Festivals
Arkansas Oktoberfest
The 34th Annual Arkansas Oktoberfest will be held October 3-4, 2008 in Hill Wheatley Plaza. This German-themed festival, hosted by the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, attracts thousands of people each October from the community and many Hot Springs visitors. Musicians and food vendors bring both culture and entertainment to the event every year. Germand music and food, traditional festival foods and dancing are among the many attractions at Oktoberfest. Tickets are $5 per day or $7 for a event pass. Tickets can be purchased on line.
Friday
6-10pm - The Waterloo German Band
6-10pm - Children's Rummelplatz (kids carnival) Open
7pm - Opening Ceremonies festuring Mrs. Arkansas & The Grand March
Saturday
11am-2:15pm - The Village Polka Dots
2:40-4:30pm - The Waterloo German Band
4:30-6pm - The German Dog Show
6-10pm - The Waterloo German Band
5:30-7pm - Dance Lessons from Dance City
11am-10pm - Children's Rummelplatz open
www.hotspringschamber.com/events/oktoberfest.asp
501-321-1700
Hot Springs Arts and Crafts Fair
The Hot Springs Arts and Crafts Fair will be celebrating it's 40th anniversary this year on October 3-5, 2008 at the Garland County Fairgrounds. It is one of the oldest and largest craft fairs in the state of Arkansas and includes family events such as pony rides and a petting zoo.
Friday - 9am-6pm
Saturday - 9am-6pm
Sunday - 12noon - 5pm
www.hotspringsartsandcraftsfair.com/
501-623-9592
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
The 17th Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival will be held October 17-26, 2008. The Festival Gala will be Saturday, October 25, 2008.
Arkansas Grand Slam
The 2008 Arkansas Grand Slam will be held November 7-8 at Poet's Loft. This event is one of the most prestigious poetry events in the nation.
www. thepoetsloft.com
501-627-4224
Winter Wonderland Arts & Crafts Festival
The 21st Annual Winter Wonderland Arts & Crafts Festival will be held November 28-29 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Over 250 vendors display hand crafted items at this show.
501-262-3651
ArtBlast
ArtBlast is an interactive, hands-on festival for kids age 4-18. This year's event will be held November 29, 2008 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. The programs include painting, drawing, drum making, documentary filmmaking, poster contests, music activities, a treasure hunt and more.
www.artblasths.org
501-625-3992
Wine, Food & Art Extravaganza
First Ever 6th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Pub Crawl
Held on Bridge Street each year.
Vally of the Vapors Independent Music Festival
The VOV Independent Music Festival is held each year in March. It's mission is to "expand the cultural resources available to the youth of Garland County by presenting the bright, new and original work of musical and artistic innovators from around the globe." The 2008 festival featured 30 bands from seven countries. The festival is located in the Low Key Arts Building at 118 Arbor Street in downtown Hot Springs.
www.valleyofthevapors.com
501-282-9056
Art in the Park
This event, held each year in April in Hollywood Park is hosted by the City of Hot Springs Parks Department. It includes artists and vendors, contests and more.
Flavor of the Park
This event, held each year in April is designed to be a showcase of area food establishments, caterers and other entertainment businesses. The event allows thousande of people to sample menu items from area food establishments from fine dining and fast food to catering companies and taverns. It is sponsored by the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce.
www.hotspringschamber.com/events/flavor.asp
501-321-1700
Mudbug Music Mania & Derby
Hot Springs Music Festival
Season XVI of the Hot Springs Music Festival wil be held May 31 through June 13, 2009. One-of-a-kind in concept and execution, the festival brings together over 250 international musicians each June to Hot Springs. It, pairs world-class mentor musicians from major orchestras, chamber ensembles and conservatory faculties with especially talented pre-professional apprentices--all of whom receive full scholarship plus housing. The two groups play "side by side" in orchestral, chamber, solo recital, vocal, choral and chamber opera repertoire. For two weeks, these musicians form a unique community, presenting 20 concerts and over 250 open rehearsals for music lovers from across the globe.
www.hotmusic.org/
501-623-4763
Spa Blast Family Spectacular
This Fourth of July celebration is held at the Garland County Fair Grounds.
Hot Springs Blues Festival
The 12th Annual Hot Springs Blues Festival was located in Hill-Wheatly Plaza, in downtown Hot Springs on Labor Day weekend, August 29 and 30, 2008. Admission was $5 per person.
Friday - 5pm
John Calvin Brewer Band
The Bluebirds
Saturday - startup at 1pm
Jelly Brown and Guido Ciardetti
The Brethren
Heavy Sugah and the Sweettones
Lightning Malcolm and Cedric Burnside
Barbara Blue and
Harper
Pre- and Post- Parties were held at Maxine's.
www.myspace.com/hotspringsbluesfest
501-844-1022
Hot Springs Jazz Festival
The 2008 Hot Springs Jazz Festival was held September 12, 13 and 14. The three day schedule included the following events:
Friday -
"The Joy of Jazz" A Tribute to the Greats - Arlington Hotel Ballroom - 7pm - $40 person/$400 table - reservations 501-767-0211
Saturday -
Free Outdoor Festival -
beneath the sky bridge of Broadway and Market Streets downtown - 12noon-7pm - food vendors and KidZonetent of Jazzy Crafts.Bring lawn chairs.
12noon - Happy Tymes Jazz Band
1pm - UCA (Univ Central Ark) jazz ensemble
1:50pm - ATM (Anything That Moves)
2pm - NuFusion
3pm - ATM
3:45pm - ATM with the Hot Springs Jazz Society Scholarship Students
4pm - UAM (Univ or Ark Monticello)
5pm - Sweet Mother
5:50pm - ATM
6pm - Jazz Xtreme
Sunday -
- Jazz Mass - St. Lukes Episcopal Church - 10:45am
- Navy "Big Band" - Hot Springs High Auditorium - 3pm - free - limited seating - to receive tickets (max 4) send a SASE with your name, address, phone and #tickets to 61 Pego Way, Hot Springs Vilage, AR 71909
- Jazz Cats Jam Session - Hot Springs Brau Haus - 6-9pm - free
www.hotspringsjazzfest.org
501-767-0211
A Balloons and BBQ Weekend Featuring Smoke On The Water and The Legends Balloon Rally
September 19-21, 2008
see our pictures from this event
Friday -
7:15-7:45pm - Balloon Glow
8pm - Tracy Byrd Concert (free)
Saturday -
7am-9:30ap - Fly-in to KHOT
12noon-4pm - car show & antique motorcycle show (free)
12noon-5pm - BBQ area open
5pm - BBQ awards
5:45pm-7:15pm - Fly-out from KHOT
8pm - Parrots of the Caribbean Concert (free)
Sunday -
7am-9:30am Fly-in to KHOT
870-536-8175