Your Guide to the Best Events in Hot Springs, AR This Spring
Things to Do
Things to Do
Spring in Hot Springs doesn't ease you in gently — it arrives all at once, loud and spectacular. This weekend alone brings the biggest thoroughbred horse race in the region, a trail marathon through the Northwoods, and a bobblehead giveaway at Oaklawn. And it only gets better from there.
Whether you're a lifelong local or just passing through the Ouachita Mountains, the next 30 days offer something genuinely unmissable almost every single weekend. Here's your complete guide.
Dates: March 26–28 | Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
The marquee event of Oaklawn's racing season is here. The $1.5 Million Arkansas Derby (G1) — the final leg of Oaklawn's prestigious Kentucky Derby prep series — brings the nation's top three-year-old thoroughbreds to Hot Springs on Saturday, March 28. Join the infield festivities Friday and Saturday, and don't miss the Hat Contest at 1 p.m. for a chance at prizes. General admission is free; doors open at 10 a.m. Saturday with first post at 11:20 a.m.
📍 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | Free General Admission | oaklawn.com
Date: Friday, March 27 | Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Racing fans, this one's for the keepers. Oaklawn is handing out limited Thorpedo Anna bobbleheads starting after Race 4 on Friday. Pick up a voucher at the racing entrances from a Team Member and redeem it after the race. Arrive early — supplies are limited and demand will be high for this collector's item.
📍 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | Free with Admission
Date: Saturday, March 28 | Where: Northwoods Trail System
Unleash your inner wildcat on the world-class singletrack of Hot Springs' Northwoods Trail system. The Wildcat Marathon pairs with a mountain bike enduro for one of the most exhilarating multi-sport days of the year. Whether you're running or riding, the challenging terrain and gorgeous Ouachita scenery make this a bucket-list event for outdoor enthusiasts.
📍 Northwoods Trails, Hot Springs | hotsprings.org/events
Date: Saturday, March 28, 1–3 p.m. | Where: Oaklawn
Channel your inner derby fashion icon. Come to Oaklawn wearing your most spectacular hat for the chance to take home the trophy and an assortment of prizes. From towering fascinators to flower-crowned masterpieces, the competition is as spirited as the races themselves.
📍 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | oaklawn.com
Date: Friday, April 3 | Where: Historic Downtown Hot Springs
One of Hot Springs' most beloved traditions since 1989, the First Friday Gallery Walk invites you to stroll Historic Downtown as galleries, studios, and shops throw open their doors. Free to attend, warm in spirit, and always full of surprises — local artists, light refreshments, and the kind of community energy that makes this city special.
📍 Downtown Hot Springs | Free | Every first Friday of the month
Date: Saturday, April 4, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Where: Hot Springs
Celebrate Japanese culture and the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms at this family-friendly festival. Expect vibrant performances, hands-on cultural activities, traditional food, and the kind of gorgeous spring backdrop that begs to be photographed. A genuinely special day that's become a Hot Springs spring staple.
📍 Hot Springs | Family-Friendly | hotsprings.org/events
Date: Saturday, April 4 | Where: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort
Don't hang up your racing hat just yet. Oaklawn extends the season's excitement with a special Racing Riches drawing on April 4. Win your share of prizes as the racing season builds toward its final dramatic weeks. Check oaklawn.com for full drawing details and eligibility requirements.
📍 Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort | oaklawn.com
Dates: April 9–11 | Where: Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
Book lovers, this one's yours. TropiCon brings together New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors alongside indie darlings for a two-day signing event, reader panels, and social mixers at the historic Arlington Hotel. Thursday night (April 9) kicks off with a relaxed Meet & Mingle at the bar. Saturday's Super Signing is open to all ages — come load up on signed books and connect with your favorite authors. VIP ticket holders get 2-hour early entry Saturday.
📍 Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa | All Ages Welcome (Saturday) | eventbrite.com
Date: Saturday, April 25 | Where: Hot Springs
A local favorite returning for 2026, the Golden Dream Festival is a community celebration rooted in Hot Springs' vibrant arts and culture scene. Expect live music, local vendors, food, and the kind of easygoing weekend energy that makes spring in the Ouachitas so worth savoring. Check local listings for venue and full lineup details.
📍 Hot Springs | Community Festival
Dates: April 25–26 | Where: Hot Springs National Park
With Hot Springs National Park as its backdrop, Art Springs celebrates the intersection of creativity and nature over two beautiful days. Local and regional artists display their work, live demonstrations fill the park, and the city's deep ties to the arts come fully alive. A perfect way to close out the month with culture, beauty, and fresh Ouachita air.
📍 Hot Springs National Park | Outdoor Event | hotsprings.org/events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 26–28 | Arkansas Derby Weekend — Oaklawn |
| March 27 | Thorpedo Anna Bobblehead Giveaway — Oaklawn |
| March 28 | Wildcat Marathon & Northwoods Enduro |
| March 28 | Arkansas Derby Hat Contest — Oaklawn |
| April 3 | First Friday Gallery Walk — Downtown |
| April 4 | Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival |
| April 4 | Racing Riches Drawing — Oaklawn |
| April 9–11 | TropiCon '26 — Arlington Hotel |
| April 25 | Savvy's Golden Dream Festival |
| April 25–26 | Art Springs — Arts and the Park |
Published March 27, 2026 · All dates subject to change — always verify with event organizers. Sources: hotsprings.org | oaklawn.com | arkansas.com/hot-springs/events
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