2 World Premiere of Brandon’s Vodka and Brandon’s Gin,6-9:00 pm, Arkansas Arts Center,Little Rock. The launch of Brandon’s Gin and Brandon’s Vodka from Little Rock’s Rock Town Distillery. Enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres by Simply the Best Catering, and music by Tragikly White. Admission is $30 in advance, $40 at the door, which benefits the Arkansas Arts Center. To purchase visit www.drinkbrandons.com.

9 Big Brothers Big Sisters Roast & Toast, 6-10 p.m., DoubleTree Hotel, downtown Little Rock. The 36th annual Big Brothers Big Sisters Roast & Toast, roasting Jeff Hankins, president and publisher of Arkansas Business Publishing Group, will begin with a reception and silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by dinner, a live auction and program starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are $150 per person. For more information, call (501) 374-6661.

10 Gala for Life, 6-9 p.m., Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock. Gala for Life, a black tie gala to benefit the Winthrop Rockefeller Cancer Institute, will feature cocktails at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. with entertainment by the Alex Donner Orchestra and Jason D. Williams. Tickets are $500 per person. For more information, call (501) 526-2277.

10 Hawgs for a Cause, 6-10 p.m., North Hills Park, Sherwood. Razorback fans will enjoy food, beverage bar, silent/live auction, live band, and dancing to benefit Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled (AEDD).Price: $25 per person or $35 per person the day of the event. For more information, email debbie.grooms@aeddinc.org or call (501) 666-0246.

10 -October 3 “Evita,” Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Little Rock. Audiences will enjoy the ever-popular combination of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music and Tim Rice’s lyrics with Evita, the timeless rags-to-riches, Tony award-winning story that continues to fascinate audiences worldwide. A modern musical classic of sweeping grandeur and romantic passion, Evita provides a biography of the fascinating Argentine political leader Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentinean president Juan Perón. Immensely popular with ordinary Argentineans (but equally despised by the middle class and powerful factions in the army and political circles), Eva Perón rose from obscurity to political power and was eventually considered the spiritual leader of the country. For tickets and additional information, visit www.therep.org or call 501-378-0405.

16 Dancing with “Our” Stars for Children’s Tumor Fund, 6:30 p.m., Chenal Country Club, Little Rock. The 2010 Red Carpet for Research Gala will debut “Dancing with ‘OUR’ Stars to entertain the crowd. The awe-inspiring night will begin with complimentary pictures on the Red Carpet & a cocktail reception hour; followed by dinner & dancing. A local star will be paired with a professional dancer from Arthur Murray Studio. Come out and vote for your favorite ‘Star’ or vote in advance. Your support benefits the NF Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and the Arkansas Chapter of the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Tickets $125. For more information, visit www.ctfarkansas.org, contact Lesley Oslica, (501) 759-2710 or e-mail loslica@gmail.com.

16-18 2010 Mistletoe Merchants of Little Rock, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock.Kick off the holiday shopping season early with Mistletoe Merchants, the one-stop-shop for the most unique and creative gifts for everyone on your list. Get your holiday shopping on track with the help of more than 125 merchants from across the south that will showcase handmade jewelry, hot fashions, personalized gifts, gourmet foods, home décor and trendy accessories – something for everyone on your list. Attend Martinis and Mistletoe, Friday night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a special “girls’ night out”. Register to win the more than $2,500 in door prizes given away hourly. Or make your bid on more than 100 silent auction items to benefit a local charity. Tickets: Adults, $8.00; 3-Day pass, $12.00; Martinis and Mistletoe: $5.00 after 5 p.m. on Friday and children 12 and under free. For more information, please contact Kristi Rowan, MidSouth Media Group, (662) 890-3359 or kristi@midsouthmediagroup.com or visit www.mistletoemerchants.com.

16 Harvest of Hope Live & Silent Auction, 5:30-8:30 p.m., The Little Rock Club, 30th floor, REgions Bank Building, Little Rock. Arkansas Health Care Access Foundation will be holding its third Annual Harvest of Hope.There will be a reception, silent auction and live auction (with special guests Miss Arkansas and Mrs. Arkansas America).Admission is $75 per person. Attire is business casual.Proceeds will help provide lab work, x-rays, & other services for clients who do not receive donated services. To purchase tickets or make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.harvestofhope2010.com. For more information, email info@ahcaf.org or call (501) 221-3033.

17 13th Annual Wine and Food Festival, 6:30- 9 p.m., Wildwood Performing Arts Center, Little Rock. Guests will revel in over 150 specially selected wines and artful edibles created by the area’s finest chefs and restaurants. With an international selection of wines, guests will enjoy vintages from well-known and new producers. Culinary participants include 20 local restaurants and chefs. A silent auction and a cork pull add to the evening’s opportunities. Tickets are $75 each. Contact (501) 821-7275 to purchase tickets or visit Wildwood Park online at www.wildwoodpark.org.

17 12th Annual Kaleidoscope Kids Auction, 6:30 p.m., Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Little Rock. The 12th Annual Kaleidoscope Kids Auction, with emcee Anne Jansen. All proceeds will benefit Kaleidoscope Grief Center, a program within the Methodist Family Health Continuum of Care, as well as Methodist Counseling Clinics statewide. The event will include complimentary cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, music, a wine pull, and more than 200 live and silent auction items. Tickets are $75 for individuals and $125 per couple. For more information, call (501) 661-0720 ext. 7304, email acoldiron@methodistfamily.org or visit www.methodistfamily.org.

18 Central Arkansas 2010 Walk to Cure Diabetes, 8 a.m., Murray Park/Big Dam Bridge, Little Rock. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Money raised will be used to fund research to find a cure for diabetes. To register go to walk.jdrf.org.

21 Third Annual Opera Gala presented by The Muses Creative Artistry Project, 6 p.m., Peabody Hotel, Little Rock.The Gala features performances by 20 singers, instrumentalists, actors and dancers. It centers around “Die Fledermaus,” a light-hearted operetta performed in English. TIckets $150 each or $1,500 for a table of ten. Proceeds from the concert funds the educational programming of The Muses throughout the coming year. For more information on The Muses, contact Davidson, (501) 463-4514 or email deleen@themusesproject.org or visit www.themusesproject.org.

23 17th Annual TASTE OF THE TOWN, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, Verizon Arena, North Little Rock. Presented by Pulaski Technical College, Taste of the Town has also become one of the area’s leading business networking events with more than 30 local restaurants, caterers and drink distributors participating and over 1,000 attendees. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door, space permitting. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Hight, Executive Vice President, at (501) 372-5959 or email ashley@nlrchamber.org.

24-Oct. 16 Conway Symphony Orchestra Designer House, The Village at Hendrix, Conway. This will be the first live/work townhouse built in The Village at Hendrix. Designers have been selected to decorate spaces in the 3,100-square-foot three-story building. One-day tickets to tour the home are $10 in advance, $15 at the door; run-of-show tickets are $30. An opening night party will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 23, with dinner on the grounds and music by symphony members. Tickets are $50 and seating is limited. Tickets may be purchased through the Web site, www.conwaysymphony.org.

30 AETN Foundation Honors Jane Krutz, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., William J. Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock.The AETN Foundation will hold a tribute luncheon honoring Jane Krutz for more than 40 years of volunteer service to AETN and celebrating her 85th birthday. Tickets $40, $500 table sponsorship. For more information, email kgarrett@aetn.org or call (501) 682-4159.

4 Movies in the Park, “Twilight,” Riverfest Amphitheatre, Little Rock. Movie starts at sundown. Guests are welcome to bring picnics and beverages. Onsite concessions are available also. For more information on Movies in the Park, including the 2010 schedule, park rules or signup for email updates, visit www.moviesintheparklr.net.

6 Methodist Family Health’s 4th Annual Walk for Children and Families, 6-9 p.m., NLR Side of the Big Dam Bridge at Cook’s Landing. Registration begins at 6 p.m. Walk begins at 7 p.m. There will be live music, free ice cream, pizza and walking for a great cause. Methodist Family Health provides comprehensive behavioral healthcare services to more than 1,000 children and families each day in Arkansas through an acute psychiatric hospital, residential treatment centers, therapeutic group homes, therapeutic foster care, emergency shelters, counseling clinics and more. Cost is $20 per individual or $50 for a family. Contact Maggie Beeler at mbeeler@methodistfamily.org, call (501) 412-6178, or visit www.methodistfamily.org.

6 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture: Slavery and Law in Arkansas, 12-1 p.m., Old State House Museum, Little Rock. This presentation will consider the law as a force that shaped the history of slavery in Arkansas as well as a valuable source for understanding how Arkansas’s masters and slaves experienced the institution. Kelly Jones offers a look at the way in which the legislators and courts of Arkansas struggled to define humans as property despite the many ways in which daily realities and the actions of the slaves themselves complicated that effort. For more information, call (501) 324-9685 or visit www.oldstatehouse.org.

7 14th Annual Run for the Grapes 5k Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run, 7 a.m., Tontitown. First Federal Bank and the Fayetteville Tri-Sport Athletic Club in conjunction with the 112th Tontitown Grape Festival present Run for the Grapes 5k Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run. The Kids Fun Run to follow at 8 a.m. Visit www.runforthegrapes.com for additional information. Contact Crissa Nixon at (479) 718-2268 or email cnixon@ffbh.com.

7 Literacy in the Park, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., McArthur Park, Little Rock. Literacy in the Park is an excellent time for schools, community groups, families and friends to experience the benefits of both nature-based recreation and literacy. Special guests include live entertainment consisting of local entertainers and D.J. Paul from 102.1 as Master of Ceremonies. Free admission. For more information, visit www.pclearningcenter.org, call (501) 247-8118 or email bapps42@hotmail.com.

15-21 3rd Annual River Cities Restaurant Week. River Cities Restaurant Week is a seven-day culinary celebration featuring local restaurants from across Little Rock and North Little Rock. Participants offer special promotions to generate proceeds in support of Arkansas Hospice. For more information or to view a list of participating restaurants, visit www.rcrestaurantweek.com or call Jan Walker at (501) 748-3310.

13 AMP Concert Series: Gary Allen, 7 p.m., Arkansas Music Pavilion, Fayetteville. For more information about ticket purchases and concert info visit www.amptickets.com or call (877) 873-6616. For more information, call (877) 837-6616 and www.amptickets.com.

13-15 Arkansas Kennel Club Dog Show, Arkansas State Fair Grounds – Hall of Industry, Little Rock. For more information, visit www.arkansaskennelclub.com.

15 River Cities Restaurant Week Kick-Off Party, 3-5 p.m., Bill Street Bar and Grill Banquet Hall, 614 President Clinton Avenue. Tickets $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Party-goers will have the opportunity to sample food from participating River Cities Restaurant Week eateries while enjoying an array of drinks, live music and silent and live auctions. For more information or to view a list of participating restaurants, visit www.rcrestaurantweek.com or call Jan Walker at (501) 748-3310.

19 Around the World Thursday: Athens Greece, 7 p.m., Clinton Presidential Center, Forty Two, Little Rock. On the third Thursday of each month, Forty Two allows you to explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of countries across the globe. Guests can savor a five course tasting menu and enjoy special cultural entertainment. Tickets $27.95 per person; reservations required. Please call (501) 537-0042.

21 Brooks and Dunn “Last Rodeo,” 7:30 p.m., Verizon Arena, North Little Rock. Tickets: $35-$69.75. Tickets will be available at the Verizon Arena Box Office, any Ticketmaster location, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For information on Verizon Arena, visit www.verizonarena.com.

21 Heart: Cinderella in Concert, 7:30 p.m., Riverfest Amphitheatre, Little Rock. Tickets: $42.80-$53.10. Tickets available at all Ticketmaster locations, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

22 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Bridal Show, 12:30-5 p.m., Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock. All areas of planning a wedding and beyond are represented at the bridal show including wedding dresses, photographers, invitations, cakes, florists, reception sites, and much more. The runway fashion show at 4 p.m. is a must-attend event where the latest trends in wedding gowns, tuxedos and outfits for the entire wedding party will be showcased. Admission is $5 in advance and $7 at the door. For more information, visit www.arkansasbridalcommunity.com or call (501) 378-3807.

22-23 17th annual Ronald McDonald Golf Classic, reception on the 22nd at 6:30 p.m., tournament on the 23rd at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., Pleasant Valley Country Club, Little Rock.
Sign up for a team ($2,500) or get reception tickets ($50) by calling Emily Piechocki at (501) 978-3119 or email emily@rmhclittlerock.org or you can register for a team online by visiting: https://rmhcar.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/RonaldMcDonaldGolfClassic2010/tabid/215215/Default.aspx.

25 Themed Beyond Business: Women in Community Leadership, 12-1 p.m., Alltel Conference Room, Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Little Rock. Barbara Graves Intimate Fashions presents the Women’s Business Success Series in partnership with PDC Companies luncheon, catered by a woman-owned Chamber member restaurant. It will feature a panel of current and past women chairmen of the Chamber including Barbara Graves, Elizabeth Small, and Janet Jones. Admission $15 for Chamber member representatives; and $20 for prospective members. For more information call Carmen Parks at (501) 377-6013.

28 United Cerebral Palsy Life Auction,12 a.m. – 7 p.m., Crowne Plaza, Little Rock. UCP is hosting the fifth annual 2010 UCP Life Auction. Proceeds benefit UCP’s programs and services for children and adults with cerebral palsy. Price $35. To become a sponsor, call Tiffany McFadden-Kidd at (501) 228-3838 or email tmkidd@ucpcark.org.

28-29 Arkansas Gun and Cartridge Collectors Club Gun and Knife Show, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and August 29, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Arkansas State Fair Grounds — Hall of Industry, Little Rock. For more information, call (501) 833-8064 or email agccc@comcast.com.

1 Eagles in Concert, 8 p.m., Verizon Arena, North Little Rock. Tickets $47-$152. Tickets available at the Verizon Arena Box Office, any Ticketmaster location, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at ticketmaster.com.

2 Lights Over the Lake, Lake Beaverfork Park, Conway. Free community concert by the Conway Symphony Orchestra. For more information, call (501) 269-1066 or visit www.conwaysymphony.org

4 Fireworks Watching Party from the USS Razorback, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Riverfront Park, North Little Rock. Arkansas WAND (Women’s Action for New Directions) and AIMM (Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum) are hosting their annual picnic and silent auction from 6:30 p.m. until the fireworks at Riverfront Park are over. Music will be by Sad Daddy featuring Joe Sundell. Tickets $25. Contact Linda Bell at (501) 580-0183 or lindadance@yahoo.com.

4 Pops on the River, Riverfest Amphitheatre, Little Rock. Featuring a performance by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and an amazing fireworks finale. Food vendors available, blankets and chairs welcome. For more information, call Norma Edwards at (501) 378-3807, email nedwards@arkansasonline.com or visit www.arkansasonline.com/pops.

4 Sylamore Creek hike. Ozark Mountain Trailblazers. For more information, please contact Dan Nash at (501) 844-5834 or by email at dan@hikingtheozarks.com, or visit HikingtheOzarks.com.

5-18 “Voices at the River,” Arkansas Repertory Theatre. This biennial program is designed to support African American and Latino playwrights, both nationally and across Arkansas as participants work alongside directors, actors and Rep staff to refine their specific projects for the stage. The program, funded by a grant from the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, includes a two-week playwrights’ residency at The Rep, plus Legacy Awards recognizing an outstanding African American and/or Latino playwright who has made a significant contribution to the national canon of theatrical literature. For additional information, visit www.therep.org or call (501) 378-0405.

9-11; 15-18 “Annie,”Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m., Arts Center of the Ozarks, Fayetteville. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and finds a new family and home in billionaire Daddy Warbucks’ mansion. For tickets and more information visit www.artscenteroftheozarks.org.

10 Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Hot Springs Convention Center, Hot Springs. Dick Van Dyke and the Vantastix, an a cappella quartet based on the West Coast. The event is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The night will include a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., the performance at 6:30 p.m., and VIP Meet and Greet at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $100, $50 or $30. Tickets can be purchased with check, cash or credit card and are a tax-deductable donation to the American Cancer Society. For more information or to reserve tickets call (501) 249-9034.

10 Big Dam Bridge Twilight Run 5K/10K, Big Dam Bridge, Cook’s Landing Exit #148 off I-40, North Little Rock. 5K/10K run/walk begins atop the Big Dam Bridge, a pedestrian-only bridge that crosses the Arkansas River over the Murray Lock and Dam. Contact Fred Philips at (870) 246-6686 or visit www.bigdambridge.org.

10 The Gardens Uncorked, 8-10 p.m., Compton Gardens, Bentonville. A fundraiser for the Peel Compton Foundation. Guests will sample wine as they tour the gardens. Attendance is limited to 120 people. Call (479) 254-3870 for more information.

16-17 Bountiful Arkansas, Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, Petit Jean Mountain, Morrilton. This hands-on, family friendly weekend celebrates locally grown produce from The Natural State through hands-on workshops and cooking classes, children’s activities, keynote addresses by Chris Olsen and Janet Carson, tomato tasting, garden tours. For more information or to register, please visit LiveTheLegacy.org or call (501) 727-5435.

16 13th Annual Eureka Springs Fat Tire Festival, city parks and auditorium, Eureka Springs. Mountain Bike festival with competitive and non-competitive cycling events. Cross country, downhill, short track, observed trials, bike parade, film fest, fun rides. Contact David Renko at (479) 422-7654 or visit www.fattirefestival.com.

17 Annual Men’s A Cappella Harmony Show, 7 p.m., Connor Performing Arts Center at Pulaski Academy, Little Rock. Featuring the Diamond State Chorus and several barbershop quartets from the Greater Little Rock area. Tickets are available by calling (501) 791-SING (7464), or visiting www.DiamondStateChorus.com. A portion of the proceeds from this event go toward funding the Chorus’ annual music scholarship awarded to a Central Arkansas graduating high school senior.

17 Mount Holly Garden Series, Attracting Butterflies, 9 a.m., Mount Holly Cemetery, Little Rock. Speaker Susan Rose on Attracting Butterflies to Your Garden. This event is open to the public, admission is free, however a $5 donation to Mount Holly Cemetery is suggested. Bring your lawn chair, plants, seeds, bulbs, vegetables–anything from your garden to share. Refreshments will be served by the MORE Group, ladies dedicated to beautifying and preserving the historic Quapaw Quarter. For information please call Amber Jones at (501) 376-6180.

23 Rubber Ducky Regatta, 3-8 p.m., Wild River Country, North Little Rock. Benefiting Camp Aldersgate. Tickets $9. Includes admission to park, dinner and a duck to race. For more information, go to campaldersgate.net.

24 A Tale of Two Farms, 5-11 p.m., P. Allen Smith’s garden home retreat at Moss Mountain Farm. Executive Chef Joshua Smith, along with P. Allen Smith, will offer a garden-fresh culinary experience. Sponsored by P. Allen Smith and Oxford American. Tickets $300 per couple or $200 per person. Call (501) 376-1894, ext. 31 for more information.

24 6th Annual Spa-Rib Cook-Off, Hot Springs. Check out some of the best chefs in Arkansas. Serving starts at 3 p.m. Samples available before that time. Admission $5. For more information, contact Suzanne Tucker at (501) 624-3370.

29 Justin Bieber with special guest Sean Kingston, 7 p.m., Verizon Arena, North Little Rock. Tickets $31.50-$51.50. Tickets available at the Verizon Arena Box Office, any TicketMaster location, charge by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For information, visit www.verizonarena.com.

29-31 HOG Rally, Hot Springs Convention Center and Summit Arena, Hot Springs. Harley Motorcycle owners gather for a motorcycle rally including vendors and entertainers. Contact Hot Springs Convention Center at (501) 321-2277 or visit www.arstatehogrally.com

1 Business of Art, 6:30-9 p.m., Campus Center Grand Hall, Pulaski Technical College, North Little Rock. Featuring the art of Robin Steves and honoring the late Tom Steves, Sr. Plus, hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a live art exposition. Tickets $50. Visit www.pulaskitech.edu for information and tickets.

1 ONE NIGHT Changes Everything, 6-8 p.m., John Q. Hammons Convention Center, Rogers. Banquet benefits Reality Check Inc. Call (479) 631-7885 or e-mail katie@realitycheckinc.org to purchase tables or seats.

2 St. Vincent Auxiliary Pro Circuit Tennis Tournament, 10 a.m., Pleasant Valley Country Club, Little Rock. This is the 30th year for the event to be hosted in Little Rock. Admission is free. Contact Breda M. Turner at (501) 552-3552 or bturner@stvincenthealth.com.

3 3rd Annual Treasure The Children event benefiting the Children Protection Center, 7 p.m. to midnight, Crowne Plaza hotel, Little Rock. Live music, dancing, silent auction. Radio personalities Heather, DC and Poolboy are the emcees. Tickets $50.

3 The Oxford American’s Best of the South Gala, 6 p.m., Capitol Hotel, Little Rock. Morgan Freeman will accept the magazine’s inaugural Award for Outstanding Contributions to Southern Culture. Tickets $500 or $1,000 to attend the pre-event reception with Freeman. Only 200 tickets are available. Call (501) 320-5730 or click here for reservations or more information.

4 Peabody Little Rock Easter Brunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (seating times at 11, 11:30, 1 and 1:30), Grand Ballroom, The Peabody Little Rock.Menu includes fresh salads, chicken picatta, roast prime rib of beef, honey mustard glazed ham, roasted rack of lamb, red snapper, shrimp, salmon, trout, omelet and dessert stations; special children’s buffet includes macaroni and cheese, chicken fingers, pizza and peanut butter sandwiches. Price $41.95 adults, $16.95 children 6-11, children 5 and under eat freeFor reservations, call Judy Milks at (501) 399-8062.

6 Washington Regional Foundation Gala and Eagle Awards Ceremony, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville. Presenting awards for people who are making a difference in the community of health care. Contact Washington Regional Foundation at (479) 444-9888.

7 “Borel and Friends,” 6:30 p.m., Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs. Meet, mingle and talk with horseracing dignitaries from around the country, including legendary jockey, Calvin Borel. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer will be served. Advance reservations and pre-payment required. Visit www.garvangardens.org or call (501) 262-9300 for prices and reservations.

8 Denim & Diamonds During the Derby, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs. Enjoy southern fried catfish with all the trimmings, a full bar, live entertainment and the “Daisy Derby,” featuring over-sized jockeys, under-sized “horses” and “trainers” that don’t have a clue. Cost is $45 for Garden members and $50 for non-members. Proceeds benefit educational programming at the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden. Advance reservations and pre-payment required. Contact the Gardens at (501) 262-9300.

8 8th Annual Empty Bowls art auction and fundraiser, 6-9 p.m., Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Little Rock. Presented by Arkansas Foodbank Network and its young professionals fundraising group, Harvesters. Tickets are $50 each and may be purchased at www.arkansasfoodbank.org, by calling (501) 565-8121 or at the door.

8 Easter Seals Fashion Fete, VIP reception at 6 p.m., event at 7 p.m., Chenal Valley Country Club, Little Rock. See the latest in spring fashion featured on models from Easter Seals. Tickets are $50 and $100. Contact Easter Seals Arkansas at (501) 227-3600 for more information.

8 Art for Hearts, 6-9 p.m., Acxiom Headquarters, Little Rock. Fundraiser to benefit The Children’s Heart Foundation. Features silent art auction, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment. Tickets are $25. Go to brownpapertickets.com/event/98688 or contact Lara Hadden at larahadden@hotmail.com or (347) 668-0466.

8-11 Arkansas Literary Festival, Main Library and other locations, Little Rock. Visit www.arkansasliteraryfestival.org for a schedule and additional information.

9 Interpreti Veneziani, 8 p.m., Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville. This group of master musicians from Venice will present a program that includes Antonio Vivaldi’s “Le Quattro Stagioni” (The Four Seasons). Prices begin at $16.50. Visit www.waltonartscenter.org for more information.

9 Apple Blossom Invitational, Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs. The two champion fillies, Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, will meet face-to-face for the first time. Oaklawn President Charles J. Cella has personally guaranteed a $5 million purse to bring Rachel and Zenyatta back to the track where each has already graced the winner’s circle. Additional reserved seating goes on sale the day of the race. Visit www.appleblossominvitational.com or call (800) 922-6478 for more information.

9 Young Arkansas Artists 49th Annual Exhibition, Arkansas Arts Center Community Gallery, Terry House, Little Rock. Selected by members of the Arkansas Art Educators Association, this popular annual exhibition features art by Arkansas students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Runs through May 23. Admission free. Call (501) 372-4000, e-mail info@arkarts.com or visit www.arkarts.com for more information.

10 A Night for the Knights: Tapas and Tinis, 7 p.m. to midnight, Bentonville Plaza, Bentonville. Annual fund raiser for St. Vincent de Paul School will include music, dancing, tapas, and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $65 each before March 19, and $75 per person afterward. Call (479) 636-4421 for more information.

10-11 Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents “Farewell, Maestro!”, 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday, Robinson Center Music Hall, Little Rock. Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection,” will crown David Itkin’s tenure as conductor. For tickets and additional information, visit www.arkansassymphony.org or call (501) 666-1761.

10 Wine and Roses, 7 p.m. to midnight, Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, Fort Smith. This annual event features rare and magnificent wines and delicious food. Also provides a live wine auction and hundreds of beautiful long stem rose bouquets throughout the Support House. Tickets $100 each. Go to reynoldscancersupporthouse.org or call (479) 782-6302 for more information.

11 “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” 2 and 7 p.m., Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville. 17th annual anniversary concert to benefit Mashburn Foundation UARKettes® Scholarship Program. Call (479) 582-1936 for more information.

13 River Rhapsodies Chamber Music Series presents “Brilliant Brass…Stirring Strings,” 7 p.m., Clinton Presidential Center, Little Rock. Featuring Ewald’s Brass Quintet No. 1, Bach’s Double Violin Concerto and Schoenberg’s String Quartet No. 1, Op. 7. Call (501) 666-1761 or visit www.arkansassymphony.org for more information.

15 Arkansas a la Carte, 6:30-9 p.m., Chenal Country Club, Little Rock. Fundraiser hosted by Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary features tastings from more than 20 Arkansas restaurants and caterers, a silent auction and live music from Josh Green. Tickets are $100 per person. Contact the ACH Foundation at (501) 364-1476 for details.

16 Ballet Arkansas Golf Classic, 8:30 a.m., Rebsamen Golf Course, Little Rock. For more information, call (501) 223-5150.

16 Central Arkansas Go Red for Women Luncheon, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock. Call (501) 379-1185 for more information.

16 Frost/Nixon, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Little Rock. Continues through May 2. Frost attempts to “give Nixon the trial he never had.” Call (501) 378-0405, e-mail agalloway@therep.org or visit www.therep.org for tickets and additional information.

16 ASID Wine and Design 2010, 7-11 p.m., Next Level Events, Union Station, Little Rock. The American Society of Interior Designers, South Central Chapter, Little Rock District presents the 9th annual Wine and Design fundraising event with ticket proceeds benefiting Our House, Inc. Live music by Cody Belew & The Mercers. Tickets $25 in advance and $30 the week of the event. Tickets sold at Ethan Allen, Today’s Office, Kitchen and Bath Concepts and Our House. For more information contact Kandid Scott at (501) 219-8400 or lrasid@gmail.com.

17 10th annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Gala, Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock. Live, silent and fund-a-cure auction. Call (501) 217-0321 for more information.

17-18 BLOOMS! Festival, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wildwood Park for the Arts, Little Rock. Celebrate springtime with a bouquet of family fun, including children’s activities, a bake shop and flower market, horticulture demonstrations and a display of the region’s largest collection of native woodland azaleas. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Free to kids under 5. Visit www.wildwoodpark.org/festivals-events/detai, call (501) 821-7275 or e-mail kvandaveer@wildwoodpark.org for more information.

18 Cooks Tour, 1-4 p.m., Orle Neighborhood, Little Rock’s Chenal Valley. Guests for this tour of homes will sample delicacies from some of Little Rock’s finest executive chefs — Lee Richardson of Ashley’s, Scott McGehee & John Beachboard of ZaZa, Evette Brady and Timothy Morton of 1620, and Mark Abernathy of Loca Luna and Red Door. Benefits the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Cost is $20 per ticket. Visit www.uams.edu for more information.

20 Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner, 7 p.m., Horner Hall, Hot Springs Convention Center. The Boy Scouts of America Ouachita Area Council honor John and Helen Selig. Admission is a donation. Contact Joe Farrell at jfarrell@bsamail.org or (501) 623-6601 for more information or go to www.ouachitabsa.org.

22 Little Rock Wind Symphony presents “Connections and Collaborations,” 7:30 p.m., Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, Little Rock. Dr. Karen Fannin will conduct. Admission is $10, $8 for seniors and $5 students. Visit www.lrwindsymphony.org, call (501) 666-0777 or e-mail info@lrwindsymphony.org for more information.

22 NWACC Foundation Gala, 5:30 p.m., John Q. Hammons Center, Rogers. This event celebrates the role of higher education and the quality of life in northwest Arkansas. Call (479) 619-418 for more information.

23 Symphony on the Green, 6:30 p.m., Chenal Country Club, Little Rock. Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Jazz Trio will entertain during cocktail hour, and 14 musicians from the ASO will provide music for dinner and dancing. Tickets are $150 each and go on sale April 15. Proceeds benefit the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and music education in schools. Contact Julie Cabe at 661-9516 or jmcabe@att.net.

24 Arkansas Earth Day Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., North Shore Riverwalk, North Little Rock. Arkansas’s largest environmental festival features exhibits and workshops on living responsibly and promoting a clean environment. Features live music, festival food and kids’ activities. Admission free. Call (501) 247-2953, e-mail office@arkansasearthday.org or visit www.arkansasearthday.org for more information.

24 Great American Cleanup in Little Rock. Keep Little Rock Beautiful (KLRB), a certified local affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, is hosting the citywide cleanup to promote litter pickup, recycling, beautification and community improvement in the capital city. To learn more about organizing a litter-pickup event or to volunteer with an existing event, please visit KeepLittleRockBeautiful.com, email info@klrb.org or call (501) 765-3530.

24 Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Big Dam Bridge, Little Rock. Register at www.rockwalk.org. Call (501) 265-0027 or e-mail marisha.dicarlo@alz.org for more information.

27 Alzheimer’s Arkansas Auxiliary 11th Annual Art to Remember 2010, 6:30 p.m., Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, Little Rock. All proceeds support the Alzheimer’s Arkansas Family Assistance Program which provides financial assistance to family caregivers of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. For more information,visit http://www.alzark.org or contact Minnie Mills at mmills@bankozarks.com or (501) 978-2267 .

28 Baptist Health Bolo Bash Luncheon,12 p.m., J. A. Gilbreath Conference Center. Blake Mycoskie, founder and chief shoe giver of TOMS Shoes is the featured speaker. Registration and silent auction begin at 11 a.m. For more information contact Amanda Smith at (501) 202-1206 or visit www.baptist-health.com/bolobash.

29 Singles on the Move “Match Your Heart,” 7-9 p.m., Lulav, Little Rock. Enjoy the live music, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For more information email info@singlesonthemove.net or visit www.singlesonthemove.net.

29 CARTI Ragin’ Cajun Bash, 6 p.m., River Market Pavilions, Little Rock. A New Orleans-style crawfish boil complete with all the trimmings. Plus live entertainment by local favorite Lagniappe. Proceeds benefit CARTI cancer patients. Tickets $30 in advance; $35 at the door; $650 for reserved table for 10. Tickets are available for purchase at www.carti.com. Contact the CARTI Foundation at (501) 296-3406 for more information.

30 3rd annual Winthrop Rockefeller Legacy Event, 3 p.m., Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, Petit Jean Mountain. This two-day program will focus on the influence and contributions Winthrop Rockefeller made to improve race relations and the overall quality of life for all social classes in Arkansas. The event will coincide with the opening of the Rockefeller Institute’s 5th annual Arts in the Air Professional Art Exhibit and Sale, which will feature the work of minority artists from Arkansas. Admission is free. Visit www.uawri.org to register or for more information or call (501) 727-6219.

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