Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Hot Springs, AR

The compelling architecture of historic Downtown Hot Springs provides a perfect backdrop for the city's art galleries...

The compelling architecture of historic Downtown Hot Springs provides a perfect backdrop for the city's art galleries and their collaborative monthly event, Gallery Walk. Held after-hours on the first Friday of every month, the popular occasion presents a unique opportunity to view fine works of art in a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. Strolling between galleries is part of the experience and their close proximity makes it easy to do so. Go early for complimentary hors d'oeuvres!

Hours: Fri, Mar 2, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Apr 6, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, May 4, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Jun 1, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Jul 6, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Aug 3, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Sep 7, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Oct 5, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Nov 2, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Dec 7, 2012: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Jan 4, 2013: 5pm - 9pm Fri, Feb 1, 2013: 5pm - 9pm March 2013

Claimed the shortest parade in the country on the shortest street in the world, the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day...

Claimed the shortest parade in the country on the shortest street in the world, the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade and Pub Crawl occurs annually in Hot Springs. Since 2004 this unique parade has seen thousands of spectators gather to watch, as comedic groups of green parade participants walk, march and ride rolling toilets along 98-foot-long Bridge Street. Green fireworks signal the parade's end and it's off to the Pub Crawl for a green beer.

Hours: Sat, Mar 17, 2012: 6:30pm

Blues fans flock to Hot Springs for a 2-day sampling of homegrown, regional and national blues musicians, who have...

Blues fans flock to Hot Springs for a 2-day sampling of homegrown, regional and national blues musicians, who have gathered here annually since 1997. Formerly held in various small venues around town, The Hot Springs Blues Festival has moved to Hill Wheatley Plaza in the beautiful Downtown Historic District. The Spa City Blues Society, who often goes "in the hole" to present this great festival free to the public, finally began accepting $5 admission donations in 2008.

Hours: Fri, Aug 31, 2012 Sat, Sep 1, 2012

Over 20 years ago, two well known locals started a little ol' boat race that has become a major national event and the...

Over 20 years ago, two well known locals started a little ol' boat race that has become a major national event and the only race of its kind to require entrants to qualify. Fun is second only to safety at Smokin' in the Cove's annual drag boat racing event. They attract contestants from all across the country, along with thousands of spectators, to normally calm and serene Lake Catherine for three days of thrilling competition.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details September 2012

The hilarious Stueart Pennington Running of the Tubs is an annual event that celebrates the role bathtubs have played in...

The hilarious Stueart Pennington Running of the Tubs is an annual event that celebrates the role bathtubs have played in Hot Springs' history. A wacky set of rules governs a race of wheeled bathtubs along famous Bath House Row. Teams are required to push their entry complete with bather and water while carrying various bathing essentials. They must cross the finish line, essentials in hand, with at least 10 gallons of water in the tub.

Hours: Sat, May 12, 2012: 9am

An immensely popular cultural experience, the annual Hot Springs Jazz Festival is presented free to the public....

An immensely popular cultural experience, the annual Hot Springs Jazz Festival is presented free to the public. Sponsored by the Hot Springs Jazz Society, this 3-day musical marathon celebrates jazz as an American art form. The festival kicks off with a Friday night fundraiser featuring live music and dancing with a silent auction in the Arlington Hotel's Crystal Ballroom. Saturday brings a full day of outdoor concerts in historic Downtown Hot Springs.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details September 2012

The Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute's first festival in 1992 was far from meager beginnings, considering several...

The Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute's first festival in 1992 was far from meager beginnings, considering several of the films debuted went on to receive Academy Awards. Now considered to be one of the top non-fiction film festivals in the country, this Hot Springs event attracts many famous celebrities and thousands of attendees. Films are screened at Hot Springs' historic Malco Theater, which is undergoing renovations in anticipation of even more impressive celebrations in the future.

Hours: Event times vary; call for details October 2012

Held every year since 1938, the Miss Arkansas Pageant selects an exemplary young woman to represent the state in the...

Held every year since 1938, the Miss Arkansas Pageant selects an exemplary young woman to represent the state in the annual contest for Miss America. Hot Springs provides the perfect venue in their state-of-the-art Convention Center. Dozens of contestants from local and regional pageants around the state gather here to compete for the coveted title. The winner is determined through a series of judged competitions involving beauty, poise, personality and talent.

Hours: Wed, Jul 11, 2012: 7:30pm Thu, Jul 12, 2012: 7:30pm Fri, Jul 13, 2012: 7:30pm Sat, Jul 14, 2012: 7:30pm

Since 1968, this popular 3-day gathering has been a much anticipated annual event. One of the biggest and oldest in the...

Since 1968, this popular 3-day gathering has been a much anticipated annual event. One of the biggest and oldest in the state, the Hot Springs Arts & Crafts Fair always occurs the first full weekend of October at the Garland County Fairgrounds. Talented artisans and craftsmen submit their items to a screening committee for approval, ensuring the fair's offerings are of the highest quality. Eager shoppers peruse a phenomenal selection of original art works and handmade crafts.

Hours: Fri, Oct 5, 2012: 9am - 6pm Sat, Oct 6, 2012: 9am - 6pm Sun, Oct 7, 2012: Noon - 5pm