Every year, Hot Springs Village honors our nation's birthday with the Stars and Stripes Festival! This annual tradition occurs in the days leading up to the Fourth of July, filling them with fun events and activities for all to enjoy. This year, the festival begins on June 30 and runs through Independence Day. Keep reading to learn about some of the great activities planned for the festival!

To kick things off on June 30, take your little one to the annual Kid's Fishing Derby at Lake Cortez Pavilion! This event is tons of fun for young fishermen and fisherwomen and is happening from 7-10 a.m.

Later that evening, everyone is invited to Balboa Pavilion for "Catfish and Country" starting at 6:30 p.m. This amazing meal will feature all-you-can-eat catfish and chicken, along with sides including hush puppies, slaw, fries, and beans! You can wash it all down with tea and lemonade. While you eat, musical entertainment will be provided by Markus Pearson, whom you can check out on Facebook. Tickets are $15 for adults (+ tax), $11 for children 7-10 (+ tax), and free for kids 6 & under with paid adult ticket. Remember, the deadline for ticket purchase is June 24!

The next day, July 1, you can run off all that delicious food during the 911 Sundae 5K Run happening at Balboa Trail. For just $10, you get race entry and an ice cream sundae after the awards ceremony! Registration begins at the Balboa Spillway Trailhead at 3:30 p.m. and the race begins at 4:30 p.m.

Tickets for both the Catfish dinner and the race can be purchased now by clicking here.

The above events are just a few of the many great activities happening during the 5-day Stars and Stripes Festival! There will also be kayak demos, the Radio Flyers Club Flight on Balboa Beach, and, of course, a July 4 fireworks display on Balboa Beach at 9:00 p.m. Stay tuned for updates on the festival by going to the HSV Recreation and HSV Basecamp Facebook pages.