The Biggest Events of the Year

Visit Hot Springs

The future's looking bright with many opportunities for fun this year in the Spa City.

WINTER

• Experience Oaklawn Hot Springs’ Opening Weekend for Horse Racing on December 12, 2025, through May 2, 2026.

• Racers and competitors can enroll in the Wolf Creek Half Marathon on the Northwoods Trails on January 31, 2026. 

• Visitors and residents alike will line the streets on February 15, 2026, to experience MARDI GRAS IN THE SPA.

• Spring is (almost) sprung in Spa City for the Daffodil Days & Tulip Extravaganza at Garvan Woodland Gardens on March 1, 2026.

• Enjoy live music at the Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival on March 13 through 15, 2026.

• Step onto Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs on March 17, 2026, for the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade Bridge Street LIVE!

Oaklawn, Courtesy of CJRW

SPRING

• Don't miss the hottest race of the season at Oaklawn Hot Springs for the Arkansas Derby on March 28, 2026. 

• Spring is in full bloom in Hot Springs for the annual Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival at the Hot Springs Convention Center on April 4, 2026. 

• Avid golfers are welcome from everywhere to enjoy the Mizuno J. Golf Championships on April 13 through 19, 2026 at the Hot Springs Country Club. 

• Enroll in the Mullet Run on the Northwoods Trails on May 9, 2026. 

• Enjoy delicious food at the Flavor in the Park at the Exchange Street Parking Deck on May 14, 2026.

Garvan Woodland Gardens

SUMMER

• Arkansas State High School Fishing Championship takes place on Lake Hamilton in May at a high-stakes fishing tournament. 

• Celebrate at the May 24 Memorial Day Fireworks on Lake Hamilton. 

• Every Thursday in June, join visitors and locals alike to listen to live music at Bridge Street LIVE! in the Entertainment District of Hot Springs. 

• Watch the Independence Day Fireworks Display on July 4, 2026, at Lake Hamilton. 

• Batter up for Baseball Weekend on August 28 through 29 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. 

• Labor Day weekend festivities are in full swing, so enjoy the fireworks display on Lake Hamilton on September 6, 2026.

AR Dept. of Parks, Heritage & Tourism

FALL

• Live music happening every Thursday in October for the Bridge Street LIVE! in the Entertainment District. 

• Join professional anglers at the 2026 Bass Fishing World Championship on Lake Hamilton the weekend of October 2 through 4, 2026.

• Experience independent films at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival on October 9 through October 17, 2026. 

• Don’t miss the Güdrun MTB Festival Northwoods at Cedar Glades on October 23 through 25, 2026. 

• Spend Halloween night at the Glow on the Row in Downtown Hot Springs on Central Avenue. 

• November is Feast Month at various locations in Hot Springs, don’t miss it! 

• The Spa Running Festival is happening in Downtown Hot Springs on November 14, 2026. 

• Step into a Winter Wonderland at Garvan Woodland Gardens for their Holiday Lights from November 21, 2026, through January 1, 2027. 

• Enjoy the finest chili this side of the Mississippi River at the November 23, 2026, Hot Springs Chili Cook-Off at the Exchange Street Parking Deck. 

• Don’t miss the Ice on Ice experience on December 3, 2026.

Emma Mayes