Memorial Day Weekend is the kick-off to summer, and Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas is the place to spend it! From refreshing dips at one of our three area lakes to live musical performances, check out our guide to Memorial Day Weekend in Hot Springs below!
Fishing Challenge | Now - July 31
Extra! Extra! Read all about it! The notorious Big Al Gang is back swimming in Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine. We need YOUR help to catch them! The Hot Springs Fishing Challenge is back and 66 tagged fish will be calling Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine home from May 2 - July 31, and they’ve got a bounty on their tails. Grab your fishing gear and hit the lake, maybe you’ll get lucky and reel in a winner! Tagged fish include: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Channel Catfish. Catch Big Al and win $20,000, or one of his fishy cohorts for $10,000, $5,000, $1,000, or $500.
For more information call 501-321-2027.
Buddy Jewell | May 26
Nashville Star winner, country legend, and Arkansas native, Buddy Jewell will be taking over the Bridge Street LIVE! Entertainment District on Friday, May 26 for a FREE concert. Start your summer with the smell of jasmine and magnolia (if you know, you know!), and the sound of Buddy Jewell live on Bridge Street at 7 PM.
Bridge St. LIVE Entertainment District
For more information call 501-321-2027.
Old Crow Medicine Show at Oaklawn | May 26
Old Crow Medicine Show is an American string band based in Nashville, Tennessee. They were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2013. Their ninth album, Remedy, released in 2014, won the Grammy Award for Best Folk Album. Catch the Grammy-winning band at Oaklawn on May 26.
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, 2705 Central Avenue.
For more information call 501-623-4411 or visit oaklawn.com.
Liverpool Legends at Vapors Live | May 26 & 27
Hand-picked by George Harrison's sister, the Liverpool Legends are the next best thing to seeing The Beatles in concert. Don't miss one of two shows held at Vapors Live this Memorial Day Weekend.
Vapors Live, 315 Park Avenue.
For more information call 501-463-4463 or visit vaporslive.com.
The Ouachita Highland Games | May 27
3rd annual Highland Games brought to you by the Arkansas Highlanders! The event lasts from 9am-6pm, with 60+ athletes competing in all 9 Scottish Highland Game Events. Including Caber Toss, Stone Throw, Weight For Distance, Weight Over Bar, Hammer Throw, and Sheaf Toss. As well as, vendors with food, beverages, crafts, and skilled demos! Lawn chairs and wagons are allowed.
Cedar Glades Park, 461 Wildcat Road.
For more information call 501-356-5216 or visit facebook.com.
Fireworks Displays | May 28
Visit Hot Springs will be bringing three firework displays to Lake Hamilton in 2023. Join us for the first one on Sunday, May 28th at dark. The Memorial Day Fireworks will be shot from the middle of Lake Hamilton from barges located on the east side of Highway 7 at the first Highway 7 bridge opposite the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. The display will be synced with music on radio station 97.5 FM US97 Country.
For more information call 501-321-2027.
Hot Springs Book Festival | May 26 & 27
A celebration of nature, books, and authors. The Hot Springs Book Festival is hosted by the Garland County Library with support from the Literacy Council of Garland County, National Park College Adult Education, & the Lotus Club.
Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Avenue.
For more information call 501-623-4161 or visit.
Hot Springs Concert Band Memorial Day Performance | May 29
Come join the Hot Springs Concert Band as we remember and honor the men and women of our armed forces who courageously served out nation to protect the freedom and liberties we enjoy here in the United States. The band will perform a variety of patriotic music that idealizes the spirit of America!
Whittington Park, 890 Whittington Avenue.
For more information call 901-508-8769.
Magic Springs Theme & Water Park
Splash into summer and soak up the thrills at Magic Springs Theme & Water Park with roller coasters, waterslides, and summer concerts!
Magic Springs offers fun attractions and thrill levels for all ages. Add a visit to your itinerary this summer in Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas! Open daily starting May 27.
Magic Springs Theme & Water Park, 1701 E Grand Avenue.
For more information call 501-624-0100.
Lake Fun
Lake days have arrived in Hot Springs! With not one, not two, but THREE beautiful lakes to suit every taste, it's a summer lover's oasis just waiting to be explored.
Cool off with a dip or cast a line to reel in a prize-winning fish during the last month of the Hot Springs Fishing Challenge (Hamilton & Catherine).
For more information on Lake Hamilton, Lake Catherine, and Lake Ouachita, visit hotsprings.org/explore/lakes.