January
Startin’ Early, Stayin’ Late

What better venue to mark your move than the Governor’s mansion? Sponsored by Little Rock Soirée magazine, this Arkansas Repertory Theatre fundraiser is an occasion to don semi-formal attire, shake the governor’s hand and make new friends. Tickets are $50, drinks and appetizers are included, and the proceeds support one of the city’s leading cultural institutions. Jan. 27

February
Soup Sunday

There are so many delicious central Arkansas restaurants to try out that it’s hard to figure out where to start. A good primer in local cuisine is Soup Sunday. You take a muffin pan to Little Rock’s Embassy Suites and local eateries dish out samples. Tickets are $20 per adult, $5 per child, and proceeds benefit Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families. Feb. 20

March
World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade

For most central Arkansans, Hot Springs is a weekend playground. The charming resort town attracts people nationwide, as does this parade. The grand marshal this time down Bridge Street is John Corbett. (Actor from ‘Sex & The City’ and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding”) After a fun visit like this, we’re sure you’ll return for the horse races at Oaklawn and for summer fun on the lakes. March 17

April
Toad Suck Daze

Held in historic downtown Conway, this festival raises money for local students attending area colleges. The activities are typical, the name’s not. Here’s the scoop: Long ago, when low water forced steamboats on the Arkansas River to stop, locals said crews would frequent a tavern and “suck on the bottle ‘til they swell up like toads.” April 29-May 1.

May
Riverfest

The largest single event in the state — about 250,000 people showed up in 2010 – Riverfest celebrates visual and performing arts on the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock and North Little Rock. National acts across all genres descend on the cities and take to stages spread out among food vendors and more. A three-day pass is $25. May 27-29 (Memorial Day Weekend).

June
Diamond Chef Arkansas Finale

If you’re into Food Network’s “Iron Chef America,” this event is for you. Benefiting Pulaski Technical College, this culinary competition puts local celebrity chefs to the test for a good cause. The top two contenders will battle for the title and trophy while guests enjoy a reception, dinner and live and silent auctions at the Statehouse Convention Center from 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $150. June 7.

July
Frontier Fourth of July

The Historic Arkansas Museum provides a fun, interactive way to celebrate the nation’s birthday with the kids. The free Frontier Fourth of July celebration from 2-4 p.m. includes living history performances, pioneer games, costumed re-enactors and an old-time patriotic parade. Afterwards, you can kill some time before catching the fireworks from nearby Riverfront Park. July 4.

August
Arkansas Travelers baseball

You don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy an Arkansas Travelers game at Dickey Stephens Park in North Little Rock. The stadium, the home venue for the Los Angeles Angels’ Double-A affiliate, makes a relaxing after-work stop. Many people go to socialize, and you can’t beat the view of the Little Rock skyline. Season runs from April-September. Tickets start at $6.

September
Hillcrest HarvestFest

If you just moved into this section of town, HarvestFest is a great way to meet some neighbors. Living elsewhere? You’ll still enjoy the pancake breakfast, chili cook-off, live music, activities and shopping. Plus, you’ll eventually want to get acquainted with Hillcrest anyway — it’s an eclectic neighborhood with great restaurants, shops and nightspots. Besides, admission is free.

October
Susan G. Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure

Believe it or not, Little Rock hosts one of the nation’s largest and most successful versions of the Race for the Cure. Every October, tens of thousands of women run, walk or jog the 5K course. The guys can still get involved — there are a couple of pre- and post-race parties that also support the cause.

November
Arkansas Razorbacks Football

Twice a year, the University of Arkansas Razorbacks football team comes down from Fayetteville to play at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, and it’s the hottest ticket in town. Some natives would tell you that calling the Hogs with thousands of other fans is a prerequisite for any true Arkansan. If you can, hit up one of the tailgates in Hillcrest.

December
Festival of Trees

The annual Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute Auxiliary Festival of Trees is one of Little Rock’s most established holiday festivals and is held each December. Now in its 35th year, the three-day festival gives guests the option of enjoying one or more of eight different events. There’s something for all ages and pocketbooks, from blue-jean casual, general-admission events to a festive black-tie cocktail party.