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Join local opportunities to celebrate our national story at America's oldest federal park. As part of the Freedom 250 commemoration, Hot Springs National Park will offer a variety of programming and partnerships throughout the year 2026 to provide local and national communities with ways to participate in national celebrations-particularly on federal holidays and annual National Park Service celebration days. All programs will be free to the public and many will be co-sponsored by local groups and organizations. See our calendar of events and our social media pages for more information. *Events may be added and removed from the calendar. 
NPS/CWebber Special EventsFreedom 250 offers a time to commemorate the history of the United States and carry on the duties of citizenship. Hot Springs National Park, first protected in 1832, is the oldest national park in the United States, and is the only Arkansas protected resource to predate the state of Arkansas.Event Dates: National Park Week-April 18-25, 2026Saturday, April 18Preserving the Natural State
As the oldest protected resource in the Natural State, Hot Springs will host federal, state, local, and non-profit groups who protect natural areas in Arkansas and share the legacy of preservationists who have contributed to the state across generations.
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Arlington Lawn Sunday, April 19 Hot Springs Junior Ranger Day
Learn about the life of a park ranger.The event will include multiple activity areas and large swearing in ceremonies. The event will also feature representatives from the U.S. Navy. -Navy Week Representatives from the United States Navy will be stationed along Bathhouse Row for small performances and public events. Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Arlington Lawn Monday, April 20 Hot Springs' 194th Birthday
Come celebrate 194 years as the oldest federally protected natural area for public use. There may be cake.
Time: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: Fordyce Bathhouse Wednesday, April 22 Earth Day Celebration
Join rangers in front of the Administrative Building to learn about the nature and science protected within Hot Springs National Park.
Time Park Chats Discover the story of the Hunter and Dunbar Expedition. Their exploration of Hot Springs in 1804 brought the thermal waters into the national awareness for the first time. Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Garland County Library Saturday, April 25 Earth Day Stewardship
Participate in Earth Day through a local park stewardship program. Time 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: Arlington Lawn America's 250th Birthday, July 4, 2026Saturday, July 4Red, White, and You Picnic
Hot Springs National Park and Friends of Hot Springs National Park co-host the Red, White, and You: Picnic in the Park on Arlington Lawn to celebrate 250 years of American independence. Celebrating YOU, the American people, as we turn Arlington Lawn into Hot Springs' front year. The event will include community parades, educational booths, activity areas, and family entertainment.
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Bathhouse Row Constitution Day, September 17, 2026Tuesday, September 17Constitution Signing
The Hot Springs chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) offers a Constitution Day event at the Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center.
Hot Springs Water Festival, October, 10 2026Saturday, October 10Hot Springs Water Festival
Celebrate America's beauty and the Natural State through the waters of the oldest national park. Hot Springs hosts booths to explore the wonders of the waters alongside federal, state, local, and non-profit groups who protect the area's precious water resources.
NPS/KBarat Volunteer OpportunitiesCommunity members and service organizations interested in contributing to Hot Springs National Park projects as part of our Freedom 250 celebrations will have many opportunities to do so throughout the year. Volunteer events will allow community members to contribute to the environmental management and historic preservation projects that maintain the natural and historic beauty of Hot Springs National Park. If your organization is interested, you may reach out to hosp_volunteers@nps.gov or find opportunities listed on volunteer.gov.Service Opportunities Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of ServceSaturday, January 17, 2026-Join rangers in a park beautification event.
Event Recap: 14 volunteers contributed over 40 hours of community service work and contributed to park beautification by collecting over 30lbs of trash. September 11th Day of Service and RemembranceDate TBD
-Join rangers in a park service event
Event Recap:
National Public Lands DaySaturday, September 26, 2026
-Participate in one of the largest service days in the United States at your local national park.
Event Recap: 
Garland County Library Special ProgramsHot Springs National Park has contributed immensely to the nation’s stories of medical science, veterans affairs, and environmental protection. Park rangers will provide numerous special-topic presentations and programs throughout the year to share these stories with the local and national community.More information on our community programming can be found on our public events page and our park calendar. Hot Springs Hikes2nd Saturday, MonthlyJoin rangers on moderate 1.5-to-3 mile hikes exploring the natural history and human stories of Hot Springs National Park. Starting location varies, follow social media for more information.
Park Chats Speaker Series4th Wednesday, Monthly
Join park rangers and guest speakers for 1-hour in-depth presentations of the stories of America's oldest national park.
Education ProgramsHot Springs Park Rangers offer a variety of free education programs on Hot Springs’ history and science. To see our program options, visit the Hot Springs Education page. |
Last updated: March 26, 2026