2026 Hot Springs Event Calendar
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Date: Through November 1 | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Title: Where the Wind Lives at Garvan Woodland Gardens
Description: Final weeks to see artist Patrick Shearn's huge wind-driven installations rippling in color above the woodland garden; Garvan's own site now lists the exhibit through Nov. 1. It's included with garden admission of $22 for adults, $10 for ages 4-12 and free for 3 and under, with leashed dogs $5.
Location: Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://www.garvangardens.org/
Date: Tuesdays, October 20 - December 15 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Title: Pottery - Handbuilding with Clay for Beginners (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Newcomers to clay learn coiling, pinching, slab-building and other hand-building methods through guided projects and demos. Ages 17+; $200 for the eight-week session.
Location: Legacy Hall Pottery Studio, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE037
Date: Tuesdays & Thursdays, October 20 - 29 | 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Title: Woodworking: Introduction to Woodworking Construction (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Learn safe tool use in NPC's woodworking studio while building a take-home project such as a planter, birdhouse or folding stool. Ages 16+; $125.
Location: Woodshop, Southside Campus (Room RC100), National Park College, Hot Springs, AR (NPC main campus: 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913)
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=216CE084
Date: Tuesdays, October 20 - November 17 | 6 - 8 p.m.
Title: Culinary Arts - Cooking for the Rest of Us: Essential Skills for Everyday Meals (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Entertainer and former jazz club owner Tommy Stanco teaches kitchen setup, food safety and smart shopping, then leads hands-on cooking of dishes like glazed meatloaf, homemade pizza and Steak Chile Colorado. $95 plus a $20 supply fee.
Location: Hospitality teaching kitchen, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE009
Date: Wednesdays, October 21 - December 16 | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Title: Pottery - Independent Pottery Studio, Day Sessions (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Experienced potters get open studio time with wheels, slab roller and electric, gas and raku kilns, working on their own projects with an instructor on hand. The $215 fee includes glaze and firing; clay must be bought on campus.
Location: Legacy Hall Pottery Studio, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE031
Date: Wednesdays, October 21 - December 16 | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Title: Pottery - Independent Pottery Studio, Evening Sessions (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Evening open-studio access for potters with prior experience, including wheels and multiple kilns, to work at their own pace. $165 includes glaze and firing; clay must be purchased on campus.
Location: Legacy Hall Pottery Studio, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE033
Date: Wednesdays | 6 - 9 p.m. (open mic 6:30 p.m.)
Title: Wednesday Night Poetry
Description: The long-running weekly open mic, going without a missed week since 1989 and hosted by poet Kai Coggin, welcomes poets, songwriters and storytellers plus a featured reader around 7 p.m. Free and open to all ages.
Location: Kollective Coffee+Tea, 110 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.kollectivecoffeetea.com/
Date: October 22 - 24
Title: The Arkansas Elvis Festival
Description: Top Elvis tribute artists perform themed shows spanning the King's Hollywood, gospel and Vegas eras, backed by a live band. Weekend passes range from $249 to $399, with individual show tickets also sold.
Location: Hot Springs Convention Center, 134 Convention Blvd., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.arkansaselvisfestival.com/
Date: Thursday, October 22 | 5 - 10 p.m. (music at 7 p.m.)
Title: Bridge St. LIVE! October Series - The Mixtapes
Description: The Mixtapes bring the '90s hits to this week's free street party, with a best '90s outfit contest.
Location: Bridge St. LIVE! Entertainment District, Bridge St., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.hotsprings.org/events/bridge-st-live-mixtapes/
Date: Thursdays October 22, 2026 | 6:30PM
Title: Trivia with Roger Scott
Description: Voted best trivia host in Arkansas by AY Magazine readers. Trivia with 103.7 Morning Mayhem radio personality Roger Scott.
Location: Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR
Website: https://mainlinesportsbar.com/
Date: Thursdays | 6:30 - 7 p.m.
Title: Speak Japanese: Language & Culture Club (online)
Description: Hot Springs' Tea Horse hosts a weekly online club for learning everyday Japanese phrases and cultural insights, open to beginners. Donation-based.
Location: Online (hosted by The Tea Horse, Hot Springs, AR)
Website: https://www.theteahorse.com/
Date: October 23 - 25
Title: Güdrun - Northwoods Mountain Bike Festival
Description: The eighth annual all-ages mountain bike festival includes a downtown Slow Roll, enduro, dual slalom, time trial and Strider races, and the Attila the Hun XC championship finale. Race registration fees vary by event.
Location: Northwoods Trails, 461 Wildcat Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://www.northwoodstrails.org/events/gudrun/
Date: Weekends through October 31
Title: Magic Screams at Magic Springs Theme & Water Park
Description: Weekend Halloween fun with a trick-or-treat trail, pumpkin patch and gentle frights for kids by day, and haunted houses, scare zones and rides after dark. Single-day tickets are $34.99 plus tax online.
Location: Magic Springs Theme & Water Park, 1701 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://magicsprings.com/
Date: Fridays | 4 p.m.; Saturdays | 1 p.m.
Title: Origami Brewing Tour & Tasting
Description: Tour Arkansas' first sake brewery and learn how it turns Hot Springs water and Arkansas rice into sake, then taste the results.
Location: Origami Brewing, 2360 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://drinkorigami.com/
Date: Friday, October 23 | 7 - 9 p.m.
Title: Bunker Skunk & Trip Sitters at Static
Description: Two local bands bring heavy riffs and trance-like jams to Static, the vintage shop and art space on Ouachita Avenue that doubles as an all-ages music room. Admission is free.
Location: Static, 246 Ouachita Ave., Suite 102, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://staticonouachita.square.site/
Date: Fridays & Saturdays | evenings
Title: Live Music Nights at 420eats Food Truck Court
Description: Grab dinner from a rotating lineup of food trucks and a drink from the bar while local bands play everything from rock to folk and country. Family- and pet-friendly.
Location: 420eats Food Truck Court, 420 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://hotsprings.org/places/restaurants/420eats-food-truck-court/
Date: Friday, October 23 | 8 p.m.
Title: Gary Michaels Biker Comedy Hypnotist at Vapors Live
Description: Kentucky radio personality and self-described only biker comedy hypnotist Gary Michaels puts volunteers under for an evening of laughs. 18+; tickets $25.
Location: Vapors Live, 315 Park Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://vaporslive.com/event/gary-michaels-biker-comedy-hypnotist/
Date: Saturdays | 7 a.m. - noon through October; 9 a.m. - noon starting in November
Title: Hot Springs Farmers Market
Description: Shop local produce, eggs, meats, baked goods, honey, plants and more from area growers and makers, often with live music, at this year-round market by the Hot Springs Creek Greenway. Free to browse.
Location: Hot Springs Farmers Market, 121 Orange St., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.hotspringsfarmersmarket.com/
Date: Saturday, October 24 | 10 a.m. - noon
Title: Special Interest: Braiding for Beginners (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Practice Dutch and French braids, clean parting and keeping braids neat and tight, plus the right products and tools. Geared to beginners; $50 (supply list available).
Location: Student Commons, Room CO-267, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE058
Date: Saturdays, October 24 - December 12, by reservation | 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Title: Pottery - Saturday Pottery Party (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Book a private hand-building pottery party for a birthday or friends' day out: groups of 4 to 10, ages 12 and up, each make their own clay piece with an instructor and pick it up after firing. It's $70 per person; call 501-760-4156 to request a Saturday at least two weeks ahead.
Location: Legacy Hall Pottery Studio, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=251CE313
Date: Saturday, October 24 | 1 p.m.
Title: Halloween Bloom Bar at Florabelle Prestige
Description: Build your own Halloween "boo-quet" in the shop's casita, choosing between two seasonal arrangement designs. Space is capped at 13 people, so call 501-276-7264 to reserve a spot and ask about the cost.
Location: Florabelle Prestige, 704 Higdon Ferry Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://www.hotsprings.org/events/halloween-bloom-bar/
Date: Sunday, October 25 | noon - 6 p.m.
Title: Tarot Readings as Performance Art by Madame Zara at Static
Description: The deadpan, world-weary fortune teller Madame Zara gives tongue-in-cheek tarot readings on a walk-in basis all afternoon. A one-card reading is $5 and a three-card spread is $20.
Location: Static, 246 Ouachita Ave., Suite 102, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://staticonouachita.square.site/
Date: October 26 - 29 (Mon.-Thu.) | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Title: OSPRI Automation Fundamentals Lab - Robotics (NPC Workforce Training)
Description: An intensive four-day, hands-on lab in open-source robotics covering robot operation, programming and systems integration, preparing participants for the ATMAE Certified Industry and Robotics Professional credential. Tuition is $1,100.
Location: Technical Sciences Building, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261AMTI001
Date: Tuesday, October 27 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Title: Culinary Arts - Mini Halloween Monster Cakes (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Decorate your own spooky-cute mini monster cake, learning smooth icing, fur-texture piping and fun features like eyes, teeth and horns. Ages 12+; $85.
Location: Hospitality teaching kitchen, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE002
Date: Tuesday, October 27 | 6 - 8:30 p.m.
Title: Jokers & Jack-o-Lanterns at Hot Springs Mahjong Club
Description: A spooky mahjong night with bite-sized eats, mocktails and prizes at Park Avenue Parlor; BYOB is welcome. Tickets are $50 per person and cover play, appetizers, desserts and soft drinks.
Location: Park Avenue Parlor, 879 Park Ave. Suite A, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.hotspringsmahjong.com/event-list
Date: Thursday, October 29 | 5 - 10 p.m. (music at 7 p.m.)
Title: Bridge St. LIVE! October Series - Manhattan
Description: The free series wraps up with the Manhattan Orchestra and a Halloween costume contest.
Location: Bridge St. LIVE! Entertainment District, Bridge St., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.hotsprings.org/events/bridge-st-live-manhattan/
Date: Thursdays October 29, 2026 | 6:30PM
Title: Trivia with Roger Scott
Description: Voted best trivia host in Arkansas by AY Magazine readers. Trivia with 103.7 Morning Mayhem radio personality Roger Scott.
Location: Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR
Website: https://mainlinesportsbar.com/
Date: October 30 & 31 | doors 5:45 p.m., show 7 p.m.
Title: Murder and Macabre Mystery Dinner Theater: "Murder at Wolf Man's 85th Birthday"
Description: A costumed Halloween comedy whodunit with an all-you-can-eat buffet, costume contest, dancing and games; guests help solve the murder. 21+; reservations required by calling Lynn at 501-627-5534.
Location: The Porterhouse Steakhouse, 707 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.hotsprings.org/events/murder-macabre-wolf-mans-birthday/
Date: Friday, October 30 | 8 p.m.
Title: Vapors Live 10th Annual Halloween Party
Description: Vapors marks a decade of Halloween parties with live music from Texas-Arkansas duo Alex & Liv, themed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, door prizes and spooky photo ops; costumes are required to get in. Tickets range from $20 to $180.
Location: Vapors Live, 315 Park Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://vaporslive.com/event/vapors-live-10th-annual-halloween-party/
Date: October 31 & November 1 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Title: Hot Springs Renaissance Faire
Description: Step back in time with around 150 merchants, jousting-style combat, food and drink, and over 40 acts on five stages at this long-running faire. Tickets are sold online through Purplepass.
Location: Garland County Fairgrounds, 4831 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.facebook.com/HSrenfaire
Date: Saturday, October 31 | 5 - 8 p.m.
Title: Glow on the Row: Trick-or-Treating & Harvest Festival
Description: Downtown's free Halloween night gives away 18,000 glow sticks and offers safe trick-or-treating, games, face painting, food and fortune telling.
Location: Central Avenue / Bathhouse Row, Downtown Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.hotsprings.org/events/glow-on-the-row-trick-or-treating-harvest-festival/
Date: Saturday, October 31 | 7 - 8 p.m.
Title: Night Hag at Static
Description: A Halloween-night set of improvised, analog dark-ambient soundscapes with visuals, in the spirit of cinematic drone acts; come in your creepiest costume. Free to attend.
Location: Static, 246 Ouachita Ave., Suite 102, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://staticonouachita.square.site/
Date: November 1 - 30
Title: Feast Month
Description: Hot Springs celebrates its restaurant scene all November with dining deals and the Visitors Choice Awards, where diners vote for favorite local restaurants in 12 categories.
Location: Participating restaurants throughout Hot Springs, AR
Website: https://www.hotsprings.org/deals/feast-month
Date: November 1 - 8
Title: Hot Springs Poetry Fest
Description: A week of poetry readings, workshops, open mics and performances around downtown for writers and listeners alike.
Location: Various venues, Downtown Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://hspf.org/
Date: Mondays, November 2 - 30 | 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Title: Outdoor Recreation - Bicycle Mechanics I (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Learn how to keep a bike running safely, from understanding components to fixing flats and adjusting brakes, gears and chains. Ages 16+; $75.
Location: Liberal Arts Building, Room LA-104, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE082
Date: November 2, 4 & 6 | 4 - 5:30 p.m.
Title: Makerspace - Resin Casting & Art (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Create jewelry, coasters, botanical pieces or geode-style art using resin, pigments and alcohol inks in this three-session workshop for ages 13 and up. Cost is $100; bring your own silicone molds if you like.
Location: Makerspace, Gerald Fisher Campus Center, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261MK001
Date: Tuesdays & Thursdays, November 3 - December 8 | 9 - 10:50 a.m.
Title: Outdoor Recreation - Trail Building Essentials (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: A beginner hands-on course covering trail assessment, routine maintenance, clearing obstructions and sustainable trail use, with classroom sessions plus outdoor lab days working as a trail crew. No experience required; $70 (bring sturdy closed-toe shoes/boots, long pants and gloves).
Location: Liberal Arts Building, Room LA-104, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913 (plus outdoor lab sessions)
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE086
Date: Tuesdays, November 3 - 24 | 1 - 3 p.m.
Title: Autobiography and Memoir: A How-to Class on Crafting Your Life Story (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Get started writing your life story with memoir structures, short personal essays, timelines, writing prompts and supportive feedback. Tuition is $75.
Location: Charlotte Phelps Building, Room CP-207, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE046
Date: Thursdays November 5, 2026 | 6:30PM
Title: Trivia with Roger Scott
Description: Voted best trivia host in Arkansas by AY Magazine readers. Trivia with 103.7 Morning Mayhem radio personality Roger Scott.
Location: Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR
Website: https://mainlinesportsbar.com/
Date: Fridays, November 6 - December 4 (no class Nov. 27) | noon - 5 p.m.
Title: Outdoor Recreation - Mountain Biking I (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: An introduction to mountain biking that covers bike handling, braking, trail etiquette, safety gear, basic maintenance and responsible riding, taught on local trails. Ages 16+; $75.
Location: Northwoods Trails, 300 Pineland Dr., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE083
Date: Friday, November 6 | 5 - 9 p.m.
Title: Historic Downtown Hot Springs Gallery Walk
Description: The monthly first-Friday art walk returns with new shows in downtown galleries and studios. Free to attend.
Location: Downtown Hot Springs galleries (Central Ave. area), Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://hotspringsarts.org/hs-gallery-walk/
Date: November 6 - 8 | Friday costume party 7 p.m.; films Saturday & Sunday from noon
Title: 16th Hot Springs International Horror Film Festival
Description: Three days of horror, thriller and sci-fi films open with a Friday costume party and meet-and-greet, followed by weekend screenings, industry seminars, vendors and filmmaker awards. Online prices are $55 for a three-day VIP pass, $28 for one day or $15 per film, with a $5 door donation for the Friday party.
Location: Vapors Live, 315 Park Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://filmfreeway.com/HotSpringsHorrorFilmFestival
Date: Saturdays, November 7 - 21 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Title: Art - Use Pastels to Create Still Life (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Explore pastel color and application techniques while drawing still lifes and flowers, completing a finished piece and quick studies at each class. All levels; $115 (supply list available).
Location: Liberal Arts Building, Room LA-201, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE026
Date: Saturdays, November 7 - 21 | 3:30 - 6 p.m.
Title: Art - Watercolor Basics (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Make your own watercolor paints and learn core techniques for manipulating paint on paper, going home with several 5x7 paintings, a custom palette and a brush set. Geared to teens and adults new to watercolor; $125.
Location: Makerspace, Gerald Fisher Campus Center, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE020
Date: Monday, November 9 | 5 - 8 p.m.
Title: Culinary Arts - Perfect Pizza: From Dough to Delicious (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Mix dough from scratch, simmer a fresh tomato sauce and bake both thin-crust and deep-dish pies, then share the meal at the end of class. Cost is $75.
Location: Hospitality teaching kitchen, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE011
Date: Tuesday, November 10 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Title: Culinary Arts - Homemade Apple Pie (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Bake a from-scratch apple pie, learning a flaky crust, a spiced apple filling and how to crimp and finish it, then take it home. Ages 12+; $85.
Location: Hospitality teaching kitchen, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE003
Date: Wednesday, November 11 | 6:30 p.m.
Title: Hot Springs Veterans Day Parade
Description: Veterans' groups, military units, civic organizations and businesses parade through downtown to honor those who served; a Veterans Day ceremony is held at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. Free to watch.
Location: Central Avenue, Downtown Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.hotsprings.org/events/hot-springs-veterans-day-parade/
Date: Thursdays November 12, 2026 | 6:30PM
Title: Trivia with Roger Scott
Description: Voted best trivia host in Arkansas by AY Magazine readers. Trivia with 103.7 Morning Mayhem radio personality Roger Scott.
Location: Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR
Website: https://mainlinesportsbar.com/
Date: Friday, November 13 | 7:30 p.m.
Title: Journey to Jersey at Vapors Live
Description: A tribute band delivering the big '80s anthems of Journey, Heart and Bon Jovi. Tickets $30.
Location: Vapors Live, 315 Park Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://vaporslive.com/event/journey-to-jersey/
Date: Saturday, November 14 | 7 a.m.
Title: Spa Running Festival
Description: Races for every level: the Summit 2 Summit Half Marathon over two mountains, the Spa 10K, a flat 5K and a kids' Squirt Race. Fees are $78 half, $38 10K, $33 5K (half and 5K are waitlist-only) and $10 for the kids' race.
Location: Start/finish on Convention Blvd. in front of Embassy Suites, 400 Convention Blvd., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://sparunningfest.com/
Date: Saturday, November 14 | 10 a.m. - noon
Title: Special Interest: Braiding for Beginners (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: A two-hour, hands-on class in Dutch and French braiding, parting hair and keeping braids neat, plus which products and tools to use. $50; supply list available.
Location: Student Commons, Room CO-267, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE059
Date: Tuesday, November 17 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Title: Culinary Arts - Thanksgiving Cupcake Decorating (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Turn cupcakes into mini "pies" and other Thanksgiving treats using frosting, texture tools and piping techniques. Ages 12+; $85.
Location: Hospitality teaching kitchen, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE004
Date: Thursday, November 19 | 6 - 9 p.m.
Title: 25th Annual Taste of the Holidays at Mid-America Science Museum
Description: The museum's holiday fundraiser serves food and drinks from 20+ local restaurants, breweries and caterers, plus a silent auction. Tickets are $115 or $850 for a table of six.
Location: Mid-America Science Museum, 500 Mid-America Blvd., Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://midamericamuseum.org/shop/events/taste-of-the-holidays/
Date: Thursdays November 19, 2026 | 6:30PM
Title: Trivia with Roger Scott
Description: Voted best trivia host in Arkansas by AY Magazine readers. Trivia with 103.7 Morning Mayhem radio personality Roger Scott.
Location: Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR
Website: https://mainlinesportsbar.com/
Date: November 19 - 21 | Thursday & Friday 7 p.m.
Title: 2nd Annual Natural State Burlesque Festival
Description: Performers from around the country deliver classic and neo-burlesque, comedy and variety acts over three nights, with showcases at The Club House on Nov. 19-20 and a finale at the Historic Malco Theatre on Nov. 21. Ages 21+; Saturday tickets start at about $33, with each night ticketed separately.
Location: The Club House, 118 Arbor St. (Nov. 19-20) & Historic Malco Theatre, 817 Central Ave. (Nov. 21), Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.naturalstateburlesquefestival.com/
Date: November 21 - December 31 | 5 - 9 p.m. nightly (closed Thanksgiving & Christmas)
Title: Garvan Woodland Gardens Holiday Lights
Description: The gardens glow with a huge holiday lights display every night through New Year's Eve. Admission is $22 adults, $10 ages 4-12, free 3 and under; golf cart tours are $20 extra.
Location: Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://www.garvangardens.org/
Date: Saturday, November 21 | 6:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. (late show)
Title: Matt Mathews: Not What I Ordered World Tour at Oaklawn
Description: Comedian Matt Mathews serves up candid, laugh-out-loud tales of family mayhem, farm-life mishaps and small-town drama in his new stand-up tour. Both the early show and the added late show are already sold out.
Location: Oaklawn Event Center, 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://oaklawn.com/entertainment/event-center/matt-mathews-not-what-i-ordered-world-tour/
Date: Monday, November 23 | 4:30 p.m.
Title: Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off & Holiday Lights Kick-Off
Description: Local businesses compete for the best chili in town, then downtown's holiday lights are switched on for the season. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and under.
Location: Exchange Street Parking Deck, 128 Exchange St., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.downtownhotsprings.org/chili-cook-off
Date: November 25 - 29 | showtimes vary (evening shows at 6 or 7 p.m.)
Title: Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus
Description: The Zoppé family's intimate, European-style circus, a tradition dating to 1842, sets up its heated tent on the former Majestic Hotel site with horses, performing dogs, aerialists, jugglers and acrobats, all within 18 feet of the ring. Tickets run $16 to $99.
Location: Former Majestic Hotel Site, 101 Park Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.piccolozoppe.com/
Date: Thursdays November 26, 2026 | 6:30PM
Title: Trivia with Roger Scott
Description: Voted best trivia host in Arkansas by AY Magazine readers. Trivia with 103.7 Morning Mayhem radio personality Roger Scott.
Location: Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR
Website: https://mainlinesportsbar.com/
Date: November 27 & 28
Title: Thanksgiving Weekend Holiday Tea at Grandelicious Tea Room
Description: Kick off the holidays with a Colorful Christmas Tea of seasonal fare served on fine china in a tea room decked out with jewel-toned decorations and multicolored chandeliers. Reservations are required; call 501-623-7799 for times and pricing.
Location: Grandelicious Tea Room at Grand Lagniappe Shoppe, 811 W. Grand Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://www.grandlagniappe.com/tea-room
Date: November 27 - 29 & December 18
Title: The Nutcracker Ballet at Historic Malco Theatre
Description: Hot Springs Children's Dance Theatre Company presents Tchaikovsky's holiday classic, with young local dancers sharing the stage with professional guest artists as Clara and her Nutcracker Prince adventure through a world of toys, mice and snowflakes. Tickets are sold at hscdtc.org (preferred seating is the first four rows); call or text 501-655-6815 with questions.
Location: Historic Malco Theatre, 817 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: http://www.hscdtc.org/
Date: Saturday, November 28 | 7 p.m. (doors 6 p.m.) & Sunday, November 29 | 2 p.m. matinee (doors 1 p.m.)
Title: Ballet Arkansas: The Nutcracker Suite at Oaklawn
Description: Ballet Arkansas brings Tchaikovsky's holiday classic to the Oaklawn Event Center stage, with an ensemble cast weaving mystery, fantasy and grace through Clara's magical winter journey, in an evening show plus a Sunday matinee. The show is for all ages, and tickets are on sale through Etix via oaklawn.com.
Location: Oaklawn Event Center, 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://oaklawn.com/entertainment/event-center/ballet-arkansas-presents-the-nutcracker-suite-at-oaklawn-hot-springs-arkansas/
Date: Sunday, November 29 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Title: Storytime with Sugar Plum & Friends at Oaklawn
Description: Little ones can hear a holiday story read aloud, pose for photos with cast members from Ballet Arkansas' The Nutcracker Suite and nibble on light refreshments in the Event Center atrium. Kids 12 and under get in free with a paying adult (up to four children per adult); tickets are on sale through oaklawn.com.
Location: Oaklawn Event Center atrium, 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://oaklawn.com/entertainment/event-center/storytime-with-sugar-plum-friends/
Date: November 30 - December 3 (Mon.-Thu.) | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Title: VFD (Variable Frequency Drive) Training (NPC Workforce Training)
Description: A four-day hands-on course using Allen-Bradley PowerFlex drives to cover AC motor basics, VFD operation, wiring, start-up, soft starters, lockout safety and troubleshooting, ending with a final exam and certificate of completion. Tuition is $1,100.
Location: Technical Sciences Building, Room TS-103, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261AMTI265
Date: December 2 & 3
Title: Arkansas Farm Bureau Farmers Market
Description: Now in its fourth year, this market at the Arkansas Farm Bureau State Convention and Trade Show gathers Arkansas farmers, food makers and artisans selling homegrown and handmade goods. The convention trade show is open to the public.
Location: Hot Springs Convention Center, 134 Convention Blvd., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://www.hotsprings.org/events/2026-arkansas-farm-bureau-farmers-market/
Date: Thursdays December 3, 2026 | 6:30PM
Title: Trivia with Roger Scott
Description: Voted best trivia host in Arkansas by AY Magazine readers. Trivia with 103.7 Morning Mayhem radio personality Roger Scott.
Location: Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR
Website: https://mainlinesportsbar.com/
Date: Friday, December 4 | 5 - 9 p.m.
Title: Historic Downtown Hot Springs Gallery Walk
Description: December's first-Friday art walk invites you to browse new work in downtown galleries and studios during the holiday season. Free to attend.
Location: Downtown Hot Springs galleries (Central Ave. area), Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://hotspringsarts.org/hs-gallery-walk/
Date: Saturday, December 5 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Title: Art - Cricut Design 101 (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Get comfortable with a Cricut cutting machine and its design app, including blades, tools and weeding, and leave with a finished vinyl decal and paper craft. The fee is $60; bring your own Cricut and favorite vinyl or paper if you have them.
Location: Makerspace, Gerald Fisher Campus Center, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE028
Date: Saturdays, December 5 - 19 | 1 - 4 p.m.
Title: Welding for a Hobby (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Pick up stick and MIG welding basics and shop safety over three Saturday afternoons, building a steel or aluminum project to take home. The fee is $85; bring your own welding hood, gloves and sleeves.
Location: Welding Building, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE084
Date: Monday, December 7 | 6:30 p.m.
Title: Hot Springs Christmas Parade
Description: Oaklawn Rotary Club's lighted holiday parade rolls through downtown with a "Stars & Stripes" theme celebrating America's 250th—think Star of Bethlehem, candy-cane stripes and American Flag floats. Free to watch; details at hschristmasparade.com.
Location: Central Avenue, Downtown Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://hschristmasparade.com/
Date: Tuesday, December 8 | 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Title: Culinary Arts - Christmas Cookie Decorating (NPC Continuing Education)
Description: Decorate a set of Christmas-shaped cookies—gingerbread men, snowflakes, trees and candy canes—using royal icing to outline, flood and add festive detail. Ages 12+; $85.
Location: Hospitality teaching kitchen, National Park College, 101 College Drive, Hot Springs, AR 71913
Website: https://shortclass.np.edu/wconnect/ace/CourseStatus.awp?&course=261CE005
Date: Thursdays December 10, 2026 | 6:30PM
Title: Trivia with Roger Scott
Description: Voted best trivia host in Arkansas by AY Magazine readers. Trivia with 103.7 Morning Mayhem radio personality Roger Scott.
Location: Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR
Website: https://mainlinesportsbar.com/
Date: Thursdays December 17, 2026 | 6:30PM
Title: Trivia with Roger Scott
Description: Voted best trivia host in Arkansas by AY Magazine readers. Trivia with 103.7 Morning Mayhem radio personality Roger Scott.
Location: Mainline Sports Bar at Oaklawn 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR
Website: https://mainlinesportsbar.com/
Date: Thursday, December 17 | 7 p.m. (doors 6 p.m.)
Title: Celtic Woman: Silver Bells Christmas Tour 2026 at Oaklawn
Description: The Grammy-nominated Irish vocal group brings its Silver Bells Christmas Tour to Hot Springs, pairing holiday standards like "O Holy Night" and "Carol of the Bells" with Celtic favorites and traditional Irish tunes, backed by a live symphony orchestra. Tickets are on sale now through Etix via oaklawn.com (the only authorized seller).
Location: Oaklawn Event Center, 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://oaklawn.com/entertainment/event-center/celtic-woman-silver-bells-christmas-tour-2026/
Date: Friday, December 18 | 7 p.m. (doors 6 p.m.)
Title: Josh Turner at Oaklawn
Description: Country baritone Josh Turner, known for No. 1 hits like "Your Man" and the Platinum "Long Black Train," plays the Event Center fresh off this year's 20th-anniversary release of "Your Man." Tickets are on sale now through Etix via oaklawn.com.
Location: Oaklawn Event Center, 2705 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901
Website: https://oaklawn.com/entertainment/event-center/josh-turner/