Friday, Feb. 9

An American in Paris / Courtesy

Artist’s Laboratory Theatre is trying out something kinda awesome. They’re hosting a Parent’s Night Out childcare event to give “you and yours to a night out by giving your children a night of fun theatre games, pizza, popcorn, and a movie.” Cost is $25, and it’s limited to the first 20 kids to sign up.

There are some good shows in town to check out this weekend. Walton Arts Center has the Broadway classic, An American in Paris, and TheatreSquared will continue the run of their latest hit, The Humans at Nadine Baum Studios.

How about some jokes? There’s a comedy show at Nomad’s on Saturday night featuring comedian Mo Alexander.

Music-wise, there’s a 90s tribute band called The Mixtapes at George’s, and locals Jeckyll & High (featuring Jeff Kearney on guitar and drummer Marty Payton) will be at Smoke & Barrel Friday night.

Full list

Saturday, Feb. 10

Black Hearts Ball at Crystal Bridges

There’s a big Mardi Gras parade on Dickson Street on Saturday. The annual Fat Saturday Parade of Fools begins at 2 p.m., and will make its way from the square down Block Avenue, and over to Dickson Street before finishing up near West Avenue.

Jazz saxophonist and three-time Grammy award nominee Donny McCaslin will perform in the Starr Theatre at Walton Arts Center Saturday night. Here’s ticket info.

The Anti-Valentine’s Day party of the year is at Crystal Bridges on Saturday night. The museum’s annual Black Heart’s Ball this year features music by the Seratones, and more. Here’s more info.

There’s a Valentine’s Day Cabaret show at Stage 18 Saturday night, featuring Devine Dames Burlesque.

Music-wise, Goose is at George’s Saturday night, and there’s a rock show at Backspace featuring The Wirms, Colin Nelson, and The Inner Party.

There’s plenty more below. Do whatever sounds awesome.

Full list:

Sunday, Feb. 11

Will Johnson (of Centro-Matic) and Justin Kinkel-Schuster (of Water Liars) have teamed up to form a new band called Marie/Lepanto, and they’re performing at the Hearbreak House on Block Avenue on Sunday. They just kicked off a tour with Pedro the Lion, but they’re sneaking in an intimate house show in Fayetteville along the way. Here’s more info.

Full list: