The season kicks off with The Big Steam Music Festival: A Steamy Blend of Rock, Blues, and Southern Soul! This two-day event will feature a stellar lineup of talented musicians, bringing a mix of rock, blues, and Southern soul to the stage.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you enjoy performances from renowned artists and up-and-coming talent. Dance the night away to infectious rhythms, feel the energy of the crowd, and create unforgettable memories. The Big Steam Music Festival will take place at Hill Wheatley Plaza which is right in the heart of Downtown Hot Springs and easy walking distance from delicious eats like Diablo's Tacos & Mezcaleria, Ambrosia at Angel's, Superior Bathhouse Brewery, and so much more! Or if you'd rather, there's a number of shops and attractions you won't want to miss. For more information on The Big Steam, click here.
Hot Springs hosts some major arts and entertainment events every fall, beginning with Spa-Con, a pop culture and comic convention that celebrates the geek in us all. The event, held in September, includes panels, workshops, celebrity guests, games, contests, vendors, and thousands of costumed attendees. Past celebrity guests have included Shannon Purser from Stranger Things, Sherilynn Fenn and Sheryl Lee from Twin Peaks, Pam Grier from Star Trek, and many more! After the comic con ends, be sure to fuel up at one of several restaurants within walking distance like Brick House Grill, Deluca's Pizza, or Copper Penny Pub. For more information on Spa-Con, click here.
Grab your popcorn, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is the longest running non-fiction film festival in North America and takes place each October in Hot Springs. The annual event includes documentary features and shorts from all around the world, plus film panels, parties and the opportunity to rub shoulders with a host of celebrity guests and visiting professionals. Enjoy a nightcap after the films end at one of Hot Springs popular craft cocktail spots like The Heist, The Bourbon Bar at 501 Prime, or The Rooftop at The Waters. For more information on the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, click here.
Mountain biking is among the most popular, thanks to three IMBA Epic Rides and the Northwoods Trail System. The Northwoods is the site of the annual Güdrun Mountain Biking Festival held each November in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The multi-day event includes a Slow Roll group ride to kick off the weekend, the Enduro and Mini Enduro, the Dual Slalom, the Jump Jam, the annual Attila the Hun Mountain Bike Race. Start your race day with a cup of coffee from Red Light Roastery or Kollective Coffee + Tea, then recover after the race with a trip to the Quapaw Bathhouse or the Buckstaff Bathhouse. For more information on the Güdrun Mountain Biking Festival, click here.
The Spa Running Festival is a family-friendly event with multiple races, including a 5k, 10k, Spa Squirt kids race, and the Summit2Summit Half Marathon. Each race caters to a different running level, with unbelievable scenery throughout. The half marathon takes runners past Historic Bathhouse Row, through Hot Springs National Park, and over both North and West Mountain with breathtaking viewpoints along the way. After you cross the finish line, fuel up with some breakfast at one of Hot Springs iconic breakfast spots like the Pancake Shop, the Colonial Pancake House, or the Best Cafe & Bar. For more information on the Spa Running Festival, click here.
Bring a jacket for chilly fall evenings and early mornings. Bring hiking shoes to set out and see spectacular fall foliage.
The fall foliage in Hot Springs begins as early as mid-October with the peak falling around early to mid-November.
Take your car to the different vistas for fall foliage views or hike the trails to immerse yourself in the brightly colored leaves!