As Mardi Gras season rolls through the Ozarks, Eureka Springs is already shifting gears toward an early Spring Break rush. The colorful celebrations that define late winter in the historic mountain town blend seamlessly into the anticipation of warmer days, outdoor adventures, and a steady stream of visitors from surrounding states eager to kick off spring a little early.
Although the weather ultimately sidelined both scheduled Mardi Gras parades, the spirit of the season never missed a beat. The Krewe of Krazo pivoted quickly, delivering a full lineup of successful celebrations including the King’s Day Kickoff, Coronation Ball, Black Light Ball, Masquerade Ball, and the crowd-pleasing Taste of Mardi Gras, along with the popular Crescent Krewe of Merrymakers Brunch. When the parade was called off, the celebration shifted seamlessly to a lively Party in the Park, hosted by the Basin Park Hotel, followed by the spirited Wayhopper Pub Crawl through downtown — proving once again that in Eureka Springs, the party finds a way, rain or shine.
With Mardi Gras winding down, attention now turns to Spring Break — and Eureka Springs shines as a family-friendly destination where discovery comes easy. Downtown becomes an adventure in itself, starting with the Discover Downtown experience from the Basin Park Hotel, which encourages families to explore on foot, hop on a trolley, and uncover fun stops along the way — often capped off with ice cream or sweet treats. Wandering the historic streets reveals a collection of kid-friendly shops that invite curiosity and hands-on fun, from classic toys and puzzles at Tee Rex Toys, to tricks and illusions at The Magic Shop, colorful finds at Crescent Moon Beads, and shelves of board games and tabletop favorites at GameMakers, where families often linger longer than planned. Add in candy stores, fudge shops, and quirky surprises around every corner, and downtown exploration becomes a Spring Break highlight all its own.
Beyond downtown, families can round out their Spring Break experience with a mix of outdoor adventure, wildlife encounters, and iconic Eureka Springs attractions. Nature lovers head to Lake Leatherwood City Park for hiking, biking, kayaking, and picnics, while nearby caves like Cosmic Cavern and Onyx Cave offer guided underground tours that fascinate kids and adults alike. A visit to the Great Passion Play grounds adds another layer of discovery, with attractions including Bible- themed exhibits, walking trails, and — no visit is complete without it — a photo at the towering Christ of the Ozarks statue overlooking the hills. The Crescent Hotel & Spa blends history and fun with access to trails, a heated pool, lawn games, and its famous nightly ghost tours, while animal lovers gravitate to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge for unforgettable big-cat encounters. As evening falls, families gather at Intrigue Theater for worldclass magic and illusion shows that consistently rank among the most talked-about experiences in town.
With Texas and Oklahoma schools breaking earlier in March and Arkansas and Missouri following later in the month — including the University of Arkansas — the seasonal momentum carries well beyond Fat Tuesday. For local businesses, lodging properties, restaurants, and attractions, the overlap of Mardi Gras energy and Spring Break travel signals the unofficial start of the spring tourism season.
As winter fades and spring approaches, Eureka Springs once again proves its knack for turning seasonal transitions into celebration — welcoming guests with creativity, resilience, and a calendar full of reasons to stay just a little longer.
Texas K-12 (many districts) March 9–13 or March 16–20 Oklahoma K-12 (many districts) March 16–20 Missouri K-12 (varies by district) March 16–20 or March 23–27 Arkansas K-12 (many districts) March 23–27 University of Arkansas March 23–27
■ Note: Spring Break dates vary by district, but these windows represent the most common schedules across each state.