Good morning, Little Rock.

Arkansas’ first Roni’s Mac Bar will open Saturday at 1220 Main St. in the former Mockingbird Bar and Tacos space, serving customizable mac & cheese with varied proteins and sauces.

Meanwhile, 1916 Chophouse & Spirits opened May 21 in Hillcrest, offering steaks, brisket and game in a historic setting.

Area artists will refresh East Sixth Street Railroad Bridge at MuralFest Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rail Yard (1212 E.

Sixth St.) while the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts starts its 2026–27 concert series on Sept. 3 with gospel-soul group Annie and the Caldwells.

Maya Angelou’s lasting legacy in Arkansas inspires local literary pride with her 2017 induction into the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame plus earlier recognition in the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame, acknowledging her celebrated career as a poet and author.

Her influential works continue to enrich our community.

On Sunday, May 31, The Frontier Circus and The Salty Dogs will perform at White Water Tavern in Little Rock at 5 p.m. ($12 admission) as part of a live music lineup.

Arkansas rice farmers face hard choices as ongoing drought and rising fuel costs threaten summer irrigation efforts.

Recent rains lowered some costs, but experts warn that many fields may need costly flushing if dry conditions continue (which could lead to razor-thin profit margins).

Karen Fuller presented Arkansas's morning headlines on May 26, highlighting literacy improvements in the Little Rock School District.

Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock is launching an expansion project ahead of its 100th anniversary in 2027 — the project aims to upgrade facilities to better serve future students.

Community members in Sherwood are exploring the possibility of forming a new school district—seeking local control after the federal desegregation case ended—and will hold town hall meetings to review a feasibility study.

They aim to gain approval through signature collection and state board consent.

Smoke N' Bones, a family-run barbecue restaurant, moved to a former Burger King at 14916 Cantrell Road and now serves breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m. as well as lunch and dinner with drive-thru service; its menu features smoked turkey, brisket, and pulled pork plates in a space with seating for 50 (including a few patio tables) and unique taxidermy.

Coach John Calipari (Razorbacks) backed the Protect College Sports Act at the SEC Spring Meetings in Miramar Beach, Florida, saying the bipartisan bill would secure fairer rules for college sports.

He noted that his team will soon face new eligibility rules.

Arkansas faces Nebraska in the Women’s College World Series game tonight at 8:30 p.m. at Devon Park (13,000) in Oklahoma City; the Razorbacks (47-11) meet the Cornhuskers (51-6) on ESPN2 amid a forecast of showers and thunderstorms.

Southern Soul Lovers Tour

7-10 p.m. — Robinson Center — Discounted tickets available for students and seniors — Enjoy an evening of Southern soul music featuring Sir Charles Jones and friends.

Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k

Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k — All day — North Little Rock, AR — Entry fee required — Run through the scenic roads of North Little Rock with various distances available for all ages.

Home for Healing Golf Classic Tournament

11:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — Chenal Country Club — Registration fee required — Swing for a cause in this charity golf tournament supporting patients and caregivers.

38 Special Concert

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Simmons Bank Arena — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience the legendary Southern rock sounds of 38 Special live in concert.

The Big Kahuna 5K & 10K

Run Series Pick of the Month — Saturday — North Little Rock, Arkansas — $10 off entry with code — Grab your shades and lace up for a fun community race featuring multiple distances and a kids run.

Brunch, Laughter & Vibes with Lance Gross

3-5 p.m. — The Nut House Comedy Lounge — Free brunch — Enjoy an afternoon of laughter and great food with actor Lance Gross at Arkansas' first black-owned comedy club.

Multi-Vertical Business Networking

6-8 p.m. — Bark Bar & Grille — Limited Tickets — Network with professionals across various industries and make valuable connections.

The Dink Minor League Pickleball

Time TBA — Little Rock Athletic Club — Cost varies — Compete and have fun on 7 courts with friends and fellow pickleball enthusiasts.

K-POP Warriors Live Show

4-8 p.m. — Wally Allen Ballroom — Tickets required — Experience a high-energy, family-friendly show filled with K-Pop music and dance battles.

Buena Vibra Fest

12-10 p.m. — Tavern 65th — Tickets available — Experience Little Rock's biggest Latin day party with live music, dance classes, and more.