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Promotional square flyer for a “BBQ Side Dish Showdown” cooking event. The design features a rustic dark wood background with bold vintage-style typography in cream, gold, and red. Large text reads “BBQ Side Dish Showdown!” with the tagline “Two

BBQ Side Dish Showdown!
2026-07-02 15:00:00 2026-07-02 17:30:00 America/Chicago BBQ Side Dish Showdown! Fire up your creativity at BBQ Side Dish Showdown! Patrons will learn how to prepare delicious and crowd-pleasing side dishes: mac and cheese and BBQ baked beans. Main Library - 507 | Teaching Kitchen

Thursday, July 02
3:00pm - 5:30pm

Add to Calendar 2026-07-02 15:00:00 2026-07-02 17:30:00 America/Chicago BBQ Side Dish Showdown! Fire up your creativity at BBQ Side Dish Showdown! Patrons will learn how to prepare delicious and crowd-pleasing side dishes: mac and cheese and BBQ baked beans. Main Library - 507 | Teaching Kitchen

Main Library

507 | Teaching Kitchen

Fire up your creativity at BBQ Side Dish Showdown! Patrons will learn how to prepare delicious and crowd-pleasing side dishes: mac and cheese and BBQ baked beans.

Get ready to elevate your barbecue game at BBQ Side Dish Showdown! While burgers, ribs, and grilled favorites often steal the spotlight, every great cookout needs unforgettable side dishes. In this interactive cooking program, patrons will learn how to prepare two signature side dishes: Mac and Cheese and BBQ Baked Beans. Whether you're a beginner cook or a seasoned home chef, this program offers a delicious way to gain new skills, connect with others, and bring fresh inspiration to your next barbecue gathering. 🍔🌽🥗🔥

AGE GROUP: | Families |

EVENT TYPE: | Food & Drink |

Main Library
Phone: 501.918.3000
Branch manager
Joe Hudak
Hours
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Main Library

Today's hours

We're open 9:00AM to 6:00PM

Branch manager
Joe Hudak
Address
100 Rock Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Tel: 501.918.3000

Upcoming Events

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Google Docs: Part 2 - Styles, Mailings, and More
Mon, Jun 29, 9:30am - 11:00am
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Elevate your document's appeal! Learn to provide visual cues for better comprehension, collaborate effectively, and use other tools to make your document attractive and functional.
Registration is now closed
Chia Seed Earth
Mon, Jun 29, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Let's learn about Earth's biomes and create a unique, grassy Earth using chia seeds!
Video Podcasting - From Idea to Setup
Mon, Jun 29, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Thinking about starting a podcast? This beginner-friendly session covers the basics of podcast planning, including format, workflow, and the essential equipment used for recording. Learn what you need before you press the record button.
Registration is now closed
Seed Potting
Mon, Jun 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Unearth your green thumb this summer, and learn about what it takes to raise these summer plants! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Shooting Manual: Lowkey Photography
Tue, Jun 30, 10:00am - 12:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Shift out of auto and take control! In this hands-on class, you'll learn to master manual camera settings and use shadow and contrast to create dramatic, professional-quality, low-key images. Bring your camera--lighting equipment provided.
Beaded Snakes
Tue, Jun 30, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Unleash these slithering earth-based reptiles. Did you know there are over 3,900 species of snakes? Which snake can you imitate?
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jun 30, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Sewn Aprons - In the Makerspace!
Tue, Jun 30, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Let's sew an apron! This will be a beginner friendly sewing project, but experience with a sewing machine is preferred.
This event is full
Monthly Tour of the Main Library
Wed, Jul 01, 10:30am - 11:45am
Welcome to your new Main Library! On the first Wednesday of each month, join library staff on a tour of the newly renovated Main Library.
Monumental History: The Story of Arkansas's Replica Liberty Bell - Legacies & Lunch July 2026
Wed, Jul 01, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Kristin Dutcher Mann will explore the history of Arkansas’s replica Liberty Bell, detailing its roots in postwar economic policy and discussing how it came to its permanent home in the Bicentennial Memorial on the Arkansas State Capitol grounds.
Homemade Dino Nuggets
Wed, Jul 01, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Today we will test our kitchen skills and make homemade chicken nuggets! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Production Studio Orientation
Thu, Jul 02, 10:00am - 3:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Learn to operate cameras, lights, audio, and grip gear in the CALS Production Studio. This hands-on training covers basic setup, shooting, and file handling, as well as rules for working in the space, so you can create and practice independently.
Paper Plate Dinosaurs
Thu, Jul 02, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
We will use paper plates and construction paper to create cute little dino pals.
BBQ Side Dish Showdown!
Thu, Jul 02, 3:00pm - 5:30pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Fire up your creativity at BBQ Side Dish Showdown! Patrons will learn how to prepare delicious and crowd-pleasing side dishes: mac and cheese and BBQ baked beans.
Dinosaur Mini Golf
Mon, Jul 06, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for a fun mini golf obstacle course inspired by the most ferocious dinosaurs!
Podcast Mics & Recording 101
Mon, Jul 06, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Learn to make your podcasts and content sound great! Explore the differences between common types of mics; how to connect and use an audio interface; and how to record clean, clear audio on a computer using simple software. No experience required.
Prehistoric Sculptures
Mon, Jul 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
What did the dinosaurs really look like? Teens are invited to join us in sculpting their interpretations out of air dry clay! Event in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Dinosaur Pasta Salad
Tue, Jul 07, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Which dinosaurs were herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores? We'll explore dinosaur diets while enjoying a yummy snack of our own.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jul 07, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Terrarium Takeover
Wed, Jul 08, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Bring a little piece of nature indoors at our Terrarium Takeover! In this hands-on workshop, patrons will learn the basics of plant care and ecosystems while creating their own mini terrarium to take home.
Microsoft Excel: Part 1 - The Basics
Wed, Jul 08, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
In Part 1 of our four-part series, get started using Microsoft Excel by learning how to enter information, format text and numbers, sort and filter, and use basic formulas.
Dinosaur Puzzles
Wed, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
We will turn blank puzzles in to relaxing, prehistoric pieces of art! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Coding with Fiero Code - Intro to Coding Language Series
Wed, Jul 08, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Have you ever wanted to learn how to code but don’t know where to begin?
Q-Tip Dinosaur Skeletons
Thu, Jul 09, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Recreate mini versions of Dinosaur skeletons using Q-Tips.
Paper Bug Specimens - In the Makerspace!
Thu, Jul 09, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
We will make our own little paper bugs and encase them in a box so they look like a real specimen.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Jul 10, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Roar and Score Trivia
Fri, Jul 10, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
This fun and interactive program invites patrons to compete in a dinosaur-themed trivia game covering everything from towering T. rex facts to fascinating fossil discoveries.
Unearth YOUR Story: Writing Workshop
Fri, Jul 10, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Stretch your writing muscles this summer with this fun, creative writing workshop! Bring your own WIP or start a new story with prompts and writing games! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Jurassic Experience Arkansas Raptor Encounter
Sat, Jul 11, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Come face-to-face with Bleu! Our adult Velociraptor, inspired from the Jurassic World movies! Our Raptor Ranger will introduce you to our life-size, interactive Raptor and allow petting and pics! This encounter is suitable for ages 5 on up.
Shrink Plastic Plant Magnets - In the makerspace!
Sat, Jul 11, 11:00am - 12:30pm
235 | Makerspace
Make your own little plant magnets using shrink plastic!
PowerPoint Party
Sat, Jul 11, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Unearth your interests! Create a slideshow about whatever you want—your favorite book, a piece of knowledge you learned, or even the lore of something you created! Submit your PowerPoint (5 slides max!) to ambrittain@cals.org by July 6th.
Volcanic Eruption!
Mon, Jul 13, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Today we will make a fun, stem project using baking soda and vinegar to make a volcano.
Video Podcasting - From Idea to Setup
Mon, Jul 13, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Thinking about starting a podcast? This beginner-friendly session covers the basics of podcast planning, including format, workflow, and the essential equipment used for recording. Learn what you need before you press the record button.
Mini Perler Dinos
Mon, Jul 13, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Teens can create cute jewelry and keychains with mini perler beads! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Marshmallow Constellations
Tue, Jul 14, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Make a treat that is out of this world! We'll use marshmallows and toothpicks to mimic constellations.
Foil Cartouche - In the Makerspace!
Tue, Jul 14, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Inspired by the ancient Egyptians, we will be making foil cartouches.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jul 14, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Production Studio Orientation
Wed, Jul 15, 10:00am - 3:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Learn to operate cameras, lights, audio, and grip gear in the CALS Production Studio. This hands-on training covers basic setup, shooting, and file handling, as well as rules for working in the space, so you can create and practice independently.
Microsoft Excel: Part 2 - Formulas and Charts
Wed, Jul 15, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Build on your basic Excel skills to make your data easier to manage and understand. In Part 2, you’ll learn to let Excel do the math; use copy, paste, and AutoFill; avoid common formula problems; and create eye-catching charts with your data.
CALS Time Capsule
Wed, Jul 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Time capsules are a great way to preserve memories of great times! Let's create a community time capsule that we can 'unearth' next summer! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Fix it in Post! - A Post-Production Seminar
Thu, Jul 16, 10:00am - 3:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Join us for an in-depth journey through the process of post-production: the art of taking raw video and raw audio and turning them into a polished finished production.
Registration opens Wednesday, July 1 2026 at 12:00am
Seashell Critters
Thu, Jul 16, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Using seashells, we will be creating cute little critter art. All abilities are welcome. To request ASL interpretation or other accommodations, call 501.918.3069 or email hzbinden@cals.org 7 business weekdays before a program.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Jul 17, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Woven Dinos - In the Makerspace!
Fri, Jul 17, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Using a cardboard template and yarn, we will make a dinosaur shaped weaving.
3rd Friday Job Search Help
Fri, Jul 17, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Every third Friday of the month come learn what library resources can help you on your job search! Resume help will be available.
DIY Avocado Pit Pins
Fri, Jul 17, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Did you know you can craft with the pit of an avocado? Join us as we make creative DIY pins with avocado pits! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Jul 18, 11:30am - 1:30pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
Glow In the Dark Dino Painting
Sat, Jul 18, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Patrons will paint their own dinosaur-themed artwork using glow-in-the-dark and neon paints under blacklight, creating a fun and visually exciting experience.
Cancelled
Walk U Thru It Line Dancing
Sat, Jul 18, 1:30pm - 2:30pm
It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.
DIY Invisible Ink
Mon, Jul 20, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
In this STEM program, we will use common household crafts to create invisible ink!
Amber Slime
Mon, Jul 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Create your own slime made to look like fossils trapped in amber. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Monet Inspired Water Lilies
Tue, Jul 21, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Rooted in both water and the Earth, water lilies need both earthly elements to survive. Cultivate your arty side by making these delicate flowers.
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jul 21, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Crystal Bridges Mobile Art Lab
Wed, Jul 22, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Crystal Bridges will be here with their mobile art lab. Bring your imagination and spend a morning creating a new masterpiece.
Dino Movie
Wed, Jul 22, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
504 | Adult Programming Room
Join us for Dino Movie Night, where families can relax and enjoy a dinosaur-themed film on the big screen.
Microsoft Excel: Part 3 - Color-Coding, Logic, and More
Wed, Jul 22, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
In Part 3, sharpen your Excel skills by learning to color-code your data automatically, protect your work from accidental changes, check your entries using Data Validation, remove duplicate information, write amazing formulas with logic, and more!
Coding with Fiero Code - Intro to Coding Language Series
Wed, Jul 22, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
012 | Arvest Computer Classroom
Have you ever wanted to learn how to code but don’t know where to begin?
Dino Suncatchers
Wed, Jul 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
We will create decorative dinosaur art to shine brightly on your windows! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Slugs and Snails Oh My!
Thu, Jul 23, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Using clay and Marbles, we will create mini slugs and snails.
Pet Bandanas - In the Makerspace!
Thu, Jul 23, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
235 | Makerspace
A beginner level sewing project, but experience with a sewing machine will be helpful! Once we sew the bandanas, we will use the Cricut to customize them.
This event is full
Bourbon & Books - Steve Straessle in conversation with Senator Tim Hutchinson
Thu, Jul 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom
Senator Tim Hutchinson will discuss his memoir From Spavinaw to DC: A Conservative's Journey Through Faith, Farm Life and the Fight for America.
Storytime & Crafts
Fri, Jul 24, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.
Dino-Mite Yogurt Creations
Fri, Jul 24, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
507 | Teaching Kitchen
Dig into a delicious and creative treat at our Dino Yogurt Bar! Patrons will build their own prehistoric-themed yogurt parfaits using a variety of toppings to create edible “dinosaur landscapes.”
Potsherd Faux Kintsugi
Fri, Jul 24, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Learn about the Japanese art of kintsugi by breaking and remaking out own pottery! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
3D T-Rex Puzzle - In the makerspace!
Sat, Jul 25, 10:00am - 12:00pm
235 | Makerspace
Come put together a 3D printed t-rex puzzle that you can take home!
Scott Davis Magic Show
Sat, Jul 25, 10:30am - 11:15am
131 | Martin Children's Center
For more than two decades Comedy Magician Scott Davis has been bringing his reading themed magic show to CALS branches. Don't miss it! Scott's engaging audience participation, jokes and magic will have your entire family entertained!
Unearth Your Roots: The Power of Ginger with Jet from Be Mighty
Sat, Jul 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Learn about the benefits and multicultural significance of this mighty root, while we make and enjoy a ginger-based dish. You are encouraged to bring a cultural "artifact" (such as photos or family recipes) to preserve with the Mobile Memory Lab.
Pirate Treasure Hunt
Mon, Jul 27, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
There is a lost pirate treasure lost in the library! Can you use a map to find the treasure and unearth the reward inside?
Drop-in Production Help
Mon, Jul 27, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
506 | Production Studio
Get one-on-one help with cameras, video, lighting, editing, or general production questions. Bring your projects and/or your equipment, and ask anything. No registration required!
Unearth Your Summer Memories
Mon, Jul 27, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Finish your summer at CALS off strong by scrapbooking or journaling your summer memories. Teens are invited to come in and use our supplies to decorate their mini summer scrapbooks! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
Coral Reef Pasta
Tue, Jul 28, 10:30am - 11:30am
131 | Martin Children's Center
Dive deep into the sea with your own colorful, funky, and unique coral reef!
Drop-in Tech Help
Tue, Jul 28, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.
Microsoft Excel: Part 4 - PivotTables, PivotCharts, and Lookup
Wed, Jul 29, 12:00pm - 2:00pm
013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom
Learn in Part 4 to get key insights from your information by learning to use PivotTables. Then, we’ll show you how to illustrate your PivotTable results using PivotCharts, capture information using VLOOKUP, and fix common formula problems.
Tricera-toss
Wed, Jul 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
230 | Teen Center Program Room
Win prizes at the dinosaur inspired ring toss game! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.
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