Good morning, Little Rock.

Families from across the state gathered at War Memorial Stadium Saturday morning for the fifth annual Buddy Walk—ADSA’s largest event—to raise awareness for Down syndrome and celebrate inclusion.

Miss Arkansas 2025 Kennedy Holland spoke about the event’s role during Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Cabot Fest will return in downtown Cabot from October 9 to October 11 with food, rides and live music, and it will feature a unique cricket-spitting contest using 4,000 live crickets — competitions will be held for children, teens and adults.

Organizers say the festival also includes a Thursday carnival, a Friday barbecue and cornhole tournament, and Saturday family activities with vendors and performers.

Little Rock hosted its 40th annual Greek Food Festival on Friday and Saturday, drawing about 10,000 visitors who enjoyed Greek and other dishes, music, and dance—proceeds went to local charities.

Civil War naval officer Thomas O.

Selfridge Jr. led operations around Arkansas and cut a channel in the Mississippi River that redirected its flow and washed away the town of Napoleon—property owners there later considered suing him for the damage.

UALR has launched three courses on artificial intelligence to help local business owners and residents learn vital skills—these classes aim to offer practical training so participants can better use AI in their work and daily lives.

Last Saturday, Tendaji Community Development Corporation held a literacy fundraiser at Saint Mark Baptist Church to celebrate a successful year of after-school tutoring for elementary students.

Local small businesses supported the event + Ikanread Tutors and Suga-Snap Jewel organized talks that stressed the importance of reading skills.

State regulators are planning to plug three abandoned oil wells in southern Arkansas — the wells were run by a company that can no longer be found—and work will start soon to address safety concerns.

Food pantries in Little Rock are getting ready for more demand as the federal shutdown continues and SNAP benefits may run out, leaving furloughed workers without basic supplies.

Debra Strickland Allen and other leaders plan extra giveaways next week—if the shutdown extends, food insecurity in the community will worsen.

Brooke Buckner delivered Arkansas’s top news stories on October 4—reporting that officials discussed holding a special election to fill the seat of the late Gary Stubblefield.

Arkansas added 1,000 full-time government employees for the fiscal year that ended June 30, raising the total to 57,621 after two years of job reductions.

Most new roles were at higher education institutions and state agencies such as the Department of Transportation — groups that saw the biggest increases.

Maumelle resource officer Christopher Stroud said he was diagnosed with kidney cancer in October 2024 and that the disease spread to his liver and pancreas in August; he adds that the support of students gives him strength as he continues to fight the illness—he uses a caring approach that emphasizes conversation over harsh discipline.

The University of Central Arkansas beat Utah Tech 23—17 on Saturday night at Estes Stadium in Conway as the Bears overcame turnovers and penalties to secure the win.

Coach Nathan Brown credited strong defensive plays and kicker Caleb Jones’ three precise field goals for the hard-fought result.

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Robinson Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying performance with iconic rock hits set against a stunning candlelit backdrop.

2nd Friday Art Night

5-8 p.m. — Rock It! Lab — Free entry — Enjoy complimentary hors d'oeuvres, drinks, live music, and art in an engaging monthly gathering.

Swap Con® Little Rock

10 AM – 6 PM — Statehouse Convention Center — Free entry — Discover vintage treasures and collectibles at the Biggest BUY-SELL-SWAP®️ Convention in Arkansas.

Arkansas State Fair - Gate Admission

11:59 PM – 1:29 AM — Arkansas State Fair — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of the Arkansas State Fair with fun rides, games, and food.

October: Drink & Discuss - The Ghost Writer

6-8 p.m. — Stickyz Rock'n'Roll Chicken Shack — Free entry — Embrace spooky season while engaging in lively discussions about 'The Ghost Writer'.

Travursity Travel Showcase

5-8:45 p.m. — Movie Tavern Little Rock — Registration required — Engage with travel suppliers and enjoy a unique cinematic showcase.

Arkansas Times Pig & Swig 2025

6-9 p.m. — River Market Pavilions — Earlybird tickets $30, General Admission $40, VIP $100 — Indulge in delicious pork bites and whiskey samples while enjoying live music at this popular local event.

Ghouls and Games Masquerade Gala

6-9 p.m. — Old State House Museum — Donation requested — Enjoy an enchanting night of masked intrigue, games, and a silent auction supporting mental health resources in Arkansas.

Miss Quince Arkansas Expo

10 AM - 10 PM — GSA Community Center — Free entry — Celebrate the beauty and elegance of quinceañeras with an extravagant fashion showcase.

Arkansas State Fair - Gate Admission

11:59 p.m.-1:29 a.m. — Arkansas State Fair Grounds — Ticket required — Experience one of the top local events at the Arkansas State Fair in Little Rock.