Events in Benton today

A groundbreaking musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton's climb from outsider to influential Founding Father, exploring his battles for honor, love, and a legacy that helped define a nation. Inspired by Ron Chernow’s biography, the show pulses with a score that fuses hip hop, jazz, R&B, and classic Broadway. The creative vision comes from Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics, with direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and music supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. Celebrated across culture, politics, and education, the production has earned 11 Tony Awards, along with a Grammy, an Olivier Award, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Coffee + Connections is a relaxed coffee meetup at 317 Coffee and Cafe for business owners and professionals who prefer a more human approach to networking. Conversations come first, not sales pitches, and there is no set agenda or pressure to circulate. Name tags and speed introductions are skipped so connections can unfold naturally. Attendees typically include small business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals who value relationships over transactions. Membership is not required. The aim is simple... enjoy good coffee, have thoughtful conversations, and let authentic connections grow over time.

Presented by Little Rock Queer Girls, this sixth annual celebration of queer music and creativity unfolds over two days filled with community and resilience. The first day, Queertopia Unplugged at Dedicated Visual Art Studio, offers a laid-back outdoor vibe with acoustic performances, with Dali Darko hosting. Guests can bring chairs, blankets, hula hoops, silks, and similar comforts. The second day, Queertopia LIVE at Vino's, turns up the volume for a loud and proud showcase hosted by Kitty Kouture. The lineup will be announced. Tickets are available as single day admission for $15, two day passes for $25, or at the door for $20.

The touring production of Hamilton will be presented at Robinson Center, bringing a dynamic retelling of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton’s journey. Inspired by Ron Chernow’s biography, the musical follows his rise and his pursuit of honor, love, and a lasting legacy that helped shape the nation. The score weaves hip hop, jazz, R&B, and classic Broadway styles. The creative team includes Lin-Manuel Miranda for book, music, and lyrics, Thomas Kail directing, Andy Blankenbuehler choreographing, and Alex Lacamoire overseeing music and orchestrations. The show has received 11 Tony Awards, along with Grammy and Olivier honors, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Kolby Cooper takes the stage at The Rev Room alongside the Jaxon Malone Band. The Bradford, Texas native built a wide following on the strength of his own songs, amassing more than 420 million on-demand streams before releasing his label debut, Boy From Anderson County To The Moon, through BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville in partnership with Combustion Music. Recognized for raw, relatable breakup anthems and unfiltered lyrics, he blends charged electric guitar with crowd-ready hooks, moving from high-energy moments to heart-tugging reflections. Expect newer standouts like Hate You Too, Running Away, Hello From The Road, and Kill Me to power an electrifying live set. General admission is $20, and ages 14 and up are admitted.

A new farmers market in West Little Rock spotlights local farmers and makers. Explore fresh produce, baked goods, and more while supporting the people who grow and create in the area.

A competitive stone skipping event with separate divisions for men, women, and youth. The entry fee for competitors is $10, and spectator admission is free. Attendees may bring lawn chairs and coolers, with glass containers prohibited. Event shirts will be available for purchase, and all net proceeds will benefit a local food pantry.

Craft in Common is a single day devoted to the practices of collecting, connoisseurship, and the transformative power of craft. Artist and collector Robyn Horn and blacksmith Elizabeth Brim, known for sculptural ironwork that expands the possibilities of a historically male-dominated field, lead the experience. The program opens with “Collecting That Matters,” a conversation featuring Horn and Stefanie Kirkland, AMFA’s Windgate Foundation Curator of Contemporary Craft. Participants then break for lunch, followed by interactive studio demonstrations in ceramics, wood, glass, metals, and more at AMFA’s Windgate Art School. Later, a screening of the documentary “Iron Pearls,” which features Brim, leads into a conversation between Elizabeth Brim and Andy Moon, Director of AMFA’s Windgate Art School. The day wraps up with a Craft in Common happy hour offering drinks, light bites, and opportunities to connect, along with time to explore “Material Nature: John and Robyn Horn Collection” and other exhibitions in the galleries. “Material Nature: John and Robyn Horn Collection” is supported in part by the Alan DuBois Fund for Contemporary Craft and Cindy and Greg Feltus.

Robinson Center hosts the touring production of Hamilton, a sweeping portrait of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he pursues honor, love, and a legacy that helps shape the nation. Drawn from Ron Chernow’s biography, the show features a vibrant score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway styles. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and music supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, the musical’s influence extends to culture, politics, and education. It has earned 11 Tony Awards, along with a Grammy, an Olivier, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Mark Winters brings acoustic rock brimming with positivity to Benton, Arkansas as part of the Good Vibes Highway Tour. This traveling showcase shares upbeat, nerdy energy with communities across the U.S. and Canada, weaving humor, heart, and harmony into performances that lift spirits. The music celebrates curiosity, kindness, and connection, encouraging audiences to pass along positive energy and shine a little light together. Blending science enthusiasm with storytelling, the tour fits settings from campgrounds and coffeehouses to community stages, whether under starry skies or in a lively city. Based in Texas, Mark is a rock singer songwriter with roots in rock, blues rock, and pop. He first picked up a guitar to play a song for his wife on their anniversary, then discovered the joy of connecting with people through music. Influences include John Mayer, Tom Petty, and Jason Mraz. Drawing on poetry and a background in science, he shapes his songs with thoughtful structure inspired in part by his grandmother’s encouragement to express himself.

The event features a lively mix of fun, creativity, and entertainment, presented by the South Central Chapter of the American Society for Interior Designers at the historic Dreamland Ballroom in downtown Little Rock, Arkansas. It welcomes the public and supports a charitable cause, with more details to be shared closer to the event.

Hamilton tells the sweeping story of Alexander Hamilton, following his ascent as a Founding Father as he pursues honor, love, and a legacy that helps shape a nation. Inspired by Ron Chernow’s biography, the production pairs dynamic storytelling with a score that fuses hip hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, leaving a mark on culture, politics, and education. Created by Lin-Manuel Miranda, with direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, the show has been recognized with 11 Tony Awards, a Grammy and Olivier honors, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Presented by the Arkansas Hospitality Association, the third year of the Masters of Hospitality Golf Tournament takes place at Pleasant Valley Country Club. Hospitality professionals form teams for a full day on a premier Arkansas course, blending competitive play with opportunities to connect across the industry and enjoy attentive hospitality. Participants face off with peers for the chance to be recognized as this year's Masters of Hospitality champions. Sponsorship options and team registration are available.

Preteens and teens in grades 6 through 12 can build Ballroom and Latin dance skills in a structured fall session aligned with the school year. Instruction is led by professional dancer Adam Richardson, assisted by Robin Telles Richardson of Richardson Ballroom. Two 45-minute classes take place on Mondays and on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month. No partner is required. A limited number of new student spots are available. Participants can develop social skills, confidence, coordination, poise, and overall physical health while meeting new friends in a welcoming studio environment. Families may arrange a studio visit in advance to see the space and talk with the team. Homeschool participants are supported, as this program is an EFA approved vendor.

Compete in a local Standard-format tournament at Game Goblins in Little Rock. The event uses multiple Swiss rounds with a possible top cut, determined by attendance, and is run by certified judges and staff to keep play fair and organized. Entry is 10 dollars, and the Rules Enforcement Level is Casual. Bring a deck that is legal in Standard, be familiar with current Modern rules and Competitive REL procedures, and be ready to battle through several rounds with a potential playoff. Store credit is awarded to players who make the top cut.

A free Look Good Feel Better workshop will be held at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Registration is required.

A weekly Modern tournament at Game Goblins in Little Rock offers a local stage to compete for store credit in a structured setting. Players battle through multiple Swiss rounds, with a playoff for the top performers if attendance supports it. Certified judges and store staff oversee the action, and the event uses a Casual Rules Enforcement Level. Bring a Modern legal deck, be comfortable with current Modern rules and Competitive REL procedures, and be ready for closely contested games. Entry is 10 dollars, and prizes are paid out as store credit to those who reach the top cut.

Settle into a calm practice that helps you listen to your inner guidance and strengthen the connection between mind and body. This all-levels meditation and mindfulness class introduces approaches such as noticing the breath, scanning sensations through the body, and using visualization to focus attention. Participants work with supportive tools including gentle breathwork, simple mudras, and guided meditation, with room to discover what feels helpful. The aim is to cultivate mindfulness, ease stress, and enhance well-being in a welcoming setting that encourages you to deepen your personal practice.