ART — Mark Rothko in the 1940s: The Decisive Decade opened at Arkansas Arts Center in October, so maybe you’ve already seen it. Or maybe you’ve heard a lot about it so you’ve been meaning to go see it. If you’re in the latter camp, here’s your chance to get a glimpse of Rothko’s relevatory abstract expressionism for free: the Arts Center waives admission fees to the Rothko exhibit ($6-$8 per head) starting the day after Christmas and continuing through New Year’s Eve. For more information, call (501) 372-4000. (thursday–tuesday)
THEATER — What better time than Christmas for a heart-warming musical about a dog who can bring a family and a whole town together? After the hubbub of Christmas morning, pack up the out-of-town relatives and head to the Arkansas Repertory Theatre for a performance of Because of Winn Dixie. Curtain is 7 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, including Christmas day, and matinees begin at 2 p.m. Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The musical’s run has been extended to Jan. 5. (wednesday–sunday)
MUSIC — Texas country singer-songwriter and Hendrix College alumnus Hayes Carll returns to Little Rock for his seemingly annual holiday gig. Carll is not as glossy as other Texas country songwriters, but he performs gritty, literary Americana tunes influenced by the likes of Bob Dylan and John Prine. KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories) is Carll’s 2011 album. Bonnie Montgomery opens the Rev Room show at 9 p.m. Tickets are $17 in advance and $20 day of for the 18-and-up show. (thursday)
MUSIC — Tis the season for reunion shows, and The Big Cats! and Mulehead join forces for an annual holiday show at White Water Tavern. The Cats released the second part of their 25-song album, The Ancient Art Of Leaving, last year, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the jangly guitar pop-flavored rock ’n’ roll outfit. And Mulehead? Another legendary Arkansas band. The night features an all-ages set beginning at 6 p.m. and a later, 21-and-up set at 10 p.m. Cover is $10. (friday)
COMEDY — Need a few laughs following the holiday? The Joint’s original comedy group, The Main Thing, presents A Fertle Holiday, the story of the Fertle family’s Christmas in fictional Dumpster, Ark., with their just-in-town-for-the-holidays family from San Diego. The trio of Steve Farrell, Vicki Farrell and Brett Ihler make up the entire cast. Admission is $20, and shows begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The show runs through Jan. 11. (friday–saturday)
MARATHON — Saturday marks the first-ever 3 Bridges Marathon in Little Rock. The course leads runners across the three bridges the race is named for — the Big Dam Bridge, Two Rivers Bridge and Clinton Presidential Bridge. The inaugural race is sold out, but spectators are encouraged to come and cheer on the runners. The race begins at 7 a.m. at the base of the Two Rivers Bridge in Little Rock; a spectators’ guide can be found online at 3bridgesmarathon.com. (saturday)
KWANZAA CELEBRATION — The Mosaic Templars Cultural Center teams up with the Central Arkansas Library System; Pyramid Art, Books and Custom Framing; New Africa Alliance; and the Central High National Historic Site to bring a Kwanzaa celebration to downtown Little Rock beginning at noon every day. Kwanzaa celebrates the seven principles of African heritage, and each day presents an opportunity to celebrate a different principle. For more information, call (501) 683-3593. (thursday–wednesday)