As the final hours of the year tick away, downtown Eureka Springs transforms into a glowing, music-filled celebration unlike anywhere else in the Ozarks. On New Year’s Eve, thousands will gather in and around Basin Spring Park for Arkansas’ most iconic New Year’s Eve midnight moment — the Water Drop — anchoring a night of live music, late-night dining and festive street energy known as Bash with a Splash.
“Last year was incredible, and this year we expect considerably more attendance — possibly exceeding 5,000 people downtown,” said Mike Maloney, executive director of the City Advertising and Promotion Commission. “Eureka Springs has become a true destination for New Year’s Eve, and the Water Drop keeps growing every year.”
Live music and performances roll across multiple stages, while costumed characters, light displays and roaming entertainers create a street-festival atmosphere. Food vendors and pop-up bars keep the crowd fueled, and nearby venues host themed parties that spill out into the night.
At the heart of the event is the midnight Water Drop. As the countdown reaches zero, a glowing droplet descends into the Water Bucket at Basin Spring, honoring the natural spring that gave the city its start. The moment is part spectacle, part tradition, and entirely Eureka Springs — quirky, communal and unforgettable.
New Year’s Eve Schedule Downtown Eureka Springs 8:30 p.m.—9 p.m.
Guest should gather to enjoy a Carnival style parade bringing street performances, roaming entertainers, and light displays to fill Basin Spring Park
9 p.m.—11:45 p.m.
Live bands perform at the Ben E Keith Foods Bandshell and inside bars, restaurants, and historic hotel venues. Food trucks and vendors open near Basin Spring Park.
11:45 p.m
Sean Paul leads a Final countdown with music and crowd celebration.
Midnight
The iconic Water Drop Splashes into the Water Bucket, ringing in
the New Year.
After Midnight
Live music, DJ sets and celebrations continue throughout downtown bars and clubs
Know Before You Go Entertainment District
Downtown Eureka Springs becomes a walkable entertainment district on New Year’s Eve, with the highest concentration of activity along Spring Street from Main to Center streets near Basin Spring Park. Expect packed venues, continuous live entertainment and street-level energy into the start of New Year’s Day. Four public restrooms will be available near the food court area to accommodate the large crowd.
YouTube Livestream
Can’t make it to the event? Tune in beginning at 11 p.m. to the City of Eureka Springs YouTube Channel to watch the Water Drop and midnight countdown live.
Parking & Transportation
Downtown parking is limited and fills early. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early or use free Parkand- Ride trolley service operating from satellite parking areas around town, delivering guests directly to the downtown trolley depot within easy walking distance of the festivities. There will be NO PARKING on Spring Street from Main Street to Center Street on Wednesday, Dec. 31.
Street Party / Road Closures
For public safety and to accommodate the celebration, Spring Street will be closed to vehicle traffic from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., from Spring and Center Street to Spring and Main Street, creating a pedestrian-only street party zone surrounding Basin Spring Park.
Shops, Dining & Food Service
Many downtown shops remain open late, offering time to browse galleries, boutiques and gift shops before the main event. Restaurants feature everything from casual fare to special New Year’s Eve menus, while bars and lounges stay open late to welcome revelers after midnight. New this year, two food trucks and a beverage tent will be available near Basin Spring Park to help serve the crowd throughout the evening.
Visitor Information
Complete details on parking locations, participating shops and eateries, entertainment district boundaries, schedules and event updates can be found at visiteurekasprings. com/new-years-evewater- drop.
A Night That Belongs to Eureka Springs New Year’s Eve in Eureka Springs is more than a countdown — it’s a shared community moment rooted in history, creativity and fun. As the Water Drop falls and cheers echo through the hills, the city welcomes the new year together, proving once again that no one rings it in quite like Eureka Springs — with a splash.
