The Grand Illumination is a very beautiful time to visit Eureka Springs. The Eureka Springs Preservation Society will decorate our Victorian town with thousands of oriental silk and paper lanterns. The lanterns are part of our Independence Day celebration and will hang from June 30 – July 14.

Take in the details of Eureka Springs’ Victorian architecture by night, illuminated by the lanterns, hanging from historic downtown buildings, park fountains and many homes and porches.

The Grand Illumination is held in conjunction with Eureka Springs’ July Calendar of Events, which includes a 4th of July parade, July 4th activities in Basin Park, and Fleur Delicious, a weekend of French culture and cuisine, taking place July 9 -14, 2013.

During Fleur Delicious, enjoy as bars, galleries, boutiques, spas and music venues participate with French-inspired food, wine, spirits and art.

The Grand Illumination kicks off with a party that is open to the public at the East Lawn of the Historic Crescent Hotel on Sunday June 30 from 8 – 9 p.m. Enjoy complimentary lemonade and hors d’oeuvres, live music with the band Arkansas Red and a cash bar.

Once the sun sets, about 8:30 p.m. the public will release glo-loons, balloons lit with tiny LED lights. The lawn with glow at dusk – it is a lovely sight!

The Grand Illumination also includes some friendly competition. There is a $100 prize for those with the best lantern decorations – both a home and a business. The winners are announced on Wednesday July 3 at 8 p.m. at Eureka Live Underground & Patio, with a party to follow.

Lodging in Eureka Springs for the 4th of July

We still have some availability for the Independence Day weekend. Come and celebrate the 4th in a beautiful new way! Eureka Springs is known as one of the top 25 art destinations in the U.S because of unique and innovative events like the Grand Illumination.