Saint Patrick’s Day, the whole population of Hot Springs will try to crowd onto Bridge Street, which is only one block long. This is quite an accomplishment for a town of 35,000. It’s the world’s shortest Saint Patrick’s Day parade. Old and young alike come with blankets and lawn chairs, pulling the children behind them in wagons like a mini parade themselves as splashes of green can be seen all around. This is small town America at its best. Neighbors gather as both observers and participants clap and cheer each other.

The month of April is always popular. Derby Day at Del Mar, Santa Anita and the Kentucky Derby - for me, these events pale in comparison to Derby Day at Oaklawn Park (Home of the Arkansas Derby). It’s the combination of beautiful horses, ladies and gentlemen decked out in their finery, the excitement in the air of anticipation of the race and the mint juleps waiting on the veranda at the Arlington. It is two centuries of southern tradition at its finest. The nostalgic past is no more glamorous than the present. This is the one-day in Hot Springs horse racing that should not be missed.

The following week is the Flavor of the Park festival showcasing local restaurants & entertainment. It is located on Central Avenue in Historical Downtown.

May is just as busy as April. The Annual Bath Tub Races are a must-see to appreciate the lighter side of life. All in attendance can count on an excellent time. Wisteria blooms in the wild here with splashes of lavender, purple and white. It is considered a weed…can you imagine? It is a rare sight; it was like stepping into a Monet painting.

At the end of May, you see the starting of Magic Springs Summer concert Series at the Timberwood Amphitheater. The concerts are outdoors under the stars so be sure to take a picnic blanket and/or lawn chairs. The venue features different talents so check their schedule. 

For the Bass fishing enthusiast, Wal-Mart sponsors the $1 million FLW tournament. It is a three-day event where both pros and amateurs alike hit the lake in pursuit of their dream. The tournament is usually the last three days of May. There is a big influx of boats, sponsors and fisherman. Announcements are made daily on the who is the leader and the weight and size of the biggest fish. It’s a very popular event!