Fall in love with America’s Spa City once again this autumn season with all the exciting events Hot Springs has in store for you. Be sure to mark your calendars to keep track of all the amazing stuff you’ll get to experience when you come to visit Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Feel the Blues
The swagger is back for another year. The Spa City Blues Society will be hosting its annual Hot Springs Blues Festival once again. This time, they’re getting back to their roots with a one-day only event featuring local Arkansas talent.
Location: Hill Wheatley Plaza, 629 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, AR
Schedule: September 1, 2018
Cost: $15
Start Your Choppers
Wild Boar Promotions, Inc. is hosting its 6th Annual Hot Springs Open Motorcycle Rally on the 6th through the 8th of September. This annual gathering of motorcycle-enthusiasts and riders is the largest motorcycle rally held annually in central Arkansas. The 3-day rally not only involves a motorcycle parade but also includes plenty of vendors, 2 poker runs, a bike show, bike games, and other field events. It offers something for every motorcycle enthusiast. Plus, Mustang Sally and Foreigner will be performing. Don’t miss out!
Location: Bank of the Ozarks Arena, 134 Convention Road, Hot Springs
Schedule: September 6 to 8, 2018
Cost: Free
Celebrate the Art of Horror
The Hot Springs International Horror Film Festival is an annual event presented by The Hot Springs Arts & Film Institute. It was founded and is run by film industry professionals. The festival is dedicated to helping promote aspiring and talented filmmakers. The festival provides opportunities for networking and exhibition in a historic theater venue where films can be experimented on the “Big Screen.” This annual event is located at the Historic Central Theater, 1008 Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs National Park, AR.
Location: Historic Central Theater, 1008 Central Avenue, Hot Springs National Park
Schedule: September 20 to 23, 2018
Cost: $11 for single movie
$20 for day pass
$50 for 4-day festival pass
$20 for single film seminar
$95 for VIP pass
$19 for theater of horror 2
Get Your Spa on at Spa Con
Are you ready to get your geek on? The Hot Springs Convention Center and the Garland County Library will be having a multi-genre entertainment and comic convention on September 21-23, 2018 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. But it’s not just for the geeks! Everyone who’s a fan of pop culture, comic books, manga, film, television, fantasy, and more is invited to attend.
Location: Hot Springs Convention Center, 134 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs
Schedule: September 21 to 23, 2018
Cost: $35.00 for Weekend Pass
$20.00 for Day Pass
$10.00 for Expo
$10.00 for Club Cosplay
It’s Just Around the Bend
Everyone is invited to attend the Caddo Bend Paddle Duathlon. Participants will run 5+ miles along the Caddo Bend Hiking Trail and followed by a 3-mile kayak paddle at Lake Ouachita, while enjoying its beautiful scenery. Water stations will be available along the course. Individuals and 2-man teams are enjoined to participate.
Location: Lake Ouachita State Park, 5451 Mountain Pine Road, Mountain Pine
Schedule: September 22 to 23, 2018
Cost: $40.00 Race Fee + $3.00 Sign-up Fee
This One’s Not Just for the Dogs
Each year, the Hot Springs National Park Kennel Club brings us a first-class show that feature dogs of all breeds compete in a series of competitions. Dog fanciers, trainers, and enthusiasts from all over the country come to see who has the best dog in terms of conformation, obedience trials, and a rally. Believe me when I tell you, it’s a lot of fun.
Location: Hot Springs Convention Center, 134 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs
Schedule: September 28 to 30, 2018
Cost: Free
Come in for the Art, Stay for the Music
Two days of music and art is two of the best days you can hope to have in the heart of historic downtown Hot Springs. This year marks the 8th time this annual will be held. This family-friendly event will showcase the talent of local talent in the world of visual arts and musical composition in various styles, as well as provide free workshops, delicious food, craft beer, and a place for the kids to run around and have fun.
Location: Hill Wheatley Plaza, 629 Central Avenue, Hot Springs
Schedule: October 5 – 6, 2018
Cost: Free
Women of God, Be Empowered
You’re already familiar with the Pillow Talk Sessions. Now it’s become better. The weekend edition is an extended edition, but is more special because it includes lodging, food, coffee, coffee mugs, t-shirts, and a journal. Experience a life-changing encounter with God and be empowered. This retreat provides an environment where women can feel vulnerable and yet secure at the same time, where they can be women, and reboot their lives and refresh themselves.
Location: Hot Springs
Schedule: October 12 to 14, 2018
Cost: $300.00
Film Lovers, Assemble!
Within the heart of the Ouachita Mountains lies America’s First Resort, Spa City Hot Springs, Arkansas and the host of North America’s oldest all-documentary film festival. This year, The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival will be celebrating its 27th anniversary on October 19 – 27 at the historic Arlington Hotel in downtown Hot Springs. Be part of the festivities and join this 9-day celebration as crowds of filmmakers and film-lovers gather to immerse themselves in over 100 of the best films the documentary world has to offer.
Location: Arlington Hotel, Hot Springs, AR
Schedule: October 19 to 27, 2018
Cost: $12.00 for Regular Screenings
$45.00 for Opening and Closing Night Galas
$20.00 for Film-only Tickets
$25.00 for Parties
20% Discount for AARP Members
Light Up the Night
The Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs will be having its sixteenth annual Holiday Lights event beginning Saturday, November 17th and running through New Year’s Eve. Experience a lighting event like no other. View the garden in a whole new light and there’s plenty of them to go around as lights will be covering 18 acres of the 210-acre garden.
Location: 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Schedule: Begins November 17, 2018 Mondays to Sundays
Cost: $15 for Adults
$5 for Ages 4-12
Free for Ages 0-3 and GWG Members
Gates open 3:00 PM
