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

WINTER

► Horse racing season at famed Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort kicks off in December each year. Racing season runs through May, culminating with the renowned Arkansas Derby on April 2. Visit oaklawn.com for the 2022 racing schedule.

► Northwoods Full Moon Mountain Bike Rides happen January through December on the date of each full moon (contingent on weather).

► From February to April, experience incredible color during the Daffodil Days and Tulip Extravaganza events at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Come see 150,000 brilliant Dutch tulips, crocus, daffodils and hyacinths during these seasonal events.

► Mark your calendar for the World’s Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 17. This fan favorite always includes two celebrities as the grand marshal and official parade starter.

► The Oaklawn Rotary Club Christmas Parade on Dec. 5 is a great way to start the month of Christmas and wrap up the year. Onlookers can expect locally crafted floats and a celebration of the city’s people and businesses that keep it running.

SPRING

► The 18th annual Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival returns to Cedar Glades Park March 18-20. Festivalgoers can enjoy musical artists from all over the country, as well as incredible food, vendors, art and activities.

► Arts & The Park is a 10-day festival spread throughout downtown Hot Springs that celebrates the local arts scene. From April 30 to May 9, guests can enjoy live performances, workshops, art exhibitions and children’s events.

SUMMER

► Kickstart summer when Magic Springs Theme and Water Park opens for the season on May 7. Thrillseekers can ride roller coasters like the Gauntlet and X-Coaster and cool off on one of the many waterslides in the water park.

► Don’t miss one of the three annual free fireworks displays over Lake Hamilton for Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day. Best viewed by boat!

► The annual Phoenix Bass Fishing League will be held on Lake Hamilton from June 2-4. Anglers from across the nation will compete for a $120,000 prize, and no entry fee is required. For more details, majorfishingleague.com.

► The 2022 Bridge Street LIVE! Concert Series will take place downtown every Thursday in June. Enjoy this block party on the city’s shortest street with free music, local food and drinks, games and vendors.

► Head over to Bathhouse Row on June 4 for the World Championship Running of the Tubs. Watch as teams race decorated tubs while people dressed in robes and slippers shoot water guns at them. This wacky event is truly one of a kind and one you don’t want to miss.

► The fifth annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend in August celebrates the city’s rich history as the birthplace of Major League Spring Training. Come meet famous players, attend panel discussions and check out the new Majestic Park baseball complex.

► Spa-Con VI—a comicon that draws in comic fans, cosplayers, gamers and more—will return this September. This convention promises to be a fun, unique experience with celebrity guests, panels and meet-and-greets.

FALL

► The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is planned for Oct. 7-15. Spotlighting the country's top documentary filmmakers, this festival boasts a lineup of compelling stories from around the world. Enjoy film screenings, panels and workshops with acclaimed screenwriters, directors and other special guests.

► Hot Springs is set to host the acclaimed Arkansaw High Country Race starting on Oct. 8. This intense 1,037-mile bike race is among the most epic in the U.S., taking up to five days to complete.

► Runners, walkers and joggers of all ages are invited to participate in the Spa Running Festival on Nov. 12. From a 1K Squirt Race to half- and full-marathons, this festival allows every level of athlete to get out and enjoy the city’s natural beauty. Visit hotsprings.org to register!

► The Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook-Off is an all-you-can-eat chili competition that will be held on Nov. 21. For $5, guests can try each competitors’ chili, vote for their favorite and enjoy the beautiful holiday decorations downtown. It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season in Hot Springs.

► After a successful turnout in 2021, the Güdrun: Northwoods MTB Festival will return this November. Mountain bikers from all over the world will compete and converge with the Spa City mountain biking community. Get more information at northwoodtrails.org.

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