The excitement never stops at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort.

Throughout April, this Hot Springs mainstay will host events every day, from fine dining experiences to live music and even karaoke. But, the highlight at Oaklawn is always the racing.

April is the peak of the Arkansas racing season. April 13 marks Arkansas Derby Day, the biggest day of the season. The derby represents the final stretch of Oaklawn’s Kentucky Derby prep series, along with the Rebel Stakes and the Smarty Jones.

The purse for the Arkansas Derby has been $1 million or more in previous years. It will be a must-see event for racing fans.

There’s nothing like enjoying some live music while you’re kicking back at Oaklawn, and there will be plenty of great acts to catch in April. On Thursday, April 18, you can listen to singer-songwriter Jacob Flores at Pop’s Lounge from 5-9 p.m.

Arkansas Country Music Award nominees The ShotGunBillys will be performing at Silks Bar and Grill on Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20. Come find out what the buzz is about this band that blends Memphis blues and Arkansas country.

Get ready to knock back a few beers on April 20 while you enjoy the races at Oaklawn. The Craft Beer Festival is coming to Hot Springs, and there will be plenty of adult beverages to go around. The gates will open at 11 a.m. on April 20, with the first races starting at 1 p.m.

There’s nothing like a great food festival to herald the springtime. This year, Oaklawn is hosting the Taste of the South Food Truck Festival, which is bringing food trucks from around the region to the park for a blow-out event.

Oaklawn opens every day at 8 a.m. It is open until 4 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 6 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

READ MORE: The Hot Springs Revival