Big Downtown Thursday in Little Rock, Arkansas

Big Downtown Thursday is a series of events that occur on (wait for it…) Thursday of each week in May. This year, the weekly fun will extend into June as well. I forget just how much is going on in Little Rock at this time of year, with the Travelers in the new stadium, the RiverTop Parties at the Peabody, Riverfest and Greek Food Fest. Little Rock is a great place to be in the month of May. It isn’t even too hot for you yankees – yet.

Big Downtown Thursday is just another good reason to knock back a few and listen to some live music after work. The event takes place in the Rivermarket Pavilion, which is on the bank of the Arkansas River in the downtown area. Street parking in the area can be a SOB, but free parking is available under the nearby interstate bridge. Otherwise you’ll have to fork out about $5.00 for the honor. Yes, this happens every Thursday downtown. If you’re in the city for business, you’re in prime position to get to the pavilion and get your brewski faster than a New York minute.

This year, the sponsors have changed things up a bit. Rather than just loud music and drinks (which wasn’t bad), Big Downtown Thursday “promises to re-visit its origin as a premier professional networking event.” Networking is okay too, I guess. Instead of a concert series, Big Downtown Thursdays will be a business networking and cultural event. “Acoustic performances by local musicians will form the musical backdrop while visual artists create on-site paintings, making it much easier for attendees to hold conversations and develop new connections.” I’m not sure how well that will go over. After 5:00, it’s time to unwind. Not network MORE than you do at other events. But the art should be nice.

Admission will be $5.00 with food and drink available for sale on site. So, now that this is a “networking event” rather than just drinks and loud music, maybe you can get your employer to foot the bill.

Future dates this year include May 31st and June 14th.