Hot Springs Public Events

The Park Chats speaker series offers a hybrid-in person and online-platform to learn more in-depth stories about Hot Springs National Park.

Garland County Library

Park Chats Speaker Series

Learn about the history of the park with deep dives into the most interesting stories about Hot Springs' thermal springs and Hot Springs' impact on American health. Guest speakers will provide topics related to Hot Springs National Park.

Hot Springs hosts this monthly speaker series in collaboration with the Garland Count Library. The event is the 4th Wednesday of every month, from 12p-1p at the Garland County Library

The presentation is free and open to the public. Online viewing is available via the Garland County Library.

Lineup for 2026
January 28th- Sipping the Springs postponed to February 25th
February 25th- Park Chats | Garland County Library
March 25th- Park Chats | Garland County Library
April 22nd- Park Chats | Garland County Library
May 27th
June 24th
July 22nd
August 26th
September 23rd
October 28th
November TBD
December 16th

 

Hot Springs Hikes offer ranger-led explorations of the natural history and human stories of Hot Springs National Park

NPS/CTorres

Hot Springs Hikes

Hike the trails alongside park rangers as we explore Hot Springs' natural and cultural histories.

Park rangers lead this monthly program the second Saturday of each month. Hikes begin at 10am and typically are 1.5 to 3 miles in length.

This event is free to the public and registration is not required. Participants should be prepared for their hike with adequate shoes, clothing, and refreshments.

Hikes begin at different locations in the park, so check up on program information closer to each hike date.

Dates for 2026
January 10
February 14
March 14
April 11
May 9
June 13
July 11
August 8
September 12
October TBD
November 14
December 12

 

The annual Hot Springs Water Festival includes nearly two-dozen booths with science activities and conservation organizations.

NPS/DChmill

Hot Springs Water Festival

The Hot Springs Water Festival is the annual celebration of the areas’ water resources and the organizations that help to protect them. Each year, over 1,000 participants experience the wonder of the Hot Springs water.

This free, family-friendly event takes place in October. It is free to the public and no registration required.

Hot Springs National Park is home to a wealth of water resources, including the 143°F thermal springs, cold water spring systems, and several waterways inside the national park boundaries.

We also welcome federal, state, local, and non-profit organizations committed to protecting the waters of Arkansas, the Natural State!