glamorous night under the stars will honor over 20 of Central Arkansas’ young professionals and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s top hone, the Breath of Life Award presented by Annie Norris. Black-tie optional, Chef Sarge Krikorian with Vibrant Occasions Catering and Magnolia Mead are bringing guests the “finest” seated dinner and drinks to enjoy the night.

 

Saturday, October 23

What: Minute Man Food Truck at Gwat-Thrilla Haunted Car Wash

Where: Gwatzilla Wash-N-Lube (Jacksonville)

When: 7:30 pm to midnight

What month is it? October? So that must mean that the Gwat-Thrilla haunted car wash is back every Friday and Saturday night of October. Enter behind Gwatney Chevrolet off Bailey Road and witness the horrors that wander into your path. Drive your terrifyingly dusty car out and have a good fright. A portion of the proceeds from the wash goes toward Veteran Suicide Intervention.

 

Saturday, October 23

What: Halloween Carnival

Where: North Little Rock Funland

When: 7 pm

It’s not called Funland for no reason, and the Halloween season only adds to the excitement. Dress the whole family up in costumes and enter your younglings into the Costume Contest. Other activities include the Zombie Boogey, Eerie Express, movie in the graveyard, scary walking tour, ghostly carousel and the Graveyard of Treats. 

 

Sunday, October 24

What: Sunday Funday at the Winery

Where: Sunset Lodge at Rusty Tractor Vineyard (Little Rock)

When: 12 pm

Croissants and fall weather under the cover of a picturesque patio? Now that’s something to “leaf” the house for. Join the Croissanterie at Sunset lodge with wine, beer and cocktails. But wait, there’s more – Brian Ramsey will be performing live in the crisp weather while you enjoy your Croissanterie goods and drinks. B-autumns up!

 

Friday, October 22 – Sunday, October 24

What: Ozark Hauntings Lake Tour

Where: Lake Fort Smith State Park (Mountainburg)

When: Times vary

Like most forests and natural areas that can hide the secrets of the past and unknown, the Ozark Mountains are no different. Join the park staff at Lake Fort Smith for a nighttime lake ride to hear some chilling stories of hauntings, legends, ghosts and monsters. If you dare, register in advance at the marina for a spot on one of the hour-long trips.

 

Friday, October 22 – Sunday, October 24

What: Arkansas State Fair

Where: Arkansas State Fairgrounds (Little Rock)

When: Times vary

It’s the last weekend of the State Fair, and if you haven’t made it out there yet you bet your bottom dollar that you’ll live a lifetime of regret if you miss it. All the favorite fair staples — fried foods, amusement rides, livestock, pageants and lifelong memories — are making a comeback after a pandemic-induced hiatus. Get your funnel cakes, corn dogs, smothered and covered carbs and anything else your stomach desires. If you’re not a fan of rides, be sure to check out the concert schedule to party with your favorite performers. Bring your kids, friends, distant cousins and estranged relatives for the most exciting event of the year. Get your tickets here.

 

Weekend Lineup at the Arkansas State Fair:

Thursday, October 21:

  • Better Than Ezra; show begins at 7 pm.

Friday, October 22: 

  • Blackberry Smoke; show begins at 8 pm.

Saturday, October 23:

  • Riley Green; show begins at 8 pm.

 

Weekend Lineup at The Rev Room:

Friday, October 22:

  • Khaki Onion; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $15.

Saturday, October 23:

  • 100.3 The Edge presents Badflower with Teenage Wrist and Dead Poet Society; doors open at 6 pm, show begins at 7 pm; tickets are $20.

 

Weekend Lineup at the Walmart AMP:

Thursday, October 21:

  • Jonas Brothers with Kelsea Ballerini; gates open at 6 pm, show begins at 7 pm; tickets are $55 to $179.95.

Friday, October 22:

  • Dierks Bentley with Riley Green, Priscilla Block and Breland; gates open at 6 pm, show begins at 7:30 pm; tickets are $41 to $95.75.

Saturday, October 23:

  • Gary Clark Jr. with Blackillac; gates open at 6:30 pm, show begins at 8 pm; tickets are $29.50 to $59.50.

 

Weekend Lineup at George’s Majestic Lounge:

Thursday, October 21:

  • Muscadine Bloodline’s Dyin’ for a Livin’ Tour with David Adam Byrnes; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $15.

Friday, October 22: 

  • Happy Hour with the Nace Brothers; doors open at 5 pm, show begins at 6 pm; tickets are $8.
  • Vintage Pistol Album Celebration with Trymore Mojo and Son of Stan; doors open at 8:30 pm, show begins at 9:30 pm; tickets are $10 to $15.

Saturday, October 23:

  • Hot Lix; doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $15.

 

Weekend Lineup at the Whitewater Tavern:

Friday, October 22: 

  • Tiko Brooks; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $10.

Saturday, October 23: 

  • Recognizer Release Show: Joe & The Feels and Indigo Lightning; show begins at 9 pm; tickets are $7.

Sunday, October 24:

  • Better Now EP Release with Bri Ailene; show begins at 7 pm; tickets are $10.

 

Weekend Lineup at Stickyz Rock N’ Roll Shack:

Friday, October 22:

  • The Texas Gentleman; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:30 pm; tickets are $10.

Saturday, October 23:

  • Seratones with Joshua Asante; doors open at 7:30 pm, show begins at 8:45 pm; tickets are $15.

 

Look here for pumpkin patches in your area! 

 

On this day…

  • On October 21, 1975, Elton John was given a star in Hollywood.
  • On October 21, 2013, the Parliament of Canada conferred Honorary Canadian citizenship to Malala Yousafzai.

 

  • On October 22, 1969, Paul McCartney denied rumors of his death.

 

  • On October 23, 1915, around 25,000 supporters marched for the Women’s Suffrage movement on New York’s Fifth Ave. led by Dr. Anna Shaw and Carrie Chapman Catt, found of the League of Women Voters.
  • On October 23, 1941, Walt Disney’s Dumbo was released.
  • On October 23, 1958, “The Smurfs” first debuted in “Johan and Pirlouit” by Belgian cartoonist Peyo.
  • On October 23, 1998, Britney Spears released her debut hit “Baby One More Time.”
  • On October 23, 2001, Apple released the iPod.

 

  • On October 24, 1926, Harry Houdini performed his final show at the Garrick Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.
  • On October 24, 2017, Albert Einstein’s “Theory of Happiness,” a note he wrote for a bellboy rather than giving a tip in 1922, sold for $1.56 million.

 

Famous Birthdays:

  • John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, American jazz trumpeter, a creator of bebop and modern jazz, was born on October 21, 1917.
  • Carrie Fisher, American actress, was born on October 21, 1956.
  • Kim Kardashian, American TV personality, was born on October 21, 1980. 
  • 21 Savage, English rapper, was born on October 21, 1992.
  • Doja Cat, American rapper and singer-songwriter, was born on October 21, 1995.

 

  • Jeff Goldblum, American actor, was born on October 22, 1952.
  • Shaggy, Jamaican-American reggae musician and rapper, was born on October 22, 1968.

 

  • John Heisman, American football coach, was born on October 23, 1869.
  • Johnny Carson, American comedian, was born on October 23, 1925.
  • Ang Lee, Taiwanese-born American filmmaker, was born on October 23, 1954.
  • Weird Al Yankovic, American parody singer, was born on October 23, 1959.
  • Emilia Clarke, English actress, was born on October 23, 1986.

 

  • Drake, Canadian actor and rapper, was born on October 24, 1986.
  • PewDiePie, Swedish YouTube personality, was born on October 24, 1989.

 

Holidays:

October 21:

  • Get to Know Your Customers Day
  • National Get Smart About Credit Day
  • National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
  • National Reptile Awareness Day
  • Apple Day

October 22: 

  • CAPS LOCK DAY
  • National Make a Dog’s Day Day
  • National Color Day
  • National Nut Day

October 23:

  • National Mole Day
  • National Boston Cream Pie Day
  • iPod Day
  • Made a Difference Day

October 24:

  • National Mother-in-Law Day
  • National Food Day
  • National Bologna Day
  • Recycle Your Mercury Thermostat Day
  • United Nations Day

 

READ MORE: Oscar Mayer Wienermobile Rolling Into Central Arkansas This Weekend