Hot Springs, Arkansas • 2026–2027 Visitor Guide
Hot Springs Convention Center: Events, Free Parking, Hotels & Map
Hot Springs Convention Center is Arkansas’s largest convention facility, located in downtown Hot Springs near historic Bathhouse Row. It hosts conventions, professional meetings, exhibitions, public festivals and events at Bank OZK Arena.
One of its biggest visitor advantages is free parking around the convention complex. This guide also covers the latest confirmed event dates, Bank OZK Arena entry rules, floor plans, connected hotels, accessibility and directions.
Address: 134 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone: 501-321-2277
Hot Springs Convention Center: Quick Facts
| Official name | Hot Springs Convention Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 134 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs, AR 71901 |
| General telephone | 501-321-2277 |
| Convention sales | 501-321-2835 |
| Sales email | hscvbsales@hotsprings.org |
| Operator | Visit Hot Springs |
| Building area | Approximately 360,000 square feet |
| Combined exhibit configuration | Up to approximately 103,000 square feet, including multiple halls and arena space |
| Main exhibit halls | Halls A, B, C and D |
| Arena | Bank OZK Arena, designated Hall E in the floor-plan material |
| Ballroom | Horner Hall, approximately 16,000 square feet |
| Meeting rooms | 15, with divisible configurations |
| Parking | Complimentary parking in convention center lots |
| Concessions | Cashless since November 2025 |
| Connected hotels | Hotel Hot Springs and Embassy Suites by Hilton |
| Visitor hours | Depend on the event and organizer |
| Official website | Visit Hot Springs Convention Center |
Upcoming Hot Springs Convention Center Events in 2026–2027
Hot Springs Convention Center hosts public and private events. The following selected dates have been published through Visit Hot Springs. Always check the organizer for current tickets, registration and doors-open times.
Three days of Elvis Presley tribute performances, live music and competitions at the Hot Springs Convention Center.
Visitor tip: Confirm the ticketed session, reserved seating and event entrance before traveling.
Japanese cultural celebration with performances, cultural activities, traditional arts and family-friendly programming at the convention center.
Visitor tip: Review the current festival program for admission and specific activities.
A free annual baseball-themed event featuring guest speakers, baseball history and a card show, celebrating the city’s role in Major League Baseball spring training.
Visitor tip: Check the full schedule; individual sessions may operate in different rooms.
Past 2026 Event: Birding Festival of the South
The Birding Festival of the South took place October 8–10, 2026, with activities and convention-center programming. That event has already concluded and should not be treated as an upcoming event.
How to Find Tickets and Event Hours
Go to official Hot Springs events.
Confirm the listed venue is Hot Springs Convention Center or Bank OZK Arena.
Review public admission, age requirements, seating and refund conditions.
Find your hall, ballroom or arena assignment before arriving.
Bank OZK Arena uses a specific clear-bag policy and entry screening.
Hot Springs Convention Center Parking: Is It Free?
Yes. Visit Hot Springs advertises complimentary parking in convention center lots around the facility, including spaces serving Bank OZK Arena.
General Convention Parking
FREE
Complimentary parking in designated convention center lots near the building.
Bank OZK Arena Parking
FREE
The arena’s official venue page confirms free parking around the convention center and arena.
Hotel Parking
Connected hotels have separate guest-parking arrangements. A hotel may charge for its own spaces even while convention center public lots remain complimentary.
Private Downtown Parking
Privately operated lots or garages elsewhere in downtown Hot Springs may have fees, limits or restrictions independent of convention center parking.
How to Park for an Event
- Navigate to 134 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs, Arkansas.
- Follow signs for designated convention center or Bank OZK Arena parking.
- Use the event’s recommended lot if the organizer has assigned a particular entrance.
- Check signs for reserved spaces, accessibility and oversized vehicles.
- Save your parking area and the nearest building door.
- If the lots are full, ask event staff about approved overflow parking.
Accessible Parking and Oversized Vehicles
Visitors with mobility needs should follow marked accessible parking signs and confirm the nearest step-free entrance. Oversized vehicle, RV or bus parking must be coordinated with the venue or organizer rather than assumed to be available in regular spaces.
Questions about arrival: 501-321-2277.
Bank OZK Arena: Seating, Clear-Bag Rules and Tickets
Bank OZK Arena is the convention center’s multipurpose arena for concerts, sporting events, competitions and large-scale gatherings. Visit Hot Springs markets the arena as a facility with approximately 6,300 seats in suitable arrangements.
Arena Floor
Approximately 31,000 sq. ft.
Published dimensions of 205 × 150 feet, with a ceiling height of approximately 47 feet.
Bank OZK Arena Clear-Bag Policy
Only one clear bag is allowed per person, with a maximum size of 14 × 14 × 6 inches. Guests may be subject to security screening.
The arena’s published prohibited items include:
- Backpacks and bags exceeding the clear-bag size limit.
- Weapons or knives.
- Outside food and beverages.
- Fireworks, confetti, streamers and balloons.
- Noise-making devices and laser pointers.
- Signs, flags or banners prohibited by the posted event rules.
- Unauthorized recording equipment other than permitted phones and approved media devices.
Cashless Food and Drinks
Since November 1, 2025, concession stands and vending machines at both the convention center and arena have operated without cash payments.
Bring a credit card, debit card or supported contactless payment method. The organizer may establish additional ticketing or merchandise payment policies.
Convention Center Floor Plans and Room Capacities
The Hot Springs facility includes interconnected exhibition halls, a ballroom, meeting rooms and Bank OZK Arena. Several combinations can be configured for different types of events.
| Room or hall | Area | Published capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Halls A–D combined | 72,000 sq. ft. | 8,000 theater; 416 booths |
| Hall A | 21,600 sq. ft. | 2,400 theater; 128 booths |
| Hall B | 16,200 sq. ft. | 2,150 theater; 96 booths |
| Halls A+B | 37,800 sq. ft. | 4,000 theater; 224 booths |
| Halls B+C | 32,400 sq. ft. | 4,000 theater; 192 booths |
| Hall D | 18,000 sq. ft. | Approximately 2,100–2,150 theater |
| Halls A+B+C | 54,000 sq. ft. | 6,000 theater; 320 booths |
| Combined halls plus arena | Up to approximately 103,000 sq. ft. | Configuration-dependent |
| Bank OZK Arena / Hall E | 31,000 sq. ft. | 6,000 floor-theater layout; up to approximately 6,300 arena seating |
| Horner Hall Ballroom | 16,000 sq. ft. | 1,850 theater; 1,000 banquet |
Official facility charts distinguish arena seating from floor-theater layouts. Capacities can differ with staging, seating, aisles, event equipment and safety requirements. The venue also publishes different combined space figures in summary and detailed materials.
Horner Hall Ballroom
Horner Hall is the convention center’s major ballroom. Its approximately 16,000-square-foot footprint supports conferences, banquets, presentations, awards ceremonies and receptions.
The official floor plan shows its stage, lobby connections, kitchen/service areas and adjacent meeting rooms.
Meeting Rooms and Breakouts
The venue has approximately 15 meeting rooms, ranging from smaller boardroom-style configurations to modular spaces suitable for larger workshops.
Small Meetings
Rooms starting at approximately 345 square feet can accommodate private planning meetings, breakout groups and committee sessions.
Mid-Size Conferences
Divisible meeting spaces can support training sessions, presentations and association meetings.
Large Trade Shows
Halls A–D offer contiguous floor space for vendors, exhibition booths and competitions.
Major Presentations
Horner Hall and Bank OZK Arena provide larger gathering options depending on setup and equipment.
How to Read the Official Floor Plan
Check whether your assignment is in Hall A, B, C, D, E, Horner Hall or a numbered meeting room.
Use the Convention Boulevard concourse, Grand Lobby or Plaza Lobby as appropriate.
Meeting rooms are shown around the ballroom and adjacent corridors.
Check the approved elevator or step-free route rather than relying on the shortest visible path.
Hotels Connected to Hot Springs Convention Center
Two notable hotels offer direct convention center connections. Both are convenient for multiday meetings, but their parking, check-in and other hotel policies are separate from the convention center’s public visitor rules.
Embassy Suites by Hilton at Hot Springs Convention Center
Address: 400 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone: 501-624-9200
Hilton confirms a connection to the convention center and Bank OZK Arena. The hotel offers suite accommodations, free made-to-order breakfast, complimentary evening reception, indoor pool, fitness facilities and restaurant service.
Best for: Business travelers who value a connected hotel with included breakfast and evening refreshments.
Hotel Hot Springs
Address: 305 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone: 501-623-6600
Hotel Hot Springs describes itself as attached to the convention center. It offers updated rooms, dining, hotel meeting space and a downtown location near Bathhouse Row.
Best for: Visitors seeking direct convention access and walking convenience to historic downtown attractions.
How the Hotels Compare
| Hotel | Main advantage | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy Suites | Connected venue access, made-to-order breakfast, evening reception | Hotel parking fee, pet policy, room block and suite availability |
| Hotel Hot Springs | Connected convention access, downtown and Bathhouse Row proximity | Parking, shuttle, breakfast and cancellation terms |
| Other downtown hotels | Potentially different room prices and amenities | Actual walking route and any off-property parking |
Hotel Reservation Checklist
- Ask whether the conference has an official hotel room block.
- Compare total stay prices including tax and parking.
- Check hotel-to-convention indoor access for your specific event hall.
- Verify cancellation deadlines.
- Confirm breakfast and accessibility benefits.
- Check for special event weekends affecting hotel availability.
Hot Springs Convention Center Map and Driving Directions
The convention center stands on Convention Boulevard in downtown Hot Springs. Nearby roads include Malvern Avenue and the historic downtown district.
Getting Here From Little Rock
From the Little Rock area, Interstate 30 and US-70 provide major regional driving connections toward Hot Springs. Use current GPS instructions for the last approach to Convention Boulevard.
- Check road conditions and live traffic before departure.
- Follow the appropriate route toward Hot Springs.
- Set the final destination to 134 Convention Boulevard.
- Approach the marked convention center parking lots.
- Follow signs to your assigned event or arena entrance.
From Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport
Hot Springs Memorial Field (HOT) is the nearby local airport. Airline service and connection options can change, so confirm current flight operations before planning your trip.
Airports, Local Transportation and Walking Downtown
| Transportation | Visitor guidance |
|---|---|
| Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) | Approximately 55 miles from Hot Springs according to convention venue information; allow for road travel after landing |
| Hot Springs Memorial Field (HOT) | Closer local airport; verify actual scheduled airline availability |
| Rental car | Useful for regional attractions, lakes and off-downtown accommodation |
| Taxi or rideshare | Confirm pickup availability and fare before relying on a late-night transfer |
| Hotel shuttle | May be available through certain hotels; not a universal convention center service |
| Walking | Convention center is near downtown attractions and Bathhouse Row; check route and weather |
Should You Rent a Car?
For an event-focused trip using one of the connected hotels, driving may be less important once you arrive. For excursions to Garvan Woodland Gardens, regional lakes or other attractions outside downtown, a car can offer more flexibility.
Accessibility, Cashless Concessions and Visitor Amenities
Hot Springs Convention Center provides event support services, public circulation areas, restrooms, meeting facilities and concessions. Exact amenities and accessibility arrangements should be verified for the assigned event space.
| Service | Visitor information |
|---|---|
| Accessible parking | Look for designated spaces in convention center lots; verify the closest accessible door |
| Event seating | Ask the organizer about wheelchair seating and companion seating where relevant |
| Venue concessions | Cashless since November 2025 |
| Vending machines | Cashless payment applies |
| Water stations | Touchless bottle-refill facilities are described in the arena’s operational materials |
| Guest registration | Event-dependent registration and welcome-service areas |
| Food and catering | Event-specific service managed by the venue’s approved catering arrangements |
| Security | Bank OZK Arena uses bag rules and entry screening; other events may have their own policies |
Accessibility Planning Steps
Ask whether your event is in an exhibit hall, Horner Hall, an upper-floor room or the arena.
Contact the venue or event organizer if you need specific parking, ramp or elevator guidance.
For concerts and arena events, check accessible ticket categories with the organizer or box office.
Make sure your exit is suitable after the event, especially if particular doors close earlier.
Exhibitor Parking, Freight and Trade-Show Setup
Exhibitors should follow the show management team for booth layout, delivery windows, service entrances and permitted equipment.
Exhibition Halls
The main exhibit hall combination offers a published 72,000-square-foot arrangement, with a 30-foot ceiling and up to 416 standard 10-by-10-foot booths in its listed layout.
Combined Arena Space
Some event layouts can integrate Bank OZK Arena space, increasing the available combined footprint. Confirm whether the arena is included in the contracted plan.
Loading and Delivery
Dock doors and service corridors are assigned by event operations. Do not leave freight in visitor parking or unload at a general public entrance.
Technical Equipment
Confirm audiovisual equipment, electrical service, internet, staging and rigging requirements during advance planning.
Exhibitor Checklist
- Get the show exhibitor kit and approved floor plan.
- Confirm booth number and contracted dimensions.
- Check move-in, move-out and freight delivery hours.
- Order utilities and audiovisual services by deadline.
- Verify food-sampling rules and approved catering requirements.
- Check insurance and local vendor conditions.
- Ask where trucks, trailers and exhibitor staff must park.
- Ensure any use of arena space has the correct approvals.
How to Book Hot Springs Convention Center for an Event
The convention center provides meeting and exhibition space for conventions, association meetings, corporate gatherings, banquets, sporting events and large public shows.
Estimate attendee numbers, desired dates, exhibitor booths, hotel room needs and program schedule.
Compare Halls A–D, Horner Hall, smaller meeting rooms and Bank OZK Arena if needed.
Check square footage, ceiling heights, seating and booth arrangements before deciding on a setup.
Call 501-321-2835 or email hscvbsales@hotsprings.org with your requirements.
Confirm catering, furniture, technology, security, staffing, loading, cleaning and local hotel arrangements.
Check venue rental, service charges, insurance, cancellation policy and room capacities.
Obtain written confirmation before publicly announcing dates or committing to external vendors.
Things to Do Near Hot Springs Convention Center
One advantage of the location is proximity to Hot Springs National Park and downtown attractions. Visitors can combine an event with historic bathhouses, local dining and sightseeing.
Bathhouse Row
Historic bathhouse buildings on Central Avenue, forming a centerpiece of Hot Springs National Park. A popular stop for architecture and spa-history enthusiasts.
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center
National Park Service visitor center and museum interpreting the area’s historic bathhouse culture. Check current operating hours before visiting.
Historic Downtown Hot Springs
Restaurants, shops, galleries and entertainment in the surrounding downtown district.
Hot Springs National Park
Trails, overlooks and historic thermal-water attractions. Check walking conditions and park information before a longer outdoor visit.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Botanical gardens outside the downtown core. Better suited to travelers with additional time and transportation.
Oaklawn Hot Springs
Major local racing and entertainment destination. Check the current schedule if adding an evening or extended-stay activity.
How to Fit Sightseeing Around a Convention
- Prioritize attractions within the historic downtown district for short breaks.
- Choose a time slot that does not overlap with conference registration or required sessions.
- Check opening hours and admission prices.
- Allow additional travel time for attractions beyond downtown.
- Review weather and walking conditions for national park trails.
Visitor Checklist Before You Go
- Confirm your event name, date, start time and assigned room.
- Save 134 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs, AR 71901.
- Use the complimentary convention center parking lots.
- Arrive early for popular arena events.
- Follow Bank OZK Arena’s one-clear-bag rule when applicable.
- Bring a card or mobile payment method for concessions.
- Check hotel parking fees separately from convention parking.
- Verify an accessible route if needed.
- Review event-specific ticket and security instructions.
- Save venue phone 501-321-2277.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Hot Springs Convention Center located?
Hot Springs Convention Center is at 134 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901, near historic downtown and Bathhouse Row.
2. Is parking free at Hot Springs Convention Center?
Yes. Visit Hot Springs confirms complimentary parking in the convention center lots serving the facility and Bank OZK Arena. Spaces may fill during major events.
3. What upcoming events are at Hot Springs Convention Center?
Selected confirmed future events include the Arkansas Elvis Festival on October 22–24, 2026, Arkansas Cherry Blossom Festival on April 3, 2027, and Hot Springs Baseball Weekend on August 6–8, 2027. Check the live calendar for changes.
4. How big is Hot Springs Convention Center?
The venue has approximately 360,000 square feet of total space, including major exhibit halls, Horner Hall Ballroom, meeting rooms and Bank OZK Arena.
5. Is Bank OZK Arena part of Hot Springs Convention Center?
Yes. Bank OZK Arena is a multipurpose arena within the convention center complex. It hosts concerts, competitions, sporting events and large meetings.
6. What is the Bank OZK Arena bag policy?
The arena allows one clear bag per person no larger than 14 × 14 × 6 inches. Security screening and other prohibited-item rules apply.
7. Are food concessions at the convention center cashless?
Yes. Hot Springs Convention Center and Bank OZK Arena switched concession stands and vending machines to cashless payments beginning November 1, 2025.
8. What hotels connect to Hot Springs Convention Center?
Embassy Suites by Hilton at Hot Springs Convention Center, at 400 Convention Boulevard, and Hotel Hot Springs, at 305 Malvern Avenue, both advertise connected access to the convention venue.
9. How far is Hot Springs Convention Center from Little Rock Airport?
The official venue FAQ describes Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock as approximately 55 miles away. Driving time varies with traffic and road conditions.
10. How do I book Hot Springs Convention Center for an event?
Review the official floor plans, prepare dates, attendance and room requirements, then contact convention sales at 501-321-2835 or hscvbsales@hotsprings.org for available dates and a proposal.
Official Events, Floor Plans and Visitor Resources
Final Visitor Recommendation
Hot Springs Convention Center is a practical choice for trade shows, conventions and arena events because of its central location, connected hotels and free public parking.
Before visiting: confirm your event hall or arena entrance, check current ticket rules and bring a cashless payment method for concessions. If you are attending Bank OZK Arena, follow its clear-bag policy. For overnight stays, compare the two connected hotels and confirm any separate hotel parking charge.
Independent visitor guide based on official Visit Hot Springs facility specifications, arena policies, event listings and hotel websites reviewed October 2026. Event times, venue services, parking conditions and seating layouts may change.