07/03: Georgia Pellegrini, a chef, author and food blogger, comes to South on Main for a 6-8 p.m. book signing and question-and-answer session along with food and drinks inspired by her new book Modern Pioneering. Admission is free, but for $24 guests receive an autographed copy of Modern Pioneering and a gift bag. Reservations are required, and South on Main presents a Modern Pioneering dinner tasting menu that evening. RSVP at modernpioneering.eventbrite.com.
Music
07/02: Get a jump on the patriotic fun of the Fourth of July by catching the Air National Guard Band of the Southwest during a free concert at MacArthur Park. The concert is at 7 p.m. in the area behind the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. The 531st Concert Band presents a program of symphonic standards, patriotic music and Americana songs from Broadway to Hollywood. The rain location for the concert is the Children’s Theatre at the Arkansas Arts Center.
Film
07/02: There’s nothing frozen about July in Arkansas, but perhaps a viewing of Frozen might cool things off as the hit Disney animated film plays as part of Movies in the Park at First Security Amphitheater in downtown Little Rock. The free movie starts at sundown, which is 8:26 p.m. this Wednesday. The park opens at 6:30 p.m. Who knows? An impromptu “Let It Go” singalong might break out following the movie. Movies in the Park continues July 9 with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
Frontier Fourth
07/04: The Historic Arkansas Museum’s annual Frontier Fourth of July celebration is free and includes an old-time patriotic parade, living history, crafts, pioneer games, 19th century music, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, and watermelon and lemonade. The event is 2-4 p.m. The parade is at 3 p.m. Pioneer games for the kids includes walking on stilts, and children are invited to take up brooms and wooden rakes to train with the militia and create flags, streamers and signs.
Fourth Extravaganza
07/04: The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s annual Pops on the River kicks off at noon and ends with fireworks at approximately 9:30 p.m. Read more about it on Page 19. But if you are searching for a good fireworks vantage point, head to the Little Rock Marriott for its Fourth of July Extravaganza. The event starts at 6 p.m. and includes a barbecue dinner, children’s activities, music from Tragikly White and more. Tickets are $50 for adults, $25 for children over 4, and children 4 and under get in free.
Wrestling
07/04: Wrestling might be more American than baseball and apple pie, and wrestling fans should know the National Wrestling Alliance’s NWA Summer Clash is 7 p.m. at the Saline County Fairgrounds in Benton. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is $50 for a VIP superticket, which includes a meet and greet and photo session at 5 p.m. Ringside seats are $25, general admission tickets are $10, and children 5 and under get in free. Visit nwasummerclash.com for more information.
Music
07/04: Hard rock band Tesla, known for “Love Song” and “Signs,” visit Magic Springs Water and Theme Park’s Timberwood Amphitheater for an 8 p.m. concert. The John Calvin Brewer Band opens at 7 p.m. A season pass or general admission ticket is required for entry to the concert. Season passes are $74.99, and general admission tickets are $49.99 (purchased online). Free lawn seating is available, but reserved seating is available for $5 extra. A fireworks show follows the concert.