Happy Tuesday, 501!

What North Little Rock landmark appeared in the opening scenes of the

1939 film Gone with the Wind?

Data center regulation is emerging as one of Little Rock’s most pressing city government topics.

After a lengthy public hearing, city leaders have passed new rules targeting the oversight of large technology hubs.

Residents voiced worries about the effects on neighborhoods, local infrastructure, utilities, and overall quality of life.

The new ordinance offers a clearer framework for approving data center projects in Little Rock, yet debate continues.

Many locals are still questioning power demand, water use, environmental concerns, and noise—as well as how much authority city officials have under state law.

With significant data center developments planned near the Port of Little Rock and throughout Central Arkansas, supporters tout economic benefits while critics push for stronger protections.

Little Rock’s regulatory approach is being closely watched as communities across Tennessee and Arkansas seek to balance tech growth with neighborhood priorities.

Regas Bros Seasoning

Miss Arkansas Pageant returns to Little Rock this week

The Miss Arkansas Pageant is underway in Little Rock, bringing several days of competition, events, and scholarship-focused programming to downtown.

The pageant runs June 9–13 at 426 W. Markham St. and is part of a statewide program that supports scholarship opportunities for young women. Pageant week includes multiple events, with ticket packages available for those who want to follow the competition throughout the week.

The Miss Arkansas program has long been tied to talent, service, leadership, and education, with contestants representing communities from across the state. Along with the stage competition, the week gives families, supporters, former titleholders, and visitors a reason to spend time downtown.

The event adds another local tradition to Little Rock’s early summer calendar and brings statewide attention to the capital city.

Little Rock baseball’s historic season ends in Super Regional

UA Little Rock baseball’s postseason run has come to an end, but the Trojans leave 2026 with the most accomplished season in program history.

Little Rock fell to Troy, 7-2, on Saturday in Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional, ending a breakthrough run that carried the program deeper into the national tournament than ever before.

The Trojans finished the season with 39 wins, setting a new program record. They also captured their second straight Ohio Valley Conference Tournament title, won the Hattiesburg Regional, and reached the school’s first-ever NCAA Super Regional.

The season gave Little Rock fans, students, alumni, and local baseball families a rare postseason ride to follow. While the Trojans came up short of the College World Series, their 2026 run raised the profile of the program and gave Central Arkansas one of its biggest sports stories of the year.

The milestone season now becomes the new standard for Little Rock baseball.

Pulaski County planning process remains worth watching

Pulaski County’s planning process remains an important place to watch as data center questions continue across Central Arkansas.

A proposed countywide data center moratorium drew attention in late May after officials reviewed the vote and determined the emergency ordinance did not pass. Even though that proposal did not move forward, the broader issue remains active as large-scale projects may continue coming through county or city review.

Planning boards and local government agenda packets can offer early signs of what is coming next, including zoning requests, site plans, conditional uses, infrastructure questions, and public hearing opportunities.

Residents following data centers, land use, utilities, or major development should keep an eye on Pulaski County Planning Board agendas and Little Rock Board of Directors packets for project-specific updates.

The next phase of the conversation will likely depend less on broad debate and more on the details of individual projects: where they are proposed, what infrastructure they require, and how local officials choose to review them.

Central Arkansas Juneteenth events begin taking shape

Juneteenth events are starting to take shape across Central Arkansas, giving residents several ways to plan ahead for community celebrations, music, history, food, and family activities.

THV11 has published a 2026 Central Arkansas Juneteenth events list that includes Juneteenth in Da Rock, scheduled for June 19–20 in Little Rock. The event is one of the area’s larger Juneteenth celebrations and typically brings together community programming, vendors, entertainment, and opportunities to reflect on the holiday’s history.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and became a federal holiday in 2021. Across Central Arkansas, local events often combine celebration with education, highlighting Black history, culture, entrepreneurship, music, and community connection.

Residents planning to attend should check individual event pages for final times, locations, vendor details, parking information, and weather updates as the holiday gets closer.

More Central Arkansas Juneteenth events are expected to be announced in the coming days, making this a good time to start marking calendars and watching for neighborhood celebrations, church events, museum programs, and family-friendly gatherings.

SoMa After Dark and Main Street Mile bring Friday-night energy downtown

SoMa Pride 2026 is set for Saturday, June 13, bringing a full day of community celebration to Little Rock’s South Main district.

The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street and includes a parade, local vendors, LGBTQIA+ artists, food, drinks, and community programming.

The South Main setting gives the event a neighborhood feel, with local shops, restaurants, and gathering spaces nearby for visitors who want to make a full afternoon of it.

SoMa Pride adds to Little Rock’s early summer calendar and offers a daytime celebration focused on visibility, creativity, local business, and community connection.

Buckethead plays The Hall in Little Rock

Guitar fans have a midweek concert to keep on the radar: Buckethead is coming to The Hall in Little Rock on Wednesday, June 10.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. The event is listed as all ages, making it an option for younger music fans as well as longtime followers.

Known for his highly technical guitar work, experimental sound, and unmistakable stage presence, Buckethead has built a devoted fan base across rock, metal, funk, and instrumental music circles.

The show gives Little Rock a distinctive live music option during the week and adds another touring act to The Hall’s summer calendar.

Neighborhood Block Party set for Saturday at The Promenade at Chenal

The Promenade at Chenal is hosting a Neighborhood Block Party this weekend with food, music, games, giveaways, and family-friendly activities.

The event is set for Saturday, June 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Promenade at Chenal in west Little Rock.

The block party gives families and shoppers an easy midday outing, with activities planned around one of Little Rock’s busiest retail and dining destinations. Visitors can stop by for the event, grab lunch nearby, browse shops, and make it part of a Saturday out west.

The event is free to attend, according to the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau listing.

Between the Buried and Me plays The Hall on Saturday

Progressive metal fans have a Saturday-night show to watch this weekend as Between the Buried and Me comes to The Hall in Little Rock.

The concert is set for Saturday, June 13, with Imperial Triumphant and Fallujah also on the bill. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.

Between the Buried and Me is known for blending progressive metal, technical musicianship, heavy riffs, and ambitious song structures, giving the night a strong draw for fans of heavier live music.

The show adds another touring act to The Hall’s summer calendar and gives Central Arkansas music fans a high-energy option for Saturday night.

Hot Springs Bathhouse Row stands out as an ideal day trip for Central Arkansas locals wanting a blend of history and relaxation.

Nestled in Hot Springs National Park, this iconic stretch features beautifully preserved bathhouses along Central Avenue, once famous for their thermal waters and spa traditions.

Strolling down Bathhouse Row offers both nostalgia and modern comforts — guests can admire the classic architecture, visit the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center, explore local wellness traditions, or indulge in a contemporary spa session at operating bathhouses.

Downtown Hot Springs is just steps away, providing restaurants, museums, and easy access to scenic trails, making it perfect for families, couples, or anyone seeking a quick retreat from Little Rock.

This destination’s unique charm remains tied to its historic roots, offering visitors an authentic taste of Arkansas heritage and rejuvenation.

New Little Rock Senior Center planned for adults 55+

Little Rock is planning a new dedicated senior center designed for adults 55 and older.

The city says the brand-new facility will include outdoor pickleball courts, an indoor therapy pool, social and crafts areas, and multipurpose space for fitness classes, board games, and social events.

The new center is being modeled on Little Rock’s existing senior programming, which already includes activities such as arts and crafts, exercise, nutrition workshops, and social hours at community centers across the city.

Once complete, the facility will give older adults a dedicated place to stay active, meet others, and take part in wellness and social programs close to home.

Arkansas Senior Olympics events offer a fitness goal to plan for

Older athletes in Central Arkansas have a few fall fitness dates to keep on the calendar.

The Arkansas Senior Olympics has 2026 events listed later this year, including a 5K road race in North Little Rock on Sept. 5 and a swimming competition in Conway on Sept. 12.

The events are designed for older adults who want to stay active, compete, and connect with others through sports and fitness. They also give participants a clear goal to train toward over the summer, whether that means walking, running, swimming, or simply building a more regular exercise routine.

Senior Olympics events are not just for lifelong athletes. They can also be a good motivator for adults who want to try something new, return to a sport they once enjoyed, or stay involved in an active community.

Anyone interested should check the Arkansas Senior Olympics schedule for registration details, age divisions, event rules, and additional competitions planned throughout the season.

Interesting Facts

Four Central Arkansas restaurant updates to know

Central Arkansas has several food and drink updates to watch, including a new Riverdale coffee shop location, a familiar restaurant reopening, and two upcoming concepts in Little Rock and Jacksonville.

Fidel & Co. has opened its third Arkansas location at 3515 Old Cantrell Road in Little Rock’s Riverdale neighborhood. The cafe shares a building with Barefoot Yoga Studio and Loca Luna, adding another coffee stop to a corridor already known for local dining, fitness, and neighborhood gathering spots.

Nearby, Loca Luna has recently held a soft reopening after months of renovations. The restaurant had been undergoing updates since last September and has introduced a new logo. Diners should check directly with the restaurant for current hours and full reopening details.

On Asher Avenue, Twist LR is in the works at 4308 Asher Ave. The planned wings and daiquiri bar is still undergoing renovations and has not yet announced an opening date.

In Jacksonville, Ruthie’s Island Eats is planning a brick-and-mortar location in the former Slim Chickens space at 1870 John Harden Drive. The Hawaiian food truck has built a Central Arkansas following, but opening timing and final details still need confirmation.

Together, the updates point to continued movement in Central Arkansas’ food scene, from Riverdale and Asher Avenue to Jacksonville.

Free Fishing Weekend returns across Arkansas

Arkansas’ Free Fishing Weekend returns June 12–14, giving residents and visitors a chance to fish without buying a fishing license or trout permit.

The statewide window begins at noon Friday, June 12, and runs through midnight Sunday, June 14. During that time, both Arkansas residents and nonresidents can fish for free.

The weekend is a good opportunity for families, grandparents, newcomers, and anyone curious about fishing to spend time outdoors without the usual license requirement. It can also be a simple way to introduce kids to fishing at a local lake, river, pond, or state park.

Regular fishing rules still apply, including daily limits, length restrictions, and any special regulations for certain waters. Anyone planning to fish should check Arkansas Game and Fish Commission rules before heading out.

For Central Arkansas, the weekend offers an easy excuse to visit a nearby fishing spot, pack a picnic, and enjoy a low-cost summer outing close to home.

Have a local event coming up?

The Old Mill

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