October Fun in Hot Springs

October is a beautiful month in Arkansas, packed with many events, festivals and outdoor activities to head to Hot Springs is among the cities where many annual options can be found for fall fun.

The Hot Water Hills Music and Arts Festival takes place each October at venues around Hot Springs.  Music, art, kids activities and more are on the agenda.  The festival is at Hill Wheatley Plaza at 629 Central Avenue.

​

Fall is also a great time for hikes and sometimes guided hikes or other interpretative programs takes place on the Caddo Bend Trail at Lake Ouachita State Park near Hot Springs. The four-mile trail, which has rolling terrain, begins near the park amphitheater and circles the entire peninsula back to its beginning. Expansive views of Lake Ouachita and an observation deck overlooking the lake are some of the highlights one can see along the route.

​

If you are into films, the Annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival takes place each October in town. The festival, which is the longest running documentary film festival in the U.S. and serves as an Academy Award qualifier in the Documentary Short Subject category, is held at the Arlington Hotel, located at 239 Central Avenue. Documentary films from around the world are shown.

Magic Screams takes place during the weekends at Magic Springs. Haunted houses and rides and more.