This Weekend in Little Rock

By Amanda Galiano, About.com  March 2, 2011

One of the biggest events this weekend is the grand opening of the Laura P. Nichols Penguin Pointe Exhibit. The events start at 10 a.m. in the Little Rock Zoo's amphitheater and then you'll get to see Little Rock's newest swim team, live and in person.

The other big event is the Little Rock Marathon. If you don't have to go downtown Sunday, don't. Streets will be blocked off from 6 a.m. to about 1. It's lots of fun to go and cheer on the racers, but parking and navigating is awful. I would schedule any optional downtown events for later in the day.

We also have some Mardi Gras events starting up.  Mardi Gras is the 8th, but in traditional fashion, we're starting the party early.   See the full list of Mardi Gras events.

March 5

Spring Craft Show
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Grace Lutheran Church, 5124 Hillcrest Ave.
Dozens of artisits and vendors with unique items.

WinterJam 2011
6 p.m.
Verizon Arena
Featuring Newsboys, David Crowder Band, Kutless, Red, Francesca Battistelli, NewSong, emcee KJ-52, speaker Tony Nolan and the pre-jam party with Sidewalk Prophets, Chris August & American Idol finalist Chris Sligh. Tickets $10.

World Kidney Day
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
I. Dodd Wilson Auditorium, UAMS

March 6

2011 Little Rock Marathon
Downtown Little Rock
Stay away from downtown if you're not running.

St. Margaret's March Mardi Gras Madness!
6 - 8 p.m.
St. Margaret's Episcopal Church
Tickets are $15 for Mardi Gras feast plus entertainment. Email maggies.mardigras@gmail.com to reserve tickets.

March 7

Argenta Mardi Gras
6 p.m.
Starving Artist Cafe 411 N. Main St
Celebrate Fat Tuesday in historic downtown North Little Rock with food, drink, dancing and music from The Bob Boyd Sounds. $30. 501-372-7976.

"Mozart's Requiem"
7:30 p.m.
Robinson Center Music Hall

"The Art of the Old West" (Lecture)
6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Clinton School of Public Service, Sturgis Hall
Email publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu to attend.

March 8

Arkansas Cancer Summit
8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel
The Arkansas Cancer Summit is an annual event hosted by the Arkansas Cancer Coalition to showcase the progress that coalition partners have made toward meeting the goals and objectives of the state comprehensive cancer plan.

Mardi Gras at the Governor's Mansion
6:30 p.m.
Arkansas Governor's Mansion 1800 Center St.
Tickets: $75.

Posted via email from Scott Deaton's Blog