What is Mardi Gras in the Spa?



🎭 What Is Mardi Gras in the Spa?

Hot Springs’ Newest Signature Celebration — February 15, 2026
Welcome to Mardi Gras in the Spa, Hot Springs’ newest annual festival bringing the color, music, culture, and excitement of Mardi Gras to the heart of downtown. On February 15, 2026, the Bridge Street Entertainment District transforms into a vibrant celebration packed with food, music, parades, entertainment, and community spirit.
This is not just another event — it’s a party with purpose, blending New Orleans–style fun with Hot Springs hospitality, all while raising money to support the Jackson House and the work they do for our local community.

💜💚💛 A Celebration with Heart
Mardi Gras is rooted in history, joy, and cultural tradition — a time to gather, indulge, dance, and celebrate community. Here in Hot Springs, we embrace those values while creating an event that is uniquely ours:
A place where locals and visitors come together
A festival that honors the spirit of Mardi Gras
A celebration that helps those in need right here at home
Every bead, bite, and beat adds to something bigger.

🎶 Live Entertainment All Day
From stage performers to brass bands to our exciting new Battle of the Bands showcase, the district comes alive with sound. Music will fill the streets, giving you that unmistakable Mardi Gras energy from morning until night.

🍲 Food Trucks, Local Restaurants & Ice-Cold Drinks
You’ll enjoy a curated mix of:
Delicious food trucks
Local restaurants serving festival favorites
Street vendors with classic Mardi Gras-style treats
Beverages and specialty drinks throughout the district
Eat, drink, and celebrate — it’s all part of the experience!

🎭 Mardi Gras Royalty: King & Queen Fundraiser
One of the most exciting parts of Mardi Gras is the crowning of our King and Queen.
Participants earn their spot through a fun, friendly fundraiser running through January 31st.
Whoever raises the most for our community wins the crown.
It’s competition, charity, and celebration all rolled into one.

🛍️ Vendors, Artists & Makers
Expect a lively marketplace featuring:
Local artisans
Creative makers
Festival vendors
Walk-around entertainers
It’s a perfect blend of shopping, craftsmanship, and Mardi Gras flair.

Exclusive VIP Area
Our sponsors and VIP ticket holders will enjoy private access to a secluded space just off the main event. Relax, recharge, enjoy your food and beverages, and take a break from the crowd without missing any of the action.

🎉 Why Hot Springs? Why “In the Spa”?
Hot Springs is famous for its history, healing thermal waters, and vibrant tourist culture. Bringing Mardi Gras here blends:
The charm of our historic downtown
The excitement of a major festival
The hospitality Hot Springs is known for
Mardi Gras in the Spa celebrates everything that makes our town special — and invites the world to share in it.

❤️ Giving Back to the Community
While the festival is packed with fun, its mission goes deeper. Proceeds from the event help support Jackson House, an organization that provides food, clothing, and essential services to our less fortunate neighbors.
By celebrating with us, you’re helping others.

🎉 Join Us February 15, 2026
Mardi Gras in the Spa is:
A celebration of culture
A gathering of community
A showcase of Hot Springs
A fundraiser for a local cause
And a party unlike anything else in Arkansas
Come be part of the magic.
Bring your friends. Bring your family. Bring your appetite for fun.
Let’s make history together — one bead, one bite, and one beat at a time.

We will pause swag sales beginning saturday at 5pm until after the event