Hot Springs Celebrates America's 250th Birthday with Red, White, and YOU: Picnic and Parade

Celebrate America's 250th Birthday with the "Red, White & YOU" Picnic and Parade Hot Springs, Ark. -

Hot Springs National Park will celebrate America's 250^th birthday with a full day of patriotic festivities on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Hosted in partnership with the Friends of Hot Springs National Park and America's National Parks, the celebration features a community parade along Bathhouse Row, and the "Red, White & YOU" picnic on Arlington Lawn with live performances, games, activities, and more. All events are free and open to the public.

"The Fourth of July marks a once-in-a-generation milestone for our nation," said Superintendent Laura Miller. "We invite every member of our community, and visitors from across the country, to come together on Bathhouse Row to celebrate 250 years of American history and community spirit."

All-American Community Parade

The celebration kicks off at 9 a.m. with the All-American Community Parade, through the heart of the park along Bathhouse Row. Participants will assemble at Hill Wheatley Plaza, where the morning will begin with raising the American flag and singing the National Anthem.

This is a "no spectators" parade - if you show up, you get to be in it!The parade will proceed north along Bathhouse Row to Arlington Lawn, following a timeline through Hot Springs history from a drop of rain falling 4,400 years ago to the present day. The entire route is paved, mostly flat and half a mile long. Community members are encouraged to dress as Uncle Sam, a Founding Father or Mother, or simply wear their best red, white and blue. Small, decorative wagon floats are welcome and encouraged!

Parade participation is free. Register your wagon float by June 30, 2026, via the event page at: go.nps.gov/HotSpringsJuly4. Please note that costumes should reflect that this is a commemorative, fun, and family-friendly community event. Leashed pets are welcome, provided they behave well with other pets and people.

"Red, White & YOU" Community Picnic

Following the parade, the celebration will continue on Arlington Lawn with the "Red, White & YOU" community picnic. Activities and booths will be ongoing from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities include costume contests for children and pets, live performances, face painting, cupcake eating, arts and crafts, games and photo booths. Shade tents, tables and cooling stations will be set up throughout Arlington Lawn and food vendors will be available in the vicinity with burgers, hot dogs, and ice cream for sale.

Stage Line Up
10 a.m. - Kids and Pets Costume Contest (no registration required)
10:15 a.m. - Dilly the Clown
10:30 a.m. - Sean Alexander Dixon, Musician
11 a.m. - American Heroes, Speaker Panel
11:30 a.m. - Jonathan Erlandson, Illusionist
12 p.m. - Dona Pettey and Steve Malec, Musicians
12:30 p.m. - Cupcake Races
1 p.m. - Laura Lee Williard, Musician
1:30 p.m. - The Diamond Dance Company Gems
2 p.m. - Big Papa Binns, Musician

All events on July 4, 2026, are free and open to the public. Hill Wheatley Plaza is located at 625 Central Avenue and Arlington Lawn is located at 301 Central Avenue in Hot Springs, AR.

For more information about the 4th of July events, please visit the park's website at go.nps.gov/HotSpringsJuly4. or the Friends of Hot Springs National Park's website at www.FriendsOfHotSpringsNationalPark.org

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