It's a 90-day pilot program (July 1 – September 30, 2026) created by City Council Resolution No. 912, allowing visitors and residents to carry an approved alcoholic beverage from participating downtown businesses while walking within a defined boundary. It is a temporary entertainment district, authorized under Chapter 7.09 of the Eureka Springs Municipal Code — it is not permanent, and the resolution explicitly states it creates no vested right to become permanent.

Daily, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., July 1 through September 30, 2026.

Boundaries:

• NW side of Main Street, from Benton St. to Spring St.

• Both sides of Spring St., from Main St. to Mountain St.

• Both sides of Center St., from Spring St. to 9 Center St.

• West side of Center St., from 9 Center St. to Mountain St., including the sidewalk/stairs up to 10 Mountain St. (the stairs from Chelsea's to Spring St.)

District boundaries are posted at several locations downtown. Stay within them while carrying a drink — stepping outside with an open container is a violation even during trial hours.

• Drinks must be purchased from a participating, ABC-permitted business.

• Beverages must be in a clear, non-glass cup, no larger than 16 ounces.

• One Social District drink per person at a time.

• You must wear the official wristband while consuming your beverage.

• Drinks must stay within the marked boundaries.

• Businesses can still ask for ID, wristband or not.

• All state and local alcohol laws still apply.

• Violating the rules can bring a fine of up to $500 plus court costs.

• The Police Chief or Fire Chief can suspend district hours at any time if needed for public health, safety, or to comply with law.

As of the trial launch:

• Spring on Main

• New Delhi Deck

• Basin Park Hotel Balcony Bar & Restaurant

• Missy's White Rabbit, Rowdy Beaver Den

• Grotto

• Slane Tavern

• Voodoo Lounge

• The Quarter

• Chelsea's

Look for posted signage — blue signs mark where Social District drinks are sold, green signs mark businesses that welcome outside Social District drinks, and red signs mark businesses that do not allow them.

• To report a rule violation or safety concern in the moment: Eureka Springs Police Department, non-emergency line — (479) 253-8666.

• For general complaints, feedback, or questions about the trial and its future: Eureka Springs Mayor's Office via email. mayoralassistant@eurekaspringsar.gov

The Mayor's office reports to City Council twice: an interim report around mid-August (45 days in) and a final report by late October (30 days after the trial ends). Those reports can cover police/fire/EMS activity, sanitation and litter, traffic and parking, business and tourism impact, and feedback from residents and businesses. City Council then decides whether to modify, discontinue, renew, or consider a permanent district. The resolution is explicit that nothing about this trial obligates the City to approve a permanent one.

Download KPI Information

KPI information supplied by the Office of the Mayor

Social District Trial Ordinance

We support the trial as a way to gather real data on how a social district affects downtown. Our position on a permanent district hasn't changed: Eureka Springs voters rejected a permanent downtown alcohol district at the ballot box five years ago (2021), and we believe that decision belongs to the voters again — not to a City Council resolution.

Note: this is separate from the entertainment district Council approved in 2024 at Pine Mountain Village. That district sits on private property, not on public city streets, and was never subject to the same public vote. It doesn't change our position on downtown. If the City considers making any version of the downtown district permanent, we'll be advocating for it to go back to a public vote.

VisitEurekaSprings.com/TemporaryEntertainmentDistrict