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@pbcommercial.com to make additions or changes.
Underway
Jefferson County under burn ban
Due to the current conditions, Jefferson County has been placed under a burn ban by County Judge Gerald Robinson. There is now an increased risk of wildfires. It is with this in mind that a burn ban has been issued for all of Jefferson County including the cities of Pine Bluff, White Hall, Redfield, Altheimer, Humphrey, Wabbaseka, and Sherrill. This burn ban is in effect immediately and will continue until further notice, according to Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Saturday, March 28
Pop’s to open new site
Pop’s Barber/Beauty Shop & More will hold its grand opening at its new location from noon to 4 p.m. March 28. The community is invited to attend. There will be giveaways, food, drinks, and drawings for prizes, according to a Facebook post. The new site is on Main Street in downtown Pine Bluff.
WH plans Easter Egg Hunt
An Easter Egg Hunt will be held at 10 a.m. March 28 in White Hall City Park. The event is presented by the White Hall Chamber of Commerce, according to a Facebook post. “Join us Saturday, March 28 at 10:00 a.m. SHARP at White Hall City Park for our annual Easter Egg Hunt,” a spokesman said. There will be thousands of eggs, Easter Bunny photos, bike giveaways in each age category and free family activitiesd. “Don’t be late; the eggs are gone in seconds.”
Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class
The ARTx3 Campus will host Ms. Madkin’s Literacy Class from 10:30-11:30 a.m. March 28 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas. “The class is a joyful, interactive experience that nurtures early reading skills through movement, music and play. Created especially for children ages 3-6, this class invites young learners and their caregivers to explore stories, letters, sounds and language in a fun, welcoming environment,” according to a news release. The program is free, but registration is required by March 24 at this link or at (870) 536-3375. The program is sponsored by McFarland Eye Care.
City sets Women’s History event
The city of Pine Bluff will host the 4th Annual Hidden Figures of Pine Bluff: Women’s History Month Celebration March 28 at 6 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. This event honors the unsung women whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact on Pine Bluff. Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving women. Nominations are open and can be submitted online. The deadline is noon March 10. Submit nominations at: tinyurl.com/HiddenFiguresPB. Details: Mar’Tavius Proctor at (870) 730-2004 or mproctor@cityofpinebluff-ar.gov.
Sunday, March 29
Double Wells plans event
Double Wells Assembly of God, 12924 Sulphur Springs Road, will host a Palm Sunday Egg Hunt egg hunt on Sunday following morning service. There will be free hamburgers and hot dogs, according to a flyer.
Greater Battle Chapel honors deacons
Greater Battle Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 1001 Commerce Road, will host its Deacons’ Appreciation service at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, according to a flyer. The guest speaker will be the Rev. Kirby L. Gulley, pastor of Eighth Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, accompanied by his congregation. The Rev. James Rice Jr. is pastor of Greater Battle Chapel.
Word of Faith invites family, friends
Word of Faith Full Gospel Baptist Church, 1108 S. Poplar St., will hold a Family and Friends Day on Sunday. Sunday School begins at 9:45 a.m. followed by worship at 10:45 a.m. The pastor, Henry Land Jr., will preach. Everyone is welcome to attend.
New St. Hurricane sets 550 Sunday
New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church, 3319 S. Ohio St., will host the 550 Sunday. At 12:10 p.m. after worship service, there will be a drive-through outreach and prayer event at the Hurricane Outreach Center, according to a flyer.
Monday, March 30
Early voting continues
Early voting will continue until 5 p.m. March 30 at the Jefferson County Courthouse for the primary runoff election March 31. Early voting began March 24. Locally, runoffs will include: county judge candidates Efrem B. Neely Sr. and Judge Gerald Robinson; and Justice of the Peace District 1 candidates Jackie Tillmon and Alfred Carroll. In the Republican primary, a runoff in the Secretary of State’s race will be held between Sen. Kim Hammer and Bryan Norris.
Mayor plans State of the City Address
The city of Pine Bluff invites the community to attend Mayor Vivian L. Flowers’ 2026 State of the City Address at 6 p.m. March 30 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The mayor will reflect on the progress made over the past year and share her vision for the continued growth of Pine Bluff, according to a news release.
Through Monday, March 30
TOPPS takes applications for food program
TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) is planning to apply for the Arkansas Special Nutrition Summer Food program. TOPPS is a sponsor if you are planning a summer program that needs to feed children 18 and younger and would like to participate under TOPPS, according to a news release. The deadline to apply will be March 30. TOPPS won’t take applications past the deadline. “You must identify your location. You and your staff must attend training, and your location must pass a DHS (Department of Human Services) approval and a fire inspection,” according to the release. Contact Paulette Barnes Purchase at (870) 850-6011. Annette Howard Dove is the founder/director of TOPPS.
Tuesday, March 31
Run-off date set
The Primary Run-Off election will be held March 31.
Early Voting begins March 24 during regular office hours, 8:30a.m. to 5 p.m. and will end March 30 at 5 p.m., according to the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office. Run-offs will be held between: County Judge candidates — Efrem B. Neely Sr. and Judge Gerald Robinson; and Justice of the Peace District 1 candidates: Jackie Tillmon and Alfred Carroll. In the Republican primary, a run-off in the Secretary of State’s race will be held between Sen. Kim Hammer and Bryan Norris.
Housing Authority to meet
The Housing Authority of the city of Pine Bluff will hold its board of commissioners meeting at 6 p.m. March 31 at Leon’s Catfish and Steakhouse, according to a news release. Details: (870) 541-0706.
Beginning Tuesday, March 31
Election Commissioners to meet
The Jefferson County Board of Election Commissioners will hold two called meetings, according to Chairman Michael Adams. March 31 — Beginning at 7 a.m., election commissioners will hold an election day meeting. They will remain in session until unofficial election results are announced at approximately 10 p.m. at the election center, 123 Main St. On April 1 — at 6 p.m., election commissioners will hold a regular meeting at the election center. The agenda includes approving the March 19 and March 31 meeting minutes and public comments on new business
Wednesday, April 1
UAPB alumni to meet virtually
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff/AM&N National Alumni Association announces its spring 2026 Virtual Alumni Town Hall Meeting will be held April 1 at 6 p.m. on Zoom. UAPB Chancellor Anthony Graham and members the executive cabinet will share important updates, answer questions, and provide space for open dialogue for topics discussed on the call. “Your voice and your presence matter, and we look forward to connecting with you,” according to Tanesha Thompson, president of the UAPB/AM&N National Alumni Association. For details or to register for the Zoom meeting, visit https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/AP0QimJ5RWuILgijL_CLcQ#/registration.
Chamber sets April luncheon
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 1 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S. Main Street. The featured speaker will be Tim Adams, director of events at Saracen Casino Resort, according to the Chamber newsletter. Lunch will be catered by Southern Edge and costs $15 in advance. To pay for lunch or for details, contact the Chamber at (870) 535-0110.
Church news deadline set
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.
Through Wednesday, April 1
Black Hall of Fame offers grants
Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation, in partnership with Arkansas Community Foundation, is offering grants for nonprofits that serve African American or underserved populations in Arkansas. Eligible nonprofits with programs focused on education, health and wellness, youth development, strengthening families and economic development are encouraged to apply. Proposals will be accepted online now through April 1, according to a news release. Details: https://www.arcf.org/apply/nonprofits/apply-for-black-hall-of-fame-grants/.
Thursday, April 2
Chamber plans crawfish boil
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a crawfish boil from 4-6:30 p.m. April 2 at ARTX3 Campus alley way, 701 S. Main St., according to the Chamber newsletter. There will be crawfish and chicken tenders, drinks and music. Tickets are $50 for Chamber members and $60 for non-members. Call the Chamber at (870) 535-0110 for tickets.
Beginning Thursday, April 2
Ivy Center plans educational events
The Ivy Center for Education will present several events in April.
April 2 — 6-8 p.m. — A free ACT boot camp will be held to review English and Math. The facilitator will be Charity Smith-Allen with Fetterman & Associates. The workshop is on Zoom only. Use Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061.
April 7 — 6-7 p.m. — Future Medical Professionals “Club Scrub Workshop” will be held at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) South Central Medical Center, 1601 W. 40th Ave. The topic will be Health Care in Action: Who Takes Care of Me? Scholars in 7-12th grades and parents are encouraged to attend in person or on Zoom using Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061.
April 9 — 6-8 p.m. — A free ACT boot camp will be held to review Science and Reading. The facilitator will be Charity Smith-Allen with Fetterman & Associates. The workshop is on Zoom only. Use Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061.
April 19 — 6-6:30 p.m. — Ivy Center College Tour meeting will be held for parents, scholars and chaperones on Zoom using Meeting ID: 856 8296 4187 and Passcode: 351061.
April 30 — 6-8 p.m. — Ivy Center Future Medical Professionals “Club Scrub” White, Green and Black Coat Ceremony will be held. The club’s graduating high school seniors will also be recognized. The speaker will be Dr. Brandi Wright, a local nephrologist. The community is invited to join the Ivy Center on Facebook Live and the Heat Magazine. Details: Mattie Collins at kencol1@msn.com or mattie1908@gmail.com.
Friday, April 3
Citywide Easter Egg Hunt set
The Pine Bluff Police Department will present the Citywide Easter Egg Hunt from noon to 2 p.m. April 3 at the Civic Center lawn, 200 E. Eighth Ave. The hunt is for children toddler age through 16 as well as for senior citizens. The event will be a family fun affair with free food, prize eggs and other items, according to a post on the police department’s Facebook page. Details: (870) 730-2073.
Beginning Friday, April 3
New Town hosts ‘The Jerusalem Encounter’
New Town Missionary Baptist Church, 3600 W. Second Ave., and friends invites everyone to come and experience “The Jerusalem Encounter” (a reenactment of the crucifixion). The play will be presented at 6 p.m. April 3 and April 4. The Rev. Theophilus Smith Sr. is the pastor. “Come and witness this awesome presentation,” a spokesman said.
Through Friday, April 3
AKA offers scholarships
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. is accepting applications for the 2026 College Scholarship Program, sponsored by the Delta Omega Omega Chapter in partnership with First Sisters Outreach Inc. The program will award a minimum of $1,000 scholarships to graduating women from Pine Bluff High School, Watson Chapel High School and White Hall High School who plan to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Apply early and submit all required materials by April 3. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements outlined in the 2026 scholarship guidelines and complete the application online. For more information, students and parents may contact the scholarship chairmen at akadooscholar@gmail.com or lcarlock77@gmail.com.
Saturday, April 4
Churches announce Easter carnival
New St. Hurricane Missionary Baptist Church and Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church will host an Easter Carnival at Hurricane Fitness Park, 3319 S. Ohio St., on April 4 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. There will be an Easter Egg Hunt, carnival games, candy and other treats, family fellowship, and prizes, according to a flyer. A Golden Egg raffle will be held for golden members ages 65 and older.
Delta Hurricanes to perform
The Blues By Budweiser concert series will feature the Delta Hurricanes at 8 p.m. April 4 at RJ’s Grill & Bar, 128 S. Main St. The doors will open at 7 p.m. Port City Blues Society members are admitted free. Admission is $5 for others. The concert series is sponsored by MK Distributors. “Hailing from the heart of the South, the Delta Hurricanes are proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of blues rock,” according to a news release. “Drawing inspiration from legends like the Allman Brothers and the three Kings – Albert, Freddy, and B.B. – as well as various other artists, this powerhouse collective brings a fusion of raw energy and soulful melodies to the stage.”
Through Saturday, April 4
Unified Christian Alliance offers scholarship
The Unified Christian Alliance Inc. is accepting applications for the 2026 scholarships from area high school seniors who plan to attend the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Applications can be obtained from the school counselors, according to a news release. Applications are due April 4 and guidelines must be met. For more information, contact Jennifer Lee, Unified Christian Alliance president, at jenniferlee1321@yahoo.com.
Sunday, April 5
New United hosts Easter service
New United Missionary Baptist Church, 5601 Cheatham St., will present an Easter program at 11 a.m. April 5. The Rev. Woodrow Jackson Sr. is the pastor.
Tuesday, April 7
Project Transformation to feature Terrell
Donna Terrell, award-winning news anchor for FOX16, will be the special guest for a question-and-answer session with program director the Rev. Samantha Meadors at Project Transformation Arkansas’ fundraising luncheon at noon April 7 at Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive St. The mission of PT Arkansas is to transform communities by engaging children, college-age young adults and churches in purposeful relationships, according to a news release. In the summer of 2022, PT Arkansas launched its first summer program, engaging young adults, partnering churches and volunteers to serve more than 50 children in two host churches in under-resourced neighborhoods in Pine Bluff. Tables at the luncheon are $1,000 for eight people. For details on sponsoring or attending the Pine Bluff or Little Rock luncheons, contact Meadors at SMeadors@PTArkansas.org or (501) 650-0565, or KD Reep, director of development, at Kelli@FlywriteCommunications.com or (501) 766-1260. Details: https://projecttransformation.org/arkansas/.
Alliance announces Draft Day
The Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County has partnered with Be Pro Be Proud to bring the Draft Day Southeast Arkansas event to Jefferson County on April 7. Draft Day for Southeast Arkansas will take place at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Alliance is calling area employers to participate in the event. Draft Day strategically matches high school students with employers based on corresponding interests, talents and needs. There are currently 115 high school seniors signed up for interviews and 17 school districts registered to participate, according to the Chamber newsletter. Visit the Company & Training Resource Guide at https://files.constantcontact.com/91329166001/4b06cd72-fd34-42f6-a54b-eedcca6c6a44.pdf?rdr=true for additional information or contact Nancy Lee McNew at nancy@jeffersoncountyalliance.com.
Thursday, April 9
Business start-up event set
Startup Junkie will host the Pine Bluff ARise Tech Commercialization Sprint as part of ARise (Arkansas Innovators, Startups, and Entrepreneurs), a statewide program that helps people start and grow businesses. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 9 at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Business Support Incubator, 615 S Main St. The tech commercialization sprint will feature expert-led sessions on legal protections for ideas, funding pathways, and early product development. The sessions will be led by experienced startup advisors who have worked directly with founders and understand what it takes to launch and grow a company, according to a news release. Seats will be limited to a first come, first served basis with limited seats available. Those interested in attending the tech commercialization sprint can register at https://luma.com/vrce42a0.
Beginning Thursday, April 9
Historical conference set at Monticello
The Arkansas Historical Association will hold its 85th annual conference April 9-11 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, the UAM Trotter House, and the Monticello Country Club. A tour April 10 will take attendees to the Taylor House on the former Hollywood/Valley Plantation. More information and conference registration are available on the association’s website at www.arkansashistoricalassociation.org.
Beginning Friday, April 10
Canaan hosts Women’s Empowerment events
Canaan Christian Center, 7890 Middle Warren Road, will host the 2026 Women’s Empowerment Conference presented by host pastor Sheryl Banks. The sessions will be 7 p.m. April 10 for men and women and 9 a.m. to noon April 11 for women. Guest speakers will include Jessica Yarbrough, Sheilar Hatton-Bone, and Roslyn Burks-Adams. Psalmists will be Michelle Johnson and Zetoria Curry. Registration for the Saturday luncheon is $40 and payable by cashapp at $SherylLBanks1.
Saturday, April 11
St. John to give away food
St John AME Church, 1117 W Pullen St., will give away food April 11 from 9 a.m. until all food has been distributed. The church’s Soul Food for the Mind, Body, and Spirit Feeding Ministry, along with community partners, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, will provide food boxes to those who are in need. State ID’s are required to receive one box per family. Food can be picked up in front of the church on Cherry Street. For safety reasons, recipients are asked to stay in their vehicles and open their trunks.
Extension Service offers Child Care training
Free Best Care Child Care provider in-service training is set for April 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in the Parish Hall, 412 W. Sixth Ave. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with Best Care training starting at 9 a.m. Participants are asked to bring their own lunch. This training session will be provided free by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s Jefferson, Dallas, and Cleveland county Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agents Mary Ann Kizer, JoAnn Vann, and Austin Compton. Five in-service hours are available by attending this event. The pre-registration deadline is April 8. Call Kizer at (870) 534-1033 or email mkizer@uada.edu to pre-register.
Area Agency sets bass tourney
The Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas (AAASEA) will host its 28th annual Reeling for Meals Bass Tournament on April 11 at Regional Park on the Arkansas River. This annual tournament raises critical funds for AAASEA’s Meals on Wheels program. Tournament winners will receive a $2,500 cash prize, with cash prizes guaranteed for the top 10 places. The entry fee is $110 per two-person team, which also includes entry into the $500 Big Bass Pot. Day-of registration will include an additional $25 fee. Details: (870) 543-6300, toll-free at 800-264-3260, or email Samantha Stichert at sstichert@aaasea.org.
Beginning Sunday, April 12
Art league hosts ‘Deltascapes’ exhibition
The Pine Bluff Art League will host a new exhibition, “Deltascapes,” from April 12 through July 5 at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center. This exhibition will depict local scenes by art league artists and will hang in the east wing of the center. For more information, contact Co-President Claudia Spainhour at (870) 718-1058. For details on the art league, visit pbal.org or email mediapinebluffartleague@gmail.com.
Through Monday, April 13
Synergy grant applications available
Synergy Forum Inc. began accepting grant applications Feb. 9 for its 2026 grant cycle. Registered non-profit organizations: IRS 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, government agencies, and the hospital in Jefferson County are eligible to apply. Synergy Grants fund projects for the benefit of residents in Jefferson County in the areas of the arts, education and social services, according to a news release. Grant applications should be requested by March 12 completed and submitted on or before 5 p.m. April 13. For grant applications and details, email Amy Hunt at synergyforumgrants@gmail.com.
Beginning Monday, April 13
UAM slates priority registration
The University of Arkansas at Monticello will hold a priority registration event for summer 2026 and fall 2026 classes on April 13-14 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Student Success Center. This event is for new first-time freshman students and new transfer students. RSVP by April 9 to reserve a time to register for classes. In-person registration is required. Students must also apply to UAM by April 9 to participate, according to a news release. An RSVP link is available on the UAM Admissions Events webpage. Details: admissionsoffice@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1026.
Tuesday, April 14
TOPPS to give away food
TOPPS, 1000 Townsend Drive, will give away food at 10 a.m. April 14. The first-come, first-served method will be used. Participants must provide proof of ID. One food box per household will be given and participants must be present to receive a box, according to a news release. TOPPS (Targeting Our People’s Priorities with Service) is a non-profit organization. Details: Annette Howard Dove, TOPPS founder/director, (870) 850-6011.
Through Wednesday, April 15
Superintendents’ scholarships available
The Anthony, Gathen, Rainey, and Tolbert Scholarship is now open for applications. This scholarship was established by retired former school district superintendents: Frank Anthony from Pine Bluff, Thomas Gathen from Dollarway, David Rainey from Dumas, and Andrew Tolbert from Warren. Interested students can obtain applications from their high school counselors. The deadline to apply for the scholarship is April 15.
Beginning Friday, April 17
Home and Garden Show set
The Jefferson County Master Gardeners will present the 2026 Home & Garden Show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 17 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The event will bring together garden enthusiasts, homeowners, and industry professionals for a showcase of the latest trends, products, and innovations in home and garden design, according to a flyer. There will be workshops, demonstrations, vendor exhibits, and opportunities to connect with local businesses and organizations dedicated to improving homes, landscapes, and communities. For details or to sign up as a vendor, contact the Jefferson County Master Gardeners at the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service, (870) 534-1033.
Saturday, April 18
Girls empowerment event set
The Glow Up Gathering: “BLOOM” Empowerment Experience for Girls ages 9-18 years old will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 18 at Peace, Hope and Mercy LifeCenter in Pine Bluff. Registration opens at 9 a.m. The Glow Up Gathering is a transformative, trauma-informed event designed to empower girls to grow in confidence, leadership, mental wellness, and purpose, according to a news release. The Bell & Bloom Foundation Inc., founded by Cynthia Bullard, a licensed professional counselor and certified rehabilitation counselor, will present the session. Registration is $25. To register, visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoECUxhrRc8Zh-tWylCHuyujvZNoC3HU2LYf2hzUVK95u5rQ/viewform . To make a donation or be a sponsor visit: https://givebutter.com/help-girls-bloom-support-the-bell-bloom-foundation-tlvuoh. Details: bell.bloomfoundationinc@gmail.com or (870) 489-4177.
Saturday, April 25
Museum sets reading retreat
A “Living Lyrics and Forgotten Feasts Reading Retreat” is planned for Lakeport Plantation Museum in Lake Village. The retreat, which will be held from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. April 25, is part of the 250th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the United States. The event will focus on American music and food, according to a news release. The two books include “Songs of America: Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation” by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw and “Twain’s Feast: Searching for America’s Lost Foods in the Footsteps of Samuel Clemens” by Andrew Beahrs. The cost is $60. Registration includes copies of the two books and lunch. To register, visit bit.ly/LPRR26.
Dialoguing with Delta set
Dialoguing with Delta, an annual educational activity for students from elementary to college, is happening at 10 a.m. April 25 at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas, 701 S. Main St. The event is presented by the Pine Bluff Alumnae and Delta Eta chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. in collaboration with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff School of Education, according to a news release. This event will include presentations on AI and its emerging trends and practical examples. The presentations will encourage discussion about opportunities and future implications. Registration is free and open for individuals and groups. To register, visit https://forms.gle/tE213tfY9GAgWtmw6.
Sports Hall of Fame Banquet set
The Jefferson County Sports Hall of Fame will be held April 25 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center arena. A new Legend will be inducted with 20 other athletes, four coaches and others into the Hall of Fame. The first class, inducted last year, was highlighted by six All-Time Greats. Bruce Maxwell is now the 16th Legend. Tickets for the JCSHOF induction will go on sale in February.
Through Thursday, April 30
Nominations open for historic places
Preserve Arkansas is seeking community input to identify endangered historic places for the 2026 Most Endangered Places List. The list highlights historically and architecturally significant properties throughout the state that are endangered and worthy of preservation. Anyone may nominate buildings, structures, sites, and other places in Arkansas to be considered for inclusion in the list. The nomination deadline is April 30. Nomination information, program guidelines and an online nomination form may be found at PreserveArkansas.org. Details: (501) 372-4757 or email info@preservearkansas.org.
Thursday, May 7
Chamber sets Business Expo 2026
The Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce invites participants to build their network at Business Expo 2026: Christmas in May. Business Expo is the premier event for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community organizations, according to the Chamber’s news release. Business Expo 2026 will be held May 7 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. The Business Expo Breakfast will be sponsored by Simmons Bank. The breakfast speaker will be Alicia Payseno, chief executive officer of the Arkansas Hospitality Association. Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. followed by the program at 8 a.m. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members and a seated table for eight will be $300. The trade show featuring booths of area businesses and non-profits will start with the Business VIP Hour from 9-10 a.m. and will open to public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booth fees will be $250 for members amd $360 for non-members. For Expo questions, contact Chamber director Jennifer Kline at jennifer@jeffersoncountyalliance.com or (870) 535-0110.
Through Friday, May 8
Registration open for MASH Camps
Arkansas high school students can get hands-on health care experiences such as suturing workshops, field trips, CPR training and heart dissection at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences MASH camps across the state this summer. Application deadlines vary by camp through May 8. A list of camps, their dates and application deadlines are available at bit.ly/3EITDy6. Medical Applications of Science for Health (MASH) camps are a free, two-week program for high school juniors and seniors where they can explore team-building exercises, visit health care settings, learn at various workshops, and shadow health care professionals.
Through Saturday, May 9
PBHS artists display works at ASC
The Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC), part of the ARTx3 Campus, will present “This Is Us,” an exhibition featuring artwork by Pine Bluff High School students, through May 9 in the International Paper Gallery at ASC, 701 S. Main St., according to a news release. Taught by Pine Bluff High School art teacher Shalisha Thomas, the exhibition features a collection of student-created portraits exploring identity, connection and influence. Works include Alyssia Isom’s drawing “The Girl In The Red”; Kadence Marshall’s drawing “Layzie Bone”; and Lucia Charcas’s drawing “Emma Myers.” Gallery admission is free and open to the public. Details: Matthew Howard, gallery and visitor specialist, at mhoward@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
Through Friday, June 5
Architect to teach design camp
The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Arkansas Chapter President Chris East will teach architecture during the Alex Foundation’s annual architecture and design summer camp at the University of Arkansas Monticello’s Taylor House and Hollywood/Valley Plantation in Tillar. This free camp will convene from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20-24 and July 27-31 for rising 7th and 8th graders, according to a news release. The deadline to register for the summer camp is June 5 at www.alexfoundation.org. Details: Angela Courtney, Alex Foundation’s executive director, at angela@alex-founadation.org.
Saturday, June 13
John Legend to perform at Saracen center
Saracen Casino Resort will host its event center grand opening featuring an Evening With John Legend, A Night of Songs & Stories at 8 p.m. June 13. Tickets start at $149, plus fees, and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster. Legend is a multiplatinum artist and producer who has garnered 13 Grammy® Awards, an Academy Award®, a Golden Globe® Award, a Tony® Award and four Emmy® Awards, among others. Legend is one of only 19 people in the EGOT club.
Beginning Saturday, June 13
UAM to host summer band camps
The University of Arkansas at Monticello (UAM) Division of Music will host its “Summer Music Camps @UAM” in June and July for rising sixth through 12th graders. Students may attend one camp per session, with the option to stay on or off campus. Session I will take place June 9-13 and include camps structured to strengthen students’ performance skills on a variety of instruments and boost their confidence: “Beginner,” for rising sixth-graders, “Junior High,” for rising seventh and eighth graders, and “Senior High,” for rising ninth through 12th graders. Session II, which will take place July 7-11, is for rising ninth through 12th graders only. Students can participate in Jazz Band, Drum Major and Marching Band Leadership, Colorguard, or Marching Drumline. Jazz Band campers will focus on improvisation, theory, ear training, history and technique. Registration is required. To complete a camp application or view additional information, visit https://www.uamont.edu/academics/music/camp.html. Details: UAM Division of Music at bandcamp@uamont.edu or (870) 460-1060.
Beginning Monday, July 20
Architect to teach design camp
The American Institute of Architects (AIA), Arkansas Chapter President Chris East will teach architecture during the Alex Foundation’s annual architecture and design summer camp at the University of Arkansas Monticello’s Taylor House and Hollywood/Valley Plantation in Tillar. This free camp will convene from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 20-24 and July 27-31 for rising 7th and 8th graders. The program is in partnership with the Alex Foundation, AIA, and UAM’s Archeology Research Station, according to a news release. The deadline to register for the summer camp is June 5 at www.alexfoundation.org. Details: Angela Courtney, Alex Foundation’s executive director, at angela@alex-founadation.org.