Good morning, Little Rock.

Juneteenth in Da Rock will bring an economic boost to historic West 9th Street this weekend as hundreds of vendors, artists and small businesses gather to celebrate.

The event, expanding from the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, features film screenings, a Juneteenth summit & live performances through Sunday.

Little Rock romance novelist Regina Black will discuss her 2025 novel August Lane at 10:30 a.m. Saturday with the Divas Leaving No Pages Unturned Book Club at Terry Library — she will share how her Arkansas roots and love of country music shaped the narrative about Black characters.

Federal regulators ordered six grid operators to speed up power connections for large energy users + including an upcoming data center project near the Port of Little Rock and West Memphis.

Operators must submit plans within 30 to 60 days as rising AI demand drives the need for faster grid access.

Data from the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory show that methamphetamine drug deaths now exceed fentanyl—rising from 47% in 2023 to 50% in 2025 with early 2026 trends escalating—while state officials announce enhanced overdose monitoring and prevention efforts.

Arkansas coaches Chris Johnson and Doug Case were named Coach of the Year for the South Central Region by USTFCCCA on Thursday, recognizing strong showings at NCAA and SEC meets; Sanu Jallow-Lockhart received Women's Track Athlete of the Year for her record-setting 800-meter run (a highlight for Arkansas).

Arkansas football secured the commitment of 4‑star offensive tackle Alijah Shaw after his official visit in Fayetteville from May 29 to May 31.

He chose the Hogs over other offers and will join the team as part of the incoming class.

Defensive back Kevin Grant—3 star recruit from Arlington Martin—committed to Arkansas football after visiting the team last weekend.

He chose the Hogs over offers from San Diego State, UNLV, and Tulsa and becomes the 17th commitment for the 2027 class.

Transfer utility player Kendall Yarnell committed to Arkansas softball Thursday on social media; the 5-foot-9 hitter from Olathe (Kansas) batted .344 with 15 home runs as a sophomore at UCF and is the fourth transfer addition for the Razorbacks.

Russian big man Ilia Frolov finished his official visit yesterday and has committed to play for the Razorbacks in the 2026-27 season.

Treat Trot Little Rock 15K

7-11 a.m. — Burns Park Soccer Complex — Registration includes swag — Enjoy a fun 15K with great snacks and live results.

Demola Live Concert

6-9 p.m. — 721 W 9th St, Little Rock, AR — Ticket prices include all fees — Experience an electrifying performance from international violinist Demola blending genres from Afrobeats to Classical.

Singin' In The Rain Sr.

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Wildwood Park for the Arts — Tickets from $32 — Experience a can't-miss live show that brings the classic musical to life.

Mike Paramore Live Comedy

8-11 p.m. — Loony Bin Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Mike Paramore's stand-up performance.

The Crème De La Crème - Little Rock

8 p.m.-1 a.m. — Little Rock Marriott — 25+ to enter — Experience a soulful and eclectic cocktail party with live performances by DON DEIGO & NICK HUD.

Louisiana Krewe vs Little Rock Rangers Soccer Match

6-8 p.m. — War Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Watch Louisiana Krewe take on Little Rock Rangers in an exciting USL League Two showdown.

Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Evening — Arkansas Repertory Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience a dazzling musical rendition of the beloved Biblical story with diverse musical styles.

Junk Journaling Workshop

4-5 p.m. — North Little Rock Public Library - Argenta Public Library — Free entry — Discover the joy of screen-free creativity while transforming paper scraps into unique art.

J & The Causeways Live Concert

7-10 p.m. — Stickyz Rock'n'Roll Chicken Shack — $10 cover — Experience an evening of original soulful tunes with J & The Causeways.

Evanescence 2026 World Tour

7-10 p.m. — Simmons Bank Arena — Discount tickets available — Experience the haunting sounds of Evanescence alongside Spiritbox and Nova Twins on the 2026 World Tour.