Little Rock Local | September Edition
Sept. 3: Behind the Theme of Macbeth at The Rep
The Rep kicks off its 40th season with Behind the Theme, a pre-show discussion about the themes, history, and literature behind season opener Macbeth. Other special events leading up to opening night of Macbeth on Sept. 11? Macbeth 101 with Assistant Director Paige Reynolds at noon on Sept. 9, Pay What You Can Night at 7 p.m. on Sept. 9, and pre-show director talks on Sept. 9 and Sept. 10. Behind the Theme begins at 7 p //. Sept. 3 and is led by UALR professor Michael Heil. The show runs through Sept. 26. Find information about tickets and other special events surrounding the performances here.
Sept. 10: CALS Community Learning Courses: Fall classes open
The Central Arkansas Library's System's lineup of fall classes delves into the arts of printmaking, cooking, textile-dying, business-starting, beer-brewing, and more. Always wanted to learn Spanish? Covered. Want to buff up on your film history? It's on the list. The curriculum ranges in price from free to $90, but there are several courses in the $20-$30 range if you're looking to expand your knowledge while on a budget. The first course this season, Harvesting Color: Intro to Textiles and Natural Dye, begins Sept. 10 at Hillcrest Hall. Details can be found here.
Sept. 11: Movies in the Park/Razorback Nation River Market Takeover
And you thought Movies in the Park was just for summers! The drive-in-movie-inspired experience returns to the First Security Amphitheater the night before the Arkansas Razorbacks take on Toledo at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Guardians of the Galaxy will be on the big screen beginning around 8 p.m./sundown, and, according to Facebook, River Market restaurants will offer specials on meals in honor of the event. The football game the following day begins at 3 p.m.
Sept. 14: Grand Opening of the Creative Corridor
The Rep hosts a grand-opening celebration to commemorate the official opening of the Creative Corridor along Little Rock's Main Street, longtime home of the repertory theater and recent home to Ballet Arkansas, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Matt McLeod Fine Art, and advertising firm Cranford Co. Into the creative-urban-development scene? Also on Sept. 14 is the first day of Destination Downtown, a regional conference sponsored by Main Street Arkansas where the agenda includes historic neighborhood tours, panel discussions, and more.
Sept. 16-20: ACANSA Arts Festival
Acansa Arts Festival returns for a second year of exploring, celebrating, and educating people about the arts in central Arkansas. The events actually kick off Sept. 15 with a talk featuring Bob Hupp, producing artistic director at The Rep; Philip Mann, conductor at the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra; and Greg Thompson, owner of Greg Thompson Fine Art in Argenta, where the three will dive into what to expect from the week's events. Find more info and a full list of events here.
Sept. 17-19: El Dorado Film Fest
Here's another Arkansas arts fest still in its infancy—founded in 2014, the El Dorado Film Fest is fulfilling a mission of bringing independent film to El Dorado. The day before the official start of the fest, Sept. 16, there's an opportunity to meet the filmmakers, followed by three full days of full-length films, shorts, workshops, panel discussions, and parties. Special speakers include Justin Nickels, David Gale, and Chuck Mere. Find specifics about events and tickets here.
Sept. 24: Block Party at Bernice Garden
StudioMAIN hosts this block party along South Main Street that also serves as an unveiling of new sculptures that will be installed along the thoroughfare as part of the neighborhood's Public Arts Master Plan. From 5:30-7:30 p.m. you can expect food trucks, music, drinks, and art appreciation among locals at the art garden. RSVP to the Facebook event here.
Sept. 30: Celebrate Banned Books Week
For the fifth year, the Central Arkansas Library System celebrates Banned Books Week by celebrating the literature that challenges societies to read stories that might be considered provocative or controversial, all in the name of the freedom of expression and education. CALS invites people to Ron Robinson theater on Sept. 30 for an interview re-enactment and screening of The Color Purple. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
