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.
Saturday, Nov. 1
Johnson Day set Nov. 1
John H. Johnson Day will be celebrated from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 1 at the John H. Johnson Cultural and Educational Museum in Arkansas City. The late Johnson was at native of Arkansas City and publisher of Johnson Publishing Co. The event will feature keynote speaker Sidney Moncrief, a businessman, former Arkansas Razorback and professional basketball player. Awards will be presented to five honorees. Details: Friends of John H. Johnson Museum, https://www.johnhjohnsonmuseum.org/
Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class set
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Ages 3-6 and their parents are invited to Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class: Come Read, Sing, Dance, and Play with Me! from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The program is free, but registration is required at artx3.org/all-events/literacy-nov-2025 or call (870) 536-3375. Details: Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call the center.
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 Nov. 1 — Charlotte Taylor & Gypsy Rain, who have won numerous blues competitions across the mid-south. The concert series is sponsored by MK Distributors.
Stuttgart church sets fall fest
A fall fest will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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 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.
Underway
Extension internships available
Applications are open for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s 2026 county extension agent internship. The paid, 10-week summer program offers college students an immersive, hands-on look at life as an extension agent. The internship is offered by the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the Division of Agriculture. College juniors and seniors studying agriculture, horticulture or family and consumer sciences-related fields are encouraged to apply. The deadline for applications is Dec. 31, 2025, and those selected for the program will be notified by mid-January 2026. Apply online at bit.ly/apply-county-agent-internship.
Sunday, Nov. 2
Art League sets meeting
The Pine Bluff Art League will host its regular monthly meeting from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., in room A & B. Pam Wooley will present an oil painting demonstration. She’s a PBAL member and recent award winner of the 2025 “Annual Pine Bluff Art League Exhibition,” according to a news release. This event is free and open to the public ages 15 and older. For more information, contact PBAL President Vickie Coleman at (870) 540-9975.
Judah honors bishop and wife
Judah Restoration Worship Center, 2401 S. Main St., will celebrate the 33rd Pastoral Anniversary of the bishop and wife, Esau Watson Jr. and Paula Watson, on Nov. 2. At 11 a.m., the featured speaker will be the Rev. Darrell Martin. At 3 p.m., the guest speaker will be the bishop, Anthony Martin.
New Faith honors pastor, wife
New Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 3800 Fir St., will celebrate the 14th Pastoral Anniversary of the Rev. S.E. and Cassandra Shaw at 3 p.m. Nov. 2. The Rev. Silas Roaf Sr., pastor of St. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, will be the guest speaker and the Rev. William A. Shaw, pastor of Pleasant View Ministries, will be the worship leader. Music will be featured by the Mt. Nebo Mass Choir. This year’s theme is “Guided by Grace, Leading with Love” (Jeremiah 3:15), according to Stuff in The Bluff.com.
Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 4
New Jerusalem conducts revival
New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1317 S. Texas St., will have revival a three day revival at 6:30 nightly. The Rev. Glenn Barnes Sr., pastor of Pine Hill Missionary Baptist Church, will be the speaker Nov. 4. The Rev. Donnell McTyer, pastor of Kings Highway Missionary Baptist Church will be the speaker Nov. 5. The Rev. Raeshawn Howard, pastor of New Morning Missionary Baptist Church will be the speaker on Nov. 6. Everyone is invited to attend these services. The Rev. Marc Kriston Wilson is the pastor of New Jerusalem.
Ivy Center plans events
The Ivy Center for Education announces events. Nov. 4 — Club Scrub: From 6-7 p.m., students will meet at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences South Central, 1601 W. 40th Ave. Topic: “Career in Pharmacy” — UAMS College of Pharmacy Student Ambassadors. Students in 7th-12th grade are encouraged to attend. (Everyone should enter from the rear of the building), according to a news release. Nov. 11 — Future Engineers: From 6-7 p.m., students will meet at the Generator, 435 S. Main St. Activity: Scholars will work with Robots and UAPB students. Seventh-12th graders are encouraged to attend. Following the Future Engineers workshop, the 2026 College Tour Interest Meeting will be held from 7:15-7:45 p.m. Eighth-11 graders may attend with their parents. Nov. 18 — Girl/Guy Talk — From 6-7:30 p.m., at the Generator on Main, 7-12th graders will meet with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the Alpha Rho Chapter at UAPB, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter, and Pi Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. Those who cannot attend these sessions in person may join via Zoom with ID 856 8296 4187 and Password 351061. Details: Ivy Center President Mattie Collins, mattie1908@gmail.com.
Wednesday, Nov. 5
PB Chamber sets luncheon
Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 5 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator. The event sponsor is Pine Bluff Career Council and STAR (Seamless Transition for Arkansas). The panel will feature the career council, according to the Chamber newsletter. Grider Field restaurant will cater lunch. Lunch is $10 per person and must be paid in advance at the Chamber. To RSVP, contact the Chamber, (870) 535-0110.
The Commercial sets church news deadline
Church news is printed in The Commercial on Fridays. The deadline to submit church announcements is noon Wednesdays. Pastors, ministers or others interested in writing for the Devotional Page may also submit columns for consideration. Column writers should have connections to southeast Arkansas. Articles are accepted by email to Sandra Hope at shope@adgnewsroom.com. Details: (870) 534-3400, ext. 5.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 6
Auditions set for Miracle on Main
The ARTx3 Campus is hosting auditions for its holiday show from 5-8 p.m. Nov. 6 and Nov. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. This community talent show is open to ages 6 and older. Performers may audition for these categories: Specialty acts, readers theater, and community choir. Performances are at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and Dec. 13. Kayla Earnest and Bethany Gere direct. The show is sponsored by Relyance Bank. Details: artx3.org/all-events/auditions-miracle-on-main or contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Friday, Nov. 7
Live@5 features Darnell Cann-Ward
Darnell Cann-Ward will perform during the monthly Live@5 concert series from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 7, in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. “Enjoy soulful jazz and R&B tunes with the smooth saxophonist,” according to the news release. Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and $15 for nonmembers. Complimentary beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages are included. The event is for ages 21 and older. Details: Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Art League sets workshop
The Pine Bluff Art League will host a new painting party from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave. Pam Wooley will present an acrylic workshop and teach step by step how to use the paint medium, develop brush techniques and blend colors. The cost is $35. Materials and appetizers are included. The event is for ages 15 and older. Participants may make a check out to the Pine Bluff Art League and mail it to Pine Bluff Art League, Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, 211 W. Third Ave., Box 8, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. Details: Pam Wooley at (870) 357-2328 or Pine Bluff Art League Treasurer Permelia Huffman at (870) 543-0225. Class size is limited.
EHC Holiday Foods Show set
The annual Jefferson County Extension Homemakers Holiday Foods Show will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 412 W. Sixth Ave. The doors will open at 9 a.m. Tickets are $25 and are available by texting (870) 718-1846 or contacting any Jefferson County Extension Homemaker for assistance in getting tickets, according to a news release.
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.
Saturday, Nov. 8
Pilgrim MBC to give away food
Raven’s Nest Food Pantry at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 2507 Hill St., will give away food Nov. 8 from 8-10 a.m. or until all the food has been handed out. Food will be given away on a first come, first-served basis. Participants must bring a picture identification. The pantry is a U.S. Department of Agriculture distribution site and an equal opportunity provider, according to a news release.
ARTX3 presents Cookin’ for a Cause
The ARTx3 Campus will host Cookin’ for a Cause for its next Second Saturday Family FunDay from 1-3 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is free and open to the public. Participants of all ages are invited to help cook for others. The campus is collaborating with House of Bread Deliverance Church to aid families in need. For more information, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375 or see artx3.org/all-events/family-funday-nov-2025.
WHHS JROTC dinner, auction set
The White Hall High School Junior ROTC Booster Club will host its Fall Dinner and Auction from 6-9 p.m. Nov. 8 at White Hall Community Center. Dinner will be catered by Texas Roadhouse and participants may choose steak or chicken, according to the flier. “Support our cadets — strengthen our program,” the flier said. Tickets are $25 each. Tickets won’t be sold at the door. Details: White Hall High School, (870) 247-3255 or see Facebook.
Sunday, Nov. 9
Eighth Avenue honors pastor, wife
Eighth Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, 1200 W. Eighth Ave., will celebrate the 13th Pastoral Anniversary of the Rev. Kirby L. Gulley and Neshia Gulley, at 3 p.m. Nov. 9. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Christopher Jackson of Davis Creek Missionary Baptist in Prattsville. “Come help us celebrate this glorious occasion,” a spokesman said.
Tuesday, Nov. 11
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will provide food to federal workers and hold its monthly giveaway, according to a news release. Federal workers can come to TOPPS from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to pick up food. A federal ID is required. TOPPS will also have its regular monthly food distribution on Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. in a first-come, first-served drive-through method. Participants must bring their ID. Each household will receive one food box until all boxes are distributed. November boxes will not contain a turkey or a ham. Participants must be present to receive a box.
Wednesday, Nov. 12
WH Chamber luncheon set
White Hall Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon at noon Nov. 12. The guest presenter will be Dr. Jennifer Jacks, a local dermatologist. The luncheon will be catered by Rice Catering, according to a flier at https://www.facebook.com/WhiteHallChamber/.
Thursday, Nov. 13
Business event set at Monticello
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host Starting a Business in Arkansas Watch Party from 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 13 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. The free webinar will also be held via Zoom. The speaker will be Laura Miller, Arkansas State University ASBTDC Center director, according to a news release. Business Start-up/Preplanning will be the topic. When registering, participants should select their preferred attendance option. The Zoom link or watch party location details will be sent the week before the event. The registration deadline is 10 a.m. Nov. 13. Details: A-State ASBTDC (870) 972-3517.
Friday, Nov. 14
Golden Hour Movie Day set
The ARTx3 Campus will host an afternoon of movie-watching for individuals aged 50 and older, featuring the classic “The Princess Bride” in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is part of ARTx3’s Golden Hour programming for seniors and is free. Register at artx3.org/all-events/golden-hour-movie-day. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Through Friday, Nov. 14
Blue Cross holds food drive
Arkansans are encouraged to join Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield by participating in the Take Good Care Food Drive. Through Nov. 14, non-perishable food and personal care items can be donated at any ArkansasBlue Welcome Center. Locally, the Pine Bluff office is at 509 Mallard Loop. Donated items will be distributed to local community food pantries and resource centers, according to a news release.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Vaughns to lead Veterans Parade
U.S. veteran and Tuskegee Airman Thomas Franklin Vaughns has been named the grand marshal for the Pine Bluff Regional Veterans Parade, scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 15 in downtown Pine Bluff. Sponsors or supporters include the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, city of Pine Bluff, Pine Bluff Convention Center, MK Distributors, Pine Bluff Military and Veterans Museum, Saracen Casino Resort and ExplorePineBluff.com.
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.
Sunday, Nov. 16
Pleasant View hosts 100th anniversary
Pleasant View Ministries Church, 1117 N. Palm St., will celebrate its 100th Anniversary at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 16. This service will include historical insights, special recognition, music, and praise dancers. The guest speaker will be Greg Smith, pastor of The City of Love Outreach & Restoration (C.O.L.O.R) Church in Pine Bluff. The theme is: “Celebrating the Past; Embracing the Future; Moving Forward with Purpose” (Phil. 3:13) “All former members and friends of Pleasant View Ministries are invited to join us for this homecoming! All former choir members are asked to come back to be a member of the mass choir for that day,” according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. The Rev. William A. Shaw Jr. is the pastor of Pleasant View.
Thursday, Nov. 20
PBHS students showcase art
The ARTx3 Campus will host an opening reception for an exhibition of work by Pine Bluff High School students from 5-7 p.m. Nov. 20 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. The event is free and open to the public. “It Was All A Dream” invites viewers to step into a world where imagination and reality intertwine. The exhibition will be on view in the Loft Gallery through Feb. 26. For more information or to schedule a viewing, contact Shakeelah Rahmaan, interim curator and programs director, at srahmaan@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375 or visit artx3.org/exhibitions/2025-pine-bluff-high-school.
Friday, Nov. 21
Open Mic Poetry set at ARTx3
The ARTx3 Campus will present ART WORKS Presents: Open Mic Poetry, from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 21 in the Adam B. Robinson Jr. Black Box Theater at ART WORKS on Main, 627 S. Main St. Tru Poet hosts. “Ages 16 and older are invited to share their spoken-word selections and original creations in an encouraging and inspiring environment that celebrates the art of poetry and storytelling,” according to the release. No registration is required. Participants can enter for a chance to win door prizes. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Entry is $10 for ARTx3 members and students, and $15 for nonmembers. For more information, contact Bethany Gere, theater and programs coordinator, at bgere@artx3.org or call (870) 536-3375.
Saturday, Nov. 22
Faith church plans bazaar
Faith Community Church, 3703 Ryburn Road, in the Watson Chapel community, will hold its Christmas bazaar from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 22, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The bazaar will include handmade crafts, decorations, baked goods, candies, frozen casseroles, soups, wreaths and other items, according to a flier. Participants may also register to win four gift cards. The drawings for the cards will be made hourly between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Winners must be present to receive the gift. Details: (870) 879-3360.
St. John to give away food
St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St., will give away food boxes to those who are in need, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. until all food is gone. 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. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family, according to a news release.
Through Friday, Dec. 5
Farmer grants available
Farmers and ranchers have until Dec. 5 to apply for the Producer Grant Program, according to Henry English, director of the Small Farm Program at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The initiative is part of the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) program, according to a news release. English said producer grants are used to conduct sustainable agriculture research projects that address timely agricultural production challenges. Producers can apply for the program at https://southern.sare.org. Announcement of funded proposals will take place in late February 2026. Details: UAPB Small Farm Program, (870) 575-7225.