A full November weekend around the 501

The first November weekend offers a little of everything across Central Arkansas: an established food festival returning after a year away, a new neighborhood music gathering, giant dinosaurs, monster trucks, illuminated zoo lanterns and arts events. Here are nine events with confirmed dates or organizer listings for Thursday, November 5, through Sunday, November 8, 2026. Check official links before heading out, particularly for ticketed events.

Thursday–Saturday, November 5–7: GloWild at the Little Rock Zoo

5–9 p.m.; last entry 8:30 p.m. The zoo’s seasonal lantern experience lights up the evening with large illuminated displays and family photo opportunities. GloWild operates on select nights, with the zoo confirming November 5–7 this week. It is closed November 8 for a private event. Admission is ticketed. See Little Rock Zoo’s GloWild information.

Friday, November 6: Conway Art Walk

5–8 p.m., downtown Conway, centered at 1100 Oak Street. The monthly event brings pop-up galleries, live music and interactive arts experiences to downtown. Details from Create Conway.

Friday–Saturday, November 6–7: Maumelle Food Truck Festival

Lake Willastein Park, Maumelle. Food trucks begin serving at 5 p.m. Friday, with live music from Heath Sanders at 5:45 p.m. and Midnight South at 7:30 p.m. Saturday brings the Foodie Run, vendors, activities, entertainment, contests and more music. Consult the Maumelle Area Chamber schedule for Saturday times and activity specifics.

Friday, November 6: Toast & Taste at Wildwood

VIP 6:30 p.m.; general admission 7 p.m., Wildwood Park for the Arts, 20919 Denny Road. The ticketed fundraiser inside the Cabe Festival Theatre features food, wine, artwork, music and a silent auction supporting the park’s arts and conservation mission. Event details and tickets.

Friday–Sunday, November 6–8: Jurassic Quest

Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock. Interactive dinosaur, prehistoric ocean and Ice Age experiences run Friday 1–6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–8 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. A sensory-friendly session begins Saturday at 8 a.m. Tickets required for ages two and older. Official event page.

Saturday, November 7: Arkansas Cornbread Festival

11 a.m.–4 p.m., SoMa around 14th and Main streets. A free neighborhood festival with cornbread competitions, makers, music, food and kids’ activities; tasting tickets cost $20. Organizer details.

Saturday, November 7: Hillcrest Porchfest

Various Hillcrest porches, Little Rock. The inaugural free event brings 17 local performers to front porches across the neighborhood. Consult the official artist schedule and map for times and locations because sets are spread across multiple homes.

Saturday–Sunday, November 7–8: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live

Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock. Glow-N-Fire performances are scheduled Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Optional pre-show experiences have different entry times and require tickets in addition to admission. Arena schedule.

Sunday, November 8: Downtown Conway Christmas Open House

1–4 p.m., downtown Conway. Local shops and restaurants begin the holiday shopping season with a special open-house afternoon. The City of Conway’s 2026 calendar confirms the date. Participating merchant details may vary.

Plan with confidence

Events can adjust times, availability and prices close to the weekend. The three major features—the Cornbread Festival, Jurassic Quest and Porchfest—are also covered in separate 501 Daily articles, so this roundup focuses on the essential time, place and admission information. Consider selecting two nearby outings rather than trying to visit everything at once.