Relive the Magic 2026 Photo Gallery
Smiles, costumes, friends, families and plenty of Mardi Gras spirit — these are the people and moments that brought our inaugural celebration to life.
Where the Story Began
In 2026, downtown Hot Springs came alive with Mardi Gras color, music, food, costumes, entertainment and community.
Approximately 4,000 people joined us for the inaugural Mardi Gras in the Spa and helped turn a brand-new idea into something we knew could become a lasting Hot Springs tradition.
One Incredible First Year
People, Smiles & Mardi Gras Memories
The best part of Mardi Gras in the Spa wasn’t simply what was happening on stage or along the street.
It was seeing people throughout Hot Springs come together, dress up, laugh, dance, eat, explore and enjoy the day.
They’re snapshots of a community having a good time together — and that’s exactly what we hoped Mardi Gras in the Spa would become.
Mardi Gras in the Spa — 2026
Scroll through the crowd, find familiar faces and relive the people, smiles, costumes and moments that made our inaugural Mardi Gras in the Spa such a memorable day.
Pam captured the majority of the photographs in this gallery, helping preserve the energy, joy and spirit of our inaugural celebration. We are grateful for her time, talent and for documenting such an important day in the history of Mardi Gras in the Spa.
The King & Queen Who Started the Tradition
Learn more about the two people who first wore the Mardi Gras in the Spa crowns.
The First Chapter of a New Tradition
The inaugural Mardi Gras in the Spa gave Hot Springs a glimpse of what this celebration could become.
These photographs preserve the people, personalities and moments that made the first year possible — and remind us where the story started as we continue building the tradition.