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.
Beginning Thursday, Nov. 27
Thanksgiving closings set
Several agencies announced the days they will be closed to observe Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27.
Pine Bluff City Hall — All city of Pine Bluff offices will be closed through Friday.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Jefferson County — Jefferson County Courthouse and related offices will be closed through Friday.
Area Agency — Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas and its senior center will be closed Thursday and Friday. Southeast Transportation (SEAT) will be running for dialysis and cancer patients’ appointments.
CARDS Trash pickup — CARDS, the garbage collector for the city of Pine Bluff, will pick up Thursday trash routes on Friday and Friday routes will be picked up on Saturday, according to https://cardsrecycling.com/holiday-pickup-schedule/.
WM Trash pickup — For customers served by Waste Management for garbage pickup in Jefferson County, the company plans to run a normal, according to a spokesman.
State offices — State Capitol offices and state buildings will be closed Thursday and Friday. The Capitol will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but will be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and the weekend.
Saturday, Nov. 29
WH sets Christmas Craft event
The Christmas Craft Extravaganza will be held at the James “Jitters” Morgan White Hall Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday. Admission is one new, unwrapped toy or item, or any donation of your choice, according to a spokesman. There will be more than 65 booths with stocking stuffers, including wax candles, jewelry, specialty and baked goods, wreaths, and more. For more information, contact Gina Prattsville at Gina_Prattsville@yahoo.com or at (870) 941-2337.
Underway
UAM displays sculpture exhibit
The Journey, a collaborative sculptural and mixed-media exhibition featuring work by artists Cindy Blair, Heather Gill and Tom Richard, professor of art at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, can be viewed in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at UAM through Jan. 14. Created as a cumulative project for the 2025 North Louisiana Arts Interchange — a program sponsored by the Ross Lynn Charitable Foundation — The Journey showcases an assemblage sculpture by Blair, Gill and Richard in the downstairs gallery. The upstairs gallery features Blair’s illuminated polymer clay sculptures, which explore the interplay of light, color and form, as well as Gill’s collage works depicting birds of western North America, created during her residency in Arizona, according to a news release. The exhibition is free and open to the public. The gallery’s hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 1
City Council to meet, address tax
The Pine Bluff City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the Detective Kevin Collins Center at the Civic Center, at 200 E. Eighth Ave. The agenda includes a proposed ordinance calling a special election for a one percent sales and use tax, up for the first reading. The agenda also includes the second reading of a proposed ordinance to abolish the Urban Renewal Agency and second reading of a proposed ordinance changing the classification of personnel within the Police Department. For the full agenda and other details, visit https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yfr6M80icyW2hcQWDB5yMnm90YpLCg0u/view?usp=sharing
Wednesday, Dec. 3
Chamber plans luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will conduct its December Networking Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 3 at the UAPB Small Business Incubator, 615 S. Main St. There won’t be a speaker, but networking, according to the Chamber newsletter. Moe’s Southwest Grill will cater the luncheon. Meals are $15 per person and can be paid for by calling the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
UAPB alumni set virtual town hall
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N National Alumni Association will host a Virtual Alumni Town Hall Meeting, where Chancellor Anthony Graham and members the executive cabinet will share updates, answer questions, and provide space for open dialogue for topics discussed on the call. The virtual town hall will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 3 via Zoom and alumni are invited to participate, according to a news release. To register to attend, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ZeFdwtBFRpqZxLVnEr83cg#/registration . Tanesha Thompson is president of the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association.
Thursday, Dec. 4
UAM to host holiday concert
The Division of Music at the University of Arkansas at Monticello will host the annual Weevil Wonderland Holiday Concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 in the Fine Arts Center at UAM. The concert is free and open to the public, according to a news release. The UAM Choir will perform Christmas classics under the direction of Colt Lien, instructor of music and director of choral activities at UAM. The UAM Concert Band, UAM Jazz One and the UAM Percussion Ensemble will perform modern renditions of holiday classics under the direction of Erik Richards, associate professor of music and director of bands at UAM; Kevin Bryson, assistant professor of music and director of jazz studies at UAM; and Kylan Bigby, assistant professor of percussion at UAM. Details: UAM Division of Music at (870) 460-1060.
Alphas to observe 119th Founders’ Day
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter will celebrate its 119th Founders’ Day at 7:06 p.m. Dec. 4 at Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, 1800 W. Pullen Ave. The guest speaker will be Chancellor Anthony Graham of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The general public is welcomed to attend this free event, according to a Stuff in The Bluff.com. The celebration will also recognize Willard Starlard as the Brother of the Year for his outstanding service throughout the years. Starlard became a member of the fraternity Nov. 1, 1981, at the Beta Sigma Chapter at Southern University. Currently a member of the Delta Sigma Lambda Chapter, he serves as chapter dean of Membership and Development.
Friday, Dec. 5
White Hall presents Christmas events
The annual White Hall Community Christmas will be held Dec. 5 starting at 6 p.m. at the White Hall James “Jitters” Morgan Community Center, 9801 Dollarway Road. Santa will be there for a meet-and-greet, and there will be kids’ activities, along with hot chocolate, popcorn, and Christmas cookies. The event is free and open to the public, however people are asked to bring a new toy or nonperishable food item. The annual Stars in the Park will also begin shining at dark Dec. 5 at White Hall City Park, 101 Parkway Drive. There will be 151 three-foot lighted trees, with a loved one’s name on top, spread out across City Park, said Jeff May, White Hall Deputy Mayor and Chamber Board Member.
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.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Links set Pancakes with Santa
The Pine Bluff Chapter of The Links Inc. will kick off the holiday season by hosting its Pancakes with Santa on Dec. 6 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at The Audubon School, 2206 Ridgway Road. Proceeds from this fundraiser will support community service programs and scholarships. During Pancakes with Santa, both kids and adults can enjoy a pancake breakfast, pictures with Santa, holiday music, crafts, games, and more, according to a news release. Tickets are $5 for children 12 and under, $10 for everyone over 12. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door.
City sets Christmas celebration
The city of Pine Bluff invites the community to attend the Mistletoe Magic Christmas Extravaganza on Dec. 6 in downtown Pine Bluff. Festivities kick off with the annual Christmas Parade at 5:30 p.m., followed by the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony featuring local vendors, food, and activities. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will also make an appearance, according to the city’s Facebook page. “Bring the whole family for a magical evening filled with holiday cheer, lights, and community spirit,” according to the post.
Blues concert to feature Fuzzy Jeffries
Port City Blues Society will host an edition of the Midtown Blues concert series at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St., at 8 p.m. Dec. 6. The event will feature award winning blues artist, Fuzzy Jeffries and the Kings of Memphis. The Midtown Blues series is made possible by Midtown Tire & Auto and Explore Pine Bluff. The doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is free for Port City Blues Society members and $5 for others, according to a news release.
Downtown property group to meet
The Pine Bluff Downtown Property Owners Association Group meeting will be held at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Hen House, 204 S. Main St. The purpose is to discuss restarting the group and what they would like to accomplish. Coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider, juice and donuts will be served. “Please come and bring your ideas,” Jan Robinson said in a news release. Details: Jan Robinson, (512) 461-3983.
Sunday, Dec. 14
Compassionate Friends plan event
The Desha County Chapter of the Compassionate Friends will hold its 29th annual Candle Lighting Remembrance at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Dumas Community Center in Dumas. The community is invited to attend. The program will honor the memories of all children who have died, but will never be forgotten, according to a news release. The event will consist of a memorial display, greetings, readings, poems, music selections and a candle lighting ceremony. “At 7 p.m. participants will light candles in memory of all our children gone too soon … that their light will always shine,” according to the release. A reception will follow the program. There is no admission fee, however donations are appreciated. Details: (870) 866-6985, (870) 377-4299, or (972) 365-1930. Brenda Norman is the co-leader and event planner.
Through Friday, Dec. 19
Leadership 2026 seeks applicants
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations and applications for the 2026 Leadership Pine Bluff program. All completed applications are due by Dec. 19 and must include a $35 registration fee. “Founded in 1981, Leadership Pine Bluff was the very first leadership program established in the state of Arkansas,” according to a news release. “Its mission is to expose business and community leaders to all sectors of the community — helping them learn, network, and develop the skills needed to take on future leadership roles in Pine Bluff and beyond.” For details, contact the Chamber at (870) 535-0110, email jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.ccsend.com or see the application at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/9f2b5345-9617-4281-84b8-d1455cbf68c8.pdf?rdr=true
Sunday, Dec. 21
Altheimer church hosts Youth Day
New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church in Altheimer will present its Youth and Young Adult Day at 2 p.m. Dec. 21. Words of encouragement will be from the Rev. James Rice Jr., pastor of Greater Battle Chapel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. The choir director will be Rosetta V. Lusk of New Morning Star and the guest worship leader will be the Rev. Eric Corbin, pastor of Liberty Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Pine Bluff. Choir rehearsals will be held at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 and Dec. 19. New Morning Star’s pastor is the Rev. Eric Walden Jr.
Through Wednesday, Dec. 31
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.
Thursday, Jan. 8
ASC to feature 2026 Small Works
The Arkansas Arts Council’s annual touring visual arts exhibition, Small Works on Paper, will open Jan. 5 and will be celebrated with a free opening reception from 5-7 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The exhibition will then travel to nine other venues across Arkansas throughout the year. Participating artists in the 2026 exhibition include Shawn Penister of Pine Bluff, according to a news release.
Through Wednesday, Jan. 14
UAM displays sculpture exhibit
The Journey, a collaborative sculptural and mixed-media exhibition featuring work by artists Cindy Blair, Heather Gill and Tom Richard, professor of art at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, can be viewed in the Glassblock Gallery in the Fred J. Taylor Library and Technology Center at UAM through Jan. 14. The Journey showcases an assemblage sculpture by Blair, Gill and Richard in the downstairs gallery. The upstairs gallery features Blair’s illuminated polymer clay sculptures, which explore the interplay of light, color and form, as well as Gill’s collage works depicting birds of western North America, created during her residency in Arizona, according to a news release. The exhibition is free and open to the public. The gallery’s hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to 3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 28
Hospital foundation sets gala
Jefferson Regional Foundation will present the Winter Wonderland Ball 2026 on Feb. 28 at the White Hall Community Center. There will be live entertainment, according to a flier. Tickets are $250. For tickets and sponsorship information, contact Laura Beth Shaner at (870) 541-7210.