APTITUDE
1 The Arkansas Arts Center celebrates the imagination and creativity of the state’s youngsters for the 54th time with the opening of the Young Arkansas Artists exhibit, Friday-July 26. This year’s exhibit features 106 works by Arkansas students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The awards ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday as part of the Arts Center’s Family Festival, which has activities for children of all ages. Admission is free. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Call (501) 372-4000 or visit arkansasartscenter.org.
2 AMPHIBIANS
The toads are hopping and ready to go as Conway prepares for the annual Toad Suck Daze festival, Friday-Sunday in downtown Conway. Most of the musical performances (including Corey Smith and Barrett Baber) and activities are scheduled for Saturday. Look for the Toad Suck Run, the toad races and the Toadal Kids Zone. General admission is free. Call (501) 372-7788 or visit toadsuck.org.
3 ARGENTA
Downtown North Little Rock will be a hive of creativity as it celebrates the Argenta Arts Festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Artists will sell baskets, ceramics, fiber arts, glassware, jewelry, sculptures and a wide range of art and craft pieces while also providing demonstrations and hands-on children’s activities. Admission is free. Adjacent to the festival, a variety of tech enthusiasts, educators, engineers, science clubs and general tinkerers will present the North Little Rock Maker Faire, “where art meets science.” Admission is $10. Call (501) 993-1234. See story on Page 4E.
4 ACS
The American Cancer Society will raise money, raise awareness and have a great time on the lawn of the Clinton Presidential Center, 1200 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock, at the Relay for Life. Starting at 6 p.m. Friday, the organization hosts an evening of food, entertainment and special ceremonies. Admission is free but fundraising and donations are encouraged. Call (501) 240-8056 or visit relayforlife.org.
5 ARF!
People and pups will take off on a jog through downtown Little Rock at the annual MacArthur Park 5K: History on the Run, Friday at MacArthur Park. The 5K race begins at 7 p.m. and will be followed by the “Dog Jog” Family Fun Run through the park at 7:10 p.m. Registration is $30 for each, $15 for children ages 5-12. Registration includes entry to the lawn party with food, drinks and music after the race. Call (501) 375-0121 or visit macarthurparklr.com.
6 ACTORS
The University of Central Arkansas Film Club’s UCA Film Festival makes a journey south for its 11th year. The festival, starting at 7 p.m. today, will take place at Ron Robinson Theater, 100 River Market Ave., Little Rock, this year instead of on the UCA campus. Admission to the screenings of UCA student films is free. Call (501) 852-2377 or (501) 450-3293 or visit ucafilm.org.
7 AURAS
Readings, lectures and sales of items like crystals and healing oils are scheduled for Halana’s Psychic Fair, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday at North Little Rock Community Center, 2700 Willow St., North Little Rock. Admission is $5 and includes all lectures. Call (501) 843-5982.
8 ARTS & THE PARK
Hot Springs will kick off 10 days of art-centric celebration Friday. Arts & The Park will include a series of performances, exhibits, workshops, tours and other events around Hot Springs galleries, clubs and theaters. General admission is free. Call (501) 321-2027 or visit hotspringsarts.org.
9 ‘A HEADACHE TOMORROW’
Star Mickey Gilley is calling it quits after 26 years of performing in Branson. His farewell Urban Cowboy Reunion Tour (celebrating the film’s 35th anniversary) will make a stop at The Center for the Arts, 2209 S. Knoxville Ave., Russellville. Gilley will be joined by Johnny Lee for the performance, 7 p.m. Friday, which is also part of the Balloons Over RussVegas festival, Friday-Sunday. Tickets are $37.50-$48 plus fees. Call (479) 304-7777 or visit mickeygilleyconcert.com.
10 ATTACK
The Blue and The Gray face off again at a Civil War event marking the 150th anniversary of the end of the war and the 152nd anniversary of the Battle of Chalk Bluff. The weekend includes camp life demonstrations, cannon demonstrations, re-enactments and marching and rifle firing at Chalk Bluff Battlefield Park, off U.S. 62 north of Piggott. The park opens to the public at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Call (870) 926-2985.