A note regarding COVID-19
Upcoming Events in BIG BEND COUNTRY
Fort Stockton
Summer Off the Patio Concert Series
May 28-Aug. 6
Annie Riggs Memorial Museum, 301 S. Main St.
Held every other Thursday beginning May 28 and ending Aug. 6, these free evening concerts at the Annie Riggs Museum are open to all.
El Paso
Wraiths of the West Texas Wind: El Paso Ghost Tour
June 1-Aug. 31
Various locations, 114 W. Mills Ave.
Step into the shadows on an El Paso ghost tour, where whispered legends and documented hauntings blur together into a chilling journey through time. Led by passionate local guides who know these streets by heart, this experience invites you to uncover the darker chapters of the city’s story and the spirits many believe still roam after nightfall.
“Beauty and the Beast The Musical”
June 10-14
Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
This enchanting and timeless tale, filled with the romance and grandeur audiences know and love, has been brought to life like never before, with spectacular new sets and dazzling costumes. The show boasts the Oscar-winning and Tony Award-nominated score, including the classic songs “Be Our Guest” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Midland
Ken Womack’s “Giant”
June 11-Sept. 13
Museum of the Southwest, 1705 W. Missouri Ave.
Texas sculptor Ken Womack debuts “Giant,” his first-ever solo exhibition inspired by the 1956 George Stevens film of the same name. The exhibition features 25 large-scale sculptures drawn from several years of studio production, including a number of never-before-exhibited pieces that span the full range of Womack’s practice. His work features American consumer products on a monumental scale with the materials left visible, all built from plywood, acrylic, pool noodles, and discarded cable spools. The exposed nature of each piece denies any critique of the object, leaving it to the audience to interpret.
Sanderson
The Bucket of Bullets in Concert
June 20-21
Ranch House After Dark, 309 W. Oak St.
The Bucket of Bullets plays a variety of country music, blues, and Southern rock. The band members are Larry Humphries on guitar/vocals, Steve Sorg on drums, Kenneth Thetford on bass/vocals, and Troy Ward on guitar/vocals. This event is for ages 21 and up.
Alpine
Far West Texas Comic Con
June 27
Alpine Civic Center, 801 W. Holland Ave.
The ultimate pop culture experience of West Texas includes featured artists, voice actors, cosplay, K-pop dancers, and gaming tournaments.
Van Horn
Frontier Days
June 27
Veterans Park, 711 W. Honeysuckle St.
A Van Horn tradition since 1899, Frontier Days includes school reunions, historical tours, food and craft vendors, food, and live music throughout the day.
Alpine
“Schoolhouse Rock Live”
July 2-19
Kokernot Outdoor Theatre, 1710 Loop Road
In conjunction with the region’s America 250 celebration, “Schoolhouse Rock Live” brings the Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon to the stage.
“Spark! Places of Innovation”
July 3-Aug. 9
Museum of the Big Bend, 400 N. Harrison St.
“Spark! Places of Innovation” is a traveling Smithsonian exhibit that takes a close look at how communities have introduced a fresh idea or an invention that creates a new way of doing or thinking.
Monahans
Freedom Fest
July 4
Hill Park, Fourth and Calvin streets
Celebrate Independence Day with vendor booths, food, games, and activities.
Mccamey
Highway 67 Independence Celebration
July 4
Upton County 4-H Event Center, 18001 US 67 West
Celebrate the Fourth of July with an evening of live music, vendors, and a fireworks display to cap off the night.
Alpine
July Fourth Celebration
July 4
Brewster County Courthouse, 201 W. Avenue E
Part of the Big Bend region’s America 250 celebration, enjoy Alpine Cowboys baseball, outdoor theater, the annual parade, courthouse gathering, live music, and fireworks.
Fort Stockton
Water Carnival
July 16-18
Comanche Springs Pool, 200 W. Springs St.
Fort Stockton’s longest-running community tradition celebrates its 90th year. The three-day festival pays tribute to the Comanche Springs and includes a play typically directed by locals, synchronized swimming, and dance acts. Every night there is a pageant with the crowning of Miss Fort Stockton on Saturday. Other festivities include a parade on Saturday, Fort Stockton High class reunions, live music, and vendors.
Alpine
Viva Big Bend
July 22-26
Various locations, 209 W. Holland Ave.
The 15th annual Viva Big Bend music festival features more than 65 shows in a wide range of musical genres at more than a dozen venues in Alpine, Marfa, Marathon, Terlingua, Presidio, and Fort Davis.
Big Bend Ranch Rodeo
Aug. 7-8
S.A.L.E. Rodeo Arena, US 90
The annual Big Bend Ranch Rodeo draws ranchers, cowboys, and spectators alike to celebrate the skills, traditions, and sheer grit of the American West. Events include team roping, steer wrestling, bronc riding, and wild cow milking.
Big Bend Gun and Knife Show
Sept. 5-6
Pete P. Gallego Center, 400 N. Harrison St.
Shop for guns and knives at this event, hosted by the Alpine Lions Club. All federal, state, and local firearm ordinances and laws must be obeyed.
Trappings of Texas
Sept. 17-19
Museum of the Big Bend, 400 N. Harrison St.
The nation’s longest-running exhibit of premier Western art and custom cowboy gear celebrates its 40th year. Experience artist demonstrations and a live auction.
Sul Ross State University Rodeo
Sept. 24-26
S.A.L.E. Rodeo Arena, US 90 East
See the Sul Ross State University rodeo team’s world-ranking performers at the birthplace of college rodeo.
Big Bend Bluegrass Festival
Oct. 2-3
Alpine Civic Center , 801 S. Holland Ave.
The fifth annual Big Bend Bluegrass Festival brings together exceptional bluegrass talent, rich musical heritage, and the unmatched, rugged charm of the Big Bend region. Located just a short drive from Big Bend National Park and the McDonald Observatory, the festival offers the perfect soundtrack to your desert mountain adventure.
Big Bend Octane Fest
Oct. 9-12
The Stable Performance Cars, 511 W. Holland Ave.
High-performance vehicles cruise Big Bend’s scenic highways, promoting geared camaraderie while raising funds for the local community. There’s also the Poker Run and the Show-n-Shine car show.
Center for Big Bend Studies Annual Conference
Nov. 6-7
Espino Conference Center, Sul Ross State University, 400 N. Harrison Ave.
The Center for Big Bend Studies Annual Conference brings together historians, archaeologists, folklorists, and other researchers studying the past and present of the Big Bend region and northern Mexico.
Artwalk
Nov. 20-21
Downtown, 204 E. Holland Ave.
Alpine’s biggest arts festival spans two days in November to showcase a variety of art exhibitions in many local businesses, all against a backdrop of festivities and live music.