A Local's Guide to Little Rock's River Market District
The River Market District has a lot going on. Here's your guide to making the most of it any day of the week in one of Little Rock's most vibrant districts. Grab a drink, pick up a specialty wristband and cup from any participating bar or restaurant in the district, and explore.
Eat, Drink, and Explore
The River Market's dining scene is one of the most diverse in the city, and you could go in a completely different direction every time you visit. For a special night out, Cache is the move, a two-story fine dining spot with an outdoor terrace overlooking the Arkansas River that manages to feel special without feeling stuffy. If you want something more local and laid back, Dizzy's Gypsy Bistro serves global comfort food with a distinctly Arkansas spin, with everything made from scratch daily. And if you haven't tried Buenos Aires Grill and Cafe yet, it's a must. The Argentinian family-owned spot consistently ranks among the best restaurants in the district and is the kind of place you tell people about after your first visit.
Live Music and Late Nights
Little Rock's live music scene is alive and well in the River Market, and you don't have to wait for the weekend to find something good. Stickyz Rock N Roll Chicken Shack hosts Open Mic Night every Tuesday, giving local musicians a stage and giving you a genuinely fun reason to get out on a weeknight. Flying Saucer has been a River Market staple since 1998 with over 200 beers on tap and Trivia Tuesdays that draw a serious crowd. And Dugan's Pub brings live music on Fridays and Saturdays with no cover charge, great food, cold beer, and one of the most reliably good times in the district any night of the week.
Hit the Dance Floor
If you've never spent a Tuesday or Friday night at Twenty Seven, you're missing out on one of the most fun things happening in downtown Little Rock on a regular basis. This River Market event venue transforms twice a week into a full Latin dance club, with salsa and bachata lessons before each night gets going. Tuesdays kick off with lessons at 7:45 p.m. and Fridays at 9:15 p.m. No partner needed, no experience required. Argentine tango fans can catch practices and milongas on Sundays too. It's one of those places that surprises first-timers every single time.
Get Outside
One of the most underrated things about the River Market is how much is happening right outside along the Arkansas River. Riverfront Park stretches along the south bank of the river and is one of the most beautiful green spaces in downtown Little Rock. Walk it, bike it, or just sit by the water and take it all in. While you're there, don't skip the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden, where more than 75 works of art are tucked into landscaped outdoor rooms along the riverbank. It's the kind of place that makes you slow down and actually look at things. Right next door, the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center is free to visit and features live animals, interactive exhibits, and the second largest aquarium in Arkansas. The weekly fish feedings every Wednesday from 2 to 2:30 p.m. and alligator feedings every Friday from 2 to 2:30 p.m. are worth planning your afternoon around. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bring the Kids
If you're visiting with kids, the River Market has you covered. Between Riverfront Park, the Witt Stephens, Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, and the Museum of Discovery have enough to fill a full day without ever leaving. Little Rock's premier interactive science center sits right in the heart of the River Market and has something for every age. Their Wiggle Worms program for children 6 and under runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m., with each session starting with a story and ending with a hands-on STEAM activity. Check their calendar for upcoming themes and dates.
The River Market is at its best when you give it more than a day. Pair your visit with a great place to stay, incredible food, and some of the best museums and attractions in the South, and you've got a trip worth taking.
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