Editor’s Note: At press time, the following events and meetings were known to be still scheduled. Organizers or appropriate officials are encouraged to contact Sandra Hope at shope@pbcommercial.com or use our newsroom email pbcnews@adgnewsroom.com to make additions or changes.
Tuesday, Sept. 30
UAMS sets health fair in Rison
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute will host a public health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 30 at Pioneer Village in Rison. Organized by the Cancer Institute’s Community Outreach and Engagement Office and Cleveland County community partners, the free event will feature more than 40 local health and wellness organizations providing resources, education and services, according to a news release.
Through Tuesday, Sept. 30
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Wildfire suppression kits available
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for wildland fire suppression kits through Sept. 30. Through a grant from the U.S. Forest Service, the department plans to distribute 75 wildland fire suppression kits to rural volunteer fire departments across the state this year. Since 2014, more than 830 kits have been provided to enhance local wildfire response capabilities, according to a news release. Applications can be submitted at https://www.cognitoforms.com/ArkansasAgriculture1/_2025ApplicationForWildlandFireSuppressionKit. Details: Kathryn Mahan-Hooten at kathryn.mahan@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
Wednesday, Oct. 1
Greg and Kay Reed exhibition set
The Pine Bluff Art League (PBAL) will host a reception for “Studying Our World in Paint,” a husband and wife exhibition by acrylic, oil and watercolor painter Greg Reed and oil painter Kay Reed. The reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 1 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The public is invited to attend. This exhibition will be on view through Nov. 24, according to a news release.
Chancellor to speak at Chamber event
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 1 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main St. The speaker will be UAPB Chancellor Anthony Graham, according to the Chamber newsletter. Lunch is $15 and will be catered by Grider Field restaurant. Lunch must be paid for in advance. Details: The Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
UAPB plans Career Summit
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Fall 2025 Career Summit is scheduled for Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the H.O. Clemmons Arena of the Kenneth L. Johnson Health, Physical Education and Recreation (HPER) Complex. The event will feature 46 organizations representing business/industry, government agencies, graduate/professional schools, and school districts, the UAPB Office of Career Services said in a news release. The summit is open to all students currently enrolled at the UAPB and for alumni, according to the release. UAPB Career Services office encourages all attendees to bring copies of a well-prepared resume. While professional dress is preferred, it is not required. Participants are asked to not wear jeans, sweats, or mini-skirts. Details: Shirley Hampton at UAPB at (870) 575-8461.
Deadline set for Breast Cancer walk/run
The 11th Annual 2K Breast Cancer Walk/Run in memory of Billie Jean “BJ” Jackson will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 18 at Saracen Landing Pavilion on Lake Saracen. This year’s walk/run offers a 2K and 5K option. There will be free health screenings, live entertainment, shopping, activities and fellowship, according to Stuff inThe Bluff.com. To register for the walk/run or for details, visit MJ Atkinson’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mj.atkinson.2025 or send an email to bjjacksonfightcurelegacy@yahoo.com. The deadline to register is Oct. 1 and the fee is $20 for ages 3 to 11 and $40 for ages 12 and up. A commemorative t-shirt and finisher medal is included with the registration.
Thursday, Oct. 2
N2N Burger Bash, auction set
Neighbor to Neighbor will hold its annual Bingo Burger Bash & Silent/Live Auction from 5:30-9 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Pine Bluff Country Club. “Join us for our biggest FUNdraiser of the year and enjoy an evening of Bingo, awesome prizes, and a live and silent auction,” according to a news release. “The upscale burger buffet will be better than ever, so come and enjoy!” Live auction items include jewelry from Sissy’s Log Cabin, a basketball signed by former Razorbacks Basketball Coach Nolan Richardson, baseball items from well-known former Major League Baseball player Torii Hunter, who’s also a Pine Bluff native, and other sports collectibles. All proceeds go to fulfilling Neighbor to Neighbor’s mission of feeding the hungry in Jefferson County and providing services to people in crisis. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at https://www.paypal.com/US/fundraiser/charity/2243602, at Neighbor to Neighbor, 1419 S. Pine St., or at the door. Table sponsorships are also available. Call Neighbor to Neighbor, at (870) 534-2883 for table information or more details. Pat Tate is executive director at Neighbor to Neighbor.
Friday, Oct. 3
Live@5 features Platinum hitz
Platinum Hitz will perform as part of the monthly Live@5 concert series from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 3 in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St.”This fan-favorite band brings a blend of solid, soulful and bluesy sound,” according to a news release. Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and $15 for nonmembers. Complimentary beer, wine, and nonalcoholic beverages are included. The session is for ages 21 and older. Live@5 is presented by MK Distributors. Additional support is provided by Simmons Bank. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
PB historic preservation event set
The Pine Bluff Historic District Commission, in partnership with Explore Pine Bluff, will present a symposium from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 3 at The ARTSpace on Main, at 623 S. Main St. The purpose is address the challenges and opportunities for preservation and revitalization of historic properties in commercial districts, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The community is invited to attend. Maryann Lee, who chairs the Pine Bluff Historic District Commission, said that funding, tax credits, governmental regulations, building codes and legal issues are a few of the topics that will be discussed at this event. The afternoon will feature a keynote address by Belinda Stewart, who owns an architectural firm. She will discuss federal tax credits, hiring contractors, and funding a preservation project. Continental breakfast and lunch will be served. This event is free of charge and open to the public. Seating is limited. To register by phone, call Maryann Lee at (870) 718-5330 or Explore Pine Bluff at (870) 540-9569. To register online, visit: Historic Preservation Symposium Tickets, Fri, Oct 3, 2025 at 8:00 AM | Eventbrite.
Saturday, Oct. 4
St. Joseph to bless animals
St. Joseph Catholic Church, 412 W. Sixth Ave., will hold the Blessing of Animals 2025 at 11 a.m. Oct. 4 in the church’s Walnut Street parking lot. Noel “Bud” Bryant, a deacon of St. Joseph church, will bless the animals. The event is held in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals, according to a news release. Everyone is invited to attend. Owners are asked to have their pets on leashes or in appropriate carriers. This is for the safety of the animals and the individuals who attend. Refreshments will be provided by Catholic Daughters following the service for the animals and those present.
American Legion sets fundraiser
The White Hall American Legion Post at the corner of Huckleberry and Nancy streets will hold a fundraiser Oct. 4 from 8 a.m. until about noon. The rummage sale items will be available indoors. The event includes kitchen items, small appliances, vintage items and children’s toys. Proceeds from the sale support the activities of the White Hall American Legion Post 232, according to a news release.
Outdoor Health Expo set
The Pine Bluff Historic District, in conjunction with Explore Pine Bluff, will present an Outdoor Health Empowerment Expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The expo is free and open to the public. Health and fitness events will be held from 7 a.m. to noon. Participants can choose to bike, ride or run and explore Downtown Pine Bluff and other historic sites, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. From 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. workshops and health screenings will be held. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. there will also be games such as chess, pickle ball and bingo. Details: (870) 718-5330.
White Hall plans Trade Days
The White Hall Chamber of Commerce invites the White Hall community to sell items during the annual city of White Hall Trade Days community-wide yard sale Oct. 4. “Don’t miss out on the fun. Got stuff collecting dust? Turn your old junk into someone else’s new treasure,” according to https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallCC/ The deadline to register for Trade Days is Sept. 27. The deadline will ensure that the participant’s name is on the list and marked as a yard sale spot for the community. Signs can be picked up at White Hall City Hall to post in your yard for advertisement. To sign up visit https://forms.gle/EnJAFt6V8A3YgfuK6 . Details: whitehallchamber@gmail.com.
Health, wellness event set
Hope Empowerment Inc. will present the free Health & Wellness Awareness 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at 2610 S. Catalpa St. (the Food Wise parking lot on West 28th Avenue), according to the newsletter of the Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce. The event will focus on building wellness together and fighting health challenges together. The event is organized by community advocates Aaron and Berinda Eugene, founders of the nonprofit Hope Empowerment Inc. that provides academic services to K-12 students and teaches health and wellness, according to a news release. The session will feature more than 35 exhibitors offering free health screenings, educational materials, fitness demos, and wellness services. Attendees can explore booths focused on nutrition, mental health, parenting support, diabetes education, and more. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Yara Robertson, an oncologist and medical director of the breast center, at CARTI Cancer Center. Details: crthereishope@yahoo.com or (870) 413-6189 or (870) 292-5353.
John H. Johnson Day features Hutchinson, lawmakers
Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson will headline the 20th anniversary celebration and tribute dinner for the John H. Johnson Museum, honoring nine lawmakers who sponsored legislation establishing John H. Johnson Day as a statewide memorial holiday. Presented by the Friends of the John H. Johnson Museum, in partnership with the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the event will be held at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock, from 5-8 p.m. Oct. 4. The community is invited to attend. Tickets are $40, according to a news release. The tribute will recognize Hutchinson for signing the John H. Johnson Day bill into law and the legislative sponsors of House Bill 1950, passed during the 92nd General Assembly in 2019, which officially designated Nov. 1 as John H. Johnson Day in Arkansas.
Beginning Saturday, Oct. 4
Blues by Budweiser concerts set
The 2025 Blues by Budweiser concert series will be held at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors open at 7 p.m. and concerts begin at 8 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. There is a $5 cover charge for non-members, according to a news release. The line-up includes: Oct. 4 — Garry Burnside Band; Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain.
Sunday, Oct. 5
Grace Episcopal to bless animals
Grace Episcopal Church, 4101 S. Hazel St., will host a celebration event for the Blessing of the Animals service at 2 p.m. Oct. 5 on the front lawn of the church grounds. Any owner and animal are welcome. Pets should be on leashes or in carriers during the event. There will be refreshments for adults, children, and pets, according to a news release. Participants are asked to bring a donation of animal food to help support and benefit the Jefferson Humane Society. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held inside Milwee Hall behind the church. Details: Grace Episcopal Church, (870) 535-3852.
PBAL hosts Marlene Gremillion
During the Pine Bluff Art League monthly meeting, visiting artist Marlene Gremillion will present a Designing On Mineral Paper Demonstration from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 5 at the the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. The public is invited to attend. Gremillion will show various uses of “Mineral Paper,” a unique multimedia paper that is thin, made from calcium carbonate, providing a unique texture for water-based or dry media. For more information on Gremillion, visit marlenegremillion.com.
Watkin Chapel honors pastor, wife
Watkin Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 800 S. Juniper St., will celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the pastor and wife, the Rev. Kenneth E. Jones Sr. and Debra A. Jones, at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 5. The guest preacher will be the Rev. Willie J. Laws Sr., pastor of Union Baptist Church in Altheimer.
Beginning Sunday, Oct. 5
UAPB hosts Homecoming
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Homecoming celebration is set for Oct. 5-11. Highlights include: Oct. 5 — UAPB Black and Gold Sunday will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Full Counsel Church-Pine Bluff, 517 S. Cherry St. On Oct. 11 — UAPB hosts its annual parade at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street. Individuals interested in participating in the parade must complete an application by Oct. 5 at 5 p.m. On Oct. 11 — The Homecoming Football Game features the UAPB Golden Lions taking on Westgate Christian College Ravens. Kickoff is at 2:10 p.m. at Simmons Bank Field. UAPB will welcome Perry Stuckey as the parade grand marshal. For a parade application, football ticket information or homecoming daily activities, visit uapb.edu/homecoming-2025.
Tuesday, Oct. 7
Club Scrub to host workshop
The Ivy Center for Education’s Future Medical Professionals “Club Scrub” Workshop will be held virtually from 6-7 p.m. Oct. 7. The topic is Exploring Dental Hygiene as a Career. The guest speaker is Brittany Rose, a registered dental hygienist with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Health Professions, Dental Hygiene Program. ts in 7-12th grade interested in medical careers are encouraged to attend the virtual workshop by using the Zoom Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061. For details, email Mattie Collins, Ivy Center’s president and CEO, at mattie1908@gmail.com or Danielle Harris, Club Scrub educational director, at djharris@uams.edu.
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 7
St. Joseph Spaghetti Supper set
St. Joseph Catholic Church, 412 W. Sixth Ave., will hold its annual Spaghetti Supper from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 7 and Oct. 9 in the gym. It’s carryout only and ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children, according to a spokesman. Tickets may be purchased at the door or from any parish member. Details: Gail Bryant, (870) 534-4701.
Dog obedience class set
The Southeast Arkansas Kennel Club is sponsoring a dog obedience class for seven weeks starting Oct. 7. The class will be meeting at Hestand Stadium from 7-8 p.m. each Tuesday. The cost is $65 for the seven weeks. Puppies need to be four months or older, according to the news release. Details: (870) 879-3384 or 870-209-3384.
Wednesday, Oct. 8
UAMS to host Fordyce event
A town hall meeting will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Fordyce Civic Center in Fordyce. The public is invited to attend the session hosted by the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute. The event will feature presentations from the institute’s Community Outreach and Engagement Team focusing on cancer screening guidelines, available screening options and barriers that residents may face in getting screened. Attendees will also learn about statewide cancer patient navigation services, cancer research initiatives and clinical trials available through UAMS, according to a news release. Lunch will be provided for the first 25 people in attendance. No preregistration is required. Details: uams.edu .
Thursday, Oct. 9
UAM music to host faculty recital
The University of Arkansas at Monticello Division of Music will host its Fall 2025 Faculty Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 in the Fine Arts Center at UAM. The event is free and open to the public, according to a news release. UAM faculty participants are Scott Bearden, director of recruitment and retention and associate professor of voice at UAM; Kylan Bigby, assistant professor of percussion at UAM; Kevin Bryson, director of jazz studies and assistant professor of low brass and jazz at UAM; Hee-Kyung Juhn, assistant professor of piano at UAM; Drew Leder, graduate assistant in jazz studies at UAM; Colt Lien, director of choral activities and instructor of music at UAM; Lester Pack, professor of music theory and guitar at UAM; and Leah Venable, adjunct instructor of flute and school methods at UAM. Details: Mark Sullivan at sullivanm@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1060.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 9
UAPB 1975 Class sets 50th reunion
The AM&N/University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Class of 1975 will host its 50th class reunion during UAPB’s Homecoming 2025. Reunion activities will include an invitation to the donor’s banquet on Oct. 9; recognition during the annual homecoming alumni assembly; banquet/gala on Oct. 10 from 6-9 p.m. in the STEM Building at UAPB; the annual homecoming parade and the football game. To sustain the class scholarship fund, each class member is asked to donate $1,000 to the Class of 1975 Scholarship Endowment Fund, according to a news release. The reunion registration form and donor form can be accessed via the AM&N/UAPB Class of 1975 Facebook page under “files” or members can email uapbclassof1975@swbell.net for additional information.
Friday, Oct. 10
Alumni luncheon set
The UAPB AM&N National Alumni Association will host the Alumni Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets to the luncheon are available on a first come, first served basis, according to a news release. Tickets are $85 and can only be purchased the following ways: 1 — Mail a check or money order payable to UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association to 1200 N. University, Mail Slot 4813, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. (Call the office before mailing your check to ensure that seats are still available.) 2 — Purchase online at https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/alumni-luncheon–2025. 3 — Call the alumni office at (870) 536-2309 to pay by card over the phone. The clear bag policy is still in effect at the convention center. For details, follow the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association on social media.
Saturday, Oct. 11
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give food boxes to those in need Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. until all the boxes are given away. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Pickup will be in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks.
UAPB alumni plan All Black Affair
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N National Alumni Association will present the All Black Affair, a homecoming celebration honoring the Beta Cohort of their FIFTY Under 50 Outstanding Young Alumni. The gala will be held at 8 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Tickets are $50, according to a news release. The All Black Affair will include entertainment by Dee Dee Jones and heavy hors d’oeuvres. The attire is all black, all classy. Tickets and table sponsorships can be purchased at https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/9s82dw?vid=1k9f5l or you may call the National Alumni Association Office at (501) 536-2309.
ARTx3 Funday Homecoming event set
The ARTx3 Campus will host a special coloring activity to coincide with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Homecoming. The event will be held at the Second Saturday Family FunDay from 1-3 p.m. Oct. 11 at the ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors are invited to color a sheet made exclusively for this event. Selected finished designs will be posted at facebook.com/asc701. This program is sponsored by the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation and McFarland Eye Care. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call the Arts and Science Center for Southeast Arkansas.
Sunday, Oct. 12
New United observes 50th anniversary
New United Missionary Baptist Church, 5601 Cheatham St., will observe its 50th anniversary at 11 a.m. Oct. 12. The pastor is the Rev. Woodrow Jackson Sr.
Tuesday, Oct. 14
TOPPS to host food giveaway
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will host its community food giveaway at 10 a.m. Oct. 14. The event will be held in a drive-through format and food boxes will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Each household may receive one box of food and participants must present a valid ID, according to a news release.
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 14
Angel Tree forms taken at Aquatic Center
The Salvation Army of Pine Bluff has changed the location where they’ll accept applications for Angel Tree gifts for children up to age 12. The applications will now be accepted at the Pine Bluff Aquatic Center, 400 E. 11th Ave., from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 14-17. This is the only opportunity to submit applications, and no exceptions will be made, according to a news release. This program offers individuals the opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts for those less fortunate in Cleveland, Dallas, Grant, Jefferson, and Lincoln counties. Applicants will need documentation, including ID, proof of income, and children’s birth certificates. For those interested in assisting the Angel Tree program or for details, contact Kendashia Jacobs at (870) 536-6382 at the Salvation Army.
Thursday, Oct. 16
Trinity Village plans Soup event
Trinity Village, 6400 Trinity Drive, will host its fall Soup & Shop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Great Hall on the campus. The community is invited to attend. Admission to the event is by donation. Donations go toward updating parts of Trinity Village’s medical center, according to a flier. “Taste the soups and shop with our vendors,” a spokesman said. For those interested in setting up a booth, the cost is $25 each and the fee is non-refundable. Details: Trinity Village, (870) 879-3113.
WHSB changes meeting date
The White Hall School Board has changed its Oct. 14 meeting to 6 p.m. Oct. 16, according to a news release. Details: (870) 247-2002.
Beginning Thursday, Oct. 16
UAM hosts rodeo
The University of Arkansas at Monticello is bringing three nights of rodeo action to town with the 2025 Weevil Stampede set for Oct. 16-18 at the UAM Truck Driving Academy on Highway 425 South. Performances begin each day at 7 p.m. Collegiate athletes from across the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association’s Ozark Region will compete in events including barrel racing, team roping, breakaway roping, goat tying, calf roping, steer wrestling, bull riding and bronc riding, according to a news release. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. UAM students with a valid ID can attend for $5. For more information about the UAM Weevil Stampede, call (870) 460-1052.
Beginning Friday, Oct. 17
Breast Cancer event, walk set
The 11th Annual 2K Breast Cancer Walk/Run Weekend in memory of Billie Jean “BJ” Jackson will be held Oct. 17-18. The community is invited to attend the kick-off event at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St. Participants will hear from survivors, doctors and advocates, according to MJ Atkinson’s Facebook page. The walk/run will be held at 9 a.m. Oct. 18 at Saracen Landing Pavilion on Lake Saracen. This year’s walk/run offers a 2K and 5K option. In addition, there will be free health screenings, live entertainment, shopping, activities and fellowship, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. To register for the walk/run or for details, visit MJ Atkinson’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/mj.atkinson.2025 or send an email to bjjacksonfightcurelegacy@yahoo.com. The deadline to register is Oct. 1 and the fee is $20 for ages 3 to 11 and $40 for ages 12 and up. A commemorative t-shirt and finisher medal is included with the registration.
Saturday, Oct. 18
WH to host Founders Day
White Hall will host its 2025 White Hall Founders Day Festival on Oct. 18, according to the White Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page. The event will include vendors, food trucks, entertainers, as well as the annual parade. “Let’s make this year’s Founders Day bigger and better than ever — can’t wait to see you there,” according to the Facebook post. For details, visit https://whitehallfoundersday.com/showcase.html.
Thornton plans BBQ cookoff
The city of Thornton and Thornton Step-By-Step Inc. will sponsor its fall festival and Hot Lips BBQ Cookoff on Oct. 18. Everyone is invited to attend. The fall festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Roy Yarbrough City Park on U.S. 79B in Thornton. The Hot Lips BBQ Cookoff will take place across the street from the city park near the fire sub-station and extending over onto the Greater St. Mark AME Church. There is no fee to attend, but people are asked to bring their own lawn chairs. Details: Levenis Penix, (870) 352-8241,or Sharon Scott, (870) 352-7968.
Beginning Saturday, Oct. 18
Canaan church honors leaders
Canaan Christian Center, 7890 Middle Warren Road, will host the 23rd pastoral anniversary of the apostle, Craig Banks, and pastor, Sheryl Banks. At 4 p.m. Oct. 18, special guests will be speakers John Delaware, apostle at Royal Priesthood Ministries of Little Rock; and Victor Johnson, apostle at Victors’ Empowerment Center of Stuttgart; musical guests Marquis Hunt, saxophonist, and Keenon Coleman, psalmist. At 10 a.m. Oct. 19, the musical guest will be Zetoria Curry, a psalmist. Tributes will also be made to the honorees.
Tuesday, Oct. 21
Domestic Violence Walk set
The Pine Bluff Police Department will host its annual Domestic Violence Walk from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 21. Participants should meet at the civic center’s front steps at 200 E. Eighth Ave. All are welcome. According to the PBPD, the walk is designed to celebrate survivors and to recognize that an act of domestic abuse occurs every minute. Details: (870) 730-2042.
Thursday, Oct. 23
Chamber plans farmers’ fish fry
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will present its 73rd annual Farmers Appreciation Fish Fry will take place from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 23 at Hestand Stadium. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. The fish fry will feature King Kat catfish and chicken plates with all the trimmings, according to the Chamber newsletter. Featured entertainment will be the Port City Blues Players. Beverages are sponsored by MK Distributors. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor, or for details call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110 or email vera@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Friday, Oct. 24
NAACP to host annual banquet
The Pine Bluff Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) will host its annual Dove Freedom Fund Banquet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Prince Hall Grand Lodge, 2906 E. Harding Ave. The NAACP awards will be presented at the banquet. The Pine Bluff Branch NAACP president is Ivan Whitfield. Supporters are invited to make contributions to the efforts. Sponsorships are available. All ads for the souvenir booklet must be camera-ready and emailed to 15graydon@gmail.com no later than Oct. 1, which is also the deadline for payment. Details: Event Coordinator Loretta Whitfield at (870) 489-4736 or Event Co-Chair Yvonne Denton, at (870) 550-4247. Ivan Whitfield is the NAACP branch president.
Saturday, Oct. 25
TOPPS to teach youth sewing
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will host a sewing class for ages 8-18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 25. Lunch will be served. The course is free and each participant will take away a completed project, according to a news release. For details or to register, call TOPPS, (870) 850-6011.
NAACP Drew County banquet set
Two-time Emmy Award-winning producer Raya Clay and award-winning comedian Nate Williams will highlight the NAACP Drew County Branch’s 2025 Freedom Fund Banquet, scheduled for 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello’s University Center Green Room. The doors open at 4 p.m. Clay, of Los Angeles, will be the speaker. Williams, of Little Rock, will provide the entertainment with his comedy set. Tickets for the event are $50 each. Tables of eight and 10 are available, as well as souvenir book ads. Details: naacp6042@gmail.com or visit dcnaacp6042.org/events.
GOP sets dinner with Cotton, Westerman
The Jefferson County Republican Committee will hold the 2025 Top Of The Ticket Dinner at 6 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Headliners will be U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton along with U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman, with comments from elected officials, candidates and others, according to a news release. Tickets are available for $60. Tables of 10 can be reserved for $600 and tables of eight are $480, according to the release. For tickets, contact Jefferson County Republican Committee Chairman David Singer at (908) 883-2032; Mandi Martin, (870) 510-4183 or Susan Over (870) 692-1804.
Friday, Oct. 31
Police to host Fall Festival
The Pine Bluff Police Department’s annual Fall Festival will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Oct. 31 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Food, prizes, games and other activities will be available. Attendees are welcome to wear family-appropriate costumes to the event, according to a news release. Details: (870) 730-2042.
Beginning Friday, Oct. 31
Stuttgart church sets fall fest
A fall fest will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at First Christian Church in Stuttgart. There will be craft vendors, a soup and chili luncheon, bake sale, silent auction and other activities, according to a news release. To rent a table or for more details, call Jeannie Teaney at (870) 267-8450.
Through Friday, Oct. 31
Great Arkansas Cleanup set
Keep Arkansas Beautiful has opened registration for the 2025 Great Arkansas Cleanup, Arkansas’ largest fall community improvement initiative. The campaign runs through Oct. 31. KAB asks Arkansans to do their part and help the agency reach its goal of having all 75 counties participate again this year. Volunteers, including civic groups, businesses, local governments and individuals, are encouraged to register their cleanup events at www.keeparkansasbeautiful.com to receive free supplies such as trash bags, gloves, safety vests and shirts while supplies last.
Saturday, Nov. 1
Agri Hall of Fame seeks nominees
The Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for its next class of inductees. The nomination deadline is Nov. 1. The Agriculture Hall of Fame recognizes Arkansans who have contributed significantly to the state’s largest industry while spotlighting their contributions to the state’s economic development. Since its first class was selected in 1987, a total of 198 men and women have been inducted, according to a news release. Debbie Moreland, chair of the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame, says anyone can nominate a person believed worthy of the honor. The nomination form is available at https://www.arkansasaghalloffame.org/pages/member-nomination-form/. Forms can also be requested by calling (501) 228-1609.
Through Friday, Nov. 7
AGFC offers schools grants
More than three-quarters of a million dollars is available for Arkansas schools to teach conservation education this year, thanks to a partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services to turn poaching violations into education opportunities. All wildlife and fishing fine money collected last year has been set aside by the AGFC specifically for education grants that teachers may use to increase conservation education efforts in their schools, according to a news release. Teachers and administrators have until Nov. 7 to apply for a conservation education grant at www.arkansasedc.com/rural-services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant.
Through Saturday, Nov. 15
Brian Wolf exhibit on display
The ARTx3 Campus is hosting the 24-piece exhibition “Strange Awakening” by Brian Wolf at the Loft Gallery at The ARTSpace on Main, 623 S. Main St. “Strange Awakening,” his latest body of work, is the culmination of self-discovery, acceptance and artistic transformation that began in 2023. “Strange Awakening” will be on view through Nov. 15 by appointment. The exhibition is sponsored by the Kline Family Foundation, according to a news release.