Hot Springs Guest Guide 2021 Calendar of Events
While the pandemic impacted plans for some of the city’s top events, there is still so much fun to be had in person and virtually.
WINTER
Horse racing season at famed Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort kicks off in January each year. Racing season runs THROUGH MAY, culminating with the renowned Arkansas Derby. 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).
The colorful Daffodil Days & Tulip Extravaganza is the perfect way to add some much-needed color into your life from FEBRUARY 15 TO APRIL 15 at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Come see 150,000 brilliant Dutch tulips, crocus, daffodils and hyacinths during this seasonal event.
The mountain biking Wildcat Marathon returns to Cedar Glades Park each FEBRUARY and concludes with an afterparty at Superior Bathhouse Brewery.
Hot Springs is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a National Park. A year’s worth of events are planned to celebrate this momentous occasion. See Hot Springs National Park Celebrates 100 Years to learn about the centennial events.
Mark your calendar for what’s sure to be the most anticipated World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade yet on MARCH 17, 2022. This beloved parade always boasts two celebrities as grand marshal and official parade starter.
SPRING
The can’t-miss annual Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort will be held on APRIL 10. The Derby has a $1 million purse and is a qualifier for the Kentucky Derby.
Don’t miss the Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival on MAY 7 & 8 at Cedar Glades Park.
Magic Springs comes back on MAY 22 with the park’s Opening Day. Check out their social media pages for safety procedures and restrictions.
Give the spring season a proper send-off on MAY 30 with the newly-added Memorial Day Fireworks show at Lake Hamilton. Best viewed by boat!
SUMMER
Pay homage to the natural thermal waters of Hot Springs with the World Championship Running of the Tubs on JUNE 5.
On JUNE 12, join Hot Springs National Park for a themed 1921 Block Party, to be held in celebration of the park’s 100-year anniversary.
The fan-favorite Independence Day Fireworks at Lake Hamilton comes back with a bang on JULY 4. The free display begins at sunset from the center of the lake.
The fourth annual Hot Springs Baseball Weekend takes place AUGUST 27-28 with special guests, including former St. Louis Cardinals center fielder Jim Edmonds.
FALL
Spa-Con Comic & Pop Culture Convention returns to historic Hot Springs on SEPTEMBER 24 for a weekend of multi-genre entertainment. Check the event site regularly for special guest announcements, rumored to be coming soon.
It’s a milestone year for Hot Springs in many ways, including the 30th Annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival. Taking place OCTOBER 8-16, the event includes drive-in movie screenings of documentary festival shorts, exclusive film panels, tributes to industry greats and more.
A three-day celebration of Hot Springs’ internationally acclaimed Northwoods system of bike trails takes place NOVEMBER 12-14 with the Güdrun Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival. Friendly competition and non-competitive events await, along with a “creepy” nighttime, slow-roll ride through downtown on Friday the 13th.
Catch Garvan Woodland Gardens’ Holiday Lights starting in MID-NOVEMBER through the year’s end.
The Downtown Hot Springs Holiday Lights go up on NOVEMBER 22 and remain up through early January.
